Objective:
To evaluate the hormonal and psycho-socio-cultural determinants that effect postmenopausal sexual dysfunction.
Design:
Case-control study.
Setting:
University hospital, Menopause clinics.
Patients:
50 volunteers fit for inclusion criteria.
Intervention:
FSFI questionaire was applied to the participants after initial interview that preset questions evaluating psychosocio-cultural determinants were directed. Vaginal pH, total testosterone, and SHBG levels were measured in addition to routine menopause investigations.
Results:
FSFI scores were accordingly low in women who considered that they had a sexual dysfunction (50%) and, in those who felt menopausal transition had a negative impact in their sexual relations (52%) (p=0.00). While 6% of participants found sex after menopause as either shameful-unappropriate or unnecessary, other 17% stated that sex after menopause should continue as a duty of woman. 33% of the participants outlined that “motherhood” is the most important goal of their lives. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed a correlation between FSFI scores and FAI.
Conclusion:
FSD is prevalent in our country. Questioning the patient about the presence of sexual dysfunction may be sufficient to disclose the problem. FAI is a more reliable parameter in selecting candidates for androgen therapy.
Keywords: free androgen index, FSFI, female sexual dysfunction, postmenopause, psycho-socio-cultural determinants