Sexual health in menopausal women with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders.

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction in women is usually associated with the menopausal transition and menopause; however, there are factors that can also influence the sexual function of women in menopause. The aim of this study is to determine the association between pelvic floor disorders and sexual dysfunction in women in menopause.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Spain with menopausal women recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected on background and health status. To evaluate the presence of pelvic floor problems, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) was used. Regarding the evaluation of female sexual function, the validated Sexual Function of Women (FSM-2) tool was used. Crude (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were obtained using the SPSS 28.0 statistical program.

Results: A total of 197 women participated. The mean age was 57.7 years (SD=8.4), 51.3% (101 women) reported experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. Despite this, the majority (79.5%; 155 women) indicated that they were satisfied with their sexual health. However, 25.5% (50 women) mentioned they faced difficulties when trying to initiate sexual intercourse. Additionally, 22.9% (45 women) reported having moderate to severe issues achieving orgasm. Furthermore, 29% (57 women) stated that they had never or only occasionally felt arousal in the past month. Women who experienced urinary incontinence and pelvic pain had a higher frequency of sexual dysfunction. The main associated factor observed was the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction through the PFDI-20 scale. For each point of this instrument, there was a small but increased risk of sexual dysfunction (OR=1.01; p<0.001). Type of birth or maternal disorders, such mental illness or gastrointestinal disorder, did not show any statistical association with sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions: Pelvic floor dysfunctions symptoms in menopausal women are associated with their sexual health. Pelvic floor dysfunctions that influence sexual function are colorectal, urinary, and prolapse. Pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and pelvic pain are those that most influence sexual function.