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The Effect of Menopause Symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception in Postmenopausal Women

Year 2024, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 16 - 28, 28.03.2024
https://doi.org/10.19127/mbsjohs.1390530

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of menopausal symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception (FGSP) in postmenopausal women.
Methods: This descriptive and relationship-seeking study was conducted with women aged 40 and above who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary hospital between June and December 2022, who have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months, and who met the inclusion criteria. The Patient Information Form, The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire (VSQ), and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) were used to obtain the data.
Results: The mean age of 203 women included in the study was 57.53±6.70. The total mean scores obtained from the scales was 15.40±7.7 for MRS, 3.75±3.96 for VSQ, and 18.99 ±4.34 for FGSIS. An inverse and statistically significant relationship were found between MRS and VSQ total and sub-dimension scores and FGSIS scores (p:0.001 for all). A significant relationship was found between FGSIS score and body mass index and parity (r:-0.154, p:0.028 and r:-0.258, p:0.001). University graduates, those who had regular gynecological examinations, and people with a very good perception of general health status had significantly higher FGSIS scores (p:0.001 for all).
Conclusion: According to the scale scores, the FGSP of postmenopausal women was moderate and negatively affected by the increase in menopausal symptoms. Obesity, an increase in the number of parities, low education level, and poor health perception were the factors that negatively affected FGSP.

