Sexual dysfunction in the elderly: Prevalence and impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND Sexual functioning is a major component of the overall human wellbeing. However, data on the sexual disorders among the elderly remain few. AIM Determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among 100 elderly Tunisian subjects and evaluate the impact on quality of life and depression. RESULTS The rate of sexual dysfunction was 88% without significant gender differences. Erectile dysfunction was the most common disorder in men (84.2%). Disorders of sexual arousal and pain were the most frequent disorders in women. The presence of sexual dysfunction was correlated with worse quality of life scores (p <0.001). A statistically significant correlation was not found with the depression score. CONCLUSION The improvement of the quality of life among the elderly should include systematic sexual dysfunction assessment and management. Sexual education programs should be carried out.