title: Self-reported sexual symptoms in women attending menopause clinics.
abstract: The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the frequency of self-reported sexual symptoms in women (n = 355; age range 46-60 years) attending menopausal clinics in Italy and to relate them to other vasomotor, psychological, physical, and genital complaints. Each subject completed a visual scale for sexual symptoms and for other complaints frequently occurring at menopause. Pain during sexual intercourse (29.8%) and low libido/lack of arousal (22%) were significantly more frequent with age (chi(2) = 8.0, p < 0.02; chi(2) = 6.2, p < 0.04, respectively) and years since menopause (chi(2) = 13.0, p < 0.005; chi(2) = 11.3, p < 0.01, respectively). Reduction of sexual pleasure/satisfaction (45.9%) was common with age, but was more frequent with longer time since the menopause (chi(2) = 19.9, p < 0.001). By examining the intensity of sexual symptoms according to the presence of other complaints, we found that physical, psychological, and genital well-being significantly affects components of sexual response after the menopause. For example, loss of fitness, urogenital symptoms, a negative self-image (increase of facial hair), and depressive symptoms were more common in women with sexual complaints. Given the concomitant role of hormonal and aging determinants, a comprehensive approach to female health is needed when facing climacteric sexual dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS S. Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy. renappi@tin.it
authors.forename: Rossella E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Nappi
authors.forename: Jole Baldero
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Verde
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Polatti
authors.forename: Andrea R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Genazzani
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zara
mesh_terms: D002979:Climacteric / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D008593:Menopause / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000502:physiology