Comparison of Couple Intimacy, Perceived Social Support and Sexual Performance in Women with High and Low Menopausal Symptoms

Introduction: Menopause typically occurs between the ages of ۴۵ years and ۵۶ years. During the menopausal transition, approximately ۵۰% to ۷۵% of women have hot flashes, night sweats, or both (vasomotor symptoms) and more than ۵۰% have genitourinary symptoms. This study aimed at comparing intimacy, perceived social support and sexual function in women who experience high and low menopause symptoms. Method: The present study was conducted by using a causal-comparative research design. For this purpose, ۱۵۰ participants of the menopausal women living in Ardabil in ۲۰۲۲ were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Participants whose score was one standard deviation higher and lower than the average of menopausal symptoms severity questionnaire were selected as the group with high and low severity of menopausal symptoms.  They had referred to health centers and answered the Intimacy scale, Multidimensional Social Perception, Women Sexual Function (FSFI) and Severity of Menopausal Symptoms Questionnaires. Data were analyzed by Multivariate analysis of Variance and SPSS version ۲۳ and a two tailed ۵% level of significance. Results: Findings revealed that women experiencing high and low signs of menopause have a significant difference in intimacy, perceived support and sexual function (p<۰.۰۵). According to results, it seems that the quality of marital relationships and interactions of menopausal women is one of the factors affecting the experience of menopausal symptoms (p<۰.۰۵). Conclusion: It can be concluded that women who experienced fewer menopausal symptoms, had better intimate relationships, more perceived social support, and better sexual function. Furthermore, more intimate relationships, higher perceived support, and better sexual function may be associated with less menopausal symptoms.

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Keywords: Spouses ، menopause ، Social Support ، sexual function