Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Nowadays, women have a longer menopausal duration due to the worldwide dramatic life expectancy increase. Sexual dysfunction is one of the most prevalent problems during menopause that affect women`s quality of life, mental health, and interpersonal relationship. This study aimed to investigate sexual dysfunction and its contributing factors amongst married postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 164 postmenopausal women who attended the menopause clinic of the academic hospitals in Mashhad during 2017-2018. Data were collected using a checklist that included demographic and reproductive information and the validated Persian version of the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI). The mean age of participants was 53.55±6.25 years. The mean FSFI score was 20.06±6.66, and 65.2% of women had sexual dysfunction. The most disturbed sexual domains were; desire (86%, n: 141), arousal (82.3%, n: 135), lubrication (71.3%, n: 117) and sexual satisfaction (70.1%, n: 115), respectively. The partner`s age (P=0.01), time since menopause onset (P=0.01), age at marriage (P=0.02), and frequency of sexual intercourse (P˂0.0001) had a significant relationship with sexual function. The sexual function of postmenopausal women in this study was highly deteriorated. The associated factors were; older age of the spouse, younger age at marriage, longer time since menopause onset, and lower frequency of sexual intercourse. It is important to determine perimenopausal women who are at potential risk of sexual dysfunction and consult them for preventive programs and strategies.