William Atkins
Saturday, 01 November 2008 21:20
Science -
Health
Page 2 of 3
Of these women, the highest percentage of women reporting distressing sexual problems occurred in the 45 to 64 year age group.
This group reported 14.8% of its numbers with distressing sexual problems.
Women in the younger group reported 10.8% and women in the older group reported 8.9%.
Dr. Shifren stated within the October 31, 2008 Washington Post article,
"The highest prevalence of sexual dysfunction was in older women, but they experienced less associated distress. The most distress occurred at mid-life, and the youngest women had the lowest prevalence of problems and of associated distress." [Washington Post: “
Almost Half of Women Have Sexual Problems”]
According to the Washington Post article
“Almost Half of Women Have Sexual Problems,” “Overall, … 39 percent reported diminished desire, 26 percent reported problems with arousal, and 21 percent problems with achieving orgasm.”
The researchers also found that distressing sexual problems was found more frequently in women that reported low educational level, depression, anxiety, urinary incontinence, poor health, and thyroid conditions.
The researchers concluded, as stated in the abstract to their paper,
“The prevalence of distressing sexual problems peaked in middle-aged women and was considerably lower than the prevalence of sexual problems. This underlines the importance of assessing the prevalence of sexually related personal distress in accurately estimating the prevalence of sexual problems that may require clinical intervention.”
Page three states reasons why older women have more problems but less concerns.
