It's an age-old stereotype that when it comes to sex, men want it more than women. However, a study is challenging that thinking.

The research, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, based on three studies of long-term, established couples, found that men often underestimate their partner's sexual desire.

Why are men in long-term relationships missing the signals when it comes to sex? Credit:Stocksy

The same is not true for men and women when they first meet. Past research has consistently shown that men tend to perceive a greater sexual interest from women based on their behaviour at initial contact. This is often explained by evolutionary psychology – that men cannot afford to miss out on a mating opportunity, and are thus overly optimistic about their chances.

So why are men missing the signals when it comes to long-term relationships?