Factors Associated With Sexual Dysfunction in Newly Married Women Referred to the Urban Health Centers of Zanjan, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent nowadays and is a threat to healthy marital life. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors associated with sexual dysfunction in newly married women referred to the urban health comprehensive services centers of Zanjan, Iran in 2015-2016. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 women married in the last 5 years who referred to the health centers in Zanjan. The participants were selected through cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index. Descriptive and analytical statistics including independent t test, one-way ANOVA, and the general linear model were used to analyze the data. Sexual dysfunction was found in 66% of the women. The frequency of sexual dysfunction was 33% for arousal, 31% for pain, 28.7% for desire, 23% for satisfaction, 3% for vaginal lubrication, and 16.3% for orgasm dimensions. According to the general linear model, breastfeeding and contraceptive method had a significant relationship with the mean score of sexual function. About two-thirds of women in their early years of marriage had sexual dysfunction, and given its impact on all aspects of marital life, it seems necessary to include sexual counseling in the pre-marital counseling program.