Introduction and hypothesis: Changes in the mechanisms that modulate sexual response can contribute to the development of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Although the prevalence of FSD in Brazil has been established, its associated risk factors have not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FSD in Brazilian women and identify any factors that may be associated with its presence.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design and included women aged 18 years or older who had engaged in sexual activity within the past four weeks. Participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a sociodemographic and health questionnaire. Two groups were created based on FSFI scores: those with risk for FSD (score >26.55) and those without. The study used t-tests for independent samples to compare quantitative variables between the groups, and the chi-squared test, to compare categorical variables. Binomial logistic regression was used to test the association between sociodemographic and health variables and FSD.
Results: FSD had a prevalence of 31.7% (95% CI: 28.2%-35.5%). The results indicated that practice of physical activity was inversely associated with FSD (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.92), whereas urinary incontinence (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.68-3.87) and post-menopause (OR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.66-13.3) were directly associated with FSD.
Conclusions: A high prevalence of FSD was observed among Brazilian women in this study. Physically active women are less likely to have FSD. Menopause and the presence of urinary incontinence can negatively impact female sexual function.
Keywords: Female sexual dysfunction; Female sexual function; Female sexual function index (FSFI); Sexual health; Sexuality; Women’s health.
© 2023. The International Urogynecological Association.