References

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  • Burger HG. Physiology and endocrinology of the menopause. Medicine. 2006;34(1):27-30.
  • Reus TL, Brohem CA, Schuck DC, Lorencini M. Revisiting the effects of menopause on the skin: Functional changes, clinical studies, in vitro models, and therapeutic alternatives. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. 2020;185:111193.
  • Ayar D, Karasu F, Çopur EÖ. The relationship of the solution focused levels of married women on the genital self images and the spiritual well-being Göbeklitepe International Journal of Health Sciences. 2021;4(6):58-68.
  • Herbenick D, Reece M. Development and validation of the female genital self-image scale. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010;7(5):1822-30.
  • Berman L, Berman J, Miles M, Pollets D, Powell JA. Genital self-image as a component of sexual health: relationship between genital self-image, female sexual function, and quality of life measures. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 2003;29 Suppl 1:11-21.
  • Marvi N, Golmakani N, Esmaily H, Shareh H. The relationship between sexual satisfaction and genital self-image in infertile women. Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health. 2018;6(4):1468-75
  • McCarthy B, Ross LW. Maintaining sexual desire and satisfaction in securely bonded couples. The Family Journal. 2018;26(2):217-22.
  • Fudge MC, Byers ES. "I Have a Nice Gross Vagina": Understanding young women's genital self-perceptions. Journal of Sex Research. 2017;54(3):351-61.
  • Komarnicky T, Skakoon-Sparling S, Milhausen RR, Breuer R. Genital self-image: associations with other domains of body image and sexual response. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 2019;45(6):524-37.
  • Benabe E, Fuentes Y, Roldan G, Ramos M, Pastrana M, Romaguera J. The perceptions of female genital self-image and its associations with female sexual distress. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2022;157(1):90-5.
  • Çamlıca T. Examination of genital hygiene behaviors and genital self of women diagnosed with vaginal infection who applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic. İstanbul: İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. 2022.
  • Yüksekol ÖD, Baltaci N, Yilmaz AN, Ulucan M. Perception of genital self-image, sexual quality of life and marital adjustment in infertile women. Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 2021;1-14.
  • DeMaria AL, Hollub AV, Herbenick D. Using genital self-image, body image, and sexual behaviors to predict gynecological exam behaviors of college women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2011;8(9):2484-92.
  • Koning M, Zeijlmans IA, Bouman TK, van der Lei B. Female attitudes regarding labia minora appearance and reduction with consideration of media influence. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2009;29(1):65-71.
  • DeMaria AL, Hollub AV, Herbenick D. The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS): validation among a sample of female college students. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2012;9(3):708-18.
  • del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile M, Aibar-Almazán A, Martínez-Amat A, Brandão-Loureiro V, Jiménez-García JD, Castellote-Caballero Y, et al. Changes in satisfaction with female genital self-image and sexual function after a Qigong exercise intervention in Spanish postmenopausal women: a randomized-controlled trial. Menopause. 2022;29(6):693-9
  • Ko SH, Kim HS. Menopause-associated lipid metabolic disorders and foods beneficial for postmenopausal women. Nutrient. 2020;12(1):202.
  • Taşkıran G. Investigation of factors affecting menopausal symptom severity and menopause-specific quality of life. The validity and reliability of turkish version of menopouase rating scale. Ankara Hacettepe University Health Sciences Institute (Master's Thesis). 2019.
  • Schneider HP, Heinemann LA, Rosemeier HP, Potthoff P, Behre HM. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS): reliability of scores of menopausal complaints. Climacteric: the journal of the International Menopause Society. 2000;3(1):59-64.
  • Heinemann LA, Potthoff P, Schneider HP. International versions of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. 2003;1:28.
  • Gürkan ÖC. Menopoz semptomları değerlendirme ölçeğinin Türkçe formunun güvenirlik ve geçerliliği. Hemşirelik Forumu Dergisi. 2005;3:30-5.
  • Erekson EA, Yip SO, Wedderburn TS, Martin DK, Li FY, Choi JN, et al. The VSQ: a questionnaire to measure vulvovaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women. Menopause (New York, NY). 2013;20(9):973.
  • Tekin AB, Yassa M, Kalkan U, Sargin MA, Keskin I, Usta S, et al. Validation of the Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire in Turkish women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Menopause. 2022;29(3):327-334.
  • Ellibes Kaya A, Yassa M, Dogan O, Basbug A, Pulatoglu C, Caliskan E. The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS): cross-cultural adaptation and validation of psychometric properties within a Turkish population. International Urogynecology Journal. 2019;30(1):89-99.
  • Rowen TS, Gaither TW, Shindel AW, Breyer BN. Characteristics of Genital Dissatisfaction Among a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2018;15(5):698-704.
  • Lordelo P, Brasil C, Lerche J, Gomes T, Martins P, Castro M. Relationship between female genital self-image and sexual function: cross-sectional study. Obstet Gynecol Int J. 2017;7(4):00253.
  • Nappi RE, Nijland EA. Women’s perception of sexuality around the menopause: outcomes of a European telephone survey. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2008;137:10–16.
  • Guidozzi F, Thomas C, Smith T, Nappi RE. CLarifying vaginal atrophy's impact On SEx and Relationships (CLOSER) survey in South Africa. Climacteric. 2017;20(1):49-54.
  • Nappi RE, Kingsberg S, Maamari R, Simon J. The CLOSER (CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy's Impact On Sex and Relationships) survey: implications of vaginal discomfort in postmenopausal women and in male partners. J Sex Med. 2013;10:2232–41.
  • Nappi RE, Mattsson LÅ, Lachowsky M, Maamari R, Giraldi A. The CLOSER survey: impact of postmenopausal vaginal discomfort on relationships between women and their partners in Northern and Southern Europe. Maturitas. 2013;75:373–9.
  • Simon JA, Nappi RE, Kingsberg SA, Maamari R, Brown V. Clarifying Vaginal Atrophy's Impact on Sex and Relationships (CLOSER) survey: emotional and physical impact of vaginal discomfort on North American postmenopausal women and their partners. Menopause. 2014;21:137–42.
  • Yaşar Ayan M. Determination of the relationship between genital self-image and sexual quality of life in women with active sexual life. İstanbul: İstanbul Okan University. 2022.
  • Rouzi AA, Berg RC, Alamoudi R, Alzaban F, Sehlo M. Female genital self-image in women with and without female genital mutilation/cutting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sexual Medicine. 2020;8(4):752-6.
  • Handelzalts JE, Yaakobi T, Levy S, Peled Y, Wiznitzer A, Krissi H. The impact of genital self-image on sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 2017;211:164-8.
  • Hodges KR, Wiener CE, Vyas AS, Turrentine MA. The female genital self-image scale in adult women with vulvar lichen sclerosus. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. 2019;23(3):210-3.
  • Yıldız Ş, Cengiz H, Kaya C, Alay İ, Öztürk E, Tunca AF, et al. Evaluation of genital self-image and sexual dysfunction in women with vulvar lichen planus or lichen sclerosus. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2022;43(2):99-106.
  • Pazmany E, Bergeron S, Van Oudenhove L, Verhaeghe J, Enzlin P. Body image and genital self-image in pre-menopausal women with dyspareunia. Archives of sexual Behavior. 2013;42(6):999-1010
Year 2024, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 16 - 28, 28.03.2024
https://doi.org/10.19127/mbsjohs.1390530

