The relationship between self-reported sexual satisfaction and general well-being in women.
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.
Davison
Sonia Louise
SL
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
Bell
Robin Jean
RJ
LaChina
Maria
M
Holden
Samantha Lee
SL
Davis
Susan Ruth
SR
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