OBJECTIVE : To compare aspects of sexual function between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
METHODS : One hundred forty women, 70 perimenopausal women and 70 postmenopausal patients in the menopause clinic were interviewed at a first visit regarding aspects of sexual function compared between now and during the previous one-year period. All data were compared between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
METHODS : The following sexual function including sexual thoughts/fantasies, sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual excitement during sex, moisture in vagina during sex, amount of vaginal lubrication during sex, pain or discomfort during sex, vaginal stretching/flexibility during sex, intensity of orgasm during sex, sexual appeal in client's opinion, overall sexual satisfaction and sexually related anxiety were compared between groups.
RESULTS : The mean age (+/- SD) of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were 49.4 (+/- 3.0) years and 52.2 (+/- 2.8) years respectively in which there was no significant difference. Most women in both groups had sexual intercourse one to four times per month. There was statistically significant difference between groups in the following aspects, sexual thoughts/fantasies, sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual excitement during sex, moisture in vagina during sex, amount of vaginal lubrication during sex. All items had a negative impact on sexual function but a higher impact was found in postmenopausal women. However sexually related anxiety was unchanged in both and no significant difference was detected.
CONCLUSIONS : Some sexual functions were significantly impaired in postmenopausal compared to perimenopausal women. However, the overall sexual satisfaction and sexually related anxiety were unchanged in postmenopausal women. So sexual problems are present but are not considered the most important problem among Thai women.