Association between menopausal symptoms, sexual function, and sexual activity - a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Women's Health
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Menopause is associated with various physical and psychological symptoms.
• Sexual function can be significantly impacted during the menopausal transition.
• Understanding factors influencing sexual activity in menopausal women is crucial for improving quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between menopausal symptoms and sexual function in relation to ongoing sexual activity among women in menopause.
• To determine if maintaining sexual activity influences the severity of menopause-related symptoms.
• To assess the impact of sexual activity on different domains of female sexual function.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 96 menopausal women aged 40-59 years.
• Participants had a positive score on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and follicle-stimulating hormone levels ≥ 25 IU/ml.
• Exclusion criteria included the use of hormone replacement therapy.

Main Results:

• Women with active sexual lives reported significantly lower somatic-vegetative and psychological menopausal symptoms, and a lower general MRS score.
• Active sexual engagement correlated with better sexual function in excitement, lubrication, orgasm, and pain, alongside a higher total score on the Female Sexual Function Index.
• Women not engaging in sexual activity had higher MRS scores, and sexual activity predicted 10.4% of the variation in symptom scores.

Conclusions:

• Menopausal women who maintain sexual activity experience a lower burden of menopausal symptoms.
• Ongoing sexual activity is associated with improved sexual function in menopausal women.
• Sexual activity is a significant factor in managing menopause symptoms and enhancing overall sexual well-being.