title: Sexual activity, sexual dysfunction and associated help-seeking behaviours in middle-aged and older adults in Spain: a population survey.
abstract: To study sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and related help-seeking behaviours among mature adults in Spain, a telephone survey was conducted in Spain in 2001-2002. This was completed by 750 men and 750 women aged 40-80 years. Eighty-eight percent of men and 66% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months preceding the interview. Early ejaculation (31%) and lack of sexual interest (17%) were the most common male sexual problems. A lack of sexual interest (36%) and an inability to reach orgasm (28%) were the most common female sexual problems. Approximately 80% of men and women with a sexual problem had not sought help from a health professional. Many men and women in Spain report continued sexual interest and activity into middle age and beyond. Although a number of sexual problems are highly prevalent, few people seek medical help.
authors.affiliation: Gonçalo Moniz Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and Diretoria Científica, Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, Brazil. edson@cpqgm.fiocruz.br
authors.forename: Edson D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Dale B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Glasser
authors.forename: Clive
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gingell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003075:Coitus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D013030:Spain