Female Sexual Dysfunction: You're Not Alone

A  significant portion of the female population will have some sort of sexually-related health difficulty or dysfunction in their lifetime. But, findings from an international survey conducted by The Women's Sexual Health Foundation found that less than 9% of women ages 21 to 80 are asked by their healthcare provider if they are having difficulties with sex.  I'm not surprised, are you?  We are so rushed during an appointment with our doctors, it's a wonder they have time to take our blood pressure.

As you can see from the stats below, most women on the planet will fall into one or more of the categories that contribute to Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD).

-- Up to 90% of female cancer patients will have sexual health difficulties
-- Up to 43% of women in general will experience sexual problems
-- FSD is highly prevalent among women with stress urinary incontinence
-- 55% of post-menopausal sexually active women will have FSD
-- FSD is about twice as prevalent in women with high blood pressure

This 18-point survey gathered data from 391 respondents to determine a woman's willingness to discuss sexual health difficulties with their healthcare provider.  And, did they believe the provider had the expertise to help them treat their sexual difficulties.

Women surveyed indicated that 71.68% would be comfortable if their healthcare provider initiated a conversation about any sexual health problem(s), and 72.70% preferred that their healthcare provider initiated this discussion, but this rarely occurs. Of the healthcare specialties, 83% of women believed that their ob/gyn would be the most knowledgeable concerning these issues. However 30% of women stated that they did not believe that their provider had the expertise to address their sexual health difficulties.

The Women's Sexual Health Survey indicates that 91% of healthcare providers are not regularly asking patients about sexual health difficulties according to Lisa Martinez, Executive Director for the Foundation. "It shows all too clearly that women will have to advocate for their own care and initiate the conversation with their doctor or nurse practitioner concerning problems with intimacy. There is a critical need for frank discussions."

To help women to become their own best advocate, the survey findings and other key issues will be discussed during The Women's Sexual Health Foundation 3rd annual women's sexual health symposium, Reclaiming Healthy Intimacy, Passion and Pleasure in conjunction with The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, on October 5 in New York City.  to learn more about it click here.

Sexual Wellness is so important.  Don't be ashamed about talking to your physician about it.  Treat it as you would any other medical problem.  Make a list of questions, and schedule an appointment to talk about it. If your doctor seems uncomfortable addressing your concerns, then perhaps it's time to find a new doctor.

 

Comments

[joybringer]

Thanks for addressing this most important issue. Unfortunately, I too, have issues surrounding my changing sexual organs as I age and find no one to discuss what my concerns are.

While sex is something I want to engage in until I'm dead, I don't like what changes I see in the sexual organs and wonder if there is anything I can do to change this process for the better.

The next time I go to the GYN, I will specifically ask for a mature woman doctor to discuss these issues with because I am not comfortable discussing it with a male doctor. Of course, they cannot relate to these direct concerns as a woman as well!