Sexual problems in 18-67-year-old Norwegians

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the prevalence of sexual problems in Norway. Methods: The results are based on two samples from 2008, one of which was taken from 1671 web interviews in December among persons ranging from 18—67 years of age, and the other being a survey on sexual behaviour among a random sample of 12,000 Norwegians between the ages of 18 and 59, taken in April. Main outcome measures: The prevalence of sexual problems during the past 12 months. Results: Generalised linear model analyses showed that the highest expected prevalence of manifest problems was found in the following groups: reduced sexual desire problems in 60—67-year-old women with university education (52%); orgasm problems in 18—29-year-old women with less than university education (32%); genital pain in 18—29-year-old women with less than university education (19%); premature ejaculation problems in 18—29-year-old men with less than university education (27%); delayed ejaculation problems in men with less than university education (12%); erectile dysfunction in 60—67-year-old men (34%); and lubrication problems in 60—67-year-old women living in southeast Norway (29%). Sexual problems correlated negatively with sexual wellbeing. Conclusions: This research indicates that sexual problems represent a public health problem.