Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To compare the differences in sexual function between women with PCOS and controls, and to assess the relationship of serum testosterone, body mass index (BMI), hirsutism, and acne with sexual function scores in women with PCOS. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis in which women who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS were compared with a group of healthy volunteers. Results from the validated Female Sexual Dysfunction Index(FSFI) were used to assess sexual function. In women with PCOS, serum testosterone levels, BMI, self-reported hirsutism, and acne were assessed as independent variables RESULTS: The differences between for the total FSFI scores were not statistically different, the mean FSFI scores for women with PCOS were lower in every category as compared with controls, but the differences were only statistically significant for orgasm.(4.44±0.07, p<0.001).There were no significant differences between any of the BMI categories in regard to the mean FSFI scores in any of the subscales.Women with PCOS whose testosterone levels were >1 standard deviation above the mean had significantly better sexual functioning. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Women with PCOS have similar sexual functioning scores compared with controls except in regard to orgasm. The subpopulation of women with PCOS whose serum testosterone levels are in the normal reproductive range are at increased risk for sexual dysfunction.

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