Women Say Sexual Health Issues Impact Multiple Aspects of Their Lives
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) – WASHINGTON, — A new survey released today shows 70 percent of women report having experienced a sexual health issue, of which 22 percent felt very or extremely concerned. The survey also found that many women claim they would be comfortable talking to a health care provider about a sexual health issue, but less than one-fifth (18%) actually visited their health care provider when they experienced one.
The survey, commissioned by the National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC) and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), was designed to explore women’s attitudes and behaviors regarding their sexual health.
The survey defined “sexual health issue” as any of the following six conditions: a lack of desire to engage in sexual activity, not being able to become sexually aroused, not being able to have an orgasm, pain during intercourse, excessive desire to engage in sexual activity, or vaginal dryness.
Respondents who experienced sexual health issues reported negative impacts on their romantic relationships (44%), self-esteem (43%), and mental health (42%). These women also found that sexual health issues caused stress and anxiety (66%), and affected their sleeping habits (28%) and their weight (25%).
“Given the number of women who experience sexual health issues, it is important to provide them with accurate, unbiased information on conditions they may encounter throughout their lifetime,” said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of NWHRC. “Fortunately, many sexual health issues can be successfully addressed through education, lifestyle changes, counseling and treatment, and we encourage women to talk with their partner and their health care provider.”
To help women learn more about healthy female sexuality and encourage them to talk about issues they may have, NWHRC and ARHP have joined forces with support from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop a new educational campaign titled, “Sex and a Healthier You.” The campaign seeks to provide accurate information and advance positive sexual health messages by raising awareness about sexual function as a natural and valued aspect of women’s lives. Additionally, the program aims to increase the level of meaningful and effective communication between women and their health care providers and women and their partners.
Sexual Health Defined
While definitions of sexual health vary, the majority of respondents define being sexually healthy as having a satisfying sex life (79%), having a good relationship with their partner (78%), and/or experiencing sexual desire (65%).
Moreover, three-quarters of the women surveyed believe they should have sex once a week or more to be considered sexually healthy (76%). Findings show, however, that only half actually had sex this often over the last four weeks (54%).
Where Women Turn for Sexual Health Information
When women need information about sexual health issues, they first turn to the Internet (35%), followed closely by their partner (32%). Many women say they would be comfortable talking to a health care provider about a sexual health issue, but less than one-fifth (18%) actually visited their health care provider when they experienced one. Additionally, the survey found that women who frequently visit their doctors are more likely to visit a health care provider about a sexual health issue.
“Health care providers today have more resources than ever to help women understand and maximize their healthy sexuality throughout the age span,” said Dr. Beth Jordan, ARHP medical director. “It is critical for women to understand the basics of the female sexual response and the myriad, and often emotional, factors that impact their sense of sexuality.”
For more information about the “Sex and a Healthier You” campaign, log on to www.SexandaHealthierYou.org.
This survey was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com