How have sexual behaviors changed compared to previous years?
One of the most important scientific journals «Lancet», published in 2013 one of the largest epidemiological studies of sexual behavior (NATSAL study).
The study was conducted in Britain in 2010-2012, on a sample of 15,000 adults aged 17-74 years. Of particular interest is that the researchers compared the results with older data that was collected in 1990 and 2000.
According to the results, over the years more changes were observed in sexual attitudes and perceptions of women, rather than men.
Compared to the past 10 or 20 years, women reported a greater number of male sexual partners during their lives, and often sex with other women. In fact, the number of women who reported having a relationship with another woman in the last five years has increased.
Moreover, the range of heterosexual practices widened, since the percentage of the men and women who reported oral and anal sex increased. However, compared to previous years, the frequency of sexual intercourse was lower. Moreover, in both sexes, significantly less tolerance for extramarital sex was reported.
What sexual problems were reported?
15% of men reported decreased sexual desire, while women were twice as more likely than men to report that in the last year they experienced reduced sexual desire.
Overall, four out of ten volunteers reported some sexual problem, while one out of six said they believed their health affects their sexual life. Unfortunately, only 24% of men and 18% of women said they have reported their sexual problems to their doctor.
The above study has colleted data on a huge variety of views and sexual behaviors, highlighting the changes and needs in which experts in sexual health and health policies must respond.
Mercer CH, Tanton C, Prah P et al. (2013) Changes in sexual attitudes and lifestyles in Britain through the life course and over time: findings from the National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal). Lancet 382: 1781-1794.
