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Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and correlated conditions in a sample of Brazilian women—results of the Brazilian study on sexual behavior (BSSB)

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 16, pages 160–166 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunctions across a selection of social groups. In all, 1219 women in the community, aged 18 y or older, answered a 38-question self-applicable questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression. The average age was 35.6 y (s.d.=12.31) and the average number of sexual intercourses was 2.8 (s.d.=1.94) a week. At least one sexual dysfunction was reported by 49% of the women; lack of sexual desire (LSD) by 26.7%; pain during sexual intercourse (PSI) by 23.1% and orgasmic dysfunction (OD) by 21%. Women aged over 40 y represented an LSD and OD risk factor, whereas women aged over 25 y showed less likelihood of presenting PSI. The educational level was inversely correlated with the risk of LSD, OD and PSI. Depression and cardiopathies increased PSI occurrences and women with diabetes mellitus showed a higher probability of developing LSD and OD. In conclusion, almost half the women had at least one sexual dysfunction, and prevalence increased with age and lower educational levels. Preventive medical care for the female population, mainly for patients with chronic and/or degenerative diseases, considerably reduced the chances of sexual dysfunction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil

    C H N Abdo, W M Oliveira Jr, E D Moreira Jr & J A S Fittipaldi

  2. Joint Researcher, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    E D Moreira Jr

  3. Coordinator of the Epidemiological and Statistics Nucleus, Gonçalo Muniz Research Center, Salvador, Brazil

    E D Moreira Jr

  4. Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Medical Manager of Laboratórios Pfizer, Brazil

    J A S Fittipaldi

Authors
  1. C H N Abdo
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  2. W M Oliveira Jr
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  3. E D Moreira Jr
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  4. J A S Fittipaldi
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Correspondence to C H N Abdo.

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The authors are with the Sexuality Project (ProSex), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil

Supplemetary information accompanies the paper on International Journal of Impotence Research website (http://www.nature.com/ijir).

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Abdo, C., Oliveira, W., Moreira, E. et al. Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and correlated conditions in a sample of Brazilian women—results of the Brazilian study on sexual behavior (BSSB). Int J Impot Res 16, 160–166 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901198

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