Comparison of Sexual Intimacy, Life Satisfaction and Coping Strategies with Postmenopausal and Non-Menopausal Women Referring To Health Centers

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is one of the stages of women's lives associated with physical and mental changes. The purpose of this study was to compare sexual intimacy, life satisfaction and coping strategies with postmenopausal and nonmenopausal women referring to health centers of Ahvaz Oil Industry. Methods: The research method was a descriptive-analytical one. The sample of this study was 200 postmenopausal and non-menopausal women who were selected via available sampling method in 2016. These groups were from the visitors to the petrochemical treatment centers who were matched by age, marital, economic and social status as well as physical health. The tools consisted of self-report questionnaire such as Bagarrozi intimacy needs questionnaire, life satisfaction questionnaire, and a Lazarus coping strategies questionnaire. SPSS18 was used for data analysis and the significance level was 0.05. Results: The mean of sex intimacy score (P=0.001), life satisfaction (P=0.004), emotional coping strategies (P=0.04), and problem-oriented coping strategies (P=0.01) were significantly different in two groups. Conclusion: After the onset of menopause, sexual intimacy and life satisfaction are reduced and preferably, according to psychological and physical changes, postmenopausal women use emotional-focused strategies to cope with stressful conditions.

The relationship between coping strategies with sexual satisfaction and sexual intimacy in women with multiple sclerosis

“…One of the main complications of MS is sexual disorders such as reluctance to intercourse and impaired orgasm in many affected women [ 6 , 14 ]. The disorders usually occur due to muscle weakness [ 33 ], urinary incontinence [ 24 ], fatigue, anxiety, and depression [ 1 ]. These all can decrease self-confidence and distortion of the appropriate feminine image of their sexual abilities compared to women without MS. With the mentality of inability to sexually satisfy the spouse, inability to play an effective role in sexual intercourse, and creating a mental-psychological barrier, these disorders prevent sexual intercourse and significantly reduce the sexual satisfaction [ 34 ].…”

“…It seems that sexual disorders caused by MS could intensify a feeling of guilt [ 1 ], and such feeling might reduce a woman’s sense of security and create an anxious environment, and ultimately lead to not sharing the feelings, needs, and sexual perceptions with their sexual partner, which in turn leads to more separation between couples and diminishes sexual relations between them [ 31 ]. Indeed, living in a safe and stress-free environment helps to improve sexual relationships and intimacy [ 16 , 33 ].…”

“…Patients who use problem-focused coping strategies in dealing with their disease achieved a relative acceptance of the existing conditions over time, considering all the limitations and complications of MS [ 23 ] and it has strengthened their use of problem-focused strategies. Interpreting stressful events is more important than the events themselves, which helps patients, respond to disease as a source of stress [ 33 ].…”

“…Hence, patients move away from rational thinking and conscious behavior [ 16 ]. Many previous studies have pointed to the regulating and modulating roles of coping strategies on the level of anxiety, stress and depression in patients, and it has been found that if these strategies are based on awareness and cognition, the patient will have higher peace of mind, efficiency and overall mental health [ 33 ].…”

Sexual-related determinants of life satisfaction among married women: A cross-sectional study

“…‘Life satisfaction’ as a general term that describes the perceived satisfaction of individuals concerning various aspects of their lives, and is the extent to which individuals’ basic needs have been met [ 1 ]. In fact, life satisfaction is a positive assessment of individuals’ whole lives [ 2 ]. Factors affecting life satisfaction can be classified into two main categories comprising biological factors (such as genetic factors and physical health) and socio-psychological factors (such as desirable social relationships and psychological needs) [ 3 ].…”