Sexual function and quality of life in genitourinary medicine (GUM) outpatients and preliminary validation of a self-report questionnaire measure

Female sexual dysfunction in Lower Egypt

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Lower Egypt.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional clinic-/hospital-based survey.

SETTING

Five district medical centres in Dakahlia Governorate: Shirbin, Bilquas, Samblawen, Dekrinis and Mansoura City.

POPULATION

One thousand married women aged between 16 and 49 years.

METHODS

Data were collected by personal interview in a questionnaire format in addition to physical examination (when allowed).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

FSD and associated risk factors.

RESULTS

The response rate was 93.6%. 68.9% of women had one or more sexual problems; however, 23% of the women with sexual problems were not distressed by these issues. 31.5% of women suffered from dyspareunia. 49.6% of the women had decreased sexual desire, 36% had difficult arousal and 16.9% had anorgasmia (primary and secondary). Marital disharmony, 'hate' and unfavourable socio-economic circumstances were the most common aggravating factors (28.1%) for sexual dysfunction among the participants, followed by pregnancy-related events (15.7%). Most women (84.5%) received no help for their sexual problems. 90.3% of the women were circumcised. Only 7.1% (46 of 645) of women with sexual problems had received treatment, with no real improvement reported in 58.7% (27 of the 46 women).

CONCLUSIONS

FSD is a highly prevalent problem within the scope of this study. Low reporting rates and very low treatment rates were identified in the sample from Lower Egypt.