Evaluation of female sexual function index and associated factors among married women in North Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was detection of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores of married women living in North Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey and comparison with demographic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted at a University Hospital, gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinic. Married women between 18-50 years of age, without any complaint enrolled in the study and participants were asked to fill out the form of FSFI. Age, gravidity and number of living children, duration of marriage, education and income levels, employment status, and contraceptive methods has been questioned. Sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain subscales, and total score of FSFI were determined and compared with demographic data. RESULTS Lower FSFI levels were detected from 70.9% of the respondents. Age, duration of marriage and number of children were adversely affected the FSFI scores. Intermediate education level and usage of a contraceptive method were related with higher FSFI scores. Pain scores were high in all participants independently from other parameters. CONCLUSIONS For identification of women's sexual dysfunction, increasing the knowledge level and awareness about sexuality are required.