Abstract

References

  • Wilkinson HN, Hardman MJ. The role of estrogen in cutaneous ageing and repair. Maturitas. 2017;103:60-4.
  • Burger HG. Physiology and endocrinology of the menopause. Medicine. 2006;34(1):27-30.
  • Reus TL, Brohem CA, Schuck DC, Lorencini M. Revisiting the effects of menopause on the skin: Functional changes, clinical studies, in vitro models, and therapeutic alternatives. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. 2020;185:111193.
  • Ayar D, Karasu F, Çopur EÖ. The relationship of the solution focused levels of married women on the genital self images and the spiritual well-being Göbeklitepe International Journal of Health Sciences. 2021;4(6):58-68.
  • Herbenick D, Reece M. Development and validation of the female genital self-image scale. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010;7(5):1822-30.
  • Berman L, Berman J, Miles M, Pollets D, Powell JA. Genital self-image as a component of sexual health: relationship between genital self-image, female sexual function, and quality of life measures. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 2003;29 Suppl 1:11-21.
  • Marvi N, Golmakani N, Esmaily H, Shareh H. The relationship between sexual satisfaction and genital self-image in infertile women. Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health. 2018;6(4):1468-75
  • McCarthy B, Ross LW. Maintaining sexual desire and satisfaction in securely bonded couples. The Family Journal. 2018;26(2):217-22.
  • Fudge MC, Byers ES. "I Have a Nice Gross Vagina": Understanding young women's genital self-perceptions. Journal of Sex Research. 2017;54(3):351-61.
  • Komarnicky T, Skakoon-Sparling S, Milhausen RR, Breuer R. Genital self-image: associations with other domains of body image and sexual response. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 2019;45(6):524-37.
  • Benabe E, Fuentes Y, Roldan G, Ramos M, Pastrana M, Romaguera J. The perceptions of female genital self-image and its associations with female sexual distress. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 2022;157(1):90-5.
  • Çamlıca T. Examination of genital hygiene behaviors and genital self of women diagnosed with vaginal infection who applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic. İstanbul: İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim University. 2022.
  • Yüksekol ÖD, Baltaci N, Yilmaz AN, Ulucan M. Perception of genital self-image, sexual quality of life and marital adjustment in infertile women. Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 2021;1-14.
  • DeMaria AL, Hollub AV, Herbenick D. Using genital self-image, body image, and sexual behaviors to predict gynecological exam behaviors of college women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2011;8(9):2484-92.
  • Koning M, Zeijlmans IA, Bouman TK, van der Lei B. Female attitudes regarding labia minora appearance and reduction with consideration of media influence. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2009;29(1):65-71.
  • DeMaria AL, Hollub AV, Herbenick D. The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS): validation among a sample of female college students. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2012;9(3):708-18.
  • del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile M, Aibar-Almazán A, Martínez-Amat A, Brandão-Loureiro V, Jiménez-García JD, Castellote-Caballero Y, et al. Changes in satisfaction with female genital self-image and sexual function after a Qigong exercise intervention in Spanish postmenopausal women: a randomized-controlled trial. Menopause. 2022;29(6):693-9
  • Ko SH, Kim HS. Menopause-associated lipid metabolic disorders and foods beneficial for postmenopausal women. Nutrient. 2020;12(1):202.
  • Taşkıran G. Investigation of factors affecting menopausal symptom severity and menopause-specific quality of life. The validity and reliability of turkish version of menopouase rating scale. Ankara Hacettepe University Health Sciences Institute (Master's Thesis). 2019.
  • Schneider HP, Heinemann LA, Rosemeier HP, Potthoff P, Behre HM. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS): reliability of scores of menopausal complaints. Climacteric: the journal of the International Menopause Society. 2000;3(1):59-64.
