Determinants of sexual dissatisfaction in sexually distressed couples

Forty-five couples seeking sex therapy were administered a 15-item symptom checklist regarding both specific sexual dysfunctions and more general interpersonal difficulties, along with an objective criterion measure of overall sexual dissatisfaction. For males, the most common complaint involved too infrequent intercourse, followed by failure of their partner to reach orgasm and concern with their own sexual adequacy. For women, five of the six most prevalent complaints involved difficulty with becoming sexually aroused or reaching orgasm. For both sexes, the incidence of specific sexual dysfunctions was considerably lower than for more general interpersonal difficulties. For both males and females, important determinants of sexual distress included the partner's lack of response to sexual requests, infrequent intercourse, lack of affection for the partner, and the absence of specific sexual dysfunctions in oneself. In addition, males' sexual dissatisfaction was strongly influenced by their wives' failure to reach orgasm, whereas wives were more responsive to concerns regarding their own sexual adequacy.