Rc. Rosen et al., PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN WOMEN - RESULTS OF A SURVEY STUDYOF 329 WOMEN IN AN OUTPATIENT GYNECOLOGICAL CLINIC, Journal of sex & marital therapy, 19(3), 1993, pp. 171-188
Few studies have investigated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in
nonclinical samples. In the present study, a standardized sexual funct
ion questionnaire was administered to 329 healthy women, aged 18-73 ye
ars, all of whom were enrolled in a Women's Wellness Center. About two
-thirds of the sample were married or living with a partner, and most
women were employed outside of the home. A broad range of sexual behav
ior frequencies were observed, with 48.5% reporting at least weekly in
tercourse, compared to 28.4% who were not sexually active at the time
of study. Among the most common sexual problems reported were anxiety
or inhibition during sexual activity (38.1%), lack of sexual pleasure
(16.3%), and difficulty in achieving orgasm (15.4%). Other common prob
lems were lack of lubrication (13.6%) and painful intercourse (11.3%),
each of which was significantly more prevalent in the postmenopausal
group. Despite these difficulties, 68.6% of the sample rated their ove
rall sexual relationship as satisfactory. Age and relationship status
were significant predictors of sexual satisfaction, with older women a
nd singles reporting a higher incidence of sexual problems. Educationa
l level, religious affiliation, and employment status were not predict
ive of sexual dysfunction in the present study.