Is staying hydrated key to a better sex life? New report suggests Brits that stay hydrated have a better quality of sex life and higher libido
- A dehydrated nation – new survey reveals 67% of Brits are drinking less than the recommended amount
- Research shows UK adults who are drinking more than the recommended water intake report to a better quality of sex life and higher libido than those that don’t
- Dehydration puts 38% of Brits off sex, while 25% have suffered muscle cramps during sex
- Lovehoney and new start up brand SULT team up on ‘Better when wetter’ campaign – highlighting the link between good hydration, libido and good sex
- Lovehoney are giving away 10,000 bottles of lube as part of the ‘Better when wetter’ campaign
A new survey on over 2,000 UK adults has revealed a striking link between hydration and the nation’s libido – with 85% of Brits admitting they’d drink more water if they knew it would improve their sex life.
The data, commissioned by UK’s leading sexual wellness experts, Lovehoney, in partnership with exciting new electrolyte hydration brand SULT, found that over two in five Brits (67%) are drinking less than the recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day, with 8% consuming less than a single glass.
But while the UK is failing to meet basic hydration needs, it turns out our bedroom performance may be taking the hit. The data found that those that were drinking more than the recommended daily intake of water are having better sex; 22% of these rated the quality of their sex life as ten out of ten, compared to 13% of those drinking less than the recommended daily amount. On average, those that are sufficiently hydrated rated the quality of their sex life as 6.8/10, compared to 5.95/10 for those that don’t drink enough water.
Similarly, those that drink the recommended daily water intake have a higher sex drive than those that don’t, with 66% reporting a high libido (ranking 7 out of ten or above), compared to 52% of those nor drinking enough.
Not staying hydrated is also affecting people’s willingness to have sex; 38% of Brits (the equivalent of over 20 million people) say that being dehydrated makes them less in the mood for sex or self-pleasure, with 61% attributing this to a lack of energy, and 38% due to dry mouth.
What’s more, a quarter of people surveyed have experienced muscle cramps (often caused by a lack of electrolytes) during sex, while 8% have suffered cramps during masturbation. This number is highest among millennial men, with more than one third (35%) having suffered from cramps mid-romp.
Lovehoney’s sexual health & wellness expert, Sarah Mulindwa, explains:
“Hydration and libido are more connected than most people realise. Staying hydrated supports good blood flow along with your hormone regulations and energy levels, all of which are essential for sexual arousal and performance. Think of water as your body’s natural fuel – when you’re running low, so is your sex drive! This research shows dehydration is one of the UK’s most overlooked bedroom blockers – sex is better when wetter.”
Despite the nation’s thirst, Brits are keen to change their ways:
- 85% would drink more water if it improved their sex life
- 46% say they’d definitely increase their water intake for better intimacy
- Only 4% say they “definitely wouldn’t”
Henry Porpora & Amelia Goldsmith, co-founders of SULT, said: “We started SULT because we saw how many people were walking around dehydrated, tired, and burnt out – not just athletes, but everyday people juggling busy lives. Teaming up with Lovehoney felt like a no-brainer: two bold brands that prioritise pleasure, performance, and breaking taboos. Together, we’re championing hydration and sexual wellness in a way that feels fun and unapologetically real – we like to call it here at SULT ‘unhinged luxury’.”
It’s not just hydration that leads to better sex, but lubrication too, however the survey uncovered some major misunderstandings around lube:
- Nearly 1 in 4 Brits wrongly believe lube is only for people with medical issues
- 30% of Gen Z admit to using spit instead of proper lubrication, more than twice the national average
- 1 in 3 adults don’t use any kind of lube during sex
Unexpected lube confessions – Brits are also getting creative with their bedroom supplies:
- 4% (over 2 million) say they’ve used lube to stop chafing when running
- 2% (over 1 million) admit to using it to style their hair
According to Sarah: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that lube is only for older people or people who “aren’t turned on enough.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Lube is for everyone, and it’s all about enhancing pleasure, not fixing a problem. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, using toys, or just want a smoother experience – lube can take things to the next level.”
Lovehoney’s sexual health & wellness expert, Sarah Mulindwa, shares 5 ways to improve your hydration to boost libido:
- Start early: Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, by then you’re already playing catch-up.
- Water first: Aim for 6 -8 glasses a day, more in the heat or if drinking alcohol.
- Eat your water: Foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges help hydrate too (and make for tasty snacks)
- Balance it out: For every cocktail or iced coffee, try matching it with a glass of water – your body (and your bedroom self) will thank you!
- Electrolytes matter: Add a pinch of sea salt or try a low-sugar electrolyte drink after sweating or working out – proper mineral balance helps your body absorb and use water more effectively.
With dehydration linked to everything from fatigue and mood swings to lower libido, it’s clear that topping up your water bottle could do more than just beat the heat – it could give your sex life a boost too.
To celebrate the ‘Better When Wetter’ campaign, Lovehoney is giving away 10,000 bottles of lube. To be in with a chance of getting your hands on one, simply head to lovehoney.co.uk and claim yours while stocks last.Find out more about the ‘Better when wetter’ campaign by visiting, https://www.lovehoney.co.uk/trends-insights/sult-x-lovehoney.html
| [donate] | Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |
















