Changes in Sexual Function Among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to be related to sexual dysfunction, especially if associated with obesity. However, it is not clear whether obesity per se is an independent factor for sexual dysfunction. We hypothesized that obese polycystic ovary syndrome (OPCOS) patients have poorer sexual function than controls and nonobese polycystic ovary syndrome (NOPCOS) women. Aim To assess the sexual function of women (either obese or nonobese) with PCOS compared to women with regular cycles. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures were the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Free Androgen Index (FAI) values. Methods We used a cross-sectional study design to evaluate 83 women, including 19 nonobese women without PCOS, 24 nonobese women with PCOS, 16 obese women without PCOS, and 24 obese women with PCOS. The FSFI questionnaire was used to gather data from all women, and free testosterone levels were determined and employed to calculate FAI values. Results Higher androgen concentrations were evident in the PCOS groups compared to controls (NOC [nonobese control] 2.3 ± 0.7; OC [obese control] 2.1 ± 0.5; NOPCOS 3.1 ± 0.8; OPCOS 3.5 ± 1.2; P < 0.0001). This was also true for FAI, with the exception of obese controls and nonobese women with PCOS, in whom the levels were similar (NOC 4.9 ± 1.6; OC 6.5 ± 3.1; NOPCOS 7.5 ± 3.9; OPCOS 12.8 ± 5.2; P < 0.05). Evaluation of the total FSFI scores revealed that obese women without PCOS had below-normal sexual function scores, whereas both obese and nonobese women with PCOS had borderline scores compared to controls, who had normal FSFI findings. No association was observed between body mass index, the presence of PCOS, testosterone level, and FSFI score. Conclusions The obese women in our sample were at a higher risk for sexual dysfunction and lower FSFI scores, and women with PCOS had borderline FSFI values, regardless of their obesity status. Based on this result, larger studies using the methods described in this pilot study are warranted to elucidate if obesity can impair sexual function in PCOS women.

Impact of Physical Resistance Training on the Sexual Function of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…Sexual function and quality of life are commonly affected in women with PCOS [10], who frequently exhibit physical changes because of hyperandrogenism such as hirsutism [22]. In addition to pharmacologic interventions, several strategies have been proposed to improve the health of these women.…”

Is polycystic ovary syndrome associated with risk of female sexual dysfunction? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Among them, 11 studies were excluded for lacking a control group; six studies did not meet the inclusion criteria; four studies for inappropriate grouping; five studies for insufficient outcome data; and three studies for previous publications. In all, 10 relevant studies (Drosdzol et al, 2007;Battaglia et al, 2008;Stovall et al, 2012;Ercan et al, 2013;Ferraresi et al, 2013;Benetti-Pinto et al, 2015;Lara et al, 2015;Zueff et al, 2015;Diamond et al, 2017;Noroozzadeh et al, 2017b) met our pre-defined eligibility criteria, and were included in the present study. The selection process is presented in FIGURE 1.…”

Obesity, Overweight, Female Sexual Function, and Penile-Vaginal Intercourse Frequency

“…Notably, several Brazilian studies show that female obesity and overweight are related poorer sexual function (Ferraresi, Lara, Reis, & Rosa e Silva, 2013;Martins e Silva, Rego, Galvao, Florencio, & Cavalcante, 2013;Ribeiro et al, 2014;Zueff, Lara, Vieira, Martins Wde, & Ferriani, 2015), which argues against a cultural difference in Brazil. With one single exception, none of these research findings are cited by Lara et al, and the only finding given in support of a direct relation between coital frequency and obesity is a study with Swedish 70-year-olds (Beckman, Waern, Ostling, Sundh, & Skoog, 2014), the findings of which are likely not generalizable to younger ages.…”