Sexual dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common disorder characterized by clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism and ovulary dysfunction. Female sexual dysfunction can have adverse effects on quality of life and interpersonal relationship. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in women with PCOS. Results Compared to women without PCOS, those with PCOS were younger (28.90±3.11 versus 31.42±3.37 years; p<0.0001) and had higher body mass index (27.76±3.79 versus 24.95±3.71 kg/m2; p=0.002), Ferriman-Gallwey score (9.90±3.37 versus 4.11±2.17; p<0.0001) and serum total testosterone level (2.26±0.59 versus 1.51±0.49 nmol/L; p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in mean total FSFI score (25.72±2.33 versus 26.62±3.38; p=0.608) in women with and without PCOS. For the FSFI subscales, women with PCOS had a lower score for the pain subscale than women without PCOS (4.60±0.71 versus 5.24±0.39; p<0.001). Other subscales were not significantly different between the two groups. Women with PCOS had a 1.39 higher odds (95% CI 1.13, 1.72; p=0.002, I2 11.9%) of having FSD than women without PCOS. Conclusion FSD is a prevalent and disabling condition in young women with PCOS. Sensitive probing into the intimate aspects of their sex lives is needed to further understand the struggles that afflict women with PCOS. Parallel efforts should be undertaken to investigate the impact of new treatment strategies.

Depression, sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy subjects

“…In a systematic review and meta-analysis which was conducted by Loh et al, it was shown that women with PCO had 30% higher risk of having SD [ 19 ].in another systematic review and meta-analysis, Pastoor et al found lower scores in the arousal, lubrication, orgams, and satisfaction in PCO women than controls [ 20 ].…”

Evaluation of Bodily Pain Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review of Health-Related Quality of Life and Potential Risk Factors

“…For instance, endometriosis and PCOS are both associated with pelvic pain [ 117 , 118 , 119 ]; they also have similar pathological causes (e.g., obesity and oxidative stress) and contribute to the increased risk of cancer development in the endometrium [ 120 , 121 ]. Sexual difficulties resulting from pain during intercourse are another major complaint of patients with PCOS [ 122 , 123 , 124 ], and they are typical symptoms of endometriosis. Relative to healthy individuals, patients with PCOS are more likely to develop chronic-pain-related and neuropathic-pain-related conditions such as migraine [ 27 ], fibromyalgia [ 107 ], rheumatoid arthritis [ 125 ], and irritable bowel syndrome [ 126 , 127 , 128 ]; thus, PCOS is a potential risk factor for the increased prevalence of pain-related conditions.…”

Emotional and psychosexual well‐being is influenced by ethnicity and birthplace in women and individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome in the UK and India

“…FSD is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and androgen excess, which are commonly seen in women with PCOS 22 . Although some studies reveal a higher prevalence of FSD in women with PCOS, concerns persist around the methodological quality of the literature available 23 …”

“…22 Although some studies reveal a higher prevalence of FSD in women with PCOS, concerns persist around the methodological quality of the literature available. 23 The UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals ask patients with PCOS about emotional well-being and concerns regarding body image during consultations. However, the guidelines lack tailored advice and instead provide signposts to generalised eating disorders, which may contribute to the underestimation of emotional distress in PCOS sufferers.…”