Translation and investigation of the psychometric properties of the revised female sexual distress scale among Iranian couples

Women’s sexual distress is often complicated by a combination of physical, psychological, and relational factors. Many women experience a cycle of dysfunction that affects not only their sexual health but also their overall quality of life and emotional well-being. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the revised Female sexual distress scale (FSDS-R) among Iranian couples. During a methodological study conducted from April to July 2024, 400 Iranian couples were chosen using a convenience sampling method. The FSDS-R was translated and its psychometric properties were assessed through tests of construct validity, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity, and divergent validity. Additionally, the study examined the scale’s internal consistency to confirm its reliability. The mean age of the participants was 37.95 (SD = 8.96) years. An exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors that accounted for 39.24% of the variance in 13 items. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the data fit the model. The internal consistency for all factors was deemed acceptable, indicating good reliability and consistency in the constructs. The Persian version of the FSDS-R scale, with 13 items representing 39.24% of the variance, is a reliable and valid scale for measuring sexual distress in Iranian couples. This instrument can help healthcare programs identify and educate couples to reduce distress. © The Author(s) 2025.