The findings were stark. Women who rated their relationships as equal also reported greater relationship satisfaction and higher dyadic desire (intertwined with the dynamics of the relationship) than other women in the study.

Unfortunately (and perhaps, tellingly), the partner’s work group was too small to draw any substantial conclusions.

However, for the women’s work group it was clear their dyadic desire was diminished. This group was also less satisfied in their relationships overall.

We found something interesting when turning our attention to women’s solo desire. While it seems logical that relationship inequities might affect all aspects of women’s sexuality, our results showed that fairness did not significantly impact solo desire.

This suggests women’s low desire isn’t an internal sexual problem to be treated with mindfulness apps and jade eggs, but rather one that needs effort from both partners.