Sexual Difficulties, Problems, and Help-Seeking in a National Representative Sample: The Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Richters, Juliet; Yeung, Anna; Rissel, Chris; McGeechan, Kevin; Caruana, Theresa; Visser, Richard de

doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02244-w

Cited by 10 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…With regard to the role of sexual problem symptoms, the findings are consistent with previous studies which have suggested that higher levels of sexuality-related personal distress as well as difficulties or pain with vaginal penetration are associated with higher help-seeking, whereas problems related to a lack of sexual desire are associated with lower help-seeking intention [ 25 ]. Informing women about their right to pleasure can strengthen their sense of entitlement to a satisfying sex life.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…In a French GSSAB-sample, experiencing problems with lubrication was associated with more help-seeking behavior [ 24 ]. These findings are in line with a large population-based study among Australians showing that both pain during intercourse as well as lubrication problems were associated with more help-seeking behavior [ 25 ]. Overall, there appears to be evidence that sexual problems affecting vaginal intercourse, and thus may have a stronger impact on sexual behavior in heterosexual couples, result in more help-seeking compared with sexual problems affecting women’s personal sexual experience (e.g., low desire, lack of mental sexual arousal, or difficulty achieving orgasm).…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 90%

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Exploring barriers and facilitators to women’s intention and behavior to seek treatment for distressing sexual problems

Velten,

Margraf

2023

PLoS ONE

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Many women experience distressing problems with sexual functioning, most commonly in the form of low sexual desire or arousal, difficulties reaching orgasm, or genito-pelvic pain with sexual activity. Although effective treatments are available, more than half of the women who experience distressing sexual problems do not seek professional help. Understanding help-seeking patterns, experiences with treatment providers, and barriers to treatment is crucial to address this underutilization. Examining the role of personal characteristics, sexual problem symptoms, and cognitive factors in explaining the intention to seek treatment can help identify individuals who are most reluctant to seek help. Psychological online interventions are a promising resource to increase the availability of effective treatments. Knowledge about the predictors of women’s intention to use internet-delivered treatments, as well as information about personal preferences regarding their scope, can help tailor them to women’s needs. To address these research questions, cross-sectional data of 800 women (Mage = 30.49, range = 18–73) were analyzed. While many women considered clinical psychologists to be the most qualified treatment providers, gynecologists were cited as the most likely first point of contact. Among women not utilizing any treatments, many reported a preference for dealing with a sexual problem on their own as a reason not to seek help. Higher help-seeking intention was related to living in a larger city, experiencing higher sexual distress, experiencing pain or difficulties with vaginal penetration, higher self-stigma. and lower sexual assertiveness. Women who were convinced of the effectiveness of psychological online interventions and who appreciated the benefits of anonymity indicated that they were more likely to use them. Understanding what factors influence women’s decisions about whether or not to seek professional help for distressing sexual problems is key to reducing the underutilization of available resources and developing treatments that meet their needs and preferences.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Exploring barriers and facilitators to women’s intention and behavior to seek treatment for distressing sexual problems

Velten,

Margraf

2023

PLoS ONE

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“…In a recent Australian survey covering the age span 16 −69 years, 13.7% of men and 18.1% of women had not engaged in partnered sex in the previous year. 6 Presumably due to the broader age range of respondents in the present study, we observed somewhat higher proportions of inter-personal sexual inactivity (men: 23.0%; women: 28.8%). Such sexual inactivity was more common among participants with poor self-rated health and those with physical or mental disease in age-adjusted analyses.…”

Section: Inter-personal Sexual Inactivitymentioning

confidence: 43%

“…5 In Australia, sexual difficulties experienced for at least a month during the last year were reported by as many as 48% of men and 68% of women in a national survey, but large proportions of these difficulties were not perceived as problematic, thus failing to constitute sexual dysfunctions. 6 Associations between indicators of poor health and sexual problems have been the subject of several investigations. The British Natsal-3 survey demonstrated that a considerable proportion of sexual dysfunctions were associated with current health problems, 7 and links between erectile dysfunction and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are wellestablished.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical and Mental Health Problems and Their Associations with Inter-Personal Sexual Inactivity and Sexual Dysfunctions in Denmark: Baseline Assessment in a National Cohort Study

