Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, IR Iran
2 Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modaress University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: One of the most common problems of women especially during transient menopause and post menopause is reduction in sexual desire which affects their social and psychological health.
Objectives: The present study attempted to evaluate the impact of some personal and social factors, common age-related complaints, and follicular stimulating hormone and estradiol on sexual desire.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 201 females, aged 45-60 years old, without any history of psychological illness, and not receiving any hormone therapy including estrogen-progesterone. They filled three questionnaires; menopausal rating scale (MRS), symptom checklist 90 and their sexual interests and demographic characteristics. The data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square tests and logistic regression (using SPSS 18).
Results: A deceasing sexual desire was observed in 34.7% of the cases. A statistically significant relationship was found between reduced sexual desire and physical complaints and mood changes including anxiety and depression. Women who were widowed or divorced exhibited a significantly higher reduction in sexual desire. There was a significant correlation between sexual satisfaction and sexual desire. However, no significant relationship was observed between sexual desire and hot flashes, dyspareunia and level of estradiol and FSH.
Conclusions: Mental and physical health of women and their sexual satisfaction play a more effective role in predicting sexual desire, regardless of age and hormonal changes during this period.
Keywords
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