An unprecedented look at the sex lives of Canadians

Today's Big Story podcast has never had a survey of Canadian sex that is as comprehensive, scientific, and comprehensive all at once. For decades, we've relied on data from the United States, unscientific surveys conducted by brands around Valentine's Day, or specific views on one narrow aspect of sex, such as contraception or monogamy.

In his new book, published on Valentine's Day, Sex in Canada: Who, Why, When and How to Get NorthTina Fetner, professor of sociology at McMaster University, explores every aspect of how we do it, who we do it with, how often, and how well.

“We have a moral panic about sex. “The more we have a clear baseline of what sexual behavior is for the average Canadian, the better we can get rid of the misunderstandings about sexuality and really understand what the average Canadian does,” Fetner said.

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Some survey facts

Does being married ruin your sex life? Yes and no?

• 45% of singles said they had oral sex the last time they had sex, but only 29% of married people said the same.
• 78% of couples said they had an orgasm during their last intercourse, while only 66% of singles reported it.
• 87% of couples say they are happy with their sex lives, compared to 79% of singles

Do single people have more sex than married people? No!

• 56% of married people had sex this month, compared to 35% of singles

Alcohol and sex

• About 20% of Canadians said they drank alcohol before they last had sex
• Young adults are less likely than older Canadians to drink alcohol before sex

A hug

• Canadians love cuddling, with 69% saying their last sexual experience was a hug

Imitation

• Only a quarter (23%) of women who did not experience an orgasm during their last sexual experience said they had faked an orgasm.

However, most of our participants reported having an orgasm during their last encounter, so faking is the exception rather than the rule. Among all participants who recalled having had sex recently, only 7% of women reported faking it.