title: Sexual problems and help-seeking behaviour in adults in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and related help-seeking behaviour patterns among middle-aged and older people in the UK and Europe.
  
  
  METHODS
  A telephone survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, health, relationships, and sexual behaviour, attitudes and beliefs. In the UK, 1500 individuals completed the survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 69% of men and 56% of women reported having sexual intercourse during the past year. The most common male sexual problems, i.e. early ejaculation (20%) and erectile dysfunction (18%), were more common in the UK than in other European regions. The most common female sexual problems, i.e. a lack of sexual interest (34%) and a lack of pleasure in sex (25%), were also more common in the UK than in other European regions. Only 26% of men and 17% of women had discussed their sexual problem(s) with a doctor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many people in the UK maintain sexual interest and activity into middle age and beyond. Although they experience sexual problems, few seek medical help. This might be because they do not perceive such problems as serious or sufficiently upsetting, and/or are not aware of available treatments.
authors.affiliation: Gonçalo Moniz Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 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: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nicolosi
authors.forename: Fernanda G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.forename: Clive
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gingell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires