Female sexual dysfunction in the reproductive years: Prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Objectives: Sexual dysfunction is believed to exist in 40% to 70% of the population in Portugal. It is defined by pain or alteration of function in the phases of the sexual act. The present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age, the prevalence of the various subtypes of sexual dysfunction, and the factors associated with female sexual dysfunction. Study design: Observational, cross-sectional and analytic study. Setting: Novo Cuidar Family Health Unit, Fafe. Participants:Women aged between 18 and 58 years attending the Novo Cuidar Health Unit. Methods: An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was given to a random sample of 346 women. The chi-squared and Fisher tests were used to compare proportions, odds ratio were computed to determine the strength of associations, and t-Student and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare means and proportions of relevant variables. Results: The response rate was 86.4%. The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 77,2% (CI95% 72,0-82,7). Orgasmic disorder was the most prevalent subtype in 55,8% (CI95% 51,0-63,9). An association between hormonal contraception and low sexual desire was found (p = 0,003). Sexual aversion was statistically related with previous unwanted sexual experiences (p = 0,001). Conclusions: Female sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age is highly prevalent, although only half of the women surveyed considered it to be a problem. Significant associations were found with factors that can influence satisfying sexuality.