At the start of a relationship , theres so much excitement and lust. You might have sex multiple times a week, if not multiple times a day. But as time goes on, things change. You may have sex once every couple of weeks or go several months without any intimacy at all. Dry spells, you call them.

Your partner may bring up the lack of sex they still want to do it multiple times a week but perhaps your body and mind simply arent in the same place.

Many couples experience a discrepancy in sexual desire throughout their relationships. In fact, unmatched sexual desire is the most common issue sex and relationship therapists see, according to sexologist Dr Pepper Schwartz.

The issue occurs when theres a difference between one persons need for sex and their partners need for much less sex. Its nothing new and is extremely common, says sex and relationship psychotherapist Miranda Christophers.

A UK study by Natsal found one quarter of relationships are affected by it, while studies from the US suggest it could be even more common, affecting as many as half. The issue isnt something solely experienced heterosexual couples. A poll by Gay Star News of 1,500 readers found 53% wanted sex more often than their partner did, while just 22% said their sex drives were similar.