The Relationship Between Self-esteem and Sexual Dysfunction in Women at Reproductive Ages: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Sexual dysfunction mainly results from psychological and personal causes. These causes, including self-esteem, have been considered to be the dominant reason for sexual dysfunction. Self-esteem is, in fact, among the basic factors in desirable personality development. Objective: Investigation of the relationship between self-esteem and sexual dysfunction in women at reproductive ages referred to healthcare centers in Shiraz, Iran. Materials and Methods: This epidemiological, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on 268 women at reproductive ages referred to healthcare centers in Shiraz in 2014-2015. The study data were collected using a demographic information form, Female Sexual Function Index, and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Results: The results revealed a significant relationship between self-esteem and sexual function (p=0.001), sexual desire (p=0.03), sexual arousal (p=0.01), and lubrication (p=0.026). However, no significant correlation was observed among self-esteem and orgasm (p=0.54), sexual satisfaction (p=0.3), and pain during intercourse (p=0.1). Investigation of the relationship between demographic indicators and self-esteem showed that the spouse's education level had a significant statistical relationship (p = 0.008) with self-esteem, while there was no significant relationship between self-esteem and women's education level, husband's job, income, Body Mass Index (BMI), and age of women. Conclusion: The results indicated that self-esteem was associated with sexual dysfunction. Accordingly, individuals with lower self-esteem showed higher sexual dysfunction.