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Sexual activity, sexual dysfunction and associated help-seeking behaviours in middle-aged and older adults in Spain: a population survey

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Abstract

To study sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and related help-seeking behaviours among mature adults in Spain, a telephone survey was conducted in Spain in 2001–2002. This was completed by 750 men and 750 women aged 40–80 years. Eighty-eight percent of men and 66% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months preceding the interview. Early ejaculation (31%) and lack of sexual interest (17%) were the most common male sexual problems. A lack of sexual interest (36%) and an inability to reach orgasm (28%) were the most common female sexual problems. Approximately 80% of men and women with a sexual problem had not sought help from a health professional. Many men and women in Spain 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

The global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors was funded by Pfizer Inc. The authors acknowledge the contribution of their colleagues on the study’s international Advisory Board: Gerald Brock (Canada), Jacques Buvat (France), Uwe Hartmann (Germany), Sae-Chul Kim (Korea), Rosie King (Australia), Edward Laumann (USA), Bernard Levinson (South Africa), Ken Marumo (Japan), Alfredo Nicolosi (Italy) and Ferruh Simsek (Turkey).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gonçalo Moniz Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation and Diretoria Científica, Hospital São Rafael, Salvador, Brazil

    Edson D. Moreira Jr.

  2. Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA

    Dale B. Glasser

  3. Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK

    Clive Gingell

  4. Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Oswald Cruz Foundation, Rua Waldemar Falcão 121, 40.295-001, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

    Edson D. Moreira Jr.

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  1. Edson D. Moreira Jr.
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  2. Dale B. Glasser
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  3. Clive Gingell
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On behalf of The GSSAB Investigators’ Group

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Correspondence to Edson D. Moreira Jr..

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Moreira, E.D., Glasser, D.B., Gingell, C. et al. Sexual activity, sexual dysfunction and associated help-seeking behaviours in middle-aged and older adults in Spain: a population survey. World J Urol 23, 422–429 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-005-0035-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-005-0035-1

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