Sexual Problems among Japanese Women: Data from an Online Helpline

Abstract

IntroductionSexual problems have been more prevalent among East Asian women than those from other areas of the world. However, Japanese women seldom tend to consult their treating physicians as such intimate problems are socially awkward topics to share and may be considered shameful. Presently, there is little data in the literature regarding women's sexual problems in Japan.AimsWe aimed (i) to investigate the types of sexual problems that were reported among Japanese women who had sought online consultations; and (ii) to examine whether factors such as age and family structure (marital status and presence of children) increased the likelihood of sexual problems.MethodsAn online helpline received a total of 316 messages from Japanese women related to sexual problems over a 3‐year period. We evaluated 276 respondents, who provided demographic information such as age and family structure as well as their response to an open‐ended question regarding their sexual problems.Main Outcome MeasuresMain outcome measures were the types of sexual problems reported by Japanese women.ResultsThe majority of respondents were in their 30s (53.6%). Sexual aversion accounted for 42.4% of the complaints, partners' sexual issues for 18.5%, and pain during sex for 16.7%. Family structure significantly correlated with sexual problems (P < 0.001). Women with sexual aversion were more likely to be younger (P = 0.003) and have children (P < 0.001). Women whose partners had sexual issues were more likely to be married (P < 0.001) and have no children (P < 0.001). Women who reported pain during sex were more likely to have no children (P = 0.006).ConclusionSexual aversion was the most common sexual problem among Japanese women who sought help via the online helpline. Family structure was related to sexual problems. More detailed assessments of family structure may be important in better identifying the triggering causes of the reported sexual problems. Ozaki Y, Nagao K, Saigo R, Tai T, Tanaka N, Kobayashi H, Nakajima K, and Takahashi Y. Sexual problems among Japanese women: Data from an online helpline. Sex Med 2015;3:289–295.

Undergraduate students’ learning experiences as part of an online sexuality education workshop in Japan

“…The workshop employed a risk prevention approach with a focus on problem-solving and disease prevention for students who lived alone. However, the workshop excluded sexual pleasure or satisfaction content because such topics are regarded as taboo among most Asian people, making it difficult to seek appropriate advice (Ozaki et al, 2015). Andragogy theory suggests that the workshop should help shape responsible students who can choose appropriate actions and behaviours about their sexual health (Knowles, 1989).…”

The Comparison of Sexual Function Before and After Pessary Placement in Women with Pelvic Floor DisordersThe Comparison of Sexual Function Before and After Pessary Placement in Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders

“…Nearly one third of POP patients suffer from sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) The present study was conducted to investigate the sexual function and pessary management in 96 patients referring to Al-Zahra Hospital and Taleghani hospitals. The mean age of the patients suffering from POP was 68.10 ± 10.3 years.…”

“…It has been estimated that 38-63% of women deal with some kind of sexual problem in their lifetime. (4) There is little information about women's pelvic problems and their sexual function. However, it is obvious that in comparison to the ordinary population, women with pelvic floor disorders have more sexual problems.…”

The Influence of Self Esteem and Sexual Communication on Sexual Satisfaction of Colorectal Cancer Women with Ostomy

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