Hard economic times have coincided with a rise in condom sales, according to a new study.
The Nielson Co. study suggests couples are sacking the idea of dinner at an expensive restaurant in favor of sex.
The study shows that sales of safe-sex items jumped by 5 percent nationwide. January sales increased 6 percent compared with January 2008 sales, according to USA Today
"If people don't have the money to go out to a fancy dinner or are looking to cut back, Trojan gives them some real affordable ways to stay in and make some great memories together," Jim Daniels, marketing vice president for Trojan condoms, told USA Today.
There's more evidence to suggest that sex lives heat up during a cool economy: A Consumer Reports poll shows that 50 percent of couples with partners say they'll spend less on gifts during Valentines Day, but 78 percent say the economy has not affected the "amount of time they have for sex or the frequency this past year."
Reminder: Valentine's Day is Saturday. Tell us about your plans in the comments section below.