The prevalence and importance of sexual concerns among female military beneficiaries

Sexuality is an important part of health, quality of life, and general well-being, yet studies suggest that less than half of patients' sexual concerns are known by their physicians and that physicians are unaware of how common sexual concerns are among patients. The objective of this study was to determine the type and prevalence of sexual concerns among a randomly selected sample of women enrolled for health care at a military community hospital.

A randomized mail survey was used. Of 593 eligible participants, 232 responded (39%). Main outcome measures were self-reported sexual concerns and sociodemographic data.

A total of 90.9% of women reported one or more sexual concerns. Most frequently reported sexual concerns were lack of interest (88.6%), difficulty with orgasm (81.2%), body image concerns (80.4%), inadequate lubrication (76.1%), dyspareunia (75.1%), needing information about sexual issues (75.1%), and unmet sexual needs (63.4%). More than half (65.2%) reported concerns of physical or sexual abuse, and more than half (53.1%) reported sexual coercion at some point in their lives.

The results demonstrate a high prevalence of sexual health concerns for women enrolled for health care in a military community hospital. The implication for clinical practice is that sexual health inquiry should be a regular and important part of health care maintenance.