Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) August 22, 2007 - The Women's Sexual Health Foundation research identifies critical need for women to be proactive about their sexual well being. Findings from an international survey conducted by The Women's Sexual Health Foundation found that less than nine percent of women ages 21 to over 80 are always asked by their healthcare provider if they are having sexual health difficulties.| Take Action |
Don't be afraid to be honest with your doctor - that is what he or she is there for. Keep in mind that doctors have seen and heard a lot worse!
To help women to become their own best advocate, the survey findings and other key issues will be discussed during The Women's Sexual Health Foundation 3rd annual women's sexual health symposium, Reclaiming Healthy Intimacy, Passion and Pleasure in conjunction with The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, on October 5 in New York City. The event is open to women and healthcare providers.
To register, visit: The Women's Sexual Health Foundation
For further event information contact:
Josephine Caputo, Events Coordinator
phone: 201.346.7003
email: jc2768(at)columbia.edu | |
These findings have profound implications for women's health, as a significant portion of the female population will have some sort of sexually-related health difficulty or dysfunction in their lifetime. The survey underscores the critical need for women and health care professionals alike to communicate about this issue.
KEY POINTS: FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION (FSD)
Up to 90% of female cancer patients will have sexual health difficulties
Up to 43% of women in general will experience sexual problems
FSD is highly prevalent among women with stress urinary incontinence
55% of post-menopausal sexually active women will have FSD
FSD is about twice as prevalent in women with high blood pressure as among women without high blood pressureThis 18-point survey gathered data from 391 respondents to determine women's perceptions in relationship to discussing sexual health difficulties with their healthcare provider, and their beliefs concerning a provider's education and expertise in treating and assessing sexual health difficulties.
Women surveyed indicated that 71.68 percent would be comfortable if their healthcare provider initiated a conversation about any sexual health problem(s), and 72.70 percent preferred that their healthcare provider initiate this discussion, but this rarely occurs. Of the healthcare specialties, 83 percent of women believed that their ob/gyn would be the most knowledgeable concerning these issues. However, 30 percent of women stated that they did not believe that their provider had the expertise to address their sexual health difficulties.
According to Lisa Martinez, Executive Director for the Foundation, "Whether a woman has had gynecologic or breast cancer, pelvic trauma from an accident, diabetes, or is on chemotherapy or other medications that may impact her sexual wellness or is having any problem with her sexual health, the results of this survey show all too clearly that women will have to advocate for their own care and initiate the conversation with their doctor or nurse practitioner concerning problems with intimacy. There is a critical need for frank discussions."
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation is an international non-profit organization whose primary mission is to educate the public and healthcare professionals on women's sexual health. The Foundation has numerous resources for the public and healthcare professionals at www.TWSHF.org, including educational brochures in English, German and Spanish and The Women's Sexual Health Journal for members.
