Validation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and presentation of norms in older women

Dargis, Luc; Trudel, Gilles; Cadieux, Jean; Villeneuve, L.; Préville, Michel; Boyer, Richard

doi:10.1016/j.sexol.2012.01.002

Cited by 21 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high in this sample; other studies using the FSFI in older women have also found similar results (42-44). There are associations among medical comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (45), chronic kidney disease (46, 47), and hypertension (48) with sexual dysfunction.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Antihypertensive medications and sexual function in women

Thomas

Evans

Berlowitz³

et al. 2016

Journal of Hypertension

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Objectives Hypertension is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and kidney disease, but treatment can substantially reduce risks. Many patients avoid antihypertensive medications due to fear of side effects. While associations between antihypertensives and sexual dysfunction in men have been documented, it remains unclear whether antihypertensives are associated with sexual dysfunction in women. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from women in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) to evaluate the relations among class of antihypertensive medication and the outcomes (a) sexual activity and (b) sexual function. Methods SPRINT enrolled individuals 50 and older with hypertension at high risk for cardiovascular disease. A subset of participants completed questionnaires regarding quality of life (QoL), including sexual function. Antihypertensive class was determined by medications taken at baseline. Results Of 690 women in the QoL subset of SPRINT, 183 (26.5%) were sexually active. There were no significant differences in sexual activity among women taking one or more antihypertensives and women not taking any. Women taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB) had higher odds of sexual activity [OR 1.66 (1.12-4.27), p=0.011]. Among sexually active women, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high (52.5%). No class of medication was associated with sexual dysfunction in the multivariable model. Conclusions ACEI/ARB use was associated with higher odds of sexual activity. While prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high, no single class of antihypertensive medication was associated with sexual dysfunction.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Antihypertensive medications and sexual function in women

Thomas

Evans

Berlowitz³

et al. 2016

Journal of Hypertension

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“…Additional limitations relate to the FSFI, which assesses sexual activity over the previous 4 weeks; thus, participants who are not inactive, yet engage in sexual activity less frequently were not counted as being “sexually active” 23;48 . Due to the potentially sensitive nature of questions in the FSFI regarding sexual function, some participants may have chosen to respond that they were not sexually active to avoid answering additional questions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sexual activity during the previous 4 weeks was assessed by an item with the question “Have you engaged in sexual activity of any kind with a partner and/or by yourself (masturbation)?” This item served as a skip pattern question which instructed participants who answered “yes” to engaging in sexual activity to complete questions regarding sexual function during the past 4 weeks using a modified version of the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) 22;23 . The FSFI is a 19-item measure that assesses 6 domains of sexual function (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) as well as a total score.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blood Pressure, Sexual Activity, and Dysfunction in Women with Hypertension: Baseline Findings From the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)

Foy

Newman

Berlowitz

et al. 2016

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Introduction Sexual function, an important component of quality of life, is gaining increased research and clinical attention in older women with hypertension. Aims To assess the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and other variables, and sexual activity and sexual dysfunction in hypertensive women. Methods Baseline analysis of 635 women participants of a larger randomized clinical trial of 9361 men and women. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported sexual activity (yes/no), and sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI). Results 452 participants (71.2%) reported having no sexual activity during the previous 4 weeks. The mean (SD) FSFI score for sexually active participants was 25.3 (6.0), and 52.6% of the sample reported a FSFI score ≤26.55 designating sexual dysfunction. In logistic regression models, SBP was not significantly associated with sexual activity (AOR = 1.002; p >0.05). Older age (AOR=0.95, p <0.05), and lower education (AOR for 0.05). Higher depressive symptoms from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was associated with higher odds of sexual dysfunction (AOR = 1.24, p<0.05), as was increased number of physical comorbidities (AOR = 1.25, p <0.05). Diuretic use was associated with lower odds of being sexually active in CKD participants (AOR = 0.33, p<0.05). Conclusions Younger age, higher education, living with others, and higher weekly alcohol consumption were significantly associated with higher odds of being sexually active in a sample of middle-aged and older women with hypertension. Increased depressive symptoms and increased physical comorbidities were significantly associated with increased odds of sexual dysfunction. SBP was not significantly associated with sexual activity or sexual dysfunction. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01206062

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“…Subsequent research has shown that mean scores on the FSFI tend to be lower in midlife and older women (12). Some have advocated for a scoring adjustment in this population (13), calling into question conceptions of normative or ideal sexual function in aging women. The FSFI has been validated in multiple languages, across age groups, and for multiple sexual disorders.…”

Section: Measurement Of Sexual Functionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A biopsychosocial approach to women’s sexual function and dysfunction at midlife: A narrative review

2016

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A satisfying sex life is an important component of overall well-being, but sexual dysfunction is common, especially in midlife women. The aim of this review is (a) to define sexual function and dysfunction, (b) to present theoretical models of female sexual response, (c) to examine longitudinal studies of how sexual function changes during midlife, and (d) to review treatment options. Four types of female sexual dysfunction are currently recognized: Female Orgasmic Disorder, Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder, Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder, and Substance/Medication-Induced Sexual Dysfunction. However, optimal sexual function transcends the simple absence of dysfunction. A biopsychosocial approach that simultaneously considers physical, psychological, sociocultural, and interpersonal factors is necessary to guide research and clinical care regarding women’s sexual function. Most longitudinal studies reveal an association between advancing menopause status and worsening sexual function. Psychosocial variables, such as availability of a partner, relationship quality, and psychological functioning, also play an integral role. Future directions for research should include deepening our understanding of how sexual function changes with aging and developing safe and effective approaches to optimizing women’s sexual function with aging. Overall, holistic, biopsychosocial approaches to women’s sexual function are necessary to fully understand and treat this key component of midlife women’s well-being.

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Validation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and presentation of norms in older women

Cited by 21 publications

References 25 publications

Antihypertensive medications and sexual function in women

Antihypertensive medications and sexual function in women

Blood Pressure, Sexual Activity, and Dysfunction in Women with Hypertension: Baseline Findings From the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)

A biopsychosocial approach to women’s sexual function and dysfunction at midlife: A narrative review

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