Sexual disabilities are not singularities

Abstract

This report is based on a survey (performed 1996) of sex life in a nationally representative sample of Swedish women (n=1335) and men (n=1475) aged 18-74 y. From that survey we have previously reported on prevalence of sexual disabilities and problems caused by them (1). The main object of this article is to describe intra- and inter-gender concurrence of sexual disabilities and problems in sexually active subjects. Furthermore, the relative risk of low level of sexual well-being as predicted by sexual disabilities and distress is addressed. Respondents (59% of target sample) participated in an investigation which combined structured interviews with questionnaires/checklists. Main results are that within and across genders sexual disabilities concur to significant degrees. Of the women 48 and 26% reported at least one own and partner sexual disability or distress caused by them, respectively. For the men the corresponding proportions were 26 and 17%, respectively. Odds ratios showed that for the women low sexual interest, difficulties in obtaining orgasm and partner's early ejaculation were significant predictors of low level of sexual well-being. For the men low level of interest and partner's difficulties in obtaining orgasm were the only, but equally powerful, predictors. It is concluded that in clinical practice and for those who have a partner, sexual disabilities and distress caused by them should be regarded from the partner relationship perspective.