title: A population-based survey of sexual activity, sexual problems and associated help-seeking behavior patterns in mature adults in the United States of America.
abstract: To study sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and related help-seeking behaviors among mature adults in the United States of America, a telephone survey was conducted in 2001-2002. A total of 1491 individuals (742 men/749 women) aged 40-80 years completed the survey. Overall, 79.4% of men and 69.3% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months preceding the interview. Early ejaculation (26.2%) and erectile difficulties (22.5%) were the most common male sexual problems. A lack of sexual interest (33.2%) and lubrication difficulties (21.5%) were the most common female sexual problems. Less than 25% of men and women with a sexual problem had sought help for their sexual problem(s) from a health professional. Many men and women in the United States 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: Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, USA.
authors.forename: E O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Laumann
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Glasser
authors.forename: R C S
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Moreira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D003625:Data Collection; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012067:Religion; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology