A Survey of Male Sexual Functioning in the General Population in the Northern Netherlands

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Published Jun 16, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v9i6.2469

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Main Article Content

Ellen Lammerink
Medical Center Leeuwarden
Truuske de Bock
University Medical Center Groningen Department of Epidemiology, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
Andre van Beek
University Medical Center Groningen Department of Endocrinology, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
Fons van den Bergh
University Medical Center Groningen Department of Radiation Oncology, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
Marian Mourits
University Medical Center Groningen Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands

Abstract

Aim. To describe age-related male sexual functioning in a representative Dutch general population using internationally accepted and validated questionnaires.


Material and Methods. A random selection of 1404 men from the general populations in the Netherlands were asked to participate. Men primarily completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), but also provide medical history, details of daily activities, the Body Image Scale, the SF-36 Health Survey, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Participants’ representativeness was assessed by comparison with data from the Dutch Central Agency for Statistics and the Dutch Health Monitor. Main outcome measurements were the age-related domain scores of the IIEF.


Results. Responses were obtained from 333 of 1404 men (24%). Participant characteristics were broadly comparable to those of the Dutch population, except for underreporting homosexuals, immigrants, age <40 years and mid-level educations. Overall, 39% of respondents were sexually inactive, and inactivity increased significantly with advancing age. All IIEF domain scores decreased markedly with increasing age, except for overall satisfaction. The prevalence rates of mild and severe erectile dysfunction were 22% and 5%, respectively, and both increased significantly with advancing age.


Conclusion. Four of the IIEF domain scores (i.e., erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, and intercourse satisfaction) decrease with increasing age, whereas the overall satisfaction domain scores remain stable throughout life.

Keywords: Sexual functioning, age-related sexual functioning, sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, male, general population

Article Details

How to Cite
LAMMERINK, Ellen et al. A Survey of Male Sexual Functioning in the General Population in the Northern Netherlands. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 9, n. 6, june 2021. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/2469>. Date accessed: 26 dec. 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v9i6.2469.
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Issue
Vol 9 No 6 (2021): Vol.9 Issue 6, June,2021
Section
Research Articles

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