title: The relationship between self-reported sexual satisfaction and general well-being in women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The extent to which low sexual function or sexual dissatisfaction in women impacts on well-being remains uncertain, yet this is a critical issue in the controversy as to the benefits of pharmacotherapy for women seeking treatment for female sexual dysfunction. Aim. To explore the relationship between well-being and self-perceived satisfaction with sexual function in women and to determine if there is an independent effect of menopausal status or age.
  
  
  METHODS
  A community-based cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 421 women, aged 18 to 65 years were recruited from the community. Women were required to self-identify at study outset as being either satisfied or dissatisfied with their sexual life and be premenopausal or postmenopausal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Scores from the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB), the Beck Depression Index (BDI) and a daily diary of sexual function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A group of 349 women were included in the analysis. Total PGWB and domain scores of positive well-being and vitality were lower in dissatisfied women compared to satisfied women. PGWB total and domain scores of depressed mood, positive well-being and vitality were higher in older women. Menopause did not have an independent effect on well-being.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women who self-identify as having sexual dissatisfaction have lower psychological general well-being. These findings reinforce the importance of addressing sexual health and well-being in women as an essential component of their health care.
authors.affiliation: Women's Health Program, Department of Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Vic. 3181, Australia. sonia.davison@med.monash.edu.au
authors.forename: Sonia Louise
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Davison
authors.forename: Robin Jean
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: LaChina
authors.forename: Samantha Lee
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Holden
authors.forename: Susan Ruth
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D001143:Arousal; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D019529:Sexuality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult