Sexual Dysfunction Among Sexually Active Individuals in France and Its Impact on Sexual Satisfaction: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Introduction – Sexual dysfunction encompasses a wide range of symptoms that can impair the quality of one’s sex life. Drawing on a conceptualization of sexual function that is both psychosocial and physiological, this study aims to provide up-to-date data on the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among people living in mainland France (including Corsica), as well as on their consequences for sexuality.Method – The analysis is based on data from the 2023 Survey on the Context of Sexuality in France (CSF-2023). A sample of 9,118 individuals, aged 18 to 89 and sexually active within the past year, was surveyed regarding desire disorders, dyspareunia, and lack of pleasure, as well as vaginal dryness in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Two indicators measuring the persistence of these disorders for at least six months and the impact on the quality of sexual life were defined. These were analyzed in relation to the respondents’ sociodemographic and health status data. Results – In total, 18.9% of men and 36.4% of women reported at least one persistent sexual disorder, while 10.9% of men and 21.2% of women reported disorders causing distress. These disorders increase with age, poor health, and, among women, a history of sexual violence. Conclusion – The results highlight the need to integrate the management of sexual dysfunctions into a comprehensive approach to health, given the close links between sexual health and general health.

Author(s): Rahib Delphine, Moreau Caroline

Publishing year: 2026

Pages: 257-265

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2026, n° 12-13, p. 257-265

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