Can a high visceral adiposity index predict female sexual dysfunction in sexually active women? Results of a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Aims: To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the impact of high visceral adiposity index on female sexual dysfunction (FSD). We aimed to show the impact of increased levels of visceral adiposity index (VAI) on FSD compared to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Methods: We included 158 participants in two groups: Group 1 (n=68 with normal sexual function) and Group 2 (n=90 with sexual dysfunction). Demographic, clinic data, presence of metabolic syndrome (MeTS) and comorbidities were recorded. The BMI, WC and the visceral adiposity index were calculated. Sexual function was assessed using the female sexual function index (FSFI). Results: The mean age and all the anthropometric variables were similar between the groups (p>0.05). Metabolic syndrome was associated with lower arousal and lubrication scores than those without metabolic syndrome (p=0.023). The higher VAI was associated with lower desire, lubrication and orgasm scores (p<0.05). Each integer increase of the VAI weakly predicted decrease of desire (p=0.015), arousal (p=0.015), lubrication (p=0.005) and satisfaction (p=0.046). Conclusion: The VAI was linked with lower scores in some female sexual function subdomains, but the correlation coefficient was low, indicating a weak association. Further studies with a higher number of participants are needed to conclude that the VAI may increase the risk of FSD, particularly in patients with metabolic syndrome.