Sexuality among Swedish Women around Forty — an Epidemiological Survey

Abstract

AbstractFour hundred and forty-four women, aged 37-46 years, were surveyed to determine their practice and attitudes regarding sexuality, abortion and contraception. The subjects were randomly selected from a Swedish urban population using established epidemiological methods.The Swedish woman has had few partners (median value 3) and her first intercourse occurred at the age of 18. Unfaithfulness is uncommon. The masturbation rate is low and the frequency of homosexuality is extremely low. Especially the younger group of the females (aged 37-41 years) reported increasing sexual interest and orgasmic capacity. The Swedish woman has a positive attitude towards free abortion and a high utilization of contraceptive methods.