Qualitative evaluation of sexual function in postmenopausal women

The present study examines the sexual function of postmenopausal women qualitatively. Menopause is a period of women's life that is accompanied by physical, mental, and sexual changes. Although some physiological and pathological changes in most cases cause problems such as sexual function, the attitude of women to menopause plays an important role in causing or eliminating it. In fact, one of the most important factors for happiness in married life is having a pleasurable sexual relationship that can play a role in maintaining and sustaining cohabitation. Semi-structured interviews were obtained from 14 postmenopausal women, then the following results were inferred by coding them. The sexual function of postmenopausal women can be explained in terms of physical, psychological, relationships, emotions, economic problems, and family issues. Based on the results of the main categories, it seems that emotions, during menopause, have a greater role in sexual function than any other category, and sexual function apparently depends on friendship, mutual understanding, respect, being seen, and appreciated. Sexual function in this period can not only be not disturbed, but also reach maturity and development, and sexual pleasure can be experienced in this period differently from other periods.