Investigation of the factors affecting the sexual function in women of reproductive age referred to the Women's Clinic of Hakim Neyshabur Hospital in 2015, Iran

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the sexual function of women of reproductive age with reference to the adverse effects of sexual dysfunction in women and its consequences on family life. This research was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2014-2015 and the study population included married women with stable sexual activities (at least for the last four weeks) referred to Women's Clinics of Hakim Neyshabur Hospital, Iran. The criteria for this study were as follows: being at the fertility age, being married and having regular sexual activity during the last four weeks. The study also included the women with a history of vaginal surgery, uterine surgery, vaginal or uterine anomalies, mental illness, any use of psychoactive or narcotic drugs. A standard questionnaire for women's sexual function (FSFI) was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software, chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance. The findings showed that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was significantly related to the level of education, husband's employment status, family income, specific diseases, and husband's education (p < 0.05). Moreover, the highest prevalence was found for orgasmic disorder, lubrication disorder, libido disorder, stimulation disorder, and sexual dysfunction. Sexual abnormalities are highly prevalent in women of reproductive age, and the establishment of counseling and educational centers to identify these women and their needs seem to be necessary.