Factors Influencing Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Married Women

This study identified the level of marital intimacy, menopausal symptom and sexual function, and examined factors affecting sexual function in postmenopausal married women.

With cross-sectional survey, a sample of 245 subjects aged 45 to 60 years was recruited from January to March, 2014. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires which included marital intimacy questionnaire (MIQ), menopause rating scale (MRS), and female sexual function index (FSFI). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression.

Marital intimacy, menopausal symptom and sexual function scores of subjects were 3.46±1.14, 13.71±6.61, and 12.55±8.33, respectively. Marital intimacy and menopausal symptom were related to sexual function. Variables including marital intimacy, psychosocial and urogenital menopausal symptom, period since menopause and body mass index therapy explained 51.5% in sexual function of participants.

When nurses plan sexual counseling and education for sexual function of postmenopausal married women, it is necessary to consider marital intimacy, menopausal symptoms, and menopause-related factors.