The Ups and Downs of Sex Life in Menopausal Stage: a Qualitative Study

AbstractBackground and Objectives: The meaning of menopause and women experience of this transitional stage are related to cultural norms, social factors and one's knowledge of menopause. Women’s image of menopasuse affects self-care and follow-ups during this stage. Among them is consideration of sexuality which is often ignored. The aim of this study was to discover menopausal complications in Iranian women.Methods: 14 women in menopausal stage were interviewed about their clinical experience. The interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using Van Manen’s phenomenology technique. Result: Data analysis showed that one of the women's most important clinical experiences of menopause which they can deliberately express was the start of a new stage. Since, according to those women, changes in their life style were being made in comparison with earlier stages, one of the most important problems that escaped unobserved was sexual challenges which started at this stage.Conclusion: The findings this study reveal women's beliefs about their sex life. This can be used as a basis for education and offering guidelines in order to increase their quality of life.Keywords: Menopause; Sexuality; Sexuality Behavior; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Tehran, Iran