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Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among climacteric women

Abstract:

Background: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), is a scale designed to evaluate sexuality and diagnose the presence of sexual dysfunction in women. Aim: To apply the FSFI to climacteric women. Patients and methods: The FSFI was applied to 370 healthy women aged between 40 and 59 years old (49 ± 6 years) that accompanied patients to public health services in Santiago. Results: Fifty six percent of women were married, 44% were postmenopausal, 6% used hormone replacement therapy, 67% were sexually active, and sexual dysfunction was present in 57% of them. Thirty two percent of women aged between 40 and 44 years and 65% of women aged between 55 and 59 years, had sexual dysfunction (p<0.01). In a logistic regression model, the risk of sexual dysfunction increased among women that perceive having health problems (Odds ratio (OR) 3.9; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.1-13.8), women older than 48 years (OR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.4) and women that gave birth to two or more children (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0-3.1). Conclusions: Climateric women have high prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Age is its main risk factor.