Exploring Factors of Sexual Function and Sexual Satisfaction Among Nonworking Women: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Sexual function and satisfaction are 2 important components of sexual health. Both sexual function and satisfaction of women are influenced by various internal and external factors over their life cycle. This study aims to explore the factors of sexual function and satisfaction among nonworking married women in Bengaluru using a qualitative exploratory study. Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative exploratory research study that adopted an inductive thematic data analysis. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 nonworking working married women of Bengaluru. The interviews were audio recorded, and the transcribed data were analyzed with ATLAS.ti software. The results were presented thematically. Results: It was found that somatic and personal factors such as health and appearance, pregnancy and postpregnancy issues, compatibility between couples, and spousal qualities; psychological factors such as stressors and stabilizers that related to emotional and mental health; and situational and extrinsic factors such as pressure to conceive, child-rearing, types of family, traditional beliefs and practices, societal stigma and taboo, daily schedules of couples, and ambiance and privacy were influencing the sexual function and satisfaction of women. Conclusion: The study could find positive and negative factors of sexual function and satisfaction. These factors need further exploration with larger studies from other cultures and groups.