Associations between sexual health and well-being: a systematic review

Summary & key facts

This systematic review searched multiple databases through February 2024 and included 63 studies that tested links between adults' sexual health and overall health and well-being. Across different ages and groups, the studies consistently found that better sexual health measures were associated with lower depression and anxiety, higher quality of life, and greater life satisfaction. Most studies were cross-sectional, so the findings show associations but do not prove cause and effect. There were also geographic and measurement gaps in the evidence.

Key facts:

• The authors screened 23,930 titles (from an initial 49,270 records) and included 63 studies after full-text review.
• The included studies had sample sizes ranging from 20 to 12,636 participants and covered adults aged 18 to 75+.
• Most studies (61 of 63) used cross-sectional designs; only 2 studies were longitudinal.
• Almost all included studies reported significant associations between positive sexual health indicators and lower depression and anxiety, higher quality of life, and greater life satisfaction across men and women, older adults, pregnant wom
• The review found no eligible studies from the WHO African Region; studies came from five of six WHO regions, with the largest counts from the Islamic Republic of Iran (14 studies), the United States (10) and Brazil (6).
• Many studies focused on sexual function and distress: 27 studies used the Female Sexual Function Index and 9 used versions of the International Index of Erectile Function.
• The reviewers assessed risk of bias using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool and noted limits related to study design and measurement differences across studies.

Abstract

Findings indicate that emphasizing a positive perspective on sexual health and highlighting its benefits should be regarded as an important component of the effort to improve overall health and well-being for everyone.

Topics

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy Sexual function and dysfunction studies

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Psychiatry and Mental health

Tags

Environmental health Medicine Population Reproductive health

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Depression Sexual Dysfunctions Anxiety or worry Sadness or low mood