Effect of Fennel vaginal cream on dysparonia and sexual satisfaction among postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

In menopause, decreased estrogen and androgen physiologically levels leads to decrease in blood flow to the vulva and vagina, and thus reducing sexual desire and arousal. Vaginal dryness can decrease sensory threshold of genital area, dyspareunia and reduced libido. The satisfaction in sexual relationship has an important role in mental health of people.This study was performed with aim to evaluate the effect of fennel vaginal cream on dyspareunia and sexual satisfaction among postmenopausal women. This randomized, double-blind controlled trial was performed on 60 postmenopausal women referred to No 1 Eastern health center in Ahvaz with aim to evaluate the effect of fennel vaginal cream on sexual satisfaction in 2014. Sixty postmenopausal women with diagnosis of vaginal atrophy were randomly divided into two 30 cases groups to receive fennel vaginal cream 5% and placebo for 8 weeks. The sexual satisfaction was measured using Larson Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22), and paired t-test, independent t-test, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and GEE. After the intervention, sexual satisfaction was significantly improved in fennel vaginal cream group than placebo group (P<0.001), and a significant reduction in dysparonia was observed in fennel vaginal cream (P<0.05). The results of the study showed that use of fennel vaginal cream was effective in reducing dysparonia and increasing sexual satisfaction.