Over forties still enjoy sex, even though some have problems

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A worldwide survey shows the majority of those over 40 continue to have sex, although not without certain issues.
Sex is not just for the young, according to a study published by researchers at the University of Chicago and others. Eighty per cent of men aged 40 to 80 had had sex in the last year and so had 65 per cent of women. And 44 per cent of the men and 38 per cent of the women were having sex more than once a week.

As you might expect, the level of activity tended to go down with age. And one quarter of the men said they had some problem - such as erectile dysfunction or early ejaculation. Among women. 40 per cent reported issues like lack of interest or enjoyment. Men and women in Asia, and women in the Middle East, were most likely to mention a sexual problem.

The study covered 27,500 men and women around the world. Most believed that treatment for sex problems should be made available. Yet many said their doctors did not ask them about sexual problems. Maybe it's time for doctors to become a bit more aware of this issue - offering treatment, be it medication or counseling, could make a lot of difference to quality of life for someone with a sexual problem.

Source
Urology November 2004

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.