Sexual Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients

Sexual activity is a major determinant of health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate sexual activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

A case control survey was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital (Yas Hospital Complex.). A total of 193 women were enrolled in this study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to assess the sexual dysfunction. In this study, 100 cases with PCOS and 93 healthy controls were studied.

The mean FSFI total score and all domains except orgasm were significantly lower in PCOS patients as compared to healthy controls. With an FSFI score of less than 26.55, sexual dysfunction was found in 62% of PCOS cases versus 18.2% of the control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that FSH and free testosterone were independent predictors of FSFI score. The result showed that more than sixty percent of PCOS women suffer from sexual dysfunction.

PCOS women need to be asked about and managed for sexual dysfunction more frequently than non-PCOS women.