Laumann EO, Paik A, Rosen RC.

 Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Ill 60637, USA.
 ob01@midway.uchicago.edu

 CONTEXT: While recent pharmacological advances have generated increased public interest
 and demand for clinical services regarding erectile dysfunction, epidemiologic data on sexual
 dysfunction are relatively scant for both women and men. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
 prevalence and risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction across various social groups and
 examine the determinants and health consequences of these disorders. DESIGN: Analysis of
 data from the National Health and Social Life Survey, a probability sample study of sexual
 behavior in a demographically representative, 1992 cohort of US adults. PARTICIPANTS:
 A national probability sample of 1749 women and 1410 men aged 18 to 59 years at the time
 of the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction as
 well as negative concomitant outcomes. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent for
 women (43%) than men (31%) and is associated with various demographic characteristics,
 including age and educational attainment. Women of different racial groups demonstrate
 different patterns of sexual dysfunction. Differences among men are not as marked but
 generally consistent  with women. Experience of sexual dysfunction is more likely among
 women and men with poor physical and emotional health. Moreover, sexual dysfunction is
 highly associated with negative experiences in sexual relationships and overall well-being.
 CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that sexual dysfunction is an important public health
 concern, and emotional problems likely contribute to the experience of these problems.

 PMID: 10022110 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]