Prevalence and predictors of sexual function in midlife partnered Chinese women assessed by two simple indicators: Sexual frequency and sexual desire

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of sexual frequency, sexual desire in midlife partnered Chinese women. Methods: Sexual frequency, sexual desire over the past 3 months, menopausal symptoms and other socioeconomic information were assessed for women aged 40-65 years in the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Results: Among 3485 eligible partnered participants, the prevalence of low sexual frequency (less than once per week) and low sexual desire (less than 5 scores) were 72.74% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 71.16%-74.23%) and 71.79% (95% CI = 70.30-73.17%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.17-1.23), more educated (>15 years) (compared with<10 years, OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48-0.82), perimenopause, postmenopause (compared with premenopause, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.02-2.15, OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.80-4.23), sleep disorder (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02-1.50), unemployment (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.45-2.92) were independently associated with low sexual frequency, while multiple linear regression revealed that age β = -0.126, 95% CI = -0.139--0.114), unemployment (β = -0.792, 95% CI = -0.954 to -0.629),chronic diseases (compared with no disease, single disease (β = -0.200, 95% CI = -0.020 to -0.077, multiple diseases (β = -0.792, 95% CI = -0.859 to -0.372), body mass index (β = -0.615, 95% CI = -0.859 to -0.372), postmenopause (β = -0.915, 95% CI = -1.143 to -0.759) were independent indicators for low sexual desire after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Low sexual frequency and low sexual desire were quite prevalent in midlife Chinese partnered women. Some factors, such as sleep disorder, obesity are modifiable or can be prevented or treated with safe and effective therapies.

Decreased Sexual Desire among Middle-Aged and Old Women in China and Factors Influencing It: A Questionnaire-Based Study

“…Based on the survey results, low sexual desire was observed in middle-aged and old Chinese women (58%). However, the prevalence of sexual desire and activity was lower than that reported in a previous study on Chinese women of a similar age group (72.74%) [26]. Moreover, Zhou et al reported that sexual desire and activity decreased the most among postmenopausal women compared with peri-or premenopausal women [26].…”

“…However, discussing sexual health, especially FSD or sexual activity, is still a taboo in Asian countries [15,36]. As China is also a conservative country where research on sexual health, reproductive health, contraceptive use, and menopause-related problems has been limited [23], FSD or sexual health has been inadequately studied [25,26]. Other studies in Hong Kong and China have also reported the prevalence and risk factors of FSD in young and middle-aged women [37,38].…”

“…Till recently, only gynecological factors were studied in the Chinese female population, with little data on contraceptive use, menopause [23], and sexual health (sexual desire and activity aspects) [24]. However, recent studies have determined sexual activity and desire in Chinese women [25,26]. e study by Zhang et al included a small sample size (120 women) and compared the sexual activity in different age groups using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score [25].…”

“…e study by Zhang et al included a small sample size (120 women) and compared the sexual activity in different age groups using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score [25]. A cross-sectional survey by Zhou et al is the only study with a large sample size and determined the sexual activity in Chinese middle-aged women and associated risk factors [26]. As limited evidence is available in this context, we determined the prevalence of Chinese middleaged and old women with low sexual desire, factors affecting sexual desire in the included population, and reasons for discontinuing sexual activity using a cross-sectional survey.…”

The relationship between gender role and attitude toward menstruation with female sexual function: A cross-sectional study

“…Sexual function is an important dimension of life and has significant effects on the emotional and physical health of an individual (1,2). Female sexual dysfunction can be affected by a number of biological, psychological, social, and medical factors, the identification of which helps in understanding the multidimensional nature of human sexuality (3). For instance, menstruation as an important symbol of sexual maturity and fertility potential of women had important effects on the different aspects of women's functioning (4,5).…”