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24 Sep 2014 |
FPAHK Studies found prevalence of sexual problems, low sexual intimacy and coital frequency among Hong Kong Chinese Women
Two studies on the sexuality of ethnic Chinese women in Hong Kong conducted by the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) showed prevalence of sexual problems, low sexual intimacy and coital frequency among both women of reproductive age and around menopause. FPAHK advised women and couples on ways to enhance their sex life.
In the study “Sexual Behavior and Symptoms among Reproductive Age Chinese Women in Hong Kong”, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in July 2014, 2,146 women aged between 21 and 40 from FPAHK’s birth control clinics and pre-pregnancy check-up service were successfully surveyed by questionnaire from December 2007 to December 2009. Overall, 59% of respondents were found to have at least one sexual problem for at least 3 months in the past year. In this sample, 31.8% reported no desire, 31.7% had arousal problems, 40% had no orgasm and 33.8% experienced coital pain.
Concerning their sexual activities, 7% and 18.1% of respondents had low intimacy and coital frequency (zero to less than 12 acts per year) respectively. This group mainly comprised women of the older age group and those in less stable relationships.
The other study “Sexuality of Chinese Women around Menopause” was conducted during the same time period and published in Maturitas in February 2013. In this study, 371 women aged between 40 and 60 using FPAHK’s gynaecological check-up service or from Women’s Clubs were successfully surveyed by questionnaire. The premenopausal, perimenopausal and menopaused groups each represented one-third of all respondents. Overall, 77.2% women were found to have at least one sexual problem for at least 3 months in the past year. In this sample, 35.6% reported no desire, 38.3% had arousal problems, 42.9% had no lubrication, 41% had no orgasm and 31.5% experienced coital pain.
Concerning their sexual activities, 22.1% and 39.6% women had low intimacy and coital frequency (zero to less than 12 acts per year) respectively. Naturally menopaused and surgically menopaused women were three to five times more likely than premenopausal women to be sexually inactive.
The risk factors identified of reproductive age women’s sexual problems were unidirectional coital initiation, low coital frequency and low foreplay enjoyment. As for women around menopause, progression of menopause was identified.
According to Dr. Sue Lo, FPAHK’s Senior Doctor, who authored both studies, the research findings were significant. She explained that firstly, for reproductive age women, a low coital frequency (less than 12 times a year) led to low fertility; and secondly, women’s active initiation of sex might contribute to better sexual function through enhanced autonomy. As for women aged from 40 to 60, sexual dysfunction, especially no desire and no orgasm, contributed to sexual dissatisfaction which might affect couple relationship. Regular sexual intercourse helps to delay the atrophy of the cervix and vagina which reduces pain and discomfort in the vagina as well as recurrent urinary tract infection when a woman ages.
In view of the prevalence of Hong Kong women’s sexual problems, Dr. Lo advised reproductive age couples to: have more sexual communication with their partners; take turns to initiate coitus; overcome shyness when talking about sex; enhance the sexual autonomy of women; invest into foreplay; and for those planning to get pregnant, have coitus two to three times a week and enjoy every moment. As to 40- to 60-year-old couples, applying the concept of “use it or lose it” to sexual function, Dr. Lo advised them to maintain regular coitus, at least once a week. Some women might need lubricants or vaginal hormone therapy.
Service and resources available at FPAHK for women and couples with sexual problems include Sex Coaching (on sexual knowledge and techniques), Sexual Dysfunction Therapy by counselors or doctors, ENRICH couple assessment, Check-up and Assessment for Mature Couple (with MATE couple assessment for couples aged 50 or above), Sex Life Talks, Menopause Service and Men’s Health Service. For service details or enquiry, please visit www.famplan.org.hk or call the FPAHK Clinic Services Hotline at 2572-2222.
