Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate vaginal dryness (VD) problems among 40–65 year old married women in Southeastern
Turkey and its effect on their sexuality and health. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 281 women aged 40–65 via face-to-face
interview. The results of the study showed that participating women feel that they lose their sexual functions as a result
of VD problems. Reported sexually related problems were as follows: decreased sexual desire was identified in 14 % of women,
sexual coercion by her partner in 20.6 %, trouble receiving sexual pleasure in 54.4 %. The incidence of VD was found to be
47 %. About 8.9 % of the women stated that their partners complain about the dryness all the time, 73.6 % of the women did
not take any action to improve dryness in order to facilitate sexual intercourse. Statistically significant relationships
were found between a woman’s having VD and violence from her partner, sexual coercion by her partner, and decrease in sexual
desire and sexual pleasure (p < 0.05). It is recommended that women who are in menopause or during transition stages be routinely assessed for VD and sexuality
by nurses or physicians in a professional atmosphere in order to help relieve discomfort.
Turkey and its effect on their sexuality and health. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 281 women aged 40–65 via face-to-face
interview. The results of the study showed that participating women feel that they lose their sexual functions as a result
of VD problems. Reported sexually related problems were as follows: decreased sexual desire was identified in 14 % of women,
sexual coercion by her partner in 20.6 %, trouble receiving sexual pleasure in 54.4 %. The incidence of VD was found to be
47 %. About 8.9 % of the women stated that their partners complain about the dryness all the time, 73.6 % of the women did
not take any action to improve dryness in order to facilitate sexual intercourse. Statistically significant relationships
were found between a woman’s having VD and violence from her partner, sexual coercion by her partner, and decrease in sexual
desire and sexual pleasure (p < 0.05). It is recommended that women who are in menopause or during transition stages be routinely assessed for VD and sexuality
by nurses or physicians in a professional atmosphere in order to help relieve discomfort.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s11195-012-9265-5
- Authors
- Sezer Kısa, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey
- Nurgül Özdemir, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
- Journal Sexuality and Disability
- Online ISSN 1573-6717
- Print ISSN 0146-1044