Sexual Health after Menopause: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Menopause has been associated with decline in sexual well-being among women. The quality of sexual interactions in heterosexual relationship are increasingly being considered as an important indicator of positive health and quality of life. Objectives: This article describes the sexual health status of menopausal women and the challenges preventing them from having a fulfilling sexual life. Method: This was an exploratory qualitative interview. Seventeen (17) menopausal women were interviewed individually and face-to-face using semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were analyzed using content and thematic analysis. Results: The analysis yielded two themes for sexual health status; (a) good sexual health status and (b) poor sexual health status. Majority of the study participants claimed to have poor sexual health status. The challenges to having a fulfilling sexual life yielded four themes; (a) fear (b) lack of sexual partner (c) ageing process and (c) being breadwinner of the family. Conclusion: The study concludes that majority of the women in the study have poor sexual health status and diverse challenges to having a fulfilling sexual life. This article offers a premise for healthcare providers to see the necessity to inquire about sexual health from post-reproductive age women and to provide necessary support that can help improve their sexual health.