ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Korean women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 629 married women in the Chonnam and Gwangju area were randomly included in this study. They were asked to complete a questionnaire on FSD, which consisted of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), as well as psychological, physiological, and demographic factors. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 36.97 years and the mean FSFI score was 25.56 out of a total score of 36. Based on the total FSFI score, 42.9% of the women had scores less than the cut-off point of 25, the assessed definition of FSD. The prevalence of FSD by age group was: 31.3% for 20~29 year olds, 41.6% for 30~39 year olds, and 51.8% for 40~49 year olds. A stepwise regression analysis found that women with higher levels of sexual distress, lower frequency of sexual intercourse, lower levels of life satisfaction, a less important appraisal of sex, a higher likelihood of depression, more conservative attitude toward sex, irregular menstrual cycle, higher age, chronic disease, and a smoking habit were more likely to suffer from FSD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of FSD in Korean women was common and comparable to those reported worldwide. Sexual distress, frequency of sexual intercourse, and life satisfaction were important associated factors of FSD.