May 31, 2022
10 Sexual Health Facts for Women and Men By Dr. Michele Couri, MD, FACOG, ABIHM
- Sexual health and intimacy is important for adult men and women of all ages and is closely linked to our seft-esteem and quality of life.
- Sexual activity, behaviors, and sex-related problems of over 3,000 U.S. adults 57 to 85 years of age have been investigated, and it has been found that the majority of older adults engage in intimate relationships and regard sexuality as an essential part of life.
- Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in both sexes, ranging from 10% to 52% of men and 25% to 63% of women.
- A large survey of over 3,100 men and women in the United States revealed that sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in women (43%) compared to men (31%).
- It has been estimated that 34.8% of men aged 40-70 suffer from moderate to complete erectile dysfunction.
- 64% of menopausal women suffer from painful intercourse according to the North American Menopause Society.
- Testosterone deficiency in men can lead to decreased sexual desire (low libido), decreased frequency of sexual thoughts, erectile dysfunction, and decreased frequency or absent morning erections.
- Estrogen and testosterone deficiency in women can cause vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, decreased sexual desire (low libido), and increased risk for urinary tract infections.
- Up to 38% of men suffer from testosterone deficiency based on research studies from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
- Hormonal deficiency in both men and women can be safely and easily treated to not only improve quality of life but also to reduce the risks of age-related sexual dysfunction as well as the risks of many chronic medical diseases.
There is no need to suffer in silence from hormone-related sexual dysfunction. To learn more about our Harmonie and T by Couri hormone replacement options for women and men, contact us today or call 309-692-6828. We’re here to help. New patients are welcome.
To Your Health,
Dr. Couri
Sources Used:
- Marcus J. Cuerva, et al., The sexual health approach in postmenopause: The 5-minute study. Maturitas 108 (2018) 31-36.
- Edward O. Laumann, et al., Sexual dysfunction in the United States: Prevalence and predictors. JAMA 1999; 281(6):537-544.
- Holly N. Thomas, et al., Correlates of sexual activity and satisfaction in midlife and older women. Fam Med 2015;13:336–342
- Stacy Tessler Lindau, et al., A study of sexuality and health among older adults in the United States. N Engl J Med 2007; 357: 762-774.