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A survey commissioned by the National Women’s Health Resource Center and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals reveals that 70% of America women have some kind of sexual health issue.
The survey, released in June 2009, defined sexual health as a lack of desire for sexual activity, inability to become sexually aroused, inability to have an orgasm, pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness, or excessive desire for sexual activity.
Of the women surveyed, 44 percent said their sexual health issues affected their romantic relationships, 43 percent on their self-esteem and 42 percent on their mental health. These issues were also linked to stress and anxiety for 66 percent of those surveyed.
Here's another interesting fact. Of the women surveyed, most said they get information about sexual health issues from the Internet or their partner. I wonder about this because though the internet can be a very reliable resource for learning about sexual heath issues, it can be difficult to explore medical solutions to many problems. At some point the option of speaking with a health professional should be on the table. Speaking with a partner can also raise some issues - your partner may be biased about the situation and unable to provide accurate information about your circumstance.
Perhaps the most troubling part of the findings is that while most women were comfortable discussing their sexual health with a medical professional, only 18 percent said they actually saw one when they had a sexual health related issue. Is it that women don't necessarily feel it's worth it to find answers to or improve their sexual health? Or perhaps they don't feel like there are actual solutions to their problems. Or maybe women don't have access to healthcare that allows them to go to the doctor about sexual health issues freely and easily.
Women's sexual health is often discussed around those who are having sex - contraception, having better sex, reproductive health, etc. But part of the sexual health conversation is finding out just what causes a lack of fulfillment in bed. As research continues to be unveiled, hopefully we'll be able to find a space to converse about how to find a healthy sex life for every woman. Given that the majority of American women are facing some kind of sexual health problem, it's important that we consider the rights and desires of women and focus attention on the matter as we have with male sexual health issues for many decades.
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