The analysis of female sexual functions, sexual satisfaction and depressive symptoms according to menstrual cycle phases

Abstract

This study was planned to investigate women's sexual functions, sexual satisfaction and depressive symptoms according to menstrual cycle phases. It was performed with 96 women with similar characteristics among women having regular menstruation. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 4 face-to-face interviews were conducted with women. In the collection of data, Diagnostic Form, FSFI and SSS-W were used at the time between the follicular and luteal phases. In both follicular and luteal phase, blood samples were collected to evaluate the serum hormone levels. According to the findings, FSFI and SSS-W total subdimension scores of women were determined to be higher in the luteal phase. According to the results of hormone analysis, sexual function and sexual satisfaction were not significantly affected in both menstrual phases. The depressive symptoms were found to have a significant effect on sexual satisfaction. It was shown that in independent groups as in with/without depression, the BDI scores had a low effect on the DHEA-S level and moderate effect on the SHBG, E(2)and Prolactin levels; in spite of this, had no effect on Progesterone and F. Testosterone levels. As a result, it can be said that sexual functions and sexual satisfaction according to menstrual phases are affected by both hormonal and nonhormonal factors.