Stress, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women in Shiraz, Iran, 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Menopause is associated with decreased sexual activity and a feeling of decreased attractiveness and sexual potency. This study tested the hypothesis that sexual health in postmenopausal women is not the same as nonmenopausal women with regard to symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 health centers in Shiraz between April and September 2015; 310 postmenopausal women included by convenient sampling. Data were collected through the Female Sexual Function Index, and depression anxiety stress scale 21 questionnaires. Analysis performed using SPSS version 22 and included descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and Pearson correlation and linear regression; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:The percentage of women with sexual dysfunction in the present study was 88.7%. There was a significant relationship between stress (p = 0.04), anxiety (p = 0.01), and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant relationship between depression (p = 0.003) and sexual dysfunction. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there was an inverse relationship among stress (−0.24), anxiety (−0.25), depression (−0.30), and sexual function. In addition, linear regression results showed that depression was the most important factor in the description of sexual dysfunction.CONCLUSION:This study showed that there is an association of the status of mental health and sexual function in post-menopausal women. However, more studies should be carried out to find the confounders.

Sexual Function and Factors Affecting Menopause: A Systematic Review

“…Additionally, some studies indicated that postmenopausal women experience aging, altered mental image of their appearance, and feelings of femininity end, disability, disappointment, depression, and anxiety which can influence their sexual function 72. In line with the results of some control studies,17213953 Borissova et al73 reported that decreased libido in postmenopausal women may be related to some psychological factors like depression. Danaci et al74 indicated that anxiety and depression have a profound effect on sexual relationships.…”

“…In Iran, Kabudi,20 in his research on the knowledge about menopause and sexual function of women over 35 years old in Kermanshah, reported that sexual dysfunction responses in two phases of sexuality and erection in 141 menopausal women is 70%. However, Yazdanpanahi et al21 reported the prevalence of sexual dysfunction during menopause as much as 88.7%. In another report in 2002 from the USA, this rate was 30% 22.…”

“…The findings of the studies reported that there is a significant relationship between sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety 173953. Furthermore, they suggested that depression is the most important element in describing sexual dysfunction 21. Researchers believe that reducing sexual desire causes mental, emotional disorders and interpersonal distress, leading to a decline in general health 54…”

Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol for Evaluating the Effect of Group Education on Postmenopausal Sexual Dysfunction

“…Some menopause complications include menopausal flushing, insomnia, changes in sexual function, mood disorders, late cardiovascular complications, and osteoporosis [ 6 ]. Sexual dysfunction is also a common complaint in menopause [ 7 ]. Sexual function means engaging in sexual intercourse as she wishes, including desire (libido), arousal (excitement), orgasm and resolution with consent and without pain.…”

A comment on a study by Yazdanpanahi et al. (2018)

“…(2018) showed the relationship between a mental state-like depression, anxiety, and stress with sexual dysfunction These findings draw the much-needed attention to the need to investigate the menopausal symptoms, the psychological problems of couples, and their lack of sexual knowledge in order to give them the necessary counseling and instruction. [ 1 ]…”