Discussion
dyspareunia, sexual dysfunction
DYSPAREUNIA, BLIND
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy using Salvia officinalis on the sexual function and satisfaction of postmenopausal women. The results of the present study showed that after the intervention, the mean score of FSFI and all its dimensions in the group receiving Salvia officinalis essential oil were significantly higher than those in the control group. These results show that aromatherapy with Salvia officinalis improves sexual function in postmenopausal women. Malakouti et al. (2016) conducted a clinical trial on 120 postmenopausal women to investigate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. The intervention group received 2 to 3 drops of an aromatic solution (lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose) on the forearm three times a day for 6 weeks while the control group received a placebo containing propylene glycol as often as the intervention group. The findings showed that the overall score of sexual function in the two intervention and control groups was 18 ± 5.4 and 15.8 ± 5.7, respectively. However, after the intervention, these scores rose to 22.9 ± 0.4 in the intervention group and to 17.2 ± 4.2 in the placebo group (P˃0.001). Based on their results, there was a statistically significant difference between the aromatherapy and control groups in terms of the overall score of sexual function [Aromatherapy through plant essential oils can be used in a number of ways. This can be done by inhaling the odor molecules (the sense of smell) and sending impulses to the olfactory part of the brain (which interacts with other control systems such as memory, emotions, hormones, sexual feelings, and heart rate), which will release hormones capable of stimulating, incubating, calming or inducing euphoria. Volatile oils are also absorbed by the skin and subsequently penetrate into the bloodstream [As one of the plants containing phytoestrogens (estrogen-like compounds), Salvia officinalis has a special place among plants used for the treatment of menopause symptoms. These plants can also be used to improve sexual function and dyspareunia and increase sexual satisfaction of menopausal women [The results of a clinical trial study by Dadfar and Bamdad (2019) showed that Salvia officinalis extract is effective in reducing the severity of some menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women [The results of the present study showed that after the intervention, the mean score of sexual satisfaction in the group receiving Salvia officinalis essential oil were significantly higher than those in the control group. These results show that aromatherapy with Salvia officinalis improves sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women. Sharifipour et al. (2023) conducted a clinical trial on 180 breastfeeding women to investigate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy on the sexual satisfaction of breastfeeding women. The participants were allocated to three groups of Citrus aurantium (n = 60), Lavender (n = 60), and control (n = 60) groups. Two intervention groups received 2 drops of essential oil, twice a day, for 40 days as inhalation while the control group received almond oil in the same. The findings showed that after the 40 days of intervention, the mean score of sexual satisfaction was significantly higher in the Citrus aurantium and Lavender groups compared with the control group (59.3 ± 11.7, 59.3 ± 11.6 vs. 52.02 ± 11.5, p < 0.001). Based on their results, the aroma of Citrus aurantium and Lavender essence could significantly improve the sexual satisfaction of breastfeeding women [The results of another trial aimed at determining the effect of combined aromatherapy on sexual function showed the effectiveness of this method. However, it had no effect on dyspareunia and sexual satisfaction [The results of Nikjou et al.‘s (2018) study showed that lavender inhalation for 20 min twice a day for 12 weeks improved libido among postmenopausal women with complaints of hot flashes [The first of the limitations of this study was that despite the training on how to use aromatherapy and the weekly follow-up by telephone, it is possible that the study subjects received different doses of the inhaler. The second of the limitations of this study was that data collection was based solely on participants’ own reports, and the researchers did not use other sources of data such as observation. The third limitation was that we did not assess the causes and duration of sexual dysfunction since these could affect women’s sexual function and satisfaction. Furthermore, we only studied the short-term effects of aromatherapy. On the other hand, this study is worthwhile in that it is the first to evaluate the effect of Salvia officinalis scent on the sexual function and satisfaction of postmenopausal women. Also, random allocation and concealment of allocation of subjects to prevent selection bias and using a blind method to reduce the risk of bias during data collection were other strengths of the study.