Study of the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in sexually active women 18 to 40 years of age in Medellín, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Colombia has not been adequately studied. A reliable estimate of the prevalence of FSD can be helpful for the adequate planning of reproductive health and research activities.

AIM

Measure the prevalence of female sexual complaints in a sample of sexually active women aged 18-40 years in a city of Colombia.

METHODS

A self-administered validated questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), was administered to 410 sexually active women at different focal groups. A cutoff value of 26.5 was used to define female sexual complaint. Ten questions on age, educational level, socioeconomic status, marital status, cohabitation, depressive feelings, use of antidepressive drugs, menstrual cycle, offspring, and contraception were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end point was the percentage of women having a score equal or less than 26.5.

RESULTS

In the study group, 117 of 391 women scored less than 26.5 for a prevalence of sexual complaints of 30%. The independent variables associated with sexual complaints were low educational level, the feelings of depression, and the use of antidepressive drugs.

CONCLUSION

The present study found a low FSFI score in 30% of sexually active women aged 18-40 years in the city of Medellin, Colombia, which could be indicative of sexual complaints.