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Sexual functioning in 4,418 postmenopausal women participating in UKCTOCS: a qualitative free-text analysis

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posted on 2023-06-09, 18:23 authored by Helena HarderHelena Harder, Rachel StarkingsRachel Starkings, Lesley FallowfieldLesley Fallowfield, Usha Menon, Ian J Jacobs, Valerie JenkinsValerie Jenkins, UKCTOCS
Objective: Sexual well-being can contribute significantly to the overall quality of women's lives. This qualitative study aimed to examine sexual activity, functioning, and satisfaction in a large sample of postmenopausal women from the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) Methods: Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the free-text data of the Fallowfield Sexual Activity Questionnaire (FSAQ) completed by UKCTOCS participants at baseline before annual screening. Results: A total of 24,305 women completed the baseline FSAQ and 4,525 (19%) provided free-text data, with 4,418 comments eligible for analysis. Median age was 64 years; 65% had a partner and 22.5% were sexually active. Four interrelated themes were derived: partner availability, physical and sexual health, mental well-being, and interpersonal relationships. Primary reason for absence of sexual activity was lack of a partner, mainly due to widowhood (n = 1,000). Women discussed how partner's medical condition (27%) or sexual dysfunction (13.5%), their own physical health (18%) or menopause-related symptoms (12.5%), and prescribed medication (7%) affected sexual activity. Impact of low libido in self (16%) or partner (7%), relationship problems (10.5%) or logistics (6%), and perceptions of ageing (9%) were also mentioned. Few (3%) referred to positive sexual experiences or had sought medical help for sexual problems (6%). Conclusions: This qualitative analysis explored postmenopausal women's perspective on their sexual functioning. Having an intimate partner and good physical health are key factors for continuation of sexual activity and satisfaction. Further sexual education for healthcare professionals is needed to raise awareness about sexuality and sexual difficulties in later life.

Funding

UKCTOCS; MRC; G0000735

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Menopause

ISSN

1072-3714

Publisher

Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

Issue

10

Volume

26

Page range

1100-1109

Department affiliated with

  • Sussex Health Outcomes Research & Education in Cancer (SHORE-C) Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-07-12

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-07-12

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-07-11

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