Medical conditions and sexual dysfunction in post-menopausal women

Abstract

Medical conditions could partly underlie sexual dysfunction among post-menopausal women. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between medical conditions and sexual function in post-menopausal women. This is a cross-sectional study of 405 post-menopausal women. A multistage random sampling was initially carried out. The data was collected through interviews using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and a self-administered questionnaire, and was analyzed using the chi-square test, the t-test and multiple linear regression. The results showed that sexual dysfunction was more prevalent among the participants with medical conditions (p = 0.037). Scores of arousal (p = 0.000), orgasm (p = 0.018), and satisfaction (p = 0.026), along with the FSFI total scores (p = 0.005), were significantly lower in the participants suffering from cardiovascular disorders. Scores of desire (p = 0.001), arousal (p = 0.006), lubrication (p = 0.010), orgasm (p = 0.004), and satisfaction (p = 0.022), as well as the FSFI total scores (p = 0.017), were significantly lower among the participants with diabetes. Scores in the pain domain were significantly lower among those with musculoskeletal disorders (p = 0.041). We conclude that cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders could have a negative impact on the sexual function of post-menopausal women. Therefore, these conditions need to be taken into consideration in order to improve these women’s sexual function.