title: Long-term effects of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on sexuality in female patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Results from a previous study showed that sexuality was negatively affected in females with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Data are sparse on the long-term effects of nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on sexual difficulties and sexual distress in female patients with OSA.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects after 1 year of CPAP treatment on sexual difficulties, sexual distress, and manifest sexual dysfunction in female patients with OSA. The effect of CPAP on life satisfaction was also investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four therapy-compliant, female patients (age 22-71) received a survey before and after 1 year of nocturnal CPAP treatment. The questions on this survey were drawn from three self-administered questionnaires: two on sexuality and one on life satisfaction. The results were compared with a population sample. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used for assessment of daytime sleepiness.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale, Manifest Female Sexual Dysfunction, four questions from Life Satisfaction 11, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were all used to measure outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 44 patients responded to the survey (81% response rate). The results were a significant, positive change in manifest female sexual dysfunction, but no significant changes in isolated sexual difficulties or sexual distress. Daytime sleepiness significantly decreased after 1 year. The results from the Life Satisfaction 11 questionnaire remained unchanged after 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After 1 year of CPAP treatment, female patients with OSA reported reduced manifest sexual dysfunction. However, it cannot be concluded if this result is due to CPAP treatment alone. Furthermore, reduced daytime tiredness was found in the surveyed population. CPAP treatment, per se, does not seem to affect partner relationships. Petersen M, Kristensen E, Berg S, and Midgren B. Long-term effects of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on sexuality in female patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Sex Med 2013;1:62-68.
authors.affiliation: The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospital Copenhagen, Denmark ; Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University Lund, Sweden.
authors.forename: Marian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.affiliation: Sexological Clinic, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, University Hospital of Copenhagen Copenhagen, Denmark ; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Ellids
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kristensen
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT, Head and Neck Cancer, Lund University Lund, Sweden.
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Berg
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Lund University Lund, Sweden.
authors.forename: Bengt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Midgren
keywords: CPAP; Distress; Female; OSA; Sexuality