Prevalence Of Low Sexual Desire Research Articles

(053) The Prevalence of Low Sexual Desire Among Premenopausal Women and Their Wish for Drug Treatment

Abstract Introduction Low female sexual desire (HSDD) is one of the most common sexual complaints in women. As a result, many women suffer from sexual dissatisfaction and related distress, which often negatively interferes with their quality of life. Little is known about the underlying biological mechanism of low desire, but it is conceivable that sexual functions are the result of an interaction between biological, psychological, and relational factors, for which neurological and hormonal central and peripheral processes are involved. Women's sexual desires naturally fluctuate over the years and commonly coincide with the beginning or end of a relationship, health status, medication use, and/or major life events. The treatment approach for females with low sexual desire is aimed at the many causes behind this condition. Recommendations may include sex education, counseling, and sometimes medication and hormone therapy mainly for women who go through menopause or post-menopause. So far no medical therapy for HSDD is available in Europe. While some women movements, such as “right to desire” wish to support the development of drugs for HSDD and reduce the distress associated with HSDD, others are against what they call “the pathologizing of variation in the population” and drug developments. Objective The aim of this survey was to find the prevalence of HSDD among young, premenopausal, social media active women and their willingness to receive medical therapy. Methods A social media survey has been conducted among women between 18 and 50 years old who are regularly using social media apps, in Israel. A country with a mix of cultures, religions, and personal social backgrounds. Women were asked about their sexual desire, current experience with a reduction of their desire for more than 6 months, and the presence of distress. Women who suffer from low desire have been asked about their willingness to receive medical treatment for this condition. Results 4079 women observed the survey but only 1493 (36.6%) answered the questions. 42% (624) stated that they suffer from a decline in desire for a period longer than 6 months, while 49% (727) said they did not suffer from a decline in sexual desire. 9% (142) of the women answered that they didn’t know. On the question: “would you be interested in drug treatment ‘that ’ was asked only to the women who reported a decline in sexual desire, 22% (138) were interested in drug treatment, 40% (249) were not interested in drug treatment, 12% (75)said they don’t know and 26% (162) stated that their wiliness to use a drug for HSDD depended on the risk and benefits. Conclusions HSDD is prevalent even among premenopausal women in a multicultural country. Despite the multifactorial factors involved in the etiology of HSDD, almost half of the women have an interest in using a safe medication for HSDD. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Freya, Besins, Ohhmed.

A qualitative analysis of female Reddit users' experiences with low libido: how do women perceive their changes in sexual desire?

The true prevalence of low sexual desire among women is disputed among researchers due to the complex nature and presentation of women's sexual problems. To qualitatively analyze the aspects of libido/sexual desire frequently discussed by Reddit users and compare them with the current understanding of female sexual well-being and sexual desire disorders. By using the Reddit application programming interface, the TwoXChromosomes subreddit was queried for posts with the keywords libido and sex drive. Posts that were deleted or unrelated to themes of libido/sex drive were excluded. A total of 85 threads-63 queried from the keyword libido and 22 from sex drive-and approximately 2900 comments were qualitatively analyzed per the grounded theory approach. Five independent researchers read and coded each thread to identify dominant themes and emergent concepts. Outcomes of interest included codes related to sexual dysfunction, libido, orgasm, masturbation, types of sex, psychology, relationships, intimacy, treatment, medications, and health care. Posters were primarily heterosexual women in their 20s and 30s. The code categories with the highest frequency were relationships (22.7%, n = 272), libido (22.2%, n = 210), psychological (20.2%, n = 191), medications (7.29%, n = 69), and intimacy (6.0%, n = 57). Users frequently described a decrease in libido secondary to medications, particularly antidepressants and hormonal birth control. Many users discussed the challenges of navigating a relationship with low sexual desire and the resulting sexual distress. Posters described feelings of sadness, anxiety, and guilt due to their low desire. Additionally, users discussed the role that sex plays in relationships, whether as a way to develop intimacy between partners or to achieve orgasm. Finally, posters expressed dissatisfaction with health care addressing their concerns surrounding sexual desire. The study findings-namely, the impact of medications on sexual health, the interaction of sexual desire and mental health, and cited examples of inadequate sexual health care-can help guide sexual well-being research, diagnosis, and public policy. Using Reddit as a data source allowed for the analysis of women's experiences outside the preestablished concepts of female sexual desire. Limitations to the study include the potential for posts to be deleted by moderator guidelines, the young demographic distribution of Reddit users, and the popularity-based structure of subreddit threads. Our results emphasize the psychosocial aspects of sexual desire and the need to redefine sexual problems to encompass the complex nature of female sexual well-being.

