A Study Assessing the Quality of Life Related to Voiding Symptoms and Sexual Functions in Menopausal Women.
10.4111/kju.2011.52.12.858
- Author:
Ji Youn CHUN
1
;
Kweon Sik MIN
;
Dong Il KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea. kweonsikmin@yahoo.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Postmenopause;
Quality of life;
Sexual dysfunction, psychological;
Urination disorders
- MeSH:
Arthritis;
Female;
Heart Diseases;
Humans;
Hypertension;
Hysterectomy;
Korea;
Menopause;
Postmenopause;
Quality of Life;
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological;
Urinary Incontinence;
Urination Disorders;
Women's Health
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
2011;52(12):858-864
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of menopause on the quality of life (QoL) of middle-aged and older women, including their general well-being, voiding-related symptoms, and sexual distress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess QoL, we administered a questionnaire that included questions about voiding-related symptoms and female sexual distress and part of the Women's Health Questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaires were completed by 1,679 women in the Korea. Data for 1,262 women were available for analysis, including premenopausal (n=307), perimenopausal (n=240), and postmenopausal (n=715) groups. RESULTS: Voiding-related discomfort increased significantly in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women (p<0.001). General well-being worsened as menopause progressed (p<0.001). Menopausal women who were older (p=0.014), had a hysterectomy (p=0.005), or had urinary incontinence (p=0.001) had more voiding-related symptoms. Hypertension (p=0.026), cardiac disease (p=0.013), and arthritis (p=0.001) resulted in significantly decreased general well-being. Women with a hysterectomy (p=0.017) and those with arthritis (p=0.004) had high sexual distress. In the menopausal group, employed women had better general well-being than did unemployed women. CONCLUSIONS: Menopause negatively affected the QoL of middle-aged and older women because of decreased general well-being and increased voiding-related symptoms. General health, even in menopausal women, was important to maintain a better QoL. To preserve the QoL of women undergoing menopause, control of menopause and underlying disease should be considered.
