Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunctions: Results from a Decade of Research

Ten years of research that has provided data regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions is reviewed and the lack of methodological rigor of many studies limits the confidence that can be placed in these findings.

Abstract

Ten years of research that has provided data regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions is reviewed. A thorough review of the literature identified 52 studies published in the 10 years since an earlier review by Spector and Carey (Arch. Sex. Behav. 19(4): 389-408, 1990). Community samples indicate a current prevalence of 0%-3% for male orgasmic disorder, 0%-5% for erectile disorder, and 0%-3% for male hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Pooling current and 1-year figures provides community prevalence estimates of 7%-10% for female orgasmic disorder and 4%-5% for premature ejaculation. Stable community estimates of the current prevalence of other sexual dysfunctions remain unavailable. Prevalence estimates obtained from primary care and sexuality clinic samples are characteristically higher. Although a relatively large number of studies has been conducted since the earlier review, the lack of methodological rigor of many studies limits the confidence that can be placed in these findings.