Sexual Dysfunction, Marital Satisfaction and Help Seeking Behaviors among Newly Married Couples in Sari City, 2012-2013

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Sexual dysfunction is a major concern for people's general health, and despite its high prevalence, it is frequently overlooked in primary health care. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine status of sexual function, marital satisfaction and help-seeking behaviors among newly married couples in Sari-2013. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 363 newly married couples. Simple random sampling method was used according to premarital counseling records of health center in t Sari city. Data were collected using socio-demographic, sexual function, marital satisfaction and help-seeking behaviors questionnaires that were completed in self-completed manner. Descriptive statistics and analytical statistics including Pearson chi-square, general linear models and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results. Mean score of sexual function in men and wemen were 14.5 (SD: 4.9) and 21.3 (SD: 2.7) from an attainable score range of 5-30. 21.2% of wemen and 26% of men suffered sexual dysfunction, more prevalent dysfunction in women was in orgasm dimension (16%) and the lowest (3.6%) was in sexual desire dimension. Also, more prevalent dysfunction in men was in sexual desire dimension (27.2%) and the lowest (15.7%) was in erection dimension. The mean total score of marital satisfaction in women was 107.9 (SD: 20.2) and in men was 107.9 (SD: 17.8) from the range of attainable score of 35 to 175,. More than half of women (59 %) and about half of men (53 %) had a moderate marital satisfaction. Only 41 % of women and 32 % of men seek help for sexual dysfunction and the most reason for not seeking help was feeling uncomfortable with doctor. 61 % of women and 65 % of men desired to be treated. Conclusion: Study results showed that sexual dysfunction is common in newly married men and women, and unfortunately most of them did not seek help for their sexual problem. Since Sexual dysfunction can leave damaging effects on the quality of life and marital relationship, identifying the causes of not to seek help in different areas seems necessary.