[The sexual life of Danes illuminated by population studies]

The sexual life is multitudinous and sexual dysfunctions should be interpreted in this complexity. Broader descriptive sexological studies based on normal populations are thus of relevance in medical science. The aim of this review was to describe existing Danish studies on sexuality in normal populations. A total of 34 studies based on a representative material were identified. However, only three studies were nationwide, including both genders and several age groups. The studies elucidate sex education, sexual activity, and sexual practices in regard to risk behavior related to AIDS, whereas sexual desire is is insufficiently examined. In several studies, the frequency of sexual dysfunctions has been examined, but most studies have methodological shortcomings. This review demonstrates the need for representative, national cross-sectional studies and prospective studies in the area.