Prevalence of Diminished Libido and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Low sexual desire (LSD) is a rather common sexological symptom, which occurs in 33.4% of women, taking the first place among other such symptoms, and in 15.8% of men. At the same time, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is detected much less often due to the fact that one of its diagnostic criteria consists in distress caused by LSD. Although LSD becomes more frequent with age, distress reduces with age. Therefore the prevalence of HSDD among women remains a constant. In the author’s opinion, the approach that excludes a high rank of subjectivism in the diagnostic assessment of LSD (if a person has LSD but the latter does not cause any distress in this case or even, maybe, is fine with him/her, this person is healthy; if distress is caused the person is ill) is constructive. It is pointed out that both the rate of LSD and the prevalence of HSDD vary depending upon the age, race/ethnicity, educational level, body mass index, current smoking status, current depression, taking of antidepressants by people with a previous diagnosis of depression, hormonal therapy (in women during menopause), menopausal status and country of residence. It is reported that men are more biological in their sexual manifestations versus women, in whom psychological factors play a more marked role versus men. The latter think about sex and fantasize about it more frequently than women; they want to have sex more often irrespective of their sexual orientation; they want to have a larger number of sex partners; they masturbate more frequently; they are less inclined to give up their sexual activity; their sexual desire appears at an earlier age; they use a wide variety of sexual practices, and the role of biology is reduced by social factors in women to a greater extent than in men. Data are given that indisputably indicate a larger sexual activity of men versus women. For example, it has been revealed that lesbian couples have sexual relations significantly less frequently than heterosexual and gay couples. The same study has shown that the worse the state of health and the greater the extent of misfortune, the larger the lack of sexual interest. “everyday alcohol intake”, “bad or satisfactory state of health” and “emotional problems or stress” have proved to be predictors (prognostic factors) of LSD in men. Also, data of other studies on the prevalence of LSD in men as well as information about the rate of HSDD in them are given. It is pointed out that noticeable differences exist in the levels of LSD prevalence in different cultures in the range of 12.5% in men from Northern Europe to 28% in men from Southeastern Asia at the age of 40-80 years. The feeling of guilt caused by sex can mediate this association between the Southeastern ethnicity and sexual desire in men.

The prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in Australian and Iranian women at midlife.

This study was undertaken to examine whether the prevalence of low sexual desire, sexually related personal distress, and epidemiological hypoactive sexual desire disorder (eHSDD) differed between midlife Australian and Iranian married women. Cross-sectional, community-based studies of women aged 40 to 65 years conducted in Australia (2013-2014, n = 2,020) and Iran (2016-2017, n = 1,520) included 60% and 89% married women, respectively. Participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. eHSDD was defined as low desire with sexually related personal distress. Restricting the analysis to married women, 76.5% of the 1,210 Australian women, mean age (SD) 52.4 (6.8) years, and 87.8% of the 1,348 Iranian women, mean age 48.5 (6.7) years who were recently sexually active. Low desire was more prevalent in Australian women than Iranian women (68.8%, 95% CI 66.1-71.3 vs 51.3%, 95% CI 48.6-53.9, P < 0.001) as were sexually related personal distress (47.6%, 95% CI 44.8-50.4 vs 17.2%, 95% CI 15.3-19.3, P < 0.001) and eHSDD (39.7%, 95% CI 36.9-42.5 vs 13.9%, 95% CI 12.2-15.9, P < 0.001). Being sexually inactive, versus sexually active, was associated with low desire, sexually related personal distress and eHSDD in Australian women (P < 0.001), but only with low desire in Iranian women (P < 0.001). The prevalence of eHSDD in married Australian women at midlife was threefold that of Iranian women, primarily due to the higher prevalence of sexually related personal distress. The results were only adjusted for age and sexual activity, and analyses did not account for other observed differences between the study populations. Hence, future studies are warranted to explore if the differences between the two populations are due to variations in demographics such as level of education or employment and/or due to expectations, experiences, or beliefs.

