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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe results of a study of premenopausal women related to sexual health and their disclosure to the Clinician.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify implications for practice for all Nurse Clinicians and recommendation for future research.
Abstract
Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to determine the level of sexual desire in women who are not menopausal and identify if complaints of decreased sexual desire are related to fatigue. A secondary purpose was to identify whether women with a decreased sexual desire report this symptom or condition to a healthcare provider. Menopause has historically been a predictor of a decreased sexual desire in women. Although the complaint of decreased sexual desire is the most common sexual complaint for women it is not specific to postmenopausal women. Decreased sexual desire may be underreported and potentially causes quality of life issues.
Methods: A descriptive study design of premenopausal women was used to collect data during a National Nurse Practitioner Conference of approximately 3000 attendees. A of 311 premenopausal women was recruited. Participants were female Nurse Practitioners, 18-49 years of age. Participants were excluded if they were females with the diagnosis of menopause, with both ovaries removed, taking daily antidepressants medications and /or with no menstruation for one year that was not due to oral contraceptive use or a Mirena intrauterine device.
Results: Findings in this study revealed that as fatigue increased, sexual desire decreased. In addition, 43.8% of those surveyed who reported decreased sexual desire had not reported this to a healthcare provider.
Implications for Future Research and Practice: Obtaining a complete sexual history requires the comfort and skill of the Health Care Professional (HCP). Detecting the level of sexual desire and the associated factors related to decreased sexual desire among women is the first step toward proposing intervention strategies. Sexual health issues need to be explored and evaluated with equal emphasis in women pre and postmenopausal. Techniques in obtaining a complete sexual health history and a symptom analysis approach can be reviewed.