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Sexual problems among women and men aged 40–80 y: prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 17, pages 39–57 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

The Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB) is an international survey of various aspects of sex and relationships among adults aged 40–80 y. An analysis of GSSAB data was performed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of sexual problems in 13 882 women and 13 618 men from 29 countries. The overall response rate was modest; however, the estimates of prevalence of sexual problems are comparable with published values. Several factors consistently elevated the likelihood of sexual problems. Age was an important correlate of lubrication difficulties among women and of several sexual problems, including a lack of interest in sex, the inability to reach orgasm, and erectile difficulties among men. We conclude that sexual difficulties are relatively common among mature adults throughout the world. Sexual problems tend to be more associated with physical health and aging among men than women.

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Acknowledgements

The Global Study on Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors was funded by Pfizer Inc. We acknowledge the contribution of our colleagues on the international advisory board for this study: Jacques Buvat (France), Gerald Brock (Canada), Uwe Hartmann (Germany), Sae-Chul Kim (Korea), Rosie King (Australia), Bernard Levinson (South Africa), Ken Marumo (Japan), and Ferruh Simsek (Turkey).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Chicago, Chicago, USA

    E O Laumann & T Wang

  2. National Research Council, Milan, Italy

    A Nicolosi

  3. Columbia University, NY, USA

    A Nicolosi

  4. Pfizer Inc, NY, USA

    D B Glasser

  5. University of Iowa, IA, USA

    A Paik

  6. Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK

    C Gingell

  7. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Bahia, Brazil

    E Moreira

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  1. E O Laumann
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  2. A Nicolosi
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  3. D B Glasser
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  4. A Paik
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  5. C Gingell
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  6. E Moreira
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  7. T Wang
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for the GSSAB Investigators' Group

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Correspondence to E O Laumann.

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Laumann, E., Nicolosi, A., Glasser, D. et al. Sexual problems among women and men aged 40–80 y: prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. Int J Impot Res 17, 39–57 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901250

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