Abstract
Introduction: The perimenopausal phase involves declining estrogen and ovarian function, causing changes like weakened pelvic muscles and vaginal thinning that often result in sexual dysfunction. The Female Sexual Function Index-6 is a validated tool commonly used to assess these female sexual function issues for early identification and management.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction using the Female Sexual Function Index-6 among perimenopausal women attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient department.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among perimenopausal women visiting the Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient department in a tertiary care centre. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee. Women with incomplete questionnaires, those with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, unable to provide consent to participate, women with cervical pathology like cervical polyp or carcinoma, malignancies or pelvic surgery, women under hormone replacement therapy and those with surgical menopause were excluded. A convenience sampling technique was used. Point estimate and confidence interval were calculated for binary data.
Results: Among 60 perimenopausal women, the mean total Female Sexual Function Index score was 11.77±6.44, indicating a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction across all six domains. Sexual function was poorer among women whose partners worked abroad, with only 25.21% of the FSFI score. The orgasm domain was the most impaired (1.25±1.22), followed by desire (1.43±0.74) and arousal (1.45±1.08).
Conclusion: It was found that a larger number of perimenopausal women had sexual dysfunction, with the lowest score in orgasm and desire.
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