Prevalence of Low Sexual Desire With Associated Distress Across the Adult Life Span: An Australian Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundAlthough hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD; low sexual desire with personal distress) negatively impacts well-being, contemporary life-course prevalence data for HSDD are lacking. AimTo document, in an epidemiologic study, the prevalence of low sexual desire with associated distress (epidemiological HSDD [eHSDD]), and associated psychosocial factors in Australian women. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 10,554 women, aged 18–79 years, recruited from the community was performed. Main Outcome MeasuresLow desire was determined by corresponding questions in the Profile of Female Sexual Function and Female Sexual Function Index. HSDD was defined as having a low desire and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score of ≥11. Clinical TranslationClinicians need to be aware that young women often experience sexually related distress whereas low desire with associated distress is most common in women at midlife. ResultsThe majority of the participants were partnered (66.5%) and 38.9% were recently sexually inactive. Low desire prevalence increased from age 18–24 years to 75–79 years (27.4%, 95% CI 25.5–29.3 vs 91.6%, 95% CI 88.3–94.1, P < .001). Just over half of all participants aged 25–39 years had sexually related personal distress, after which the prevalence declined with age (P < .001). 10,259 participants provided sufficient information for eHSDD classification. eHSDD increased from age 18–24 years (12.2%, 95% CI 10.8–13.7) to 40–44 years (33.4%, 95% CI 28.5–38.8), remained constant until 60–64 years (33.1%, 95% CI 28.3–38.4), and progressively declined to 7.3% (95% CI 4.8–10.9) by 75–79 years. HSDD was significantly, positively associated with being partnered (P < .001), sexually inactive (P < .001), more educated (P = .001), and psychotropic medication use (P < .001), and negatively with Asian ethnicity (P < .001). Strengths & LimitationsThis study involved the assessment of desire using a single question derived from the Profile of Female Sexual Function or the Female Sexual Function Index. ConclusioneHSDD is most prevalent at midlife. Furthermore, the likelihood of eHSDD is greater for women who are partnered, sexually inactive, more educated, or taking psychotropic medications. Taken together these findings should aid health professionals in identifying women most at risk of eHSDD.Zheng J, Islam RM, Bell RJ, et al. Prevalence of Low Sexual Desire With Associated Distress Across the Adult Life Span: An Australian Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2020;17:1885–1895.

Analysis of low sexual desire in Chinese women: a national population-based epidemiological survey in mainland China.

A national epidemiological survey on female sexual function was conducted from February 2014 to January 2016 in mainland China. Women were randomly selected using multistage, stratified, cluster sampling. The sexual functioning was assessed by using the Chinese version of the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. The questionnaire on sexual dysfunction was completed by 25446 women who were aged 20-70 years. The prevalence of low sexual desire was 21.6% (domain score ≤4.28), and the declines in sexual desire started as early as 25-29 years. Sexual arousal was most closely related to sexual desire (Pearson's correlation = 0.760). Higher educational attainment was associated with a decreased risk of low sexual desire. Diabetes, non-gynaecological cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic pain had negative effects on sexual desire (OR = 1.44, 99% CI = 1.11-1.87; OR = 1.92, 99% CI = 1.18-3.13; OR = 1.32, 99% CI = 1.07-1.63; OR = 1.77, 99% CI = 1.13-2.76 respectively). The prevalence of low sexual desire in females in China was modest. Low sexual desire is correlated with sexual arousal disorder. Biopsychosocial factors have overlapping effects on sexual desire.

Factors Associated with Low Sexual Desire in 45-Year-Old Men: Findings from the German Male Sex-Study

IntroductionAlthough low sexual desire is 1 of the most common sexual dysfunctions in men, there is a lack of studies investigating associated factors in large, population-based samples of middle-aged men. AimTo survey the prevalence of low sexual desire in a population-based sample of 45-year-old German men and to evaluate associations with a broad set of factors. MethodsData were collected between April 2014–April 2016 within the German Male Sex-Study. Participants were asked to fill out questionnaires about 6 sociodemographic, 5 lifestyle, and 8 psychosocial factors, as well as 6 comorbidities and 4 factors of sexual behavior. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to assess potential explanatory factors. Main Outcome MeasuresWe found a notable prevalence of low sexual desire in middle-aged men and detected associations with various factors. Results12,646 men were included in the analysis, and prevalence of low sexual desire was 4.7%. In the multiple logistic regression with backward elimination, 8 of 29 factors were left in the final model. Men having ≥2 children, higher frequency of solo-masturbation, perceived importance of sexuality, and higher sexual self-esteem were less likely to have low sexual desire. Premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and lower urinary tract symptoms were associated with low sexual desire. Clinical ImplicationsLow sexual desire is common in middle-aged men, and associating factors that can potentially be modified should be considered during assessment and treatment of sexual desire disorders. Strengths & LimitationsThe strength of our study is the large, population-based sample of middle-aged men and the broad set of assessed factors. However, because of being part of a prostate cancer screening trial, a recruiting bias is arguable. ConclusionOur study revealed that low sexual desire among 45-year-old men is a common sexual dysfunction, with a prevalence of nearly 5% and might be affected by various factors, including sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, as well as comorbidities and sexual behavior.Meissner VH, Schroeter L, Köhn F-M, et al. Factors Associated with Low Sexual Desire in 45-Year-Old Men: Findings from the German Male Sex-Study. J Sex Med 2019;16:981–991.