Bahnsen

Graugaard

Andersson

et al. 2022

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Background Physical and mental health are important to sexual function and wellbeing. Yet, associations of ill-health with sexual inactivity and dysfunctions are scarcely researched at population level. Aim To explore and document associations of self-rated health and physical and mental health problems with inter-personal sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunctions. Methods We used data from a probability-based, nationally representative sample of 60,958 sexually experienced Danes aged 15–89 years who participated in the 2017–18 Project SEXUS cohort study. Logistic regression analyses provided demographically weighted odds ratios for associations between health measures and sexual outcomes adjusted for partner status and other potential confounders. Outcomes Inter-personal sexual inactivity and a range of male and female sexual dysfunctions. Results Inter-personal sexual inactivity was more common among individuals with bad or very bad self-rated health compared to peers rating their health as good or very good (men: adjusted odds ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.66–2.25; women: 1.66, 1.42–1.94). Individuals rating their health as bad or very bad were also consistently more likely to report sexual dysfunctions, with associated statistically significant adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.66 to 6.38 in men and from 2.25 to 3.20 in women. Patient groups at high risk of sexual dysfunctions comprised individuals afflicted by cardiovascular diseases, pain conditions, diabetes, gastrointestinal and liver diseases, cancer, skin diseases, nervous system diseases, gynecological diseases, benign prostatic hyperplasia, other physical health problems, stress, anxiety, affective disorders, self-injury or suicide ideation and attempts, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychoses and other mental health problems. Clinical Implications These findings warrant heightened awareness among healthcare professionals, public health promoters and researchers concerning insufficiently appreciated sexual challenges among individuals with poor health. Strengths & Limitations The major strengths of our investigation include the large size of the study cohort, the detailed assessment of health-related variables, potential confounders and sexual outcomes, and the fact that we provide new population-based knowledge about less common and sparsely researched sexual dysfunctions and diseases. Limitations of our study include its cross-sectional nature and its modest response rate (35%). Conclusion Findings from our large and nationally representative cohort study provide evidence that poor self-rated health and a range of specific physical and mental health problems are associated with statistically significantly increased rates of inter-personal sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunctions.

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“…To these correspond the HSDD and the female sexual interest/arousal disorder, respectively. Research indicates that, when compared to men, women experience more sexual desire difficulties [ 7 , 16 ]. These are characterized by the lack of, or significantly reduced, sexual interest/arousal in almost all sexual encounters and the unreceptiveness to partner’s attempts to initiate sexual activity according to the DSM-5 [ 17 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Women Want? The State of the Art regarding the Treatment of Young Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

de Oliveira,

Vignozzi,

Giraldi

et al. 2023

Pharmacology

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Background: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women involves biological, psychological, and social aspects. In the European Society for Sexual Medicine meeting in Rotterdam in February 2023, several leading experts in the field discussed the multifaceted nature of this disorder and the state of the art regarding treatment at a round table. This review reflects the information discussed at this event and further discusses current controversies. Summary: HSDD is the most prevalent female-estimated sexual disorder reported by 28% of the 40% premenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. Flibanserin and bremelanotide are the only approved medications to treat HSDD in the USA, and none are approved in Europe. Lybrido, Lybridos, and Lorexys are under development. There are several psychological factors with impact in sexual desire, including depression and sexual abuse. Feminine sexual scripts, the pleasure gap, and structural inequalities also affect sexual desire. Evidence strongly supports the value of combining medical and psychological approaches in the treatment of HSDD, but there is ongoing controversy regarding the pharmacological treatment of young women with HSDD. However, some women seem open and would like to have access to drug treatment. Key Messages: The treatment of HSDD in young women requires a mixed treatment approach that addresses the disorder’s complexity. Despite clinicians seeming to be divided between using pharmacological and/or psychosocial approaches, some women might respond better to one type of intervention over the others. This calls for the development of tools that assess the best approach for each person, including their will and informed choice.

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Sexual Difficulties, Problems, and Help-Seeking in a National Representative Sample: The Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Abstract: Richard (2022) Sexual difficulties, problems, and help-seeking in a national representative sample: the second Australian study of health and relationships. Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Cited by 10 publications

References 41 publications

Exploring barriers and facilitators to women’s intention and behavior to seek treatment for distressing sexual problems

Exploring barriers and facilitators to women’s intention and behavior to seek treatment for distressing sexual problems

Physical and Mental Health Problems and Their Associations with Inter-Personal Sexual Inactivity and Sexual Dysfunctions in Denmark: Baseline Assessment in a National Cohort Study

What Women Want? The State of the Art regarding the Treatment of Young Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

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