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Physical activity and sexual function in middle-aged women
Patrícia Uchôa Leitão Cabral1, Ana Carla Gomes M D Canário1, Maria Helena Constantino Spyrides1
1Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
Regular physical activity is linked to better sexual function in middle-aged women. Active women reported fewer issues across all aspects of sexual health compared to sedentary individuals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Exercise Physiology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in middle-aged women.
- Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor with potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between physical activity levels and sexual function in middle-aged women.
- To determine if higher physical activity correlates with improved sexual health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 370 women aged 40-65.
- Utilized the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
Main Results:
- 67% of participants experienced sexual dysfunction.
- Sedentary women showed a significantly higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction (78.9%) compared to active (57.6%) and moderately active (66.7%) women.
- Physically active women reported better scores across all domains of the FSFI, indicating superior sexual function.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity positively impacts sexual function in middle-aged women.
- Promoting physical activity may be a strategy to improve sexual health in this demographic.
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