The Hidden Burdens of Sexual Dysfunctions

What is it about?

Sexual dysfunctions are common issues that affect up to 1 in 5 individuals and impair intimate relationships and mental health. We compared the prevalence of sexual dysfunction between a community sample and a sample of patients consulting in sex therapy. We also examined help-seeking behaviors and barriers to treatment access.

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Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash

Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Sexual dysfunctions persist as underreported and undertreated issues, impacting a significant portion of the population. To estimate their prevalence, we examined sexual dysfunction comprehensively, considering symptoms linked to each difficulty (e.g., low sexual interest/arousal disorder, erectile problems, genito-pelvic pain) along with participants’ associated distress level. Specifically, we compared sexual dysfunctions’ prevalences and their correlations with psychosexual well-being between adults seeking sex therapy and a community-based comparison group. Patients consulting in sex therapy reported more sexual dysfunctions, lower sexual satisfaction, and higher psychological distress compared to participants among the community sample. Alarmingly, 40% of individuals in the community reported being unable to access sexual health services for their sexual dysfunction, with the majority facing at least one structural barrier to receiving help.

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