Identification of the Gender-Specific Health Needs of Women Following Lung Transplantation.

Little is known of the prevalence and severity of menstrual dysfunction, climacteric symptoms, pelvic floor disorders, sexual problems, and psychological wellbeing after lung transplantation in women. Adult female lung transplant recipients, attending the Alfred Hospital Lung Transplant Service in Melbourne, Australia participated in a women's health, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. The 123 of 149 potential participants were recruited between September 2014 and July 2015. Their median age was 53.5 years, and 44 were premenopausal, 3 perimenopausal, and 76 postmenopausal. Moderate-severe menstrual and premenstrual symptoms were common, and 43% of partnered premenopausal women were not using contraception. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) were common in postmenopausal women <55 years (80.0%), and the use of menopausal hormone therapy was low (8.9%). The estimated prevalence of low sexual desire associated with distress was 24.4%. Low wellbeing was significantly and independently associated with being aged 50 ≤ 60 years, moderate-severe VMS, impaired forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and psychotropic medication use. Our findings demonstrate that premenopausal lung transplant recipients need to be asked about bothersome menstrual symptoms, and contraceptive compliance needs regular review. Transplant recipients at midlife have substantially lower wellbeing than women of other ages and this needs attention, including assessment and management of menopausal symptoms.

Prevalence of sexual desire and satisfaction among patients with screen-detected diabetes and impact of intensive multifactorial treatment: Results from the ADDITION-Denmark study

Objective. Sexual problems are common in people with diabetes. It is unknown whether early detection of diabetes and subsequent intensive multifactorial treatment (IT) are associated with sexual health. We report the prevalence of low sexual desire and low sexual satisfaction among people with screen-detected diabetes and compare the impact of intensive multifactorial treatment with the impact of routine care (RC) on these measures. Design. A cross-sectional analysis of the ADDITION-Denmark trial cohort six years post-diagnosis. Setting. 190 general practices around Denmark. Subjects. A total of 968 patients with screen-detected type 2 diabetes. Main outcome measures. Low sexual desire and low sexual satisfaction. Results. Mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 64.9 (6.9) years. The prevalence of low sexual desire was 53% (RC) and 54% (IT) among women, and 24% (RC) and 25% (IT) among men. The prevalence of low sexual satisfaction was 23% (RC) and 18% (IT) among women, and 27% (RC) and 37% (IT) among men. Among men, the prevalence of low sexual satisfaction was significantly higher in the IT group than in the RC group, p = 0.01. Conclusion. Low sexual desire and low satisfaction are frequent among men and women with screen-detected diabetes, and IT may negatively impact men's sexual satisfaction.

The Prevalence of the Components of Low Sexual Function and Associated Factors in Middle‐Aged Women

Female sexual function depends on biological, psychological, and sociocultural contexts. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of low levels of functioning in each of the sexual function domains (desire, arousal, and orgasm) and the factors associated with these phenomena, as well as to assess the frequency of sexual activity in this same sample population. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted using an anonymous self-response questionnaire completed by 378 Brazilian-born women of 40-65 years of age with 11 years or more of formal education. The evaluation instrument was based on the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. The prevalence of low sexual desire was 60.6%; low arousal, 37%; and low orgasmic function, 31.1%. Multiple regression analysis showed that having a sexual partner (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.69, confidence interval [CI] = 0.53-0.90) and nervousness (PR = 1.33, CI = 1.01-1.75) were factors associated with low sexual desire. Aging (PR = 1.04, CI = 1.02-1.06), having a sexual partner (PR = 0.57, CI = 0.41-0.81), feeling well/excellent (PR = 0.59, CI = 0.41-0.85), and having hot flashes (PR = 1.47, CI = 1.01 = 2.15) were factors found to be associated with low sexual arousal. Having a sexual partner (PR = 0.55, CI = 0.42-0.71), feeling well/excellent (PR = 0.68, CI = 0.49-0.94), and having hot flashes (PR = 2.08, CI = 1.43 = 3.04) were factors found to be associated with low sexual orgasmic function. Having a sexual partner (PR = 0.47, CI = 0.38-0.58), feeling well/excellent (PR = 0.78, CI = 0.69-0.89), and having hot flashes (PR = 1.15, CI = 1.05-1.26) were factors found to be associated with a frequency of sexual activity of once a week or less. In this sample of middle-aged women, low sexual desire was the most prevalent sexual problem. These results highlight the importance of identifying and treating factors associated with each individual component of low female sexual function.

