Sex recession is real but complicated, Kinsey reports

The sex lives of young adults — or lack thereof — have been subject to scrutiny over the past few years.

Much hand-wringing has occurred over whether Gen Z is sexually repressed , or whether there's a "sex recession" happening.

Now, we have some new data about it.

In a study by the Kinsey Institute, Playboy, and emergency contraceptive brand Julie, "The State of Sex Among Gen Z," the sex recession question is answered, but it's not clean-cut.

The report includes findings from 2,373 U.S. adults between 18 and 29.

That breaks down into 48 percent men and 48 percent women, 63 percent heterosexual, 53 percent single, and 42 percent in relationships.

SEE ALSO: A 'masturbation consultant' for an AI companion company tells all A major finding of the study is that the sex recession appears to be real, but it's complicated.

There's no one explanation for why this is happening; economic, technological, psychological, and social factors all play a part.

And while most young adults report low levels of sexual activity, they have moderate to high sexual desire.

Less sex, partnered or solo Previous reports found that today's young adults are having less sex than those of years past.

The State of Sex Among Gen Z found that 29 percent of participants had no sexual partners in the last three months, and 19 percent have never had a partner.

Thirty-one percent aren't sexually active.

Around a third (36 percent) haven't even masturbated in the last three months.

Of those who have had sex in the last quarter, 45 percent had one partner.