Sexual function and quality of life in a sample of postmenopausal women admitted in a menopause clinic in Turkey | [Türkiye’deki bir menopoz kliniğine başvuran bir grup postmenopozal kadinda cinsel işlev ve yaşam kalitesi]

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual issues in postmenopausal women have garnered limited interest despite their high prevalence. Menopause is a natural part of ageing in women and has been reported to have a negative impact on the quality of life. In the present study, we examined the association between sexual functions and quality of life parameters in postmenopausal women. Materials and Method: In total, 67 postmenopausal women who sequentially presented to climacteric clinics were enrolled in this study. All participants were administered a structured sociodemographic data form, a 7-item relationship assessment scale, female sexual function index and the 36-item short-form health survey-SF-36-. Results: Mean age, mean age at the beginning of menopause and mean menopause duration were 52.6±6.14, 46.46±5.58 and 6.23±4.94 years, respectively. 36-item short-form health survey-SF-36-social function score was positively correlated with sexual desire, arousal, degree of lubrication, ability to achieve orgasm, intercourse satisfaction, female sexual function index pain domain score, and total female sexual function index score. Moreover, 36-item short-form health survey-SF-36-physical function score was positively correlated with arousal, pain and total female sexual function index score. 36-item short-form health survey-SF-36-physical role difficulties score was positively correlated with the ability to achieve orgasm and female sexual function index pain scores. female sexual function index score correlated with SF-36 social function, physical function and physical role difficulties subscale scores. 36-item short-form health survey-SF-36-social function score predicted arousal, ability to achieve orgasm, intercourse satisfaction, pain and total female sexual function index scores after controlling for age and menopause duration. Conclusion: In the evaluation of sexual functioning in postmenopausal women, problems related to relationship with partner and quality of life, especially physical functions, should be take into account carefully.