The previously reported high rate of sexual dysfunction amongst
women may have been greatly overestimated, researchers are now
suggesting. A new study, released by the Kinsey Institute for Research in
Sex, Gender and Reproduction, counters a 1999 finding that 43 percent of
women were distressed about their sexual lives. But according to these
new findings, sexual dysfunction-such as lack of interest in sex or pain
during intercourse-occurred in only a quarter of the women
surveyed.
The discrepancy stems from researchers' differing definitions of
sexual dysfunction. Previous studies placed more emphasis on the physical
aspects of sex, such as arousal and ability to orgasm. The Kinsey
Institute, on the other hand, put more weight on overall fulfillment,
such as the subject's emotional well being and satisfaction in her
relationship with her partner.
Still, for the 25 percent of women who do suffer from sexual
dysfunction, lack of sexual desire is a multi-faceted problem. "Usually
it is not just a physical thing," says Sandra Davis, Ph.D., an expert in
sexual dysfunction based in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. "There are a lot of
psychological or emotional problems surrounding it. And if they are in a
relationship, they have to figure out why there is a decrease [in
desire]," she continues.
Research suggests that many distraught couples report being
overstressed or too busy to find time for physical intimacy. Sexual
dysfunction can also come from loss of physical attraction or even
feelings of fear or anger that have built up in a relationship. Sadly,
says Davis, "lack of sexual desire is not an easy problem."
This study will be released in the June issue of
Archives of Sexual Behavior.
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