(103) Predictors of Sexual Arousal in Women: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Low sexual desire and lack of arousal are highly prevalent sexual problems in women. Despite high prevalence, sexual arousal difficulties have not been a priority focus of assessment and treatment of women at midlife. Relationship satisfaction and importance of sex are key to healthy sexual function at midlife. Psychosocial variables, including relationship satisfaction, communication with one’s partner, and importance of sex are associated with overall sexual satisfaction. Rosemary Basson’s intimacy-based model of female sexual response incorporates the need for intimacy and emotional satisfaction and acknowledges the impact of sexual arousal on responsive sexual desire and physical satisfaction. Better understanding of the impacts of emotional satisfaction in female sexual response and function is needed to direct improvements in assessment and treatment of sexual problems in midlife women. Objective To explore the associations of emotional satisfaction, sexual desire, importance of sex and ability to climax with frequency of arousal during sexual activity in menopausal women. Methods A secondary data analysis of the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), USA, 2006-2008 (Visit 10) dataset was completed utilizing multiple linear regression to assess variables associated with frequency of sexual arousal in menopausal women. A total of 2,245 women between the ages of 51-63 years were included. The mean age was 56 years. Results Multiple linear regression results demonstrated that 19% of the variability in frequency of arousal in our study population was explained by emotional satisfaction (F (1,1163) = 271.039, p<.001). Further analyses revealed that 56% of the variability in frequency of arousal was explained by emotional satisfaction, sexual desire, importance of sex, and ability to climax (F (6,1014) = 215.461, p<.001). Conclusions Interventions designed to enhance emotional satisfaction with a partner may positively impact female sexual arousal. Emotional satisfaction with a partner is strongly associated with frequency of sexual arousal in menopausal women. Additionally, sexual desire, importance of sex and ability to climax are also strongly associated with frequency of sexual arousal. These findings are clinically relevant and reinforce the need for biopsychosocial assessment of sexuality and sexual function, as well as thorough assessment of dyadic and interpersonal factors. Further research is needed to better understand the impacts and interplay of psychosocial variables on female sexual response and function. Disclosure No.