While over half (55%) of all male and female survey respondents reported that sex is important to their overall relationship satisfaction, the survey revealed that most adults (71%) believe that less frequent sex is expected with age. Additionally, the majority of those surveyed agreed that men would be more likely than women to experience physical symptoms that decrease frequency of sex with age. However, more women (67%) than men (59%) reported having experienced symptoms that affected their ability to have sex.
"The survey reveals a knowledge gap about the challenges women and men experience as they age," says David B. Schwartz, M.D. practicing Obstetrics & Gynecology at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. "The majority of people surveyed believe men are more likely to experience sexual symptoms than women. This may be due to the volume and ease of accessibility to information about erectile dysfunction. Conversely, most women face sexual symptoms as they go through menopause, with less information readily available to them."
While nearly half of adults (47%) surveyed would prefer to have sex more often, nearly four in ten adults (38%) have avoided sex, made an excuse not to have sex or stopped having sex due to physical inability, physical discomfort or pain with sex. The reasons, however, vary by gender.
"This survey reveals that women cite discomfort and pain as the reasons for avoiding sex, while men who are avoiding sex as they age do so because of a physical inability," said Bob Berkowitz, PhD, relationship expert and book author. "The survey also revealed that 83 percent of those who have sex at least once a month are satisfied with their relationships."
The survey also revealed:
Among those who experienced symptoms and sought treatment, women (66%) are more likely than men (57%) to say their sex life is not more active at all.
"There seems to be a lack of knowledge about the vaginal symptoms of menopause in women and the treatments available. If women are experiencing vaginal dryness and painful sex, these may be symptoms associated with their menopause," says Dr. Schwartz. "Women experiencing these symptoms may be candidates for estrogen therapy applied locally, which can be prescribed by a healthcare practitioner. I encourage women to explore treatment options with their healthcare providers, and discuss these with their partners."
While half of those polled (55%) believe that sex is an important part of their satisfaction with their relationships with their partners, communication is also important. Of the men and women with symptoms who have discussed their symptoms with their partners, a majority (75%) reported overall satisfaction in their relationships.
"The survey clearly illustrates the importance of communication in a relationship because it shows that partners who are more understanding of sexual issues are more satisfied with their relationships," says Susan Yager-Berkowitz noted relationship author. "Communication is important in any relationship and I encourage couples who would like to continue a sex
