Where does the scientific search for MEANINGFUL truth end and corporate PR begin?

We are a nation bombarded by “erectile dysfunction” drug commercials at the end of which we are kindly advised to run to the doctor if the “healthy condition” continues for “more than 4 hours”! And in fine print we’re warned against all kinds of misfortunes and indignities including rupturing livers, stratospheric blood pressure, and worse.

Capitalism is nothing if not an equal-opportunity offender. It seems like it’s women’s turn now to worry about if they’re doing the right thing or not under the sheets, in a Jacuzzi by the ocean, or in any other backdrop appropriate for their bank account.

A new study (funded by BLAH, maker of BLAH BLAH, a drug for female sexual dysfunction that is currently being tested in clinical trials, if you need to know) found out that “Almost Half of Women Have Sexual Problems,” according to the headline of a respectable American daily.

Well, doesn’t that imply that “the other half” does NOT have any such problems? So what did we learn from that?

“This study included almost 32,000 female respondents aged 18 and older. Overall, 43.1 percent of those surveyed reported some kind of sexual problem,” we’re told.

So why didn’t the study conclude “56.9 percent of American women surveyed do not have any kind of sexual problems”? Would a headline like that sell any drugs, you think?

Here are other “findings” from this “study”:

"The highest prevalence of sexual dysfunction was in older women, but they experienced less associated distress.” Wow! I mean, who would’ve thought of that!? Thanks for Science.

Again: “Women currently experiencing depression had more than double the risk of having distressing sexual problems when compared with non-depressed women.”

Another total revelation for yours truly. Didn’t you also think until this study that depressed women had better sex and enjoyed life more?

After reading all this, you may or may not have a better idea about how to live your life but at least you’ve heard about BLAH BLAH, available in 10- and 30-capsule bottles, which I’m sure is available at a doctor’s office near you. And I suspect that’s sometimes what scientific research is all about.