Incidence and persistence/recurrence of men's sexual difficulties: findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Health and Relationships

J Sex Marital Ther. 2013;39(3):201-15. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2011.615897. Epub 2013 Jan 28.

Abstract

This study presents data on the prevalence, incidence, and persistence/recurrence of 8 sexual difficulties among men. Participants were 3,157 Australian men who were administered 2 computer-assisted interviews approximately 12 months apart. Analyses were based on a weighted sample of 2,158 men who were 20-64 years of age, sexually active in the past 12 months, and in the same heterosexual relationship at both interviews. Upon recruitment, a third of men (34%) reported having 1 or more sexual difficulties. At follow-up, 21% reported a new sexual difficulty. The 2 highest incident difficulties were "lacking interest in having sex" (11%) and "reaching orgasm too quickly" (7%). In addition, 51% of men with 1 or more sexual difficulties at recruitment reported having at least 1 of these difficulties again at follow-up. While "trouble keeping an erection" had the highest persistence/recurrence (48%), "taking too long to orgasm" had the lowest (24%). Logistic regression modeling revealed a greater incidence of orgasmic difficulties among older and less educated men. There were few sociodemographic predictors of persistence/recurrence. These data should assist clinicians and other health service providers in identifying the potential challenges faced by men who experience sexual difficulties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Logistic Models
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / epidemiology*