Sexual Dysfunction: a Widespread Problem

Four of 10 women and three of 10 men experience sexual problems, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The most common problems reported by women were low sexual desire (22 percent), problems with arousal (14 percent), and pain during intercourse (7 percent). Men most commonly reported problems with premature ejaculation (21 percent), erectile dysfunction (5 percent) and low desire (5 percent).

Other key findings include the following:

• The prevalence of sexual problems in women tends to decrease with increasing age, except for those who report trouble lubricating. As men get older, however, they are more likely to experience sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction and lack of desire for sex.
• Younger women are more likely to experience sexual problems, perhaps due to lack of experience and the greater likelihood that they're not in a stable relationship (for example single as opposed to married).
• Married women and men are at lower risk for sexual problems than their non-married counterparts.
• Women and men with lower educational levels report less pleasurable sexual experience and raised levels of sexual anxiety.
• Emotional or stress-related problems, as well as financial difficulties, are important risk factors for sexual problems.
• Past sexual trauma such as forced sexual contact or sexual assault is associated with long-term sexual problems, whether the person was the victim or aggressor.
• Sexual problems are associated with unsatisfying personal experiences and relationships, lack of physical and emotional satisfaction, and low feelings of happiness.

Of course, these results don't apply to everyone in exactly the same way, but they do create a compelling profile of sexual problems. The authors of the study conclude there is a "strong association between sexual dysfunction and impaired quality of life," and that sexual dysfunction "warrants recognition as a public health concern."

Related Articles Sexual Problems: Why Diagnosis Is Difficult Male Erectile Dysfunction Female Sexual Problems Other Than Arousal Disorder Male Sexual Problems Other Than Erectile Dysfunction Sex in Your 50s and Beyond Illness and Other Health Conditions Affecting Sexuality

External Source Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Sexual Dysfunction in the United States. Accessed May 22, 2007.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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