Presence of a Sexual Problem may not Affect Women's Satisfaction from their Sexual Function

Abstract

Introduction It has been proposed that women's sexual problems/dysfunctions, in the absence of personal and interpersonal distress, may have little clinical importance, as they may not necessarily affect women's sexual satisfaction. However, data are missing to support such interpretation. Aim The objective of the present study was to examine whether the presence of a sexual problem necessary affects women's satisfaction with sexual function. Method The study included 164 women who visited a general hospital because of symptoms not related to their sexual function and were asked to complete voluntarily and anonymously demographic data and two questionnaires. Main Outcome Measures Women completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)—an instrument which evaluates women sexual function—and the Symptom Checklist of Sexual Function—women version (SCSF-w), a screening tool of women's self-perception of sexual function. Results Mean patients’ age was 43 ± 12.6 (18–72) years. According to the FSFI, 48.8% of the participants had a sexual dysfunction. However, based on their self-perception of sexual function (SCSF), 80.5% of the sample declared to be satisfied with their sexual function, despite the fact that 69.5% of them reported at least one sexual problem. Of all women, only 26.2% would like to talk about their sexual problem(s) with a doctor (57.4% of those who are “bothered” by their sexual symptoms). Logistic regression analysis revealed no association between any sexual dysfunction and women's satisfaction from their sexual function. Conclusion Despite the presence of sexual problem(s), women may be satisfied with their sexual function, but half of those who are bothered would like to talk about it with their doctor. The presence of a sexual problem or its severity is not a determinant of women's help-seeking behavior. Such data strongly support current definitions of women's sexual dysfunction, where the presence of personal distress has been included as a crucial dimension.

Função sexual e fatores associados à disfunção sexual em mulheres no climatério

“…Esse resultado paradoxal também foi apontado em outros estudos [14][15][16][17] , o que implica reflexões sobre questões diagnósticas mais precisas de disfunção sexual. Alguns estudos concordam que um problema sexual somente deve ser considerado como disfunção sexual quando causar aflição da mulher, incômodo refletido, portanto, na insatisfação com a vida sexual 4,18 .…”

Sexuality in Older Adults (65+)—An Overview of the Literature, Part 1: Sexual Function and its Difficulties

“…Thus, for a diagnosis of a sexual disorder the DSM-5 requires that sexual problems have been experienced for at least six months and is associated with "clinically significant distress in the individual" (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). We know that some women meet the symptom criteria for a sexual disorder but report no associated distress (Ferenidou, Kapoteli, Moisidis, Koutsogiannis, et al, 2008;King, Holt, & Nazareth, 2007). In fact, because the criteria required for a clinical diagnosis of sexual dysfunction are difficult to impossible to assess in large, 9 population-based surveys (Graham & Bancroft, 2005), we can likely only determine prevalence estimates of sexual "difficulties" and not sexual "dysfunctions".…”

Quality of sexual life in adult and elderly female college students from a university in amazon

“…Some studies didn't report any significant relation between sexual satisfaction and the educational level, while others considered that as an important factor [15][16][17][18] . Laumann et al analyzed the data of 1,749 women from the National Health and Social Life Survey and reported that high educational level was less associated with sexual problems, especially in women attending high school and college.…”

“…Therefore, arousal can precede desire in the female sexual cycle and be the sexual trigger for some women, proving its importance for the quality of sexual life. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Lubrication problems are the second most common sexual complaint in women, reported being present in up to 39% of cases. 5,26 In Brazil, 27 to 37% women have arousal problems.…”

“…30 Satisfaction reflects a feeling of gratitude and corresponds to a positive emotional response to the fulfillment of a wish, necessity or expectancy. 18 Therefore, sexual activity is influenced by partner presence and his overall health and sexual function. 2,4,8,14,30 …”