Summer is peak season for sex - But a new study shows that Canadians are striking out between the sheets

BOUCHERVILLE, QC, June 17, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - When the weather heats up, so do Canadians' sex lives – but a new study shows there may be trouble between the sheets.

Half (50%) of all sexually-active Canadians admit they have had concerns about either their own, or their partner's, low sexual desire or performance, according to the results of a Leger study released today¹. Despite the negative impact these concerns could have on their relationship and well-being, almost seven in 10 (67%) of Canadians have not considered speaking to a doctor about their sexual performance or desire, with 30% admitting that they are not comfortable talking to their doctor about sex at all.

The findings of the study come as Canadians prepare for a summertime sexual awakening. More than half (62%) of sexually-active Canadians say that they are likely to have more sex than usual during the summertime.

"As Canadians embark their most sexually-active season, it is disconcerting that as many of half are not enjoying their sex lives to the fullest extent possible. It is also upsetting that people with concerns about their sexual performance or desire are not getting the help they need," said Dr. Michael Krychman, a board-certified obstetrician, gynecologist and clinical sexual counsellor who graduated from the McGill University Faculty of Medicine.

Sexual concerns are common and affect many Canadians. Examples include:

• Female Sexual Interest and Arousal Disorder (FSIAD), a disorder classified in the DSM-5 that is characterized by a lack of sexual interest or arousal and is estimated to affect as many as 4 in 10 women, with the highest prevalence occurring in those between 45 and 64 years of age^2. The condition comes with both physical and emotional consequences: women with FSIAD can experience persistent depression and difficulties with their relationships.
• Premature ejaculation, also known as early ejaculation, rapid ejaculation, rapid climax, and premature climax, which the International Society for Sexual Medicine defines as ejaculation prior to one minute of penetration, or the inability to delay ejaculation on all, or nearly all, penetrations. Studies show that between adolescence and age 59, approximately 30% of men reported having experienced PE during the previous 12 months³.

"Common sexual concerns, such as Female Sexual Interest and Arousal Disorder or premature ejaculation, carry the extra burden of often being misunderstood, or remain taboo subjects. Women are suffering in silence. The first step is for people to become empowered about their sexuality and develop communication skills to begin the discussion with their health care professional. They must become aware that practical, clinical and cost effective solutions are available. While couples need to enhance and maintain intimacy in their relationship, they should also be aware that their health care clinician can recommend safe effective products are readily available," said Dr. Krychman.  

Two hormone-free, non-prescription treatments that were recently approved by Health Canada will be available behind the counter at pharmacies across Canada:

• Zestra®, a hormone-free medicated topical treatment that improves the local neurosensitivity and increases vasodilation in the vulva. Two clinical trials published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy established that Zestra® significantly improves a woman's desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction: More than 50% of women reported improved sexual satisfaction over multiple uses of the product⁴. Zestra is now available in pharmacies.
• UXOR, a mild local anesthetic containing benzocaine. The treatment works by desensitizing the nerves in the penis, allowing the man to improve control of his climax and reducing the urgency to ejaculate without detracting from sexual pleasure. UXOR will be available in pharmacies at the beginning of August 2015.

FAST FACTS – LEGER CANADA SEX SURVEY:

• The Valentine's Day myth? The majority (62%) of sexually-active Canadians are likely to have more sex than usual during the summertime, compared with only 44% during the winter.
• French is the language of love, and sexually active Quebeckers are overwhelmingly the most likely Canadians to partake in summer holiday sex: 63.3% identify summer as a time when they are likely to have more sex, compared with 57.5% of Ontarians. Quebeckers are also the most likely to agree that sex is more pleasurable during the summer (47.1%).
• A sexual generation gap? Only 73% Canadians aged 65 and over agreed that they felt comfortable talking to their partners about sex, compared with 81% of 18 to 34-year olds. Meanwhile, Canadians in their golden age are the most likely to feel comfortable consulting a healthcare professional about sex (70%).

For more information, visit sexforhealth.ca

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1: Source: A survey of 1531 Canadians was completed online between April 6 and 9, 2015 using Leger's online panel, LegerWeb. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

2: Source: Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, SexualityandU.ca, Sexual Dysfunction: http://www.sexualityandu.ca/en/health-care-professionals/sexual-dysfunction

3: Source:   Laumann, E.O. et al. (1999). "Sexual Dysfunction in the United States: Prevalence and Predictors". Journal of the American Medical Association 281 (6): 537–44. doi:10.1001/jama.281.6.537. PMID 10022110.

4 Ferguson D.M. , Hosmane B. and Heiman J. R. 'Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel Design Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Zestra® in Women With Mixed Desire/Interest/Arousal/Orgasm Disorders', Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 2010, 36: 1, 66 — 86  

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