A survey of the sexual habits of Asian Pacific people has revealed that discussions about sex are a concern for couples in India, where it ranks seventh in the list of priorities for men; and near the bottom for women.

According to Australian sexologist, Rosie King:

Although India was among the top for sexual satisfaction (73 percent of those studied claimed they were satisfied) discussion about sexual experience are still a major concern among couples.

The study - titled Asia Pacific Sexual Health and Overall Wellness (APSHOW) was conducted in 13 countries by Pfizer International, and unveiled by King, Micro-surgeon and Andrologist Rupin Shah, and Director of Medical and Regulatory Affairs Chandrashekhar Potkar.

In India, both men and women ranked family life, overall physical health, being a spouse or partner, financial wellbeing, being a parent and their career higher than issues of sex.

The study also notes that at least 57 percent of men and 64 percent of women in the Asia-Pacific region are unsatisfied with their sex lives, and many of them prioritise sex only after family life, career and financial well-being.

According to Potkar, the study aims at encouraging people to seek help for issues regarding sexual health.

In ten countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong internet-based questionnaires were used for the survey. But in India, China and Thailand face-to-face interviews were carried out with subjects.

Japan had the lowest level of sexual satisfaction, with only 10 percent being sexually satisfied, compared to The Philippines at 52 percent, Taiwan at 51 percent and New Zealand 40 percent.

The APSHOW survey also shows that sex plays a more important role for men than for women. Aspects such as orgasm were more important to men, whilst in general, women put greater importance on physical foreplay.

Posted by Jonathan in Anthropology, Sociology