Sex life and role identity in Taiwanese women during menopause: A qualitative study
Journal
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Journal Volume
72
Journal Issue
4
Pages
770-781
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Abstract
Aim: Our goal was to examine Taiwanese women's perspectives on the way menopause affected their sexual behaviour to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences during this transition. Background: Physical symptoms associated with menopause may affect women's sexual experiences. Little is known about how menopause-related changes in sexual behaviour may affect role identity of women living in a modernizing urban culture that is still strongly rooted in traditional beliefs and attitudes. Design: This was a qualitative study involving face-to-face interviews using open-ended questions. Methods: During 2011-2012, eighteen peri or postmenopausal women visiting a medical clinic for gynaecological examinations or treatment were interviewed about their sexual experiences. Responses were analysed for common themes. Findings: Four themes were identified about the effects of menopause on women's sex life: (1) changes in physical responses during sex; (2) the acceptance/non-acceptance of the current situation; (3) sexual pressure related to their marital role; (4) efforts to improve sexual interest or activity. Menopause-related physical changes often (but not always) made sexual interactions difficult. But women's responses to the changes varied. Some used sexual discomfort as a reason to avoid sexual intercourse. Others sought to improve their sexual encounters through behavioural modifications or hormone therapy. Conclusions: Given the variety of reactions to the impact of menopause on sexual behaviour/relationships seen here, it is clear that health professionals need to assess of each woman's specific situation and be prepared to recommend a variety of behavioural or hormonal treatment options. ? 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
SDGs
Other Subjects
female; gynecological examination; hormonal therapy; hospital; human; human experiment; identity; interview; menopause; postmenopause; qualitative research; sexual intercourse; symptom; Taiwanese; dyspareunia; exercise; human relation; interpersonal communication; libido; marriage; menopause; middle aged; psychology; satisfaction; sexual behavior; sexuality; Taiwan; sex hormone; Communication; Dyspareunia; Exercise; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Libido; Marriage; Menopause; Middle Aged; Personal Satisfaction; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Taiwan
Type
journal article