911 SCREENING FOR HYPOACTIVE SEXUAL DESIRE DISORDER (HSDD) IN THE UROLOGY OFFICE SETTING

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction/Andrology: Basic Research1 Apr 2011911 SCREENING FOR HYPOACTIVE SEXUAL DESIRE DISORDER (HSDD) IN THE UROLOGY OFFICE SETTING Michael Ingber, Tianming Gao, and Howard B. Goldman Michael IngberMichael Ingber Denville, NJ More articles by this author , Tianming GaoTianming Gao Cleveland, OH More articles by this author , and Howard B. GoldmanHoward B. Goldman Cleveland, OH More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2011.02.802AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES HSDD is the most common sexual desire disorder found in women. Multiple comorbidities may contribute to low sexual desire, specifically those found in women seeking care from a urologist. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of low sexual desire in women presenting to the urology office for a variety of reasons. A secondary objective was to determine factors that may contribute to having low desire. METHODS This was a prospective study of female patients presenting to the urology office for any reason (stones, hematuria, prolapse, incontinence, etc.). Female subjects over the age of 18 were offered the Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS). Patients answering “yes” to the first 4 questions on the DSDS represented the cohort qualifying for a diagnosis of HSDD, pending physician evaluation to see if any other factors (listed in item 5 on the DSDS) can impact low desire. Demographic factors as well as diagnosis codes were recorded and analyzed. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used in order to determine any predictors of low desire. RESULTS Overall 339 women completed the DSDS. 273 (81%) had a decrease in sexual desire, with 95 (28%) qualifying for a possible diagnosis of HSDD by answering “yes” to items 1 through 4 on the DSDS. Women between the age of 41 and 52 were most likely to qualify for a diagnosis of HSDD with 37% of this age group qualifying. Factors such as marital status, employment status, race and BMI did not contribute to low desire, nor did diagnosis code. The presence of low sexual desire was common among women presenting with stones, incontinence, prolapse, infection, retention, pain, voiding dysfunction and malignancy. No one diagnosis code was predictive of women having low sexual desire or HSDD. CONCLUSIONS The presence of low sexual desire is common in all women presenting to the urology office. Specifically, women between the ages of 41 and 52 are at an increased likelihood of having a diagnosis of HSDD. Because many women are hesitant to bring up these complaints, urologists should be aware of sexual desire issues and question their patients on sexual function. Descriptive Statistics by HSDD status Mean (SD) or n (%) Non-HSDD n=244 HSDD n=95 p-value Age 52.2(14.1) 48.2(12.4) 0.02 Married 160(67.8%) 62(68.1%) 0.95 Employed 138(58.5%) 53(58.2%) 0.97 Caucasian 193(85.8%) 75(88.2%) 0.57 Weight (kg) 77.2(20.4) 77.5(23.1) 0.91 BMI 29.2(8.0) 29.6(10.0) 0.81 © 2011 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 185Issue 4SApril 2011Page: e365 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2011 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Michael Ingber Denville, NJ More articles by this author Tianming Gao Cleveland, OH More articles by this author Howard B. Goldman Cleveland, OH More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Prevalence of Low Sexual Desire among Women in Britain: Associated Factors

Lack of sexual interest is a common sexual difficulty. Estimates of the prevalence of lack of sexual interest vary widely, and the evidence with regard to factors associated with lack of interest is not always consistent. The aims of this study were to identify factors associated with reporting lack of interest in sex among women, and to explore whether these factors differ according to whether or not help was sought. Our data came from the second National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles, a probability survey of 12,110 men and women aged 16-44 years and resident in Britain between 1999 and 2001 (N = 6,942 women). Computer-assisted personal interviewing was used to collect sociodemographic, behavioral, and attitudinal data. (i) Persistent lack of interest in sex (>or=6 months or longer in the past year); and (ii) seeking help for persistent lack of interest in sex. We examined data for all women, regardless of their partnership status. In this study, 10.7% of women reported lacking interest in sex for a period of 6 months or longer, and of these, 27.9% sought help for this difficulty. Reporting persistent low desire per se (outcome 1), and reporting seeking help for low desire (outcome 2) were associated with not enjoying sex, wanting sex more often, not being "competent" at first intercourse, poor communication about sex with partner, frequency of sex, and attitudes according sex low priority. Increasing age, reporting a birth in the last year, having children under 5 in the house, and reporting no sexual partner in the past year were associated with outcome 1 only. Being married and self-perceived health status were associated with outcome 2 only. Identifying the factors associated with seeking help for low sexual interest is useful in understanding risk markers for problematic sexual interest, and in providing useful avenues for therapeutic discussion.

