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.