Background and purpose: Quality of life (QOL) is believed to be influenced by sexual function during menopause. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual function and QOL among post-menopausal women.

Materials and methods: We performed a community-based, descriptive-analytical study of 405 post-menopausal women, aged 40 to 65 years. A multi-stage, randomized sampling was conducted. Data was obtained through interviews using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BRIEF )WHOQOL-BREF(, and a researcher-made questionnaire. Data was then analyzed using t-test and multiple linear regression. 

Results: The mean age and mean duration of menopause were 52.84±3.7 years and 19.8±14.4 months, respectively. Among the subjects 324 (80%) were housewives and 369 (91.2%) had diploma or lower levels of education. The mean total score of QOL was 54.53±7.18. The highest and lowest scores were associated with physical health and psychological health domains, respectively. Overall, 61% had female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The total scores for FSFI were in a positive correlation with the total scores for WHOQOL-BREF (r=0.285, P<0.001) and the scores for all domains of QOL. The scores in all domains of FSFI, except in the domain of pain, had a positive correlation with the total score of QOL (P<0.001). Satisfaction with marital relationship in post-menopausal women was associated with an increase in QOL (P<0.001, r=0.258).

Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction could have a negative impact on the quality of life in post-menopausal women. Therefore, to enhance the quality of life in this population sexual dysfunction requires more attention when implementing women’s health initiatives.