An Australian sex researcher has found that about 55 percent of Australian women are not satisfied with their sexual life or have difficulty in having orgasm.

Speaking at a recent sexuality conference on the Gold Coast in Queesland, Deakin University psychology professor Marita McCabe said the rates of sexual desire were similar to those shown in international studies, but Australian women appeared to have more problems with arousal and orgasm.

"All up we found 55 percent of women had difficulty with sexual satisfaction," said McCabe.

"It seems women go into the bedroom and expect it will happen quickly, automatically, with orgasm, even be multi-orgasmic, but without spending the time to do so."

"They're busy and stressed and not taking the time for their sexual expression," the professor said.

The online survey questioned more than 400 women about their sex lives and sexual feelings, and found 65 percent had some form of sexual dysfunction.

Half had a diagnosable sexual desire disorder, said McCabe, who oversaw the study by Ph.D student Katie Giles.

McCabe believed anxiety and depression were found to be contributing factors, but stress and poor body image had the biggest influence on sexual interest and response.

The results could help women feel that they are not alone, and that they can seek help, McCabe added.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2008)