Treating Common Sexual Problems: Womens Sexual Health

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Treating common sexual problems

Unlike arthritis or high blood pressure, sexual problems aren't something most people feel comfortable discussing with friends and neighbors. Because of this tendency to suffer silently, you may be surprised by how many people contend with this issue: According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 43% of women and 31% of men under age 60 have some type of sexual dysfunction. And the numbers rise with age. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that by age 65, two-thirds of men have some degree of erectile dysfunction and one-sixth are completely impotent. In sharp contrast, of the adults who responded to the AARP sex survey, relatively few — just 28% of men and 10% of women — had ever sought medical advice for sexual problems.

Although many adults place a high value on a healthy sex life (see "Attitudes about sexuality and aging"), most don't know where to turn when sexual problems creep up. Some assume that the loss of sexuality is an inevitable, although regrettable, part of aging and resign themselves to a sexless existence. Others are too overcome by embarrassment to seek advice, but this may only intensify feelings of frustration, anger, and inadequacy.

The popularization of Viagra in the late 1990s went a long way toward normalizing the issue of erectile dysfunction. Countless men sought help as a result. What's less well known is that many other sexual problems can also be treated effectively in men and women, often without medication.

This section describes the major classifications of sexual problems and provides an overview of treatment options. Keep in mind that it's not unusual for a person to experience more than one kind of sexual dysfunction, and that therapies may overlap. Treatment often combines medication with sex therapy and self-help techniques.

Last updated:	January 23, 2007