Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Lower Egypt.Design A cross-sectional clinic-/hospital-based survey.Setting Five district medical centres in Dakahlia Governorate: Shirbin, Bilquas, Samblawen, Dekrinis and Mansoura City.Population One thousand married women aged between 16 and 49 years.Methods Data were collected by personal interview in a questionnaire format in addition to physical examination (when allowed).Main outcome measures FSD and associated risk factors.Results The response rate was 93.6%. 68.9% of women had one or more sexual problems; however, 23% of the women with sexual problems were not distressed by these issues. 31.5% of women suffered from dyspareunia. 49.6% of the women had decreased sexual desire, 36% had difficult arousal and 16.9% had anorgasmia (primary and secondary). Marital disharmony, 'hate' and unfavourable socio-economic circumstances were the most common aggravating factors (28.1%) for sexual dysfunction among the participants, followed by pregnancy-related events (15.7%). Most women (84.5%) received no help for their sexual problems. 90.3% of the women were circumcised. Only 7.1% (46 of 645) of women with sexual problems had received treatment, with no real improvement reported in 58.7% (27 of the 46 women).Conclusions FSD is a highly prevalent problem within the scope of this study. Low reporting rates and very low treatment rates were identified in the sample from Lower Egypt.

Female genital cutting remains a widely practiced custom in our society. Grave complications of circumcision may last throughout women's life particularly the time of consummation of marriage and the time of childbirth.

The study's findings demonstrate an immediate need for the prevention of SA in Lower Egypt.