Menopause and Sexual Health

As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Despite causing a significant distress to women, sexual health issues often go underreported by women. A wide array of risk factors contributes to sexual health problems in women. These include poor general physical health, genitourinary disorders, compromised partner health, and various socio-cultural influences. The pathophysiology underlying these issues is complex, with hormonal changes being a key factor. Other contributing conditions include chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, pelvic organ prolapse, and vulvovaginal atrophy. Due to the multifactorial nature of sexual health issues, a comprehensive evaluation of the woman’s overall health is necessary. This assessment should include a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and, where appropriate, diagnostic tests to identify underlying health conditions. Treatment strategies should focus not only on symptomatic relief but also on addressing any underlying medical conditions. Patient education is also a vital component of management, empowering women to better understand their condition and participate actively in their care. With appropriate treatment, including medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions, women can experience significant improvements in their sexual health, leading to a better quality of life.