Sexual Functioning in Postmenopausal Women Not Taking Hormone Therapy in the Gynecological and Menopause Clinic, Songklanagarind Hospital Measured by Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire
Krantarat Peeyananjarassri MD*, Tippawan Liabsuetrakul MD, PhD*, Karanrat Soonthornpun MD*, Thanapun Choobun MD*, Penchit Manopsilp*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla
Objective : To study sexual functioning and attitudes towards sexuality in postmenopausal women.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 219 healthy postmenopausal women
with a uterus, aged 45-55 years, and not taking hormone therapy, who attended the gynecological and
menopause clinic, Songklanagarind Hospital. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was
used as the instrument.
Results : The median age at enrollment and menopause age of women were 52 and 49, respectively. All the
women had engaged in sexual intercourse. Sixty nine percent reported being sexually active once or twice in
the previous four weeks, 27.9% three to four times and 3.1% more than four times. The mean total FSFI score
was 20.4 while the proportion of women with female sexual dysfunction based on FSFI overall scores of 26.5
or less was 82.2%. Almost all the women displayed a positive attitude towards sexuality. Ninety six percent
reported having sex in menopause as a natural normal part of life, 95% regarded having sex to make their
partner happy whereas 77% regarded sex as a way to make themselves happy.
Conclusion : Sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women was rather high. However, they were still satisfied
with their sexual relationship and had a positive attitude towards sexuality.
Keywords : Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, FSFI, Menopausal women, Attitude toward sexuality
