Female and male factors that impact on frequency of sexual intercourse in aging couples: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To assess the prevalence and factors associated with dyspareunia and the lack of sexual intercourse in women between 50 and 70 years cohabiting with their partners. Methods This is a descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional study using the snowball technique with prospective data collection using a structured questionnaire to describe multiple aspects of health and sexuality among 266 cohabiting Brazilian couples aged 50 to 70. Results The prevalence of lack of sexual activity was 20%. Factors associated with sexual inactivity were female sexual dysfunction (OR: 9.87, 95% CI: 3.24–30.10, P < 0.001), female dissatisfaction with the partner as a lover (OR: 5.86, 95% CI: 2.03–16.88, P = 0.001), male sexual dysfunction (OR: 4.51, 95% CI: 1.60–12.70, P = 0.004), and poor self-rated male health (OR: 3.66, 95% CI: 1.29–10.40, P = 0.015). The prevalence of dyspareunia was 42.3% in the sample of sexually active women. Factors associated with dyspareunia were female sexual dysfunction (OR: 2.7, 95%, CI: 1.26–5.77, P = 0.010), moderate/severe vaginal dryness (OR: 4.67, 95% CI: 2.21–9.87, P < 0.001), and vaginal discomfort (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.77–9.17, P < 0.001). Conclusions The results showed that male, female, and dyadic factors were associated with a lack of sexual activity. On the other hand, only female factors were associated with dyspareunia among sexually active couples.