Risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction in Brazilian postmenopausal women

Abstract

Sexual function represents an important component of health and life quality. The objective of this study was to assess female sexual function in postmenopausal women and to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction among this population. From August to December 2013 a cross-sectional study was carried out with 111 postmenopausal, sexually active women aged 45-65 years. A semi-structured questionnaire made up of itemized questions was applied to identify demographic variables, socio-economic and clinical issues. Participants were requested to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Menopause Rating Scale. Among the studied group, 70.3% of the women presented sexual dysfunction (FSFI⩽26.6). The affected domains were desire and arousal (P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the main risk factors associated with postmenopausal sexual dysfunction were: marital status (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.39; P<0.01), urogenital dysfunction (PR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03-1.12; P<0.00), bladder surgery (PR 1.35; 95% CI 1.09-1.66; P<0.01) and sexual abuse (PR 1.45; 95% CI 1.21-1.72; P<0.00). Our results show a high female sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women. Sexual dysfunction was associated with multiple factors such as: socio-demographic factors, biological factors (urogenital dysfunctions, bladder surgery), psychological matters and sexual abuse.