Exploring the association between polycystic ovary syndrome and female sexual dysfunction: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Data regarding associations between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and female sexual function are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between a self-reported diagnosis of PCOS and female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed in sexually active women, aged ≥ 20 years, who sought care at Mayo Clinic Women's Health specialty clinics between May 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. Participants' sexual function was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between a self-reported diagnosis of PCOS and FSD (defined by the combined diagnostic thresholds for the FSFI and FSDS-R), after adjusting for participant demographics and potential mediators known to impact female sexual function including age, BMI, hormone therapy use, anxiety, depression and relationship satisfaction.

RESULTS

Responses from 4,405 sexually active women were analyzed including 1,481 pre/perimenopausal women and 2,924 postmenopausal women. History of PCOS was reported by 6.1% of pre/perimenopausal women and 3.9% of postmenopausal women. FSD was frequently reported in women with and without PCOS (52.7% among pre/perimenopausal; 64.6% among postmenopausal and 50.6% among pre/perimenopausal; 58.5% among postmenopausal, respectively). Independent of the reproductive stage, PCOS was not associated with FSD, but when adjusted for PCOS, FSD was associated with age less than 40 years, anxiety, depression, and relationship dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSION

In this large cross-sectional study, a self-reported history of PCOS was not independently associated with FSD after adjusting for key psychosocial and health-related factors.