ABSTRACT
Background: Menopause is the estimated end of reproductive life. Having a positive attitude towards it has been shown to outcome in a positive experience, whereas a negative attitude is connected with negative experiences and symptoms. Conventionally, women regularly abstain from sex after menopause
Purpose: The study aimed to determine the level of awareness and perceptions about the menopause and sex in perimenopausal women attending a general outpatient clinic
Methods: Women over 40 years were enlisted from the Family Medicine Department of King Abdulaziz Hospital, excluding those who were menopausal. Data analyses were done with chi-square test [P<0.05]. The study was done according to the ethical board of Umm Al Qura university
Results: Most [151; 85.8%] of the 176 surveyed participants were aware of the menopause. Only 36.1% anticipated associated symptoms. About half [55.68%] were indifferent to menopause onset, while 23.3% had a positive attitude and 21.11% had a negative attitude, respectively. Younger women were less likely to have a positive attitude to the menopause [P=0.04]. There were negative cultural beliefs towards sex. Sexual activity was low and declined with age [P<0.001]. Many women would like treatment to improve their sexual activity
Conclusion: Most participants had a favourable disposition towards the menopause, though sexual relationships suffer. Counselling and treatment should be offered