  • Heinemann LA, Potthoff P, Schneider HP. International versions of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. 2003;1:28.
  • Gürkan ÖC. Menopoz semptomları değerlendirme ölçeğinin Türkçe formunun güvenirlik ve geçerliliği. Hemşirelik Forumu Dergisi. 2005;3:30-5.
  • Erekson EA, Yip SO, Wedderburn TS, Martin DK, Li FY, Choi JN, et al. The VSQ: a questionnaire to measure vulvovaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women. Menopause (New York, NY). 2013;20(9):973.
  • Tekin AB, Yassa M, Kalkan U, Sargin MA, Keskin I, Usta S, et al. Validation of the Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire in Turkish women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Menopause. 2022;29(3):327-334.
  • Ellibes Kaya A, Yassa M, Dogan O, Basbug A, Pulatoglu C, Caliskan E. The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS): cross-cultural adaptation and validation of psychometric properties within a Turkish population. International Urogynecology Journal. 2019;30(1):89-99.
  • Rowen TS, Gaither TW, Shindel AW, Breyer BN. Characteristics of Genital Dissatisfaction Among a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2018;15(5):698-704.
  • Lordelo P, Brasil C, Lerche J, Gomes T, Martins P, Castro M. Relationship between female genital self-image and sexual function: cross-sectional study. Obstet Gynecol Int J. 2017;7(4):00253.
  • Nappi RE, Nijland EA. Women’s perception of sexuality around the menopause: outcomes of a European telephone survey. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2008;137:10–16.
  • Guidozzi F, Thomas C, Smith T, Nappi RE. CLarifying vaginal atrophy's impact On SEx and Relationships (CLOSER) survey in South Africa. Climacteric. 2017;20(1):49-54.
  • Nappi RE, Kingsberg S, Maamari R, Simon J. The CLOSER (CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy's Impact On Sex and Relationships) survey: implications of vaginal discomfort in postmenopausal women and in male partners. J Sex Med. 2013;10:2232–41.
  • Nappi RE, Mattsson LÅ, Lachowsky M, Maamari R, Giraldi A. The CLOSER survey: impact of postmenopausal vaginal discomfort on relationships between women and their partners in Northern and Southern Europe. Maturitas. 2013;75:373–9.
  • Simon JA, Nappi RE, Kingsberg SA, Maamari R, Brown V. Clarifying Vaginal Atrophy's Impact on Sex and Relationships (CLOSER) survey: emotional and physical impact of vaginal discomfort on North American postmenopausal women and their partners. Menopause. 2014;21:137–42.
  • Yaşar Ayan M. Determination of the relationship between genital self-image and sexual quality of life in women with active sexual life. İstanbul: İstanbul Okan University. 2022.
  • Rouzi AA, Berg RC, Alamoudi R, Alzaban F, Sehlo M. Female genital self-image in women with and without female genital mutilation/cutting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sexual Medicine. 2020;8(4):752-6.
  • Handelzalts JE, Yaakobi T, Levy S, Peled Y, Wiznitzer A, Krissi H. The impact of genital self-image on sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 2017;211:164-8.
  • Hodges KR, Wiener CE, Vyas AS, Turrentine MA. The female genital self-image scale in adult women with vulvar lichen sclerosus. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. 2019;23(3):210-3.
  • Yıldız Ş, Cengiz H, Kaya C, Alay İ, Öztürk E, Tunca AF, et al. Evaluation of genital self-image and sexual dysfunction in women with vulvar lichen planus or lichen sclerosus. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2022;43(2):99-106.
  • Pazmany E, Bergeron S, Van Oudenhove L, Verhaeghe J, Enzlin P. Body image and genital self-image in pre-menopausal women with dyspareunia. Archives of sexual Behavior. 2013;42(6):999-1010
There are 38 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Clinical Sciences (Other)
Journal Section Research articles
Authors

İncinur Bilgin 0000-0002-5290-0604

Sibel Tunç Karaman 0000-0003-1833-8758

Okcan Basat 0000-0002-5222-9136

Publication Date March 28, 2024
Submission Date November 16, 2023
Acceptance Date March 5, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2024 Volume: 10 Issue: 1

Cite

Vancouver Bilgin İ, Tunç Karaman S, Basat O. The Effect of Menopause Symptoms on Female Genital Self-Perception in Postmenopausal Women. Mid Blac Sea J Health Sci. 2024;10(1):16-28.

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