How does sexual satisfaction change over time in a relationship? For the first year or so, satisfaction steadily rises. After that, however, it typically begins to drop.

We are, of course, talking about what happens on average. There’s certainly individual variability. But is it possible to ward off that decline in satisfaction that so many of us seem to experience?

In this post, we'll consider four science-backed tips for keeping passion alive and improving your sex life.

Human beings have a need for novelty when it comes to sex. We tend to grow bored with sexual routines because of something known as the Coolidge effect. The basic idea here is that when we’re exposed to the same sexual stimulus over time, our arousal to it starts to drop. For example, scientists have found that people who watch the same porn clip every day for a week become less aroused with each subsequent viewing.

We need to keep seeing—or doing—new things in bed to get our libidos revved back up again. This explains why the couples who engage in the most acts of sexual novelty are the most sexually satisfied and report keeping the spark alive in their relationships the longest.

In need of inspiration or new ideas? Consider getting some sexy underwear or lingerie, try a new sexual activity or position, go on a date night or romantic getaway, read an erotic........

© Psychology Today