Exploring The Lived Experience of Married Women with Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Mixed Method Design

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem that occurs during the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity.

• Aim of the study: was to explore the lived experience of married women who have female sexual Materials and Methods: a mixed method design was utilized for the study, a purposive sample of 20 women were recruited for the current study. The study was conducted at Al Kasr Al Aini University hospital. Three tools were utilized for data collection; personal background questionnaire, Arabic version Female Sexual Index ( AvFSDI) and unstructured open ended questionnaire interview .Research ethics approval was obtained to conduct the study.

Results: The participants’ age ranged from 26-40 years with. The duration of marriage ranged from one year and six months to seventeen years, Eight major themes were extracted, as follows; experience of sexual complaints, expressing meaning of sexuality, cultural norms, social and interpersonal stressors, communication, mutual relation, impact of female sexual dysfunction on different life aspects, and seeking-help and advice.

Conclusion:  female sexual dysfunction was prevalent among women who are working. most of the participants complained of several sexual problems and lack of satisfaction. All the study participants believed that their sexual complaints had affected negatively on their biopsychosocial aspects of their life.

Recommendation: Sex education programs and counseling must be included in primary health care settings,