Mantzou D, Stamou MI, Armeni AK, Roupas ND, Assimakopoulos K, Adonakis G, Georgopoulos NA, Markantes GK. Impaired Sexual Function in Young Women With PCOS: The Detrimental Effect of Anovulation.
J Sex Med 2021;
18:1872-1879. [PMID:
37057487 DOI:
10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.09.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Even though polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder affecting young women, its impact on their sexual health is not well known.
AIM
To examine the different aspects of female sexuality in young women with PCOS and attempt to associate hormonal changes and ovulatory status with their sexual function.
METHODS
Anthropometric characteristics, hormonal levels and sexual function based on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire were assessed in 76 young women with PCOS and 133 matched controls.
OUTCOMES
Sexual function is significantly impaired in young women with PCOS.
RESULTS
Women with PCOS demonstrated lower scores than controls in arousal (5.04 ± 1.19 vs 4.48 ± 1.44, P < .001), lubrication (5.29 ± 1.17 vs 4.69 ± 1.54, P < .001), orgasm (4.78 ± 1.40 vs 4.11 ± 1.61, P = .001), satisfaction (5.22 ± 1.10 vs 4.78 ± 1.31, P = .016), and total score of the FSFI (29.51 ± 5.83 vs 26.76 ± 6.81, P < .001), even after correction for BMI. When corrected for total testosterone, the domains of lubrication, satisfaction, and total score of FSFI remained significantly impaired in women with PCOS (P values .037, .024, & .044 respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for the effect of BMI and hormone levels, dysfunction in orgasm, satisfaction and the total FSFI score were still 3-4 times more common in PCOS (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 3.54, P = .020; 2.96, P = .050; 3.87, P = .027). Even though no statistically significant differences were observed between women with ovulatory PCOS and controls, we detected statistically significant differences in all domains of sexual function apart from pain between controls and PCOS women with anovulation (desire P value .04, arousal P value <.001, lubrication P value <.001, orgasm P value .001, satisfaction P value .001 and FSFI total score P value <.001).
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Women with PCOS have compromised sexual function, which is independent of their BMI and highly dependent on their ovulatory status.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This is the first study in women with PCOS that implicates anovulation as a risk factor for sexual impairment in PCOS. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms implicated and to examine the effect of PCOS therapy on the patients' sexual function.
CONCLUSION
The adverse effect of PCOS status on the female sexual function is independent of BMI and only partially dependent on hormonal changes characterizing the syndrome. Anovulation appears to be the major determinant of sexual impairment among women with PCOS. Mantzou D, Stamou MI, Armeni AK, et al. Impaired Sexual Function in Young Women With PCOS: The Detrimental Effect of Anovulation. J Sex Med 2021;18:1872-1879.
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