Sexual problems and associated help-seeking behavior patterns: results of a population-based survey in France.
OBJECTIVE
To report the sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual problems and related help-seeking behavior among adults in France.


METHODS
A telephone survey was conducted in 2001 and 2002. Interviews were based on a standardized questionnaire including demographic details, overall health, relationships, and sexual behaviors, attitudes and beliefs.


RESULTS
A total of 1500 individuals (750 men, 750 women) aged 40 to 80 years completed the survey. Eighty-one percent of men and 65% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months preceding the interview. Premature ejaculation (16%) and erectile dysfunction (15%) were the most frequently reported sexual problems among men. Lack of sexual interest (21%) and a lack of sexual pleasure (18%) were the most frequently reported ones among women. Only 10% of men and 8% of women had been asked by a doctor about possible sexual problems during a routine visit in the last 3 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Many middle aged and older men and women in France report continued sexual interest and activity. Although a number of sexual problems are seen in this population, only a minority of individuals seek medical help for these disorders. This is largely due to believing that the problem is not serious, not being bothered by the problem, and/or a lack of awareness of available treatments.
Buvat
Jacques
J
Centre Etude et de Traitement de la Pathologie de l'Appareil Reproducteur et de la Psychosomatique (ETPARP), Lille, France.
Glasser
Dale
D
Neves
Raimundo Celestino Silva
RC
Duarte
Fernanda Gross
FG
Gingell
Clive
C
Moreira
Edson Duarte
ED
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004542:Ejaculation; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology