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Mark JKK, Samsudin S, Looi I, Yuen KH. Vaginal dryness: a review of current understanding and management strategies. Climacteric 2024; 27:236-244. [PMID: 38318859 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2024.2306892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The issue of vaginal dryness in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and its pervasive impact on women's quality of life is often overlooked. Extensive surveys conducted worldwide reveal limited understanding of vaginal dryness among public and health-care providers. Physician knowledge on menopause medicine varies globally, highlighting the need for standardized training. Effective communication between physicians and patients plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating GSM symptoms. There are multiple treatment options to improve vaginal lubrication, including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, along with lifestyle modifications. Tailoring treatments to individual patient preferences is crucial for compliance. Overall, GSM is multifaceted, from the prevalence of vaginal dryness to the nuances of treatment preferences. The urgency of widespread education and awareness of this matter must be underscored to meet the aim of enhancing the well-being and quality of life for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K K Mark
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - S Samsudin
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
- Clinical Research Centre, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
| | - I Looi
- Clinical Research Centre, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
- Medical Department, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
| | - K H Yuen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Dinish US, Logan S, Balasundaram G, Xinhui VT, Vinod Ram K, Ruochong Z, Renzhe B, Silvani S, Hua Cheng K, Xia X, Giap Hean G, Choolani M, Olivo M. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and imaging for non-invasive objective assessment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1085. [PMID: 38212347 PMCID: PMC10784538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49655-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The genitourinary symptom of menopause (GSM) affects up to 65% of women, resulting in symptoms such as vulvovaginal dryness, discomfort, and dysuria, which significantly impacts quality of life. The current assessment methods rely on subjective questionnaires that can be influenced by individual differences, as well as invasive measurements that are time-consuming and not easily accessible. In this study, we explore the potential of a non-invasive and objective assessment tool called diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and imaging (DRSI) to evaluate tissue chromophores, including water, lipid, oxyhemoglobin, and deoxyhemoglobin. These measurements provide information about moisture content, lipid levels, oxygen saturation, and blood fraction, which can serve as surrogate markers for genital estrogen levels. Our findings reveal distinct differences in these chromophores among pre, peri, and postmenopausal subjects. By using lipid and blood fraction tissue chromophores in a K-Nearest Neighbour classifier model, we achieved a prediction accuracy of 65% compared to vaginal maturation index (VMI) that is clinically used to assess estrogen-related hormonal changes. When age was included as the third feature, the accuracy increased to 78%. We believe that by refining the study protocol and configuring the fiber probe to examine tissue chromophores both in the superficial vulva skin for epidermal water content and the deeper layers, DRSI has the potential to provide objective diagnosis and aid in monitoring the treatment outcome of GSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- U S Dinish
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore.
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Susan Logan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
| | - Ghayathri Balasundaram
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Republic of Singapore
| | - Valerie Teo Xinhui
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Republic of Singapore
| | - Keertana Vinod Ram
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Republic of Singapore
| | - Zhang Ruochong
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Republic of Singapore
| | - Bi Renzhe
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Republic of Singapore
| | - Steffie Silvani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Kee Hua Cheng
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Xu Xia
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Goh Giap Hean
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Mahesh Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Malini Olivo
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore.
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 31 Biopolis Way, #07-01 Nanos, Singapore, 138669, Republic of Singapore.
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Logan S, Wong BWX, Tan JHI, Kramer MS, Yong EL. Menopausal symptoms in midlife Singaporean women: Prevalence rates and associated factors from the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP). Maturitas 2023; 178:107853. [PMID: 37806008 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menopausal symptoms can substantially impact quality of life. We studied somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms and their associated factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of healthy midlife Singaporean women from three major Asian ethnic groups. METHODS In 2014-16, women aged 45 to 69 attending well-woman clinics at the National University Hospital Singapore completed the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Sociodemographic, reproductive, medical, anthropometric, body composition, and physical performance characteristics were assessed using validated questionnaires and strict protocols. We analysed sub-scales and total scores by median split, and adjusted odds ratios using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 1054 eligible women, 62.6 % reported at least one moderate to extremely severe symptom. The top five menopausal symptoms were joint and muscle discomfort, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, physical and mental exhaustion, and hot flushes. Higher total scores on the MRS were associated with moderate disability (adjusted odds ratio: 9.80, 95 % confidence interval: 2.88-33.34), poorer self-rated health status (2.18, 1.60-2.97), menstrual irregularity at 25 years (1.63, 1.07-2.49), and slower chair stands (1.49, 1.09-2.03). Age ≥65 (0.54, 0.30-0.94) and a lower level of education (0.45, 0.26-0.76) had significant inverse associations with total MRS score. CONCLUSIONS Menopausal symptoms were associated with disability, poorer health status, and weaker lower-body muscle strength. These data add to the limited Asian evidence and raise the profile of this important area of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Logan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Level 3, 119074, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 12, 119228, Singapore
| | - Beverly Wen Xin Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 12, 119228, Singapore
| | - Joelle Hwee Inn Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 12, 119228, Singapore
| | - Michael S Kramer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 12, 119228, Singapore; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, 3605 Rue de la Montagne Montréal, Quebec H3G 2M1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, 3605 Rue de la Montagne Montréal, Quebec H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Eu-Leong Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Level 3, 119074, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 12, 119228, Singapore.
