Dyspareunia and urinary sensory symptoms in India: population-based study

Population level estimates of sexual dysfunction in less developed settings where sexuality is not openly discussed or is culturally constrained are lacking.

To determine the prevalence of dyspareunia and identify associated symptoms and sociocultural factors.

Data from a population-based national level family health sample survey conducted in Indian states from 1998 to 1999 which collected sexual and reproductive health information from 84,644 currently married women. The main outcome measure was dyspareunia.

The overall prevalence of dyspareunia was 12.6%, with a higher prevalence in the central region, among newly married and younger women, among Muslims, rural residents, and among nonusers or traditional contraceptive method users. Dyspareunia was significantly more common among respondents who had urinary sensory symptoms when compared with their counterparts (adjusted odds ratio: 6.57, 95% confidence interval: 6.28, 6.87).

Dyspareunia prevalence and the associated symptoms reported in this analysis could be underestimates because of possible underreporting. There is a substantial hidden burden of sexual health problems especially affecting younger women.