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Dear Medical/Health Reporter,

According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 43% of women and 31% of men suffer from sexual dysfunction. People who were dissatisfied with their relationships, physically unhealthy or generally unhappy were more likely to experience sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction is broadly defined as the inability to fully enjoy sexual intercourse. It includes lack of interest in sex, problems with arousal, not enjoying sex, problems related to climaxing and ejaculation, pain during intercourse and anxiety about sexual performance. For couples of any age, this can be an obstacle not only to having children but also to maintaining a positive and healthy relationship.

Our emotional well-being, changes in our health, the status of our relationships, and stress combine to affect the sexual aspect of our lives. And although sexual dysfunction rarely threatens one’s physical health, it can take a heavy psychological toll, bringing on depression, anxiety, and debilitating feelings of inadequacy.

As a service to your community, the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Psychologists in Independent Practice would like to offer a psychologist in your area to speak with you on this subject. He/she can help people deal with their relationships, improve their emotional well-being, learn to manage and control stress, and deal directly with situations that bother them.

Your readers can call toll-free 1-877-603-4000 for a free brochure called "Straight Talk - Choosing a Psychologist." Readers can also use this number for the name of a licensed psychologist in their area.

APA’s Psychologists in Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, licensed psychologist.

Sincerely,