Background and purpose: Sexual dysfunction adversely affect the quality of life, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. Our aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of female sexual dysfunction among women in Upper Egypt.
Patients and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study that included 500 women aged between 18 and 35 years attended the outpatient dermatology clinic, Al-Azhar University Hospital, Assiut. Female sexual function was evaluated by the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index.
Result: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was reported in 252 /500 [50.4%] cases, with Pain disorder being the predominant sexual domain disorder in 39.6% of the cases, then orgasmic disorder, satisfaction disorder, arousal disorder, lubrication disorder, and desire disorder in 32%, 26%, 19.2%, 15.6%, and 11.6% respectively. A Positive significant correlation between female dysfunction and sexual problems in husbands, and low Intercourse frequency. The orgasmic disorder was associated with a low level of education, husband age > 40 years, and progesterone only contraception uses. Women living in urban areas have a positive correlation with Satisfaction, Arousal, and Lubrication disorders. Desire disorder predominated in employed women, and Pain disorder diminished with age progression.
Conclusion: Female sexual dysfunction is a significant health problem in Upper Egypt. Pain and orgasmic disorders were the most predominantly affected domains. Sexual problems with husbands are the most common risk factor. Further research is desirable to assess the extent of the problem.