While men and women will with time lose the spark in the bedroom science finds women lose the interest quicker. The study, published in BMJ Open, conducted the study with 4,839 British men and 6,669 British women aged 16-74 through a survey.

With the survey, it was found out that 15% of men and 34% of women lost interest in sex for three months or more during last year. The lack of interest in sex for men peaked between ages 35-44 while for women it happened between 55 and 64. For both groups, it was found that an overall emotional intimacy and poor physical and mental health affected their desire for sex.

Women who lost interest in sex were more likely in a relationship with their partner for more than a year or living with them.

It was found that those who were able to keep the passion going in the bedroom had good communication skills, both men and women who had an easy time talking about sex were less likely to report a lack of interest in sex.

However losing interest in sex is not an uncommon thing and there are many reasons why someone’s needs change. “For some, it is a natural and normal place to be. But for others, it causes pain and misery,” said sex therapist Amanda Major in a BBC News article.

“Sex is a very personal thing, and talking about it can be embarrassing. But talking is often the best thing you can do to improve your sex life.” Major also said.

Researchers from University of Southampton and University College London said there was no evidence of menopause being a reason for women’s lost interest in sex. However, it was found having young children at the home was a reason for it.

The findings of the study helped increased the understanding the reasons behind both men and women’s disinterest in sex and how to treat according to Cynthia Graham, professor of sexual and reproductive health at the University of Southampton.

“This highlights the need to assess and – if necessary – treat sexual desire problems in a holistic and relationship-specific, as well as gender-specific way,” Graham said in the BBC News article, also adding it wasn’t something a pill can treat on its own. “It is important to look beyond anti-depressants.”