Sexual dysfunction in perimenopausal women based on a national epidemiological survey in China

Sexual function in premenopausal and postmenopausal women was diverse in previous related literature, and national epidemiological data are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate female sexual dysfunction (FSD) variation in the transition of menopause based on a national epidemiological survey in China.

A national epidemiological survey on female sexual function was conducted from February 2014 to January 2016 in mainland China. The sexual functioning of women was assessed by the Chinese version of the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. Six domains and prevalence of FSD in premenopausal and postmenopausal women were calculated and analyzed.

Fifty years old was the median age of menopausal status. Apart from age, desire and arousal dysfunctions were the main dysfunction domains in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women (42.5% vs. 37.1%, p = 0.019; 40.8% vs. 33.2%, p = 0.001). Desire disorder and organism disorder significantly recovered with age and for postmenopausal timing.

This survey provided insights into six domains and prevalence of FSD in premenopausal and postmenopausal women apart from age. The importance of this study was underlined by data based on a national epidemiological survey.