National Survey Shows 70% of Women Have Experienced a Sexual He...( Women Say Sexual Health Issues Impact...),Health

Women Say Sexual Health Issues Impact Multiple Aspects of Their Lives

WASHINGTON, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey released today shows 70 percent of women report having experienced a sexual health issue, of which 22 percent felt very or extremely concerned. The survey also found that many women claim they would be comfortable talking to a health care provider about a sexual health issue, but less than one-fifth (18%) actually visited their health care provider when they experienced one.

The survey, commissioned by the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), was designed to explore women's attitudes and behaviors regarding their sexual health.

The survey defined "sexual health issue" as any of the following six conditions: a lack of desire to engage in sexual activity, not being able to become sexually aroused, not being able to have an orgasm, pain during intercourse, excessive desire to engage in sexual activity, or vaginal dryness.

Respondents who experienced sexual health issues reported negative impacts on their romantic relationships (44%), self-esteem (43%), and mental health (42%). These women also found that sexual health issues caused stress and anxiety (66%), and affected their sleeping habits (28%) and their weight (25%).

"Given the number of women who experience sexual health issues, it is important to provide them with accurate, unbiased information on conditions they may encounter throughout their lifetime," said Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, RN, executive director of NWHRC. "Fortunately, many sexual health issues can be successfully addressed through education, lifestyle changes, counseling and treatment, and we encourage women to talk with their partner and their health care provider."

To help women learn more about healthy female sexuality and encourage them to
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