YNOT – The vast majority of American adults believe sex is integral to a satisfying romantic relationship, according to a recent small-sample poll conducted online.

As part of its continuing study of sexual preferences and practices, adult products retailer Adam & Eve recently asked 1,000 website visitors and Facebook fans an obvious question: “How important is sex in a relationship?”

Eighty-eight percent of respondents indicated sex plays at least a moderate role in their satisfaction with a partner: 53 percent of women and men said sex is “very important,” and 34 percent said sex is “somewhat important.”

Only 12 percent of respondents of both genders deemed sex “not important” in their relationship.

Adam & Eve’s resident sex expert, Dr. Kat Van Kirk, said she finds the figures encouraging.

“Sexual feelings wax and wane in any relationship, but it’s imperative that we acknowledge our sexual selves,” she said. “Very often, a healthy sex life equals a healthy relationship.”

Chad Davis, director of marketing for the company, agreed.

“Adam & Eve has certainly seen an upswing in the number of products that couples use together,” he revealed. “I believe that more people are doing what they can to encourage an exciting sex life … and AdamEve.com has a lot of products that help.”

Each month the ongoing study, conducted by an independent third-party survey company, solicits input from more than 1,000 American adults age 18 and older.