Sexual health survey |
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Survey
Four diverse general practices in England participated, and from each register a random sample of 1000 people was selected of men and women in different age groups between the ages of 18 and 75. A questionnaire was piloted and then sent to people selected from the registers, with a letter from the practice emphasising the importance of the work and the anonymity of the questionnaire. Questionnaires for men and women were different.
Results
The response rate was 39% for men and 49% for women, with 1768 responses in total. One third of responders had not had sex at all during the previous three months, and one fifth reported having sex more than once a week.
The current and lifetime sexual problems reported by women and men are shown in the Table. For women, vaginal dryness and never or rarely experiencing a climax were common. For men common problems were getting and maintaining an erection, and premature ejaculation.
Table: Common sexual problems in women and men in the UK
| Percent with sexual problem | ||
| Problem | Current | Lifetime |
Women |
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| Never or rarely climax | 27 | |
| Pain during intercourse | 18 | 45 |
| Vaginal dryness | 28 | 49 |
| Problems with arousal | 17 | |
| Sex never or rarely pleasant | 18 | |
| Any of these | 41 | |
| Any lifetime problem | 68 | |
Men |
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| Difficulty getting erection | 21 | 23 |
| Difficulty maintaining erection | 24 | 25 |
| Either or both of these | 26 | 39 |
| Premature ejaculation | 14 | 31 |
| Sex never or rarely pleasant | 9 | |
| Any of these | 34 | |
| Any lifetime problem | 54 | |
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About half the responders said they would like to receive help for sexual problems, but only about 5% of those who wanted help had received it. Given an opportunity to choose whence such help would be most welcome, there was a preference for family doctor, family planning or well (wo)man clinic or trained marriage guidance counsellor. CommentThese results are strikingly similar to those found in the US survey in Bandolier 65 . It highlights a high prevalence of sexual problems, with a gap between need and provision. Reference:
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