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R. De Visser, J. Richters, A. Yeung, C. Rissel, J. Simpson, PS-01-006 Sexual Difficulties: Prevalence, Impact, and Help-Seeking in A Population-Representative Sample, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 14, Issue Supplement_4a, April 2017, Page e108, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.03.076
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Extract
Objective
Researchers have been accused of over-diagnosing sexual ‘dysfunctions’ in large surveys, but clinical samples and online surveys may not reflect the population at large. One aim of this study was to ascertain the proportion of people reporting various sexual difficulties for at least a month. Further aims were to determine: how long each difficulty lasted; how much of a problem it was; and whether treatment was sought.
Methods
The Second Australian Study of Health & Relationships recruited a nationally-representative sample of over 20,094 people aged 16–69. Recruitment was by modified random digit dialling of landline and mobile phones with a 66% participation rate.
Results
The most common difficulty was lacking interest in sex: 27% of men and 51% of women. Reaching orgasm too quickly was more common among men than women (21% v 5%). 11% of men reported erectile problems. 22% of women reported vaginal dryness. Women were more likely than men to report: pain during intercourse (16% vs. 2%); inability to reach orgasm (24% vs. 7%); or not finding sex pleasurable (18% vs. 4%). Most difficulties lasted less than 3 months. The longer-lasting difficulties were physical pain and erectile problems for men, and vaginal dryness for women. Most difficulties were not a problem or only a “minor” one. Difficulties most likely to be “somewhat” or “major” problems were pain during intercourse, not finding sex pleasurable, erection/dryness problems, performance anxiety, and inability to reach orgasm. People were most likely to seek help for pain during intercourse and erection/dryness problems.
