Survey: Boomers want sex, many less able

MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Boomer generation women are less prepared than men for the physical changes associated with menopause that can affect sex, a U.S. survey indicates.

A survey by Harris Interactive for Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., says that 65 percent of women who experienced menopause-induced sexual symptoms report they did not anticipate that they would experience these types of symptoms, compared to 51 percent of men.

Forty-seven percent say they would prefer sex more often, 38 percent have avoided sex, made an excuse not to have sex or stopped having sex due to physical inability, physical discomfort or pain.

"Women cite discomfort and pain as the reasons for avoiding sex, while men who are avoiding sex as they age do so because of a physical inability," Bob Berkowitz a relationship expert and author said in a statement.

Fifty-five percent of all male and female respondents report sex is important to their relationship, but 71 percent say less frequent sex is expected with age.

The online survey of 705 U.S. adults ages 50 to 70 was conducted June 25 to July 1. Of the 354 females questioned, 174 experienced menopause induced sexual symptoms. Of the 351 males, 131 have experienced erectile dysfunction. Results for both groups were weighted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income.