Gender inequality is significantly correlated with sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age across the globe

Background: Gender inequality is characterized by limited access to education, employment, political involvement, as well as medical care. International studies have shown that women in societies with gender-equal sexual regimes have less sexual dysfunction than those in male-centered sexual regimes. However, studies in some cultures have indicated that women with higher education and women in employment actually have higher levels of sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is unclear if there is a relationship between gender inequality in a society and sexual dysfunction among women and if so, whether the relationship is positive or negative. Methods: Data on gender inequality and prevalence rates of female sexual dysfunction among women age 49 and below were correlated for 35 countries/territories for which the data were available. Gender inequality was assessed with the Gender Inequality Index; prevalence rates of female sexual dysfunction were collected through a systematic literature search. Studies were assessed for their quality and prevalence rates were pooled, if necessary. Results: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction ranged from 2.9% to 76%. Gender Inequality Index values ranged from 0.054 to 0.580. A significant positive correlation of moderate strength was found between gender inequality and the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (r = 0.430, p = 0.010). Conclusion: This study illustrates that gender inequality correlates with sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Continued efforts must be made to improve women's access to health care, particularly reproductive health care, as well as to education, employment and leadership, thereby mitigating gender inequality.