It’s the kind of scientific finding that could help prop up a failing marriage in more ways than one.
Men who take on a more equal share of the domestic drudgery – such as hoovering and cleaning – can boost their libido as a result, researchers have concluded.
The intriguing study, which investigated sexual desire based on the balance of tasks couples perform in the home, made several findings which will hardly come as a surprise to many overstretched households.
In general, women said they took on most daily tasks, from cleaning and childcare to meal planning, and that this resulted in a low libido.
Men, in contrast, took on more of the home and car maintenance tasks overall, including mowing the lawn.
Their libido only reduced significantly if they performed more parenting and childcare duties.
However, they reported increased sexual desire if they did more household chores.
The study does not report whether this desire was linked to the fact that, in helping more, they reduced the burden on their partners – making intimacy more likely.
Researchers have concluded that men who take on a more equal share of the domestic drudgery can boost their libido
The study does not report whether, in helping more, men reduced the burden on their partners – making intimacy more likely
Writing in The Journal of Sex Research, the authors of the study, from Canada and the US, said their findings could be useful for couples in relationship therapy.
They added: ‘This pattern may reflect gendered expectations around cleaning as a taken-for-granted or invisible task for women, but a more discretionary or appreciated contribution for men.
‘Our findings have important clinical and practical implications.
‘Clinicians working with couples in which a woman reports low sexual desire may benefit from exploring couples’ expectations about gender roles and division of labour.’
