Associations between physical and mental health problems and sexual dysfunctions in sexually active Danes

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have shown a high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among individuals with a variety of health problems.

Aim: To obtain a population-based assessment of these matters, we studied associations between indicators of physical and mental health problems and sexual dysfunctions in Denmark.

Methods: We used questionnaire data from 4,415 sexually active men (mean age 48 years) and women (mean age 45 years) who participated in a nationally representative survey in 2005. Cross-sectional associations of overall health and physical and mental health problems with sexual dysfunctions in the last year were estimated by logistic regression-derived, confounder-adjusted odds ratios (OR(adj) ).

Main outcome measures: We calculated OR(adj) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia, premature ejaculation, and dyspareunia in men, for lubrication insufficiency, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, and vaginismus in women, and for sexual dysfunction and sexual difficulties overall in both sexes.

Results: Sexual dysfunction was significantly more common among participants with poor self-rated health (OR(adj) 1.86, 95% CI 1.05-3.33 in men, OR(adj) 1.91, 1.08-3.37 in women). Physical health problems were significantly associated with male sexual dysfunctions (OR(adj) 1.75, 1.18-2.61), whereas mental health problems were significantly associated with female sexual dysfunctions (OR(adj) 2.59, 1.60-4.22).

Conclusion: Among sexually active Danes, poor self-reported overall health is associated with increased rates of sexual dysfunction in both sexes, with physical health problems mainly affecting men's sex lives, and mental health problems being strongly associated with female sexual dysfunction.