Conclusions
The response rate of 65%, considered excellent for a self-report mail survey dealing with a sensitive subject,13 indicates that the topic of sexual concerns is important. Our results study suggest the prevalence of sexual concerns is high and varied among a large sample of typical US women. These data highlight the sexual health care needs of women and describe some of their details. What is clear from these results is that in a reasonably large sample of women with ready access to gynecological care, a broad range of sexual health concerns is common across all ages. Sexuality is an integral part of health, quality of life, and general well-being, and primary care physicians should be trained and prepared to address these sexual concerns.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the women who participated in this study, who shared very personal information with the understanding it would be used for physician education about sexual health.