Married women over 40 have the best sex, according to a survey published yesterday.

The poll found that 81 per cent are more adventurous than when they were in their twenties, and 63 per cent are more confident in bed.

The survey commissioned by Top Sante magazine also showed that women’s sex lives improve after their children leave home.

Some 60 per cent of women with children over 18 say they have had more sex since their children moved out, while 91 per cent of working women with children under 10 say their sex life has been “wrecked”.

Nicola Down, editor of Top Sante, said: “The real sexual adventure begins when the children are older or have left home and women have the body confidence and experience to enjoy sex more than ever before.

“Our survey clearly shows that married women in their forties have the best sex lives.

“It’s sad that eight out of 10 women think society and younger people in particular don’t have a positive image about older women, when in truth, they are the ones worldly enough to enjoy a wonderful sex life.”