Sex life and role identity in Taiwanese women during menopause: a qualitative study

Our goal was to examine Taiwanese women's perspectives on the way menopause affected their sexual behaviour to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences during this transition.

Physical symptoms associated with menopause may affect women's sexual experiences. Little is known about how menopause-related changes in sexual behaviour may affect role identity of women living in a modernizing urban culture that is still strongly rooted in traditional beliefs and attitudes.

This was a qualitative study involving face-to-face interviews using open-ended questions.

During 2011-2012, eighteen peri or postmenopausal women visiting a medical clinic for gynaecological examinations or treatment were interviewed about their sexual experiences. Responses were analysed for common themes.

Four themes were identified about the effects of menopause on women's sex life: (1) changes in physical responses during sex; (2) the acceptance/non-acceptance of the current situation; (3) sexual pressure related to their marital role; (4) efforts to improve sexual interest or activity. Menopause-related physical changes often (but not always) made sexual interactions difficult. But women's responses to the changes varied. Some used sexual discomfort as a reason to avoid sexual intercourse. Others sought to improve their sexual encounters through behavioural modifications or hormone therapy.

Given the variety of reactions to the impact of menopause on sexual behaviour/relationships seen here, it is clear that health professionals need to assess of each woman's specific situation and be prepared to recommend a variety of behavioural or hormonal treatment options.