(315) The Association of Sexual Dysfunction with Race in Men and Women: A Comparative Review
Authors: Nkansah M , Alzweri L 
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Numerous studies have shown that, regardless of age, men with sexual dysfunction have a lower quality of life than men without sexual dysfunction. Sexual difficulties are also common among women and can cause significant distress and impact on mental health and quality of life. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a multifaceted problem that is continuously under diagnosed and under treated. Historically in medicine, the sexual health of racial minorities who are underrepresented in medicine has been compromised due to multiple racism and discriminatory healthcare practices. These historical factors offer an unexplored context for interpreting the epidemiology of sexual health inequities among underrepresented populations today, despite significant advancements in ensuring equitable healthcare.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction across various racial groups and examine the determinants and consequences to quality of life to women in comparison to men of the same racial group.

Methods

The methods for this systematic literature search have been developed according to the recommendations from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements. PubMed as well as 7 key electronic databases (including MEDLINE, Ovid, and ScienceDirect), and up-to-date editions of pertinent journals and organizational websites were searched. Criteria for including studies consisted of randomized control trials, cohort studies, and studies that had relevance to criteria for erectile dysfunction, female sexual disfunction, male sexual dysfunction, healthcare inequities, and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The studies were assessed for value, author, and how data from the included studies were obtained, investigated, evaluated, and synthesized.

Results

It can be concluded that there is a higher reported incidence of sexual dysfunction in women overall when compared to men (43% among adult women and 31% among adult men). Women are also at a greater risk of sexual function difficulties due to higher rates of anxiety, depression, pelvic floor pain and pain with sexual intercourse. Out of the racial groups studied, black women are least likely to seek treatment for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction and dyspareunia. However, when screened, black women can have up to a three times as high incidence of reporting symptoms associated with FSD.

Conclusions

The results indicate that sexual dysfunction is an important public health concern in reference to men’s and women’s sexual health. Providing healthcare professionals with information concerning sex-related behaviors may overcome racial and ethnic barriers to treatment and improve patient management. Sexual well-being should be appreciated as one of the most important aspects of one's wellbeing and quality of life. Further research should focus on the evaluation of different interventions that would address sexual satisfaction and treatment of sexual dysfunction in patient populations that are under-diagnosed and under-treated.

Disclosure

No