Effects of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Sexual Health in Menopause: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Psychology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Menopause is associated with changes in sexual function, including reduced desire and increased distress.
• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are explored as a potential non-pharmacological treatment for these changes.
• The effectiveness of MBIs for sexual health in menopausal women requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of MBIs on sexual function in menopausal women.
• To assess impacts on sexual desire, arousal, sexual distress, and satisfaction.
• To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for RCTs up to February 2025.
• Inclusion of seven RCTs with 609 participants across multiple countries.
• Assessment of study quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists.

Main Results:

• Mindfulness interventions positively impacted sexual desire and arousal.
• A consistent significant reduction in sexual distress was observed.
• Effects on overall sexual function and satisfaction showed variability across studies.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness appears beneficial for reducing sexual distress and improving specific aspects of sexual function in menopausal women.
• Heterogeneity in study designs necessitates further high-quality, standardized research.
• MBIs represent a promising complementary strategy for enhancing sexual well-being during menopause.