[Male and female sexuality--differences according to sex and age]

Sexual physiology, sexual behaviour and attitude to sexuality vary according to sex and age. The sexual reaction cycle is very uniform in men, but much more variable in women; at a more advanced age the reactions of this cycle are delayed in both sexes. While hormones have been proved to influence male sexuality, their influence on female sexuality has not been clarified. Sexual appetite changes with age. It reaches a climax earlier in men than women, but also declines more in men with increasing age. In the last three decades the number of women who masturbate has considerably increased. The difference between the sexes as far as attitude to sexuality is concerned is particularly evident in those with sexual difficulties: men usually see their problems in an isolated way as a purely physical disorder, whereas women are usually aware of the connection between their sexual problems and personal, partner or work problems.