Therapeutic Interventions Conducted on Improving Women's Sexual Satisfaction and Function during Reproductive Ages in Iran: A Systematic Review

Background and Healthy sexual function is a necessary component for creating a happy and successful life. Many therapeutic interventions are conducted in order to improve women’s sexual function and treatment of sexual dysfunctions. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic interventions conducted in Iranian women of reproductive age.
In this systematic review, IranMedex, Magiran, IranDoc, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched up to February 2016. All clinical trials and interventions conducted for improving women’s sexual satisfaction and function in Iran were entered into the study. Finally, 12 articles which met the inclusion criteria were selected. Data from the studies was extracted to data sheets and qualitative analysis was conducted.
In 12 clinical trials 868 women in reproductive age were participated and most of the interventions were non-pharmacological and psychological treatments, often done through cognitive behavioral approach (41.6%). Other methods included PLISSIT model, sexual training, herbal medicines, and pelvic floor exercises.
There are few studies on improving women’s sexual satisfaction and function. Also, the diversity of interventions in Iran is more limited than that of other studies throughout the world. According to the importance and prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among Iranian women, and heterogeneity of information on this subject in previous studies, more appropriate clinical trials are required using standard tools and more culturally appropriate interventions.