Contraceptive status and sexual function of climacteric Chinese women.

ABSTRACT

PIP: A cross-sectional survey about contraception and sexuality in climacteric Chinese women was evaluated. Women aged 45-55 years were randomly sampled from the urban area of Beijing using a three-stage cluster sampling procedure. The sample was composed of 742 pre-, peri-, and naturally menopausal women. Results showed that contraceptive methods were used by 75.6% of 242 premenopausal women and 54.2% of 240 perimenopausal women. IUDs and barrier methods were the primary methods used. A comparison of IUD users by age at insertion, removal, or last clinic visit showed that women over age 40 tolerated IUDs better than did younger women. IUDs were commonly used because the barrier method (condom) caused vaginal dryness and even pain, especially among middle-aged women. The women of higher socioeconomic status had a lower risk of decreased sexual functioning. A higher level of educational attainment was associated with a lower risk of decreased sexual functioning among women aged 45-55 years. Women of higher class differed in several sexual variables from those of the lower class due to differences in level and quality of sexual education, awareness, and attitudes. In conclusion, the IUD was the most popular and appropriate method of contraception for perimenopausal women, and sexual function was associated with a woman's satisfaction with her contraceptive method together with her menopausal status and socioeconomic class.