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Demirdağ F, Kıvrak Güçer B, Kolbaşı EN. Sarcopenic obesity is not associated with sexual dysfunction in older adults: a cross-sectional study. Aging Male 2023; 26:2252502. [PMID: 37905446 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2023.2252502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) and the association between SD and body composition abnormalities, such as sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity. METHODS Older adults (≥65 years) were included. Sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed by using newly defined ESPEN-EASO diagram. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Obesity was defined using the fat percentile cut-offs suggested by ESPEN-EASO. SD was determined by Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). RESULTS Two-hundred and sixty-seven volunteers (64.4% female, mean age 73.63 ± 6.22 years) participated in this study. One-hundred seventy-eight individuals (66.7%) had SD. It was present in 83.1% and 36.8% of the females and males, respectively (p < 0.0001). There was no association between SD and sarcopenia alone (OR: 1.359, 95% CI: 0.650-2.838, p = 0.415) or obesity alone (OR: 0.986, 95% CI: 0.543-1.791, p = 0.963). Sarcopenic obesity was significantly associated with SD (OR: 9.116, 95% CI: 1.173-70.851, p = 0.035). However, this significance was lost after the model was adjusted for gender, marital status, and comorbidities (OR: 4.676, 95% CI: 0.578-37.801, p = 0.148). CONCLUSIONS SD was present in 66.7% of the older adults and was not associated with sarcopenia, obesity, or sarcopenic obesity. Further longitudinal studies are needed on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filiz Demirdağ
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Burcu Kıvrak Güçer
- Department of Psychology, Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Esma Nur Kolbaşı
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Zeleke FT, Ezedin S, Aleminew F, Alem KG, Tefera DT, Demissie M, Beriso Jima G, Endeshaw F, Belay A, Ayele A, Andebet D, Zegeye AM. Sexual dysfunction and its associated factors among reproductive-age women at Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2023. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2029. [PMID: 37853332 PMCID: PMC10583327 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16938-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Female sexual dysfunction is commonly neglected, under-investigated, and under-treated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and its associated factors of female sexual dysfunction among reproductive-aged women at Gurage zone hospitals, in southern Ethiopia. METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 reproductive-age group women. A systematic random sampling method was employed and structured questionnaires were used to collect the data through a face-to-face interview. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, and bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05. RESULT Four hundred two participants completed the interview with a response rate of 94.8%. Arousal dysfunction 91.0% and pain during sexual intercourse 39.3% were the most and the least prevalent domains of female sexual dysfunction respectively. Overall 32.1% of the respondents had female sexual dysfunction. Body mass index (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 10.8), history of pelvic surgery (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 9.2), marriage satisfaction (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 1o.6), a satisfaction of spouses' sex ability (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 8.5), breastfeeding (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.6, 7.0), and mode of delivery [vaginal delivery with tear and episiotomy (AOR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.6, 8.8), instrument assisted vaginal delivery (AOR = 7.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 39.8)], were statistically associated with female sexual dysfunction. All-encompassing professional counseling addressing psychological and interpersonal acts and weight management interventions are needed for couples to maintain sexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fentahun Tamene Zeleke
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia.
| | - Semer Ezedin
- Wolkite University Specialized Hospital, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Fentahun Aleminew
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassa Genetu Alem
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Tsega Tefera
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Mebratu Demissie
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Gudeta Beriso Jima
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Fikremariam Endeshaw
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Aynalem Belay
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Alemitu Ayele
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Madawalabu University, Robe, Ethiopia
| | - Demeke Andebet
- Department of Midwifery, Hailu Alemu College, Gojjam, Ethiopia
| | - Ambaye Minayehu Zegeye
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Asossa University, Asossa, Ethiopia
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Husain FS, Lulla D, Tay TKC, Lee JJM, Dhaliwal SS, Ang SB. Association between body mass index, body image and self-esteem with sexual function: A survey of young women in Singapore. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2023; 52:190-198. [PMID: 38904532 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2022358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Obesity is thought to be a negative predictor of sexual function, but the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sexual function has been inconsistent. Other factors such as body image and self-esteem may mediate this relationship. This study examined the association of BMI, body image and self-esteem with sexual function in young women. Method A total of 514 sexually active women aged 21 to 35 years completed an anonymised online questionnaire that used 3 scales to assess body image, self-esteem and female sexual function: Body Image States Scale (BISS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Higher scores for BISS, RSES and FSFI indicate more positive body image, higher self-esteem and better sexual function, respectively. Spearman correlation assessed the association among BMI, BISS and RSES scores, and with FSFI scores. Linear and multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction (FSFI <26.55). Results BISS and RSES scores significantly correlated with FSFI scores (r=0.27 and r=0.32, respectively; both P<0.001), indicating that better body image and self-esteem were associated with better sexual function. Risk factors for sexual dysfunction were lower BISS and RSES scores, being married (odds ratio [OR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.15), having 1 child (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.26-4.77) and having a perceived mental condition (OR 3.02; 95% CI 1.44-6.33). Factors in lack of sexual dysfunction include being of Malay ethnicity (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.21-0.71) and being overweight (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.27-0.78). Conclusion Women with poorer body image and lower self-esteem were more likely to have sexual dysfunction. These perceptions and states did not correlate with being overweight, and were better predictors over BMI to identify the population at-risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Safdar Husain