Prevalence of Low Sexual Desire and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in a Nationally Representative Sample of US Women

We sought to estimate the prevalence of low sexual desire and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in US women, focusing on their menopausal status. We performed a cross-sectional study. From a probability sample of households, 2207 US women aged 30 to 70 years and in stable relationships (>or=3 months) were interviewed by telephone. The analysis focused on 755 premenopausal women and 552 naturally and 637 surgically menopausal women. Low sexual desire was defined using the Profile of Female Sexual Function desire domain, and HSDD was defined using the Profile of Female Sexual Function and the Personal Distress Scale. Prevalence of low sexual desire ranged from 26.7% among premenopausal women to 52.4% among naturally menopausal women. The prevalence of HSDD was highest among surgically menopausal women (12.5%). Compared with premenopausal women and adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, educational level, and smoking status, the prevalence ratios for HSDD were 2.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.5) for surgically menopausal women and 1.2 (0.5-2.8) for naturally menopausal women; the prevalence ratios for low sexual desire were 1.3 (0.9-1.9) and 1.5 (1.0-2.2) for surgically and naturally menopausal women, respectively. Prevalence of low sexual desire is elevated among surgically and naturally menopausal women vs premenopausal women. Distress about low desire (HSDD) appears to be more than twice as prevalent among surgically menopausal women vs premenopausal women, although the estimate is fairly imprecise.

The Sexual Lives of Medical Students: A Single Institution Survey

Little is known about the personal sexual lives of medical students. To assess sexual habits and determine the presence of sexual dysfunction among medical students. Demographic and sexual experience data and domain scores on validated sexuality surveys. Instruments selected included the International Index of Erectile Function, the Index of Premature Ejaculation, and the Self Esteem and Relationship Quality Survey for male medical students and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Index of Sex Life for female medical students. Medical students at our institution were invited to complete a demographic questionnaire and gender- appropriate sexuality surveys. Results were compared with established normative data and validated cut-off scores when available. Linear regression and Pearson coefficient were used to assess relationships between variables. There were 132 responses (78 female mean age 24 years, 54 male, mean age 25 years). Condoms and oral contraceptives were the most popular form of contraception. Among men, 81.5%, 37%, and 93% were in a relationship, married, and heterosexual, respectively. Among women, 64%, 18%, and 95% were in a relationship, married, and heterosexual. Erectile dysfunction was reported by 30% of men. Proxy measures of other sexual problems in men revealed a 28% prevalence of dissatisfaction with sex life, a 28% prevalence of problems controlling ejaculation, an 11% prevalence of orgasmic dysfunction, and a 6% prevalence of low sexual desire. Based on validated FSFI scoring, 63% of women were at high risk of sexual dysfunction. Proxy measures of other problems in women indicated disorders of pain, orgasms, desire, sex satisfaction, lubrication, and arousal in 39%, 37%, 32%, 28%, 26%, and 24% of female respondents, respectively. These data provide insight into the sexual lives of medical students. Rates of sexual dysfunction are higher than expected based on normative data. Further research is required.

The Female Sexual Response Revisited

indicators of healthy sexual desire in women and men have traditionally been the presence of sexual thoughts and sexual fantasies, and an urge from within the person to self stimulate or be sexually active with a partner. This has led to an apparent prevalence of low sexual desire in some 33% of women in community samples. The need for a different understanding of women’s sexual desire is evident. Similarly, a widespread but rather limited view of women’s sexual arousal as being equivalent to vaginal lubrication has precluded effective understanding and management of women’s arousal difficulties. The major focus on genital reflexes in our definitions of dysfunction has stemmed from viewing the human sexual response cycle (with a range of orgasmic release possible for women) depicted by Masters and Johnson and later expanded by Kaplan as the only sex response cycle. Alternative cycles likely exist, and one more relevant to women, especially those in long-term relationships, is presented.