Relationships among Increasing Age, Sexual Dysfunction, and Sexual Quality of Life in Married Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Objective:This study aimed to examine the relationship among increasing age, sexual dysfunction, and sexual quality of life (SQL) in married women of reproductive age.Methods:This cross-sectional study was implemented between July 2015 and April 2016. Married women aged 18-49 years (n=1,004) were stratified according to age groups (18-19, n=138; 20-24, n=153; 25-29, n=144; 30-34, n=157; 35-39, n=149; 40-44, n=135; 45-49, n=128). Data were collected using an information questionnaire, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-Female (ASEX-F) questionnaire, and the Quality of Sexual Life Questionnaire-Female (SQLQ-F) questionnaire.Results:Sexual dysfunction (SD) was detected in 68% of the women. The prevalence of SD increased significantly (p<0.001) from 51.4% in the 18-19 age group to 85.2% in the 45-49 age group. In the 45-49 age group, the sexual of quality life was at its lowest (29.7%) (p<0.001). Among married women of reproductive age with increasing age and in women in the 45-49 age group, the level of SD increased (p=0.021), whereas the sexual of quality life decreased (p<0.001). Furthermore, in all age groups, as SD increases, the SQL decreases significantly (p<0.001).Conclusion:The prevalence of SD among married women of reproductive age is quite high and increases with age. The highest prevalence of SD is observed in women aged 45-49 years. In all age groups, as SD increases, the SQL decreases.

Keywords

• married women
• reproductive age
• sexual dysfunction
• sexual quality of life