title: Changes in sexual function among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to be related to sexual dysfunction, especially if associated with obesity. However, it is not clear whether obesity per se is an independent factor for sexual dysfunction. We hypothesized that obese polycystic ovary syndrome (OPCOS) patients have poorer sexual function than controls and nonobese polycystic ovary syndrome (NOPCOS) women.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the sexual function of women (either obese or nonobese) with PCOS compared to women with regular cycles.
  
  
  METHODS
  The main outcome measures were the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Free Androgen Index (FAI) values.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a cross-sectional study design to evaluate 83 women, including 19 nonobese women without PCOS, 24 nonobese women with PCOS, 16 obese women without PCOS, and 24 obese women with PCOS. The FSFI questionnaire was used to gather data from all women, and free testosterone levels were determined and employed to calculate FAI values.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Higher androgen concentrations were evident in the PCOS groups compared to controls (NOC [nonobese control] 2.3 ± 0.7; OC [obese control] 2.1 ± 0.5; NOPCOS 3.1 ± 0.8; OPCOS 3.5 ± 1.2; P < 0.0001). This was also true for FAI, with the exception of obese controls and nonobese women with PCOS, in whom the levels were similar (NOC 4.9 ± 1.6; OC 6.5 ± 3.1; NOPCOS 7.5 ± 3.9; OPCOS 12.8 ± 5.2; P < 0.05). Evaluation of the total FSFI scores revealed that obese women without PCOS had below-normal sexual function scores, whereas both obese and nonobese women with PCOS had borderline scores compared to controls, who had normal FSFI findings. No association was observed between body mass index, the presence of PCOS, testosterone level, and FSFI score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The obese women in our sample were at a higher risk for sexual dysfunction and lower FSFI scores, and women with PCOS had borderline FSFI values, regardless of their obesity status. Based on this result, larger studies using the methods described in this pilot study are warranted to elucidate if obesity can impair sexual function in PCOS women.
authors.affiliation: Sexual Medicine Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sany Rose
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Ferraresi
authors.forename: Lúcia Alves da Silva
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Lara
authors.forename: Rosana Maria
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Ana Carolina Japur de Sá
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Rosa e Silva
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone