The relationship between iron deficiency anemia and sexual function and satisfaction among reproductive-aged Iranian women

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, and an important health problem especially in women of reproductive age. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IDA and sexual satisfaction and function among reproductive-aged Iranian women. In this study, 129 women (52 with IDA and 77 non-IDA) with age 18–45 in Mahshahr, Iran were recruited. Data was gathered by a demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square, and correlation coefficient test. The results of this study showed that the means of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), serum iron and ferritin were significantly lower in the IDA group than those in the non-IDA group (p<0.01). All dimensions of sexual function and satisfaction were significantly lower in women with IDA compared to the healthy women (p<0.001). Also, all blood indices for IDA had a significant relationship with all sexual function components and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.01) except for pain with Hb and ferritin. Health care providers should provide screening, education, and counseling about anemia and sexual function in reproductive age women.

Multifaceted Sexual Dysfunction in Dialyzing Men and Women: Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

“…It is well established that iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) leads to fatigue, anxiety, weakness, and impaired physical and mental capacity [ 34 ]. For these reasons, IDA is thought to be a significant factor reducing sexual function in women [ 35 ]. Gulmez et al [ 36 ] showed that iron supplementation in 207 women with IDA significantly enhanced sexual performance score as well as improved physical and social function while decreasing anxiety and depression.…”

Living Your Best Life: Lifestyle Medicine for All Women

“…[74][75][76][77][78][79] Finally, deficiencies in Vitamin D and iron are linked to sexual dysfunction, with improvement seen after repletion. [80][81][82][83] Sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of sexual dysfunction through its impact on lifestyle-related chronic disease risk, mood, and body image. [84][85][86][87][88][89][90] Conversely, regular physical activity is associated with higher sexual desire, more frequent sexual activity, and lower risk of sexual dysfunction in women.…”

“…74-79 Finally, deficiencies in Vitamin D and iron are linked to sexual dysfunction, with improvement seen after repletion. 80-83…”

Dietary Approaches to Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health

“…Meanwhile, evidence suggests that vitamin D and iron deficiencies are risk factors for sexual dysfunction, and resolution of these deficiencies may well be therapeutic. 55-58 Vitamin D receptors exist on the uterus and ovaries, where they can influence steroidogenesis and testosterone aromatization, with consequent effects on sex hormone levels. 59-61 In iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue is thought to mediate the relationship between deficiency and sexual dysfunction.…”

“…59-61 In iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue is thought to mediate the relationship between deficiency and sexual dysfunction. 57 Testing for vitamin D and iron deficiency may be considered as a relatively simple and low-cost addition to the workup for female sexual dysfunction.…”