What factors are associated with reporting lacking interest in sex and how do these vary by gender? Findings from the third British national survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate factors associated with reporting lacking interest in sex and how these vary by gender.SettingBritish general population.DesignComplex survey analyses of data collected for a cross-sectional probability sample survey, undertaken 2010–2012, specifically logistic regression to calculate age-adjusted OR (AOR) to identify associated factors.Participants4839 men and 6669 women aged 16–74 years who reported ≥1 sexual partner (opposite-sex or same-sex) in the past year for the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3).Main outcome measureLacking interest in sex for ≥3 months in the past year.ResultsOverall, 15.0% (13.9–16.2) of men and 34.2% (32.8–35.5) of women reported lacking interest in sex. This was associated with age and physical and mental health for both men and women, including self-reported general health and current depression. Lacking interest in sex was more prevalent among men and women reporting sexually transmitted infection diagnoses (ever), non-volitional sex (ever) and holding sexual attitudes related to normative expectations about sex. Some gender similarities in associated relationship and family-related factors were evident, including partner having had sexual difficulties in the last year (men: AOR 1.41 (1.07–1.86); women: AOR 1.60 (1.32–1.94)), not feeling emotionally close to partner during sex (men: 3.74 (1.76–7.93); women: 4.80 (2.99–7.69) and ease of talking about sex (men: 1.53 (1.23–1.90);women: 2.06 (1.77–2.39)). Among women only, lack of interest in sex was higher among those in a relationship of >1 year in duration and those not sharing the same level of interest (4.57 (3.87–5.38)) or preferences (2.91 (2.22–3.83)) with a partner.ConclusionsBoth gender similarities and differences were found in factors associated with lacking interest in sex, with the most marked differences in relation to some relationship variables. Findings highlight the need to assess, and if appropriate, treat lacking interest in sex in a holistic and relationship-specific way.

Middle-aged Lebanese women interpretation of sexual difficulties: A qualitative inquiry

“…It should mainly target the couples given the impact of their interrelation on one another sexual satisfaction. The rst sexual experiences tend to shape later experiences, particularly for women [60]. The latter should be mainly targeted to understand and voice their sexual needs and rights, and men to be attentive and responsive to theirs.…”

“…Many of these women were in their thirties and highly educated at marriage but were unable to overcome their sexual inhibition. The lack of sexual competence at the rst sexual intercourse alters women's sexual interest [60]. This speci cally applies to women more than men, which further con rms the contextual aspect of women's sexuality [60].…”

“…The lack of sexual competence at the rst sexual intercourse alters women's sexual interest [60]. This speci cally applies to women more than men, which further con rms the contextual aspect of women's sexuality [60]. As an example, one participant has suffered from vaginismus for many years.…”

“…Intercourse by itself is not the aim for women. Their perception of the relational context and the quality of the communication with the partner seem to be strongly associated with their sexual interest [60]. Love, romance, intimacy trigger sexual desire [40,70].…”

Sexual Inactivity in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Patients

“…A study conducted in the general population in the US reported that people with a household contribution of less than 20% had more than two times the risk of being sexually inactive [20]. Lack of a sexual interest is a possible contributing factor to reduced sexual activity among unemployed persons [24]. Another possible reason for sexual inactivity for single/divorced individuals is partner preference.…”