A new study has revealed that men who take on a more equal share of household chores, such as vacuuming and cleaning, may experience a boost in their libido. The research, published in The Journal of Sex Research, examined sexual desire in relation to the division of domestic tasks between partners.
Key Findings
The study, conducted by researchers from Canada and the United States, found that women typically perform most daily tasks, including cleaning, childcare, and meal planning, which correlates with lower sexual desire. In contrast, men tend to handle home and car maintenance, like mowing the lawn, and their libido only decreases significantly when they take on more parenting and childcare duties. However, men reported increased sexual desire when they participated more in household chores.
Implications for Couples
The authors noted that the findings could be valuable for couples in relationship therapy. They suggested that the pattern may reflect gendered expectations: cleaning is often seen as an invisible or taken-for-granted task for women, but a more appreciated contribution for men. The study did not determine whether the increased desire in men was linked to reducing their partner's burden, thereby making intimacy more likely.
The researchers emphasized the clinical and practical implications, stating that therapists working with couples where a woman reports low sexual desire should explore expectations around gender roles and the division of labor.
