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A population-based survey of sexual activity, sexual problems and associated help-seeking behavior patterns in mature adults in the United States of America

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 21, pages 171–178 (2009)Cite this article

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.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the contribution of our colleagues on the study's International Advisory Board: Alfredo Nicolosi (Italy), Bernard Levinson (South Africa), Clive Gingell (UK), Ferruh Simsek (Turkey), Gerald Brock (Canada), Jacques Buvat (France), Ken Marumo (Japan), Rosie King (Australia), Sae-Chul Kim (Korea) and Uwe Hartmann (Germany). The Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors was funded by Pfizer Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA

    E O Laumann

  2. Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA

    D B Glasser

  3. Gonçalo Moniz Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil

    R C S Neves & E D Moreira Jr

Authors
  1. E O Laumann
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  2. D B Glasser
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  3. R C S Neves
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  4. E D Moreira Jr
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for the GSSAB Investigators' Group

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Correspondence to E D Moreira Jr.

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Conflict of interest

Edward O Laumann and Edson D Moreira Jr are consultants for Pfizer Inc. Dale B Glasseran is an employee and stockowner of Pfizer Inc. Raimundo C S Neves—none.

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Laumann, E., Glasser, D., Neves, R. et al. A population-based survey of sexual activity, sexual problems and associated help-seeking behavior patterns in mature adults in the United States of America. Int J Impot Res 21, 171–178 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2009.7

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