10 Big Recession Surprises (Clue: One Involves Sex)

Mom always said when you're short on cash stay home and have some, er, fun with your spouse. Well, fewer folks are taking her advice. It's impossible to know how many couples are getting busy with each other. But contraceptive sales tailed off in 2008 from brisk growth rates during the boom years, reports research firm Mintel International. Meanwhile, the birth rate has been flat to down. So it seems there's been a dearth of action in the bedroom just when we all need a little free entertainment. Chalk it up to all the stress from job loss and eroding 401(k) balances. Couples may also conclude that tough times are no time to start a family or add to one — and opt for abstinence over birth control.

See 25 people to blame for the financial crisis.