A recent survey, Laid in India 2025 by MyMuse (a bedroom wellness brand), has sparked conversations about the evolving state of intimacy across the country.
The survey, which drew insights from over 10,000 respondents, offers a refreshingly honest take on modern relationships, revealing surprising truths about how Indians approach love, desire, and connection.
What the findings say
The findings are as diverse as the country itself. While 87% of Indians no longer wait until marriage to explore intimacy, the survey says nearly 62% expressed a desire to break out of routine and try something new in the bedroom. The report also highlights a growing openness to sexual wellness products, with nearly half of the respondents either using or wanting to explore them. Emotional connection emerged as a critical factor for 87% of participants, showing that it’s not just about the physical—it’s also about meaningful bonds.
Despite these progressive shifts, one data stood out: 55% of Indians are left wanting more sex. This dissatisfaction spans across singles, couples, and even married individuals. The data busts myths about marriage as a fix for intimacy issues, with 59% of married respondents admitting they still feel the lack of a thriving sex life. Interestingly, women reported slightly higher dissatisfaction (60%) compared to men (53%), challenging traditional narratives about who is more vocal about their needs.
Why though?
According to Srishati Singhal, a tantra and meditation coach, this intimacy deficit stems from deeply rooted socio-cultural factors.
“I believe the statistics might actually be higher than what is reported. There are several factors contributing to this. Indian couples often marry young, leaving little time for exploration. Children usually follow soon after, disrupting intimacy,” she explains.
- Another major issue is the lack of privacy, especially since many Indian couples live in joint families. “Even though this is gradually changing in metropolitan cities, the family dynamic often means couples have to be discreet. This constant involvement with family life leaves little time or space for couples to fully embrace their sexuality or maintain an active and fulfilling sex life,” she adds.
- Moreover, Singhal feels there is a collective cultural repression around sexuality in India. People don’t learn about sexual intimacy, lovemaking, or tools to keep things exciting, which leads to a monotonous and routine-driven sexual life. Without education and awareness, couples struggle to rekindle passion or put effort into their intimate lives.
- Adding to this is the modern lifestyle—busy schedules and constant exhaustion push intimacy to the bottom of the priority list. Often, intimacy is reduced to a quick stress-relief activity at the end of the day, which doesn’t sustain long-term relationships. While this may work in the honeymoon phase, it becomes increasingly difficult as the relationship matures, particularly after having children.
- Content creator and sexual wellness expert Bhavjeet Sehgal identifies communication as the critical missing element in Indian relationships. She states, “Intimacy flourishes when partners are open about their desires and fantasies. Without honest communication, relationships stagnate. Women especially face societal judgment, which makes expressing their needs even harder.” Sehgal urges couples to prioritise transparent, judgment-free conversations to foster deeper emotional and physical connections.
Towards an intimate revolution
There’s no denying that there are problems, but Indians are increasingly willing to explore new avenues for intimacy. The report also highlights that discussions around sexual wellness are gaining acceptance, with nearly 48% eager to try tools that can enhance their experience.
Anushka Gupta, co-founder of MyMuse, says, “The report is more than just a snapshot of the country’s sex lives. It doesn’t just point to the desire for more sex; it reflects the broader challenge of creating spaces for connection, experimentation, and communication in relationships.”