title: Sexuality in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to compare sexual function and sexual response, attitude toward sexuality and relationships with sexual partners in women diagnosed with PCOS and healthy controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 73 women (aged 23-42 years) diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria and 45 healthy controls. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing socioepidemiological parameters and sexual behavior. Validated instruments were used to assess hirsutism (Ferriman-Gallwey Scale), mental health status (General Health Questionnaire 12 [GHQ 12]), sexuality (Sexuality Scale [SS], Sexual Awareness Questionnaire [SAQ], Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire [MSQ], Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire [MSSCQ]), and sexual function (Polish version of the Mell-Krat Scale [SFK/K Scale]).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no statistically significant differences in the importance of sexual activity in both groups. Mean scores for the SFK/K Scale, SS, SAQ, MSQ, and MSSQ were similar among women with PCOS and controls, regardless of age. Similarly sexual needs and reactions were perceived in the same way by both groups. In contrast, women with PCOS rated themselves negatively as sexual partners more frequently than controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexual function and sexual response, attitude toward sexuality as well as relationships with sexual partners were similar in PCOS subjects and healthy women. However, changes in physical appearance typically associated with PCOS result in deterioration of sexual function. Therefore, it is recommended that all PCOS patients should be referred to a sexual medicine specialist for consultation.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Kowalczyk
authors: Violetta
authors: V
authors: Skrzypulec-Plinta
authors: Krzysztof
authors: K
authors: Nowosielski
authors: Zbigniew
authors: Z
authors: Lew-Starowicz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008603:Mental Health; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult