Saudi women's experiences of sexual and relational changes during the menopause transition

Objectives

This study aims to understand Saudi women's experiences of sexual and relational changes during the menopause transition.

Design

A qualitative, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study.

Methods

Sixteen Saudi women aged 45–57 who had experienced natural menopause transition were purposively selected and interviewed using semi-structured interviews between December 2022 and March 2023. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants were recruited from several sites, including hospitals, gender-segregated schools employing female staff, and social media channels. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results

Three group experiential themes were identified from the data. These included ‘The intimate relationship while going through menopause’, which explores women's experiences of intimate relationships shaped by biological and hormonal changes, cultural and social expectations, and psychological influences; ‘Perceived attractiveness and self-confidence’, which describes how physical signs of ageing impact women's body image and self-confidence; and ‘Managing the sexual changes during the menopause transition’, which highlights varied coping strategies and attitudes toward seeking support for sexual changes during menopause.

Conclusion

Healthcare systems in Saudi Arabia must provide comprehensive menopausal care and train nurses and healthcare providers to consider women's sexual difficulties from a biopsychosocial perspective. Raising Saudi women's awareness of menopausal and sexual issues, as well as mitigating society's stereotypes, is crucial for empowering them to seek help.

Practice Implications

Understanding how menopausal women experience sexual and relational changes during their menopause transition is crucial for nurses, as it enables them to provide appropriate care that supports both physical and emotional well-being. As nurses recognise these experiences, they can offer guidance, reduce stigma, and enhance women's quality of life.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Involvement.