The influence of body weight on sexual function and quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2015 Feb;291(2):451-5. doi: 10.1007/s00404-014-3423-1. Epub 2014 Aug 20.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess sexual function (SF) and quality of life (QOL) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess 56 women with PCOS and 102 control women with regular menstrual cycles. To assess SF and QOL in Brazilian women with PCOS with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the WHOQOL-bref questionnaires.

Results: Women with PCOS had a worse evaluation to arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, pain and total FSFI, and there was no difference in sexual desire and orgasm. Besides, they had a worse evaluation concerning health status than controls. The body mass index was inversely correlated to the QOL, especially to the physical, psychological, environment aspects and self-assessment of QOL, but it did not show correlation to the SF.

Conclusion: Women with PCOS had a worse sexual function and self-assessment of health condition in comparison to controls. The body weight as isolated symptom was correlated to the worsening in quality of life, but not with the worsening of sexual function.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight*
  • Brazil
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Orgasm / physiology
  • Pain / epidemiology
  • Pain / etiology
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Self-Assessment
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / epidemiology*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / etiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult