Men feel `threat in the bedroom'

Greater power for women has turned men into shrinking violets in the bedroom, according to a study published yesterday.

Counsellors report an increase in cases of impotence among men who feel stripped of their masculinity. For the first time they are seeing more patients with this problem than any other disorder.

One in four men having psychosexual therapy are being treated for impotence, compared with 18 per cent who suffer from premature ejaculation.

Some men fight back by saying they are not interested in sex. While others may feel so emasculated they are unable to perform, according to counsellors.

Marj Thorburn, head of psychosexual therapy for Relate, said: "Over the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in power for women.

"This has lead to disorder in desire in males, with them feeling disinterested in sex. They may feel that saying `no' to sex is the only power they have. For others, there may be organic reasons for their problems."

The study is based on an analysis of 3,696 cases between 1992 and 1994.

For women, loss of interest in sex is the most commonly presented problem. Fifty per cent complained of a waning libido.

Ms Thorburn said it was possible women of the 1990s were less prepared to put up with unsatisfactory love-making.

At the same time they could have unrealistic expectations - fed by women's magazines.