How common are sexual problems in women?

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How common are sexual problems in women?

A sexual problem is a decrease in or lack of sexual satisfaction. By definition, a sexual problem is distressing to a woman and/or her relationship with a partner. (What is distressing to one woman may not be a concern for another woman.)

Most women are troubled by a sexual problem at one time or another. For some women, it can be a long-term problem. Surveys of the general population in the United States found that many women occasionally have sexual problems and worries, including:¹

Concerns about sexuality (6 out of 10 women).
Lack of interest in sex (3 out of 10 women).
Sex not always being pleasurable (2 out of 10 women).
Pain with intercourse (1 to 2 out of 10 women).
Difficulty becoming aroused (5 out of 10 women).
Difficulty reaching orgasm (5 out of 10 women).
Not being able to have an orgasm (2 to 3 out of 10 women).

References

Citations
Baram DA (2002). Sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and sexual assault. In JS Berek, ed., Novak's Gynecology, 13th ed., pp. 295–310. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits

Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Author	Merrill Hayden
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	April 7, 2006

Last updated:	April 07, 2006
Author:	Merrill Hayden
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Terrina Vail

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