Sexual function evaluation in Brazilian women accessing a public health service: an observational cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and its impact on quality of life in a sample of women attending a public health service in the city of Porto Alegre. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study in which 278 women who had sexual intercourse within four weeks before the study were interviewed. All of the women answered three self-administered questionnaires: a questionnaire for sample characterization, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Most of the women were white, Catholic, married, and had a high school diploma. In addition, a large percentage of women had at least one child, had sex with only one partner, and used oral or injectable contraceptive methods. Of the women interviewed, 103 (37.1%) experienced SD. Women without SD had higher scores in all domains of the FSFI and SF-36 questionnaires, including the pain domain. According to the results of this study, SD decreases women’s quality of life, and the high prevalence of SD emphasizes the importance of preventive approaches and treatment that allow women to fully enjoy their sexuality and sexual health.