- Department of Family Medicine, KK Women and Children's Hospital, Singapore
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore
| | - Dypti Lulla
- Department of Family Medicine, KK Women and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Jean-Jasmin Ml Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, KK Women and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Satvinder Singh Dhaliwal
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Seng Bin Ang
- Department of Family Medicine, KK Women and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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Amin MA, Mozid NE, Ahmed SB, Sharmin S, Monju IH, Jhumur SS, Sarker W, Dalal K, Hawlader MDH. Status of female sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women in Bangladesh. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:401. [PMID: 36195886 PMCID: PMC9533598 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01991-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women's sexual health and physical desire for sex are most important for their emotional and physical well-being. This study aimed to examine the status of sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women in Bangladesh and assess the significant risk factors behind this. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 45-55 years in four public and private hospitals in Bangladesh from April 2021 to June 2021 using a multi-stage sampling technique to enroll the study participants. The female sexual function index (FSFI) scale measured the prevalence of FSD, and the relationship of independent risk factors were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS The total score of FSFI among postmenopausal Bangladeshi women was 18.07 ± 8.51. Among 260 participants, the prevalence of FSD was 56.9%. Out of all the significant risk factors, increasing age, urban population group, multiparous, homemakers, duration of menopause, and postmenopausal women with no hormone therapy were significantly associated with FSD. In contrast, those with regular physical activity were protective of FSD. CONCLUSION In conclusion, a significant proportion of postmenopausal Bangladeshi women are enduring sexual dysfunction. Proper hormonal therapy and non-hormonal therapies such as physical activity and pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercise with adequate counseling are helpful to cope in this distressing situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ashraful Amin
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat-E Mozid
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh ,Public Health Professional Developmental Society (PPDS), Dhaka, 1205 Bangladesh
| | - Sanjana Binte Ahmed
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Shakila Sharmin
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Imran Hossain Monju
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Shirin Shahadat Jhumur
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Wharesha Sarker
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Koustuv Dalal
- grid.29050.3e0000 0001 1530 0805Division of Public Health Science, Institution for Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
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Dyadic Satisfaction and Shared Affectivity Are Associated with Psycho-Sexual Functioning in Elderly Men and Women. SEXES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes3010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The quality of sexual life of elderly people represents an understudied topic of sexual medicine and of psycho-sexology. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the association of specific psycho-relational variables, such as intimacy, increased affective gestures towards a partner (AGtP), daily shared activities, and dyadic satisfaction, with the psychosexual wellbeing of elderly people, expressed in terms of sexual satisfaction. Methods: A cohort of elderly people was selected from a sample of a broader study evaluating the role of sexual activity in protecting the emotional wellbeing of a population subjected to quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the presence of sexual dysfunctions, the emotional wellbeing (i.e., absence of anxiety and/or depression), and the quality of the partners’ relationships were studied. For the study’s purpose, the Sexual Health Inventory for Males (SHIM), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Orgasmometer and the Orgasmometer-F, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale were adopted. Results: A group of 124 elderly subjects (≥60) was selected for the study’s purposes. Among these, 84% were males (120/124), and 16% were females (20/124). All the subjects declared to be in a stable relationship and to be sexually active during the first lockdown period. Gender differences were found for the Dyadic Satisfaction subscale (males: 37.04 ± 6.57; females: 32.85 ± 10.04; p < 0.05) and the Orgasmometer (males: 7.64 ± 1.30; females: 6.60 ± 2.46; p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed the association between higher Orgasmometer scores and: (i) the absence of sexual dysfunctions (β = −1.213; SE = 0.271; p < 0.0001), (ii) higher dyadic satisfaction (β = 0.042; SE = 0.019; p < 0.05), and (iii) reduced shared activities with partner (β = −0.463; SE = 0.143; p < 0.01) and increased affective gestures towards partner (DAS measured AGtP) (β = 0.595; SE = 0.065; p < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis of ANCOVA with the Bonferroni correction method showed a significant difference in the Orgasmometer scores between subjects with and without sexual dysfunction (mean difference: 2.102; SE = 0.340; pBonf < 0.001), with healthy subjects reporting higher scores compared to dysfunctional ones. Conclusions: It is reasonable to suppose that, beyond the presence of sexual dysfunctions, the sexual health of elderly people may benefit from the quality of the relationship, and, specifically, from the presence of affective gestures towards the partner and the dyadic satisfaction. To the contrary, the quantity of time spent together, sharing specific activities, may be considered a factor worsening relational and sexual health. These data should be considered during the evaluation of sexual health among elderly people.
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