Millions are ignoring problems with libido
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Many people who suffer from "sexual dysfunction" do not seek treatment for it or regard it as a serious problem.
A survey of GP patients found that 40 per cent of women and 22 per cent of men had been diagnosed with at least one sexual problem. But women reporting a "lack of desire" - which is included in sexual dysfunction - were much less likely to have consulted their doctor than those with other difficulties, such as failure to achieve orgasm.
The results, published in the British Medical Journal, come from a survey of 1,000 women and 450 men visiting GPs in north London."Many people do not regard lack or loss of desire as a serious difficulty," the study found.
When women who reported loss of desire were eliminated from the survey, the number of female patients with a sexual problem fell from 40 per cent to 27 per cent.
Pharmaceutical companies have been accused of creating the disorder of sexual dysfunction to profit from new drugs. Irwin Nazareth, who carried out the survey with colleagues from the Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, believes sexual dysfunction needs to be redefined.
The researchers said further evidence was needed to support medical treatments for a lack of desire. "For many people, reduced sexual interest or response may be a normal adaptation to stress or an unsatisfactory relationship."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments