Prevalence and Reasons for the Absence of Vaginal Intercourse in Chinese Middle-Aged and Elderly Men

Abstract

Introduction: As the global population ages, research on the health of middle-aged and elderly men has intensified.

Aim: To report a paucity of data on the prevalence, etiology, and risk factors associated with lack of vaginal intercourse in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men.

Methods: Between January, 2018, and May, 2020, 6,096 men aged 40-90 years old who reside in mainland China were included in the community-based study. Validated scales related to erectile dysfunction (EHS and IIEF-5) and late-onset hypogonadism (ADAM and AMS), and in-person interview method were used to collect data. Multivariable analysis was performed to examine the risk factors associated with the absence of intercourse.

Outcomes: Prevalence estimate of no current vaginal intercourse and its associations with basic factors and medical comorbidities. Reasons for no current vaginal intercourse.

Results: The prevalence of intercourse absence was 19.8% (95% CI; 18.8-20.8%) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese males, and this proportion was significantly higher in older age groups (8.6%, 11.5%, 24.1%, and 34.2% for men aged 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-90, respectively; P < .05). Among the men who attributed the lack of intercourse to themselves, 168 (21.4%, 95% CI; 18.7-24.4%) had erectile problems and were apprehensive about erectile failure during intercourse. Strained spousal relationships (35 men, 8.4%, 95% CI; 6.1-11.4%), marital issues (163 men, 39%, 95% CI; 34.4--43.8%), and poor health of the partner (179 men, 42.8%, 95% CI; 38.2-47.6%) were described as reasons for lack of intercourse with spouses. Same risk factors were also found in the multivariate analysis.

Clinical implications: Modifiable factors that are related to lack of intercourse may be beneficial to Chinese middle-aged and elderly men.

Strength & limitations: The main strength of the study is that it involved real-world settings. The limitations are as follows. Firstly, psychological data, data on sexual frequency and data regarding types of sex other than vaginal intercourse were not recorded. Secondly, this is a cross-sectional study, from which definite or causative conclusions can't be drawn. Thirdly, the spouses of the participants were not included in the study, and hence the data represent the perceptions of males only. Finally, objective data are required.

Conclusion: Modifiable factors related to both the patients and their partners were associated with an increased rate of no intercourse in Chinese middle-aged and elderly men. Guidance for sexual life may benefit men with an absence of intercourse. Future studies are warranted to reexamine our findings. Lu Y, Zhang J, Ma C, et al. Prevalence and Reasons for the Absence of Vaginal Intercourse in Chinese Middle-Aged and Elderly Men. Sex Med 2022;10:100511.

Keywords: Aging; China; Prevalence; Sexuality; Vaginal Intercourse.

Figure 1

Reasons reported for lack of current vaginal intercourse attributed to the self by the participant.

Figure 2

Reasons reported for lack of current vaginal intercourse attributed to the spouse by the participant.