Predictors of Problems with Female Sexual Response

The National Health and Social Life Survey looked at variables that may be predictive of female sexual problems.(1) Surprisingly, sexual problems were more common among younger women than older women; the authors suggested this was due to inexperience, the lack of a steady partner, and periods of sexual inactivity. Unmarried women were also more likely to have sexual problems than married women. Women with poor health had an increased risk of sexual pain disorders, and those with urinary tract symptoms were at greater risk for arousal and pain disorders. Low sexual activity or interest was predictive of a desire or arousal disorder. Deteriorating economic status was positively associated with a modest elevation in the risk of all categories of sexual problems. Finally, arousal problems were highly associated with negative sexual experiences (such as sexual harassment and assault). Emotional and stress-related problems also increased the risk of sexual difficulties.

In the Massachusetts Women's Health Survey II, health and marital status were the most consistent predictors of continuing sexual activity among 200 premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women. (2) The better a woman's health, the more likely she was to have an interest in sex and to have sex. Marriage had the opposite effect: married women had lower libidos and were more likely to say that interest in sex declines with aging and to report that they were less aroused now than when they were in their 40s.

Sources:

• Laumann EO, Paik A, Rosen RC. Sexual dysfunction in the United States: prevalence and predictors. JAMA 1999;281:537-544.
• Avis NE, Stellato R, Crawford S, et al. Is there an association between menopause status and sexual functioning? Menopause 2000;7:297-309.