Female sexual dysfunction: Prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Introduction: Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is multidimensional. Scarse attention has been given to FSD, due to the absence of well defined diagnostic criteria, universal classification or validated scales. Its prevalence is high (25% a 63%) and it is correlated with multiple factors, although only 11% to 30% seek for professional help, and 68% of women describe themselves as satisfied with their global sexual life. The Family Physician (FP) is a fundamental professional in the approach to this health problem, not well studied in Portugal. Aim: To determine FSD and its subtypes prevalence and frequency; to define related factors, the degree of global sexual satisfaction, the proportion of healthcare-seeking behaviour for FSD, and of FP approaching this subject in the consultation. Material and methods: Cross-sectional analytic study. Anonymous and confidential self-administered questionnaire applied to a random sample of 421 women from the patient list of Senhora da Hora Health Center (Portugal). Data analysis: response rate, sample description, FSD and its Subtypes prevalence and correlated factors. Results: A response rate of 99,7% was obtained. The prevalence of FSD was 74,2%. Dispareunia and vaginism were the most prevalent types of FSD. The degree of satisfaction with sexual life was high (85,9%); only 15,7% of women seeked for healthcare support. Sexuality was reported as approached by FP by 16,3%. Associations between FSD / FSD Subtypes and socio-demographic/medical factors were found. Discussion/Conclusion: FSD prevalence was superior to the one described in other studies. Some surprising associations, as high educational level and parity related to FSD, were found. Evaluating the strength of this associations and controlling eventual confounding variables could be useful. New studies, in different contexts, are needed to evaluate the impact of other factors, such as sexual partners function.