Sex life and role identity in Taiwanese women during menopause: a qualitative study.

Aim: Our goal was to examine Taiwanese women's perspectives on the way menopause affected their sexual behaviour to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences during this transition.

Background: Physical symptoms associated with menopause may affect women's sexual experiences. Little is known about how menopause-related changes in sexual behaviour may affect role identity of women living in a modernizing urban culture that is still strongly rooted in traditional beliefs and attitudes.

Design: This was a qualitative study involving face-to-face interviews using open-ended questions.

Methods: During 2011-2012, eighteen peri or postmenopausal women visiting a medical clinic for gynaecological examinations or treatment were interviewed about their sexual experiences. Responses were analysed for common themes.

Findings: Four themes were identified about the effects of menopause on women's sex life: (1) changes in physical responses during sex; (2) the acceptance/non-acceptance of the current situation; (3) sexual pressure related to their marital role; (4) efforts to improve sexual interest or activity. Menopause-related physical changes often (but not always) made sexual interactions difficult. But women's responses to the changes varied. Some used sexual discomfort as a reason to avoid sexual intercourse. Others sought to improve their sexual encounters through behavioural modifications or hormone therapy.

Conclusions: Given the variety of reactions to the impact of menopause on sexual behaviour/relationships seen here, it is clear that health professionals need to assess of each woman's specific situation and be prepared to recommend a variety of behavioural or hormonal treatment options.