Prevalence of sexual dysfunctions: results from a decade of research

Ten years of research that has provided data regarding the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions is reviewed. A thorough review of the literature identified 52 studies published in the 10 years since an earlier review by Spector and Carey (Arch. Sex. Behav. 19(4): 389-408, 1990). Community samples indicate a current prevalence of 0%-3% for male orgasmic disorder, 0%-5% for erectile disorder, and 0%-3% for male hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Pooling current and 1-year figures provides community prevalence estimates of 7%-10% for female orgasmic disorder and 4%-5% for premature ejaculation. Stable community estimates of the current prevalence of other sexual dysfunctions remain unavailable. Prevalence estimates obtained from primary care and sexuality clinic samples are characteristically higher. Although a relatively large number of studies has been conducted since the earlier review, the lack of methodological rigor of many studies limits the confidence that can be placed in these findings.