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Sexual behaviour, sexual dysfunctions and related help seeking patterns in middle-aged and elderly Europeans: the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors

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Abstract

To study the sexual activity and the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and related help seeking behaviour, among people in Europe aged 40–80 years. A telephone survey was carried out in 2001–2002 in Sweden, the UK, Belgium, Germany, Austria, France, Spain and Italy, of 4,977 men and 5,023 women, using a structured, standardized questionnaire Eighty-three percent of men and 66% of women had sexual intercourse during the year preceding the interview. The sexual dysfunctions most frequently reported were early ejaculation (11%) and erectile dysfunction (8%) in men; and a lack of sexual interest (18%), an inability to reach orgasm (13%) and lubrication difficulties (11%) in women. Of the 23% of men and 32% of women who reported sexual dysfunction, 26% had consulted a physician, with considerable between-country differences. Sexual activity is widespread among adult middle-aged and elderly people, but many experience sexual dysfunctions and few seek medical care.

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Acknowledgments

The Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors was funded by Pfizer Inc. The authors thank the staff of the international advisory board: Gerald Brock (Canada), Sae-Chul Kim (Korea), Rosie King (Australia), Bernard Levinson (South Africa), Ken Marumo (Japan), Edson Moreira (Brazil), Ferruh Simsek (Turkey).

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Correspondence to Alfredo Nicolosi.

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Nicolosi, A., Buvat, J., Glasser, D.B. et al. Sexual behaviour, sexual dysfunctions and related help seeking patterns in middle-aged and elderly Europeans: the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors. World J Urol 24, 423–428 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-006-0088-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-006-0088-9

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