Let’s Talk About Sex: The Identity of Intimacy

April 28, 2026

Welcome to Let’s Talk About Sex, a new series that explores the reality of intimacy, uncovering new truths about how we think, feel, and connect with others. To begin, findings reveal: sexual wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s fundamental to our identity.

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Welcome to Let’s Talk About Sex, a new series that explores the reality of intimacy, uncovering new truths about how we think, feel, and connect with others. To begin, findings reveal: sexual wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s fundamental to our identity.

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American culture has a complicated relationship with sex. We celebrate it on screen, but often ignore it in the doctor’s office. Hims & Hers is here to close that gap. To get a pulse on modern intimacy, we surveyed 2,000 Americans aged 18-60 to uncover the unfiltered truth about how we think, feel, and talk about sex today. 

Nearly all respondents (96%) say sex is a regular part of their life, and more than half say it defines how they view themselves. Though the connection is stronger for men (63%), nearly half of women agree. This means that faltering intimacy isn’t just about pleasure - it can become a real threat to our sense of self. Conditions like erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, perimenopause, and menopause can do more than just cause physical discomfort or lower libido; they can fracture your sense of self. 

The Domino Effect of Performance for Men

Men are notoriously reluctant to seek medical care, and nowhere is that truer than in sexual health. Despite nearly all men remaining sexually active well into their 60s, a quiet culture of avoidance means highly prevalent men’s health conditions like ED and testosterone deficiency often go unaddressed, quietly eroding both sexual health and identity.

According to the survey, men with low testosterone report a significant dip in both sexual performance satisfaction (59% vs. 72% overall) and sexual confidence (67% vs. 75% overall), triggering a domino effect of dissatisfaction across their careers, physical appearance, and romantic relationships. ED is common across all age groups surveyed, starting at a baseline of 15% across all male respondents and climbing to 22% among Gen X men. Despite its prevalence, a staggering 41% of men surveyed admit they are too embarrassed to seek help for sexual dysfunction, and over a quarter feel they aren't well-educated on ED treatments.

But the tide is turning. Technology is helping fade stigma; half of all men surveyed agree that digital health has been the key to finally addressing their sexual health, providing a discreet, informed path to rebuilding their confidence.

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Reclaiming Intimacy for Women at Every Age

Despite being a universal experience for women, menopause remains shrouded in silence. Forty two percent of respondents still view the topic as taboo, driving a culture of secrecy and isolation for women in this period of life. The impact on intimacy is stark: women’s sexual confidence drops from a general average of 55% to just 46% during menopause. And much like men struggling with low testosterone, women report dissatisfaction that spills into their marriages, careers, and overall happiness.

The physical symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can create a significant barrier to intimacy. Decreased estrogen levels can make sex painful, while hormonal shifts often tank libido, leaving women feeling disconnected from their partners and themselves. Chronic sleep disruption from night sweats and the emotional toll of increased anxiety can also make the vulnerability and confidence required for sex feel out of reach.

The insights reinforce the value of care: among female respondents who have received hormone treatment for menopause, a striking 81% reported a positive impact on their sexual health, citing increased comfort and a higher libido as key benefits. With 1.3 million American women entering menopause every year, this isn't a niche issue. As one of the fastest growing digital health platforms, Hers is uniquely positioned to help

The data is clear: sexual health is health. It’s time to close the gap between the life people are living and the intimacy and joy they deserve.

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Susan Cadrecha

press@forhims.com