Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pre-test-post-test design and was conducted on 80 married female students who were selected and randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 40) or control (n = 40) groups. The data collection tool was Rosen?s Sexual Function questionnaire. The intervention group, after the pre-test, took part in four sessions of assertiveness-based sexual counselling weekly across 2 sessions of 90 to 120 minutes. Both groups filled out the questionnaires after the end of the waiting period (2 months) (post-test). Chi-square, covariance and independent paired t tests were used to compare the means of the quantitative variables in the 2 groups.

Results: The results showed that the mean score on the sexual function index increased in the intervention group after sexual counselling and decreased in the control group. An independent t test also showed that the difference in mean scores on the sexual function index after sexual counselling in the intervention and control groups was not significant. However, the mean change in the total index score was significantly different in the 2 groups (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions: The assertiveness-based sexual counselling method significantly influenced sexual function and expression of sexual rights and reduced the shame and contempt that women in the study felt. It is safe to admit that this method can be used as a way to promote sexuality and to establish a more intimate relationship in marital life.