Gaps Between Actual and Desired Sex Life: Web Survey of 5,665 Japanese Women

Abstract

To explore issues that heterosexual women have concerning their sex life and desire toward their male partner, the authors conducted an online survey on actual sex life and sexual quality of life. Survey participants included 5,665 women who were 20 years of age and older who (a) lived in or near Tokyo, (b) had a male sex partner, and (c) intended to have sexual activity. Participants were asked to respond to a wide range of questions regarding their sexual fulfillment and desires. Differences between actual and desired duration of sexual activities (foreplay, intercourse, and afterplay) and number of sexual positions were calculated. The authors performed subgroup analyses regarding pain during sexual intercourse and by degree of partner's unilateral action. In addition, the authors investigated the relation between sexual quality of life and each subgroup. Women who participated in this survey tended to desire a longer duration of foreplay and afterplay than was experienced. The greater the pain during sexual intercourse, the percentage of respondents who desired a shorter duration of intercourse and fewer numbers of sexual positions increased and the sexual quality of life decreased. The degree of partner's unilateral action during sexual activity negatively affected the woman's sexual quality of life. The present study suggests the importance of establishing good communication between sex partners.