When a woman says ‘not tonight,’ it may not be down to a lack of interest or emotional disconnect.
Instead, a new survey reveals that physical self-preparation – or the lack thereof – is often the real issue.
Surprisingly, it’s not always about attraction or mood.
For many women, a different factor is at play.
Personal grooming habits can significantly influence a woman’s readiness for intimacy.
According to findings from a study involving 2,000 women, commissioned by Philips Lumea, about one in three women admitted to avoiding intimacy simply because they hadn’t shaved their legs.
That’s right – hairy legs, not relationship troubles, often lead to a decline in bedroom activity.
The numbers go even further: 51 percent of participants said they would rather not get intimate if they haven’t showered, 48 percent would opt out if they skipped brushing their teeth, and 26 percent avoid bedroom activity if their armpits aren’t smooth.
This data highlights a clear pattern – when women don’t feel physically ‘ready,’ they’re far less likely to feel confident.
As it turns out, grooming plays a crucial role in how women perceive themselves during intimate moments.
A significant 90 percent of respondents shared that being well-groomed boosts their self-esteem in the bedroom.
More than half said it improves how they feel about their bodies, and 38 percent mentioned feeling more relaxed when they’ve taken time to prepare.
Additionally, 40 percent see grooming as a form of self-care and a gesture of respect toward their partners.
As a Philips Lumea spokesperson explained: “Small steps in self-care can have a big impact for women on body confidence and intimacy.”
They added: “Although the other person might not be bothered and intimacy rituals vary from person to person, making sure you’re feeling and looking your best during the most intimate of times can be a big deal.”
That ‘big deal’ takes time – on average, women spend about 17 minutes getting ready for intimacy.
This preparation may include shaving, selecting underwear, and applying perfume.
Eighty-five percent of women reported that grooming helps them feel more like themselves, revealing how deeply tied self-image is to s**ual expression.
Yet, there’s a downside.
For 35 percent, the expectation to look flawless becomes a source of stress and can actually reduce their interest in the bedroom.
Ironically, while women feel pressure to present themselves a certain way, 32 percent stated that they wouldn’t mind if their partners hadn’t groomed at all.
A spokesperson said: “We appreciate that the whole process can take quite some time and can therefore be a turn off when wanting to get intimate with someone between the sheets.
“It’s all about prioritizing what you personally feel needs to be done to feel your best.”
So, the next time a woman declines intimacy, it might not be rejection – it could simply be the weight of personal grooming expectations.
