43% of Women Have Sex Issues, But Few Are Troubled

Experts caution that dysfunction is relative, say 12% bothered is lower than thought

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2008 2:28 PM CDT

Copied

43% of Women Have Sex Issues, But Few Are Troubled — A new study found that 43 percent of the women reported having some sort of sexual dysfunction, although only 12 percent said that these problems affected their day-to-day lives. (Shutterstock)

Just under half of the female population suffers from sex problems, ABC News reports. A new study found that 43% of its 32,000-women sample reported problems with low desire, arousal or difficulty with orgasms, but only 12% of women said such problems cause them personal anguish.

While 43% seems high, experts stress that sexuality is relative—the number to focus on is the 12% who are bothered by their dysfunctions, which is lower than previously thought. “Just because someone does not conform to a 'norm' doesn't mean they are abnormal unless they perceive a problem,” said one doctor commenting on the results. (Read more sexuality stories.)

View 1 more image