A study of sexual dysfunction and its associated factors among women in childbearing age, Egypt

Abstract

Background and objective: Sexual dysfunction is a significant public health problem that is more common among women than in men. The women sexual dysfunction and the factors influencing it have not yet been fully investigated. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate sexual dysfunction and its associated factors among women in childbearing age, Egypt.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey involving 780 non-pregnant sexual active females aged 15-51 years old who were recruited into the study by random sampling. The study population was selected from health facilities which affiliated to the ministry of health in Damietta Governorate. Interview tools used to collect data related to female and male partner.

Results: A total of 780 women in childbearing age were enrolled. More than half of the studied women have sexual dysfunction versus 46.9% without sexual function. 22.3% of sexual dysfunction women have mild dysfunction, 18.5% of them have moderate dysfunction, and 12.3% have severe dysfunction. Desire disorder was the most common sexual disorder among participants (67.3%), followed by arousal disorder (55.8%). There was a statistically significant correlation between female sexual dysfunction and husband's age, educational level and husbands suffer from depression, heavy smokers and hypnotic drugs used. Female sexual dysfunction was found among older age, low educated and non-workers females, as well as women, suffer chronic disease, genital inflammation, and stress.

Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among women, so further study based on a comprehensive survey is necessarily needed.