Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Problems Among Midlife Canadian Adults: Results from a National Survey
Quinn-Nilas C, Milhausen RR, McKay A and Holzapfel S, 2018
Background
Sexual problems are common among midlife men and women, and studies have identified a range of demographic, health, and relational correlates. Research on prevalence of these sexual problems within Canada is sparse and is warranted given the unique context related to provision of health care services in contrast to other countries.
Aim
We investigated sexual problems (women’s low desire, orgasm difficulties, and vaginal pain, as well as men’s low desire, erection difficulties, and ejaculation difficulties) and their correlates among a large sample of Canadian men and women aged 40-59 years.
Methods
A national sample of Canadians was recruited (N = 2400). Prevalence statistics for the sexual problems, and odds ratios for correlates were computed using logistic regression to identify demographic, health, and behavioral correlates of men’s and women’s sexual problems.
Outcomes
Self-reported experiences in the last 6 months of low desire, vaginal dryness, vaginal pain, and orgasm difficulties for women, and low desire, erectile difficulties, and ejaculation problems for men.
Results
Sexual problems were relatively common; low desire was the most common sexual problem, particularly for women, with 40% reporting low sexual desire in the last 6 months. Women who were post-menopausal were much more likely to report low desire, vaginal pain, and vaginal dryness. Low desire and erectile difficulties for men, and low desire and orgasm difficulties for women were significant predictors of overall happiness with sexual life.
Clinical translation
Given the prevalence and impact of sexual problems indicated in our study, physicians are encouraged to routinely assess for and treat these concerns.
Conclusions
Strengths include a national sample of an understudied demographic category, midlife adults, and items consistent with other national studies of sexual problems. Causal or directional associations cannot be determined with these cross-sectional data. Results are largely consistent with previous national samples in the United States and the United Kingdom. Sexual problems are common among Canadian men and women, with many being associated with self-reported sexual happiness.