Women Say Sexual Health Issues Impact Multiple Aspects of Their Lives.
Many women in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, compulsive gambling or co-dependency may identify with this survey. The women included were heterosexual, lesbian and/or bisexual.
National Survey Shows 70% of Women Have Experienced a Sexual Health Issue
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 US 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%).
Education
"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, counselling and treatment, and we encourage women to talk with their partner and their health care provider."
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."
Full story at; Healthy Women
Sexuality is reflected in the total expression of who we are as human beings. 
