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Sexual function and hormonal profiles in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome: a population-based study

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 29, pages 1–6 (2017)Cite this article

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Abstract

There is no consensus regarding the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its hormonal profile on sexual function of affected women; majority of data documented are not population based and there is a lack of studies investigating the association between hormonal profiles with sexual function in women with PCOS. We aimed to compare the sexual function of PCOS women with controls in a population-based study based on their hormonal profiles. In this cross-sectional study, sexual function (using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire) and hormonal profiles were determined in 63 PCOS subjects and 216 healthy women (controls); aged 18–45 years. A comparison of PCOS women and controls showed no statistically significant difference in total FSFI and each of its specific domain scores. There were significant positive correlations between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and total FSFI, orgasm and satisfaction domains in controls (r=0.156, r=0.206, r=0.275, respectively). No significant correlations between hormonal profiles and FSFI scores were found in the PCOS group, except for prolactin and orgasm (r=−0.250). In conclusion, sexual function did not differ between PCOS women and controls. High levels of androgens in women with PCOS were not associated with an improvement in sexual function.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Niloofar Shiva for critical editing of English grammar and syntax of the manuscript. This work was supported by Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    M Noroozzadeh, F Ramezani Tehrani, M Farahmand & M Rostami Dovom

  2. Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    S Sedigh Mobarakabadi

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  1. M Noroozzadeh
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Correspondence to F Ramezani Tehrani.

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Noroozzadeh, M., Tehrani, F., Mobarakabadi, S. et al. Sexual function and hormonal profiles in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome: a population-based study. Int J Impot Res 29, 1–6 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2016.35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2016.35

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