Age-specific reference scores for the PISQ-12 on female sexual functioning in the Netherlands: a retrospective population-based survey

• Published in: Journal of sexual medicine 2024-06, Vol.21 (7), p.620-626
• Main Authors: Hierink, G Marije, Brinkman, Lauret A M, Hogenhout, Sietske A, Malmberg, G G Alec, Trzpis, Monika, van Eijndhoven, Hugo W F, Broens, Paul M A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1743-6095; 1743-6109; 1743-6109
• DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae051

Female sexual dysfunction is common in the general population, with age emerging as a significant determinant of sexual activity and functioning. To establish age-specific reference scores for the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) in the general Dutch female population. A retrospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Netherlands. The study population comprised 2518 Dutch-speaking women aged ≥18 years, representing a cross section of the general Dutch population. The PISQ-12 was used to assess sexual functioning in heterosexual women. The Groningen Defecation and Fecal Continence questionnaire was utilized to demonstrate demographic factors. We established age-specific reference scores for the PISQ-12 in the general Dutch population. Of the 2518 women, 1592 (63.2%) were sexually active and 926 (36.8%) were not. Further analysis focused on the sexually active group: we found a decrease in mean total PISQ scores, ranging from 38.34 among 18- to 34-year-olds to 36.98 among ≥65-year-olds. Older women scored lower in the behavior domain, specifically pertaining to sexual desire (P