INVESTIGATION OF THE PROBLEMS OF WOMEN ON SEXUALITY IN THE MENOPOZE PERIOD: A QUAL？TAT？VE STUDY

Objective: This study was carried out in order to specify the experiences, ideas and problems of women under menopause related to sex life. Methods: This study is a qualitative study in which phenomenological method has been used. In this study, a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher was used to collect data, which covers problems that might be experienced during menopause and questions sexual experiences. Depth interview was implemented in order to collect qualitative data, the data were grouped by coding and themes related to the topic were formed through content analysis. Results: The study results showed that the problems women experienced the most were physiologic problems such as hot flush, night sweating, disturbed sleep, headache, fatigue, agitation, and palpitation, and psychological ones like a sexuality, decreased sex drive, lower frequency of intercourse, and diminished satisfaction from sexual intimacy. It was determined that professional help was not sought in order to overcome problems experienced during menopause and talking with close friends and relatives was preferred. Conclusion: It is thought that it is a significant necessity to give counsel to women during menopausal period as to sexuality