Sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and distressing endocrine disorder associated with lower quality of life, subfertility, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. PCOS characteristics, its comorbidities, and its treatment can potentially influence sexual function. However, studies on sexual function in women with PCOS are limited and contradictory.

Objective and rationale: The aim was to perform a systematic review of the published literature on sexual function in women with PCOS and assess the quality of the research and certainty of outcomes, to inform the 2023 International Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of PCOS.

Search methods: Eight electronic databases were searched until 1 June 2023. Studies reporting on sexual function using validated sexuality questionnaires or visual analogue scales (VAS) in PCOS populations were included. Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis comparing PCOS and non-PCOS groups with Hedges' g as the standardized mean difference. Study quality and certainty of outcomes were assessed by risk of bias assessments and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) method according to Cochrane. Funnel plots were visually inspected for publication bias.

Outcomes: There were 32 articles included, of which 28 used validated questionnaires and four used VAS. Pooled Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores in random-effects models showed worse sexual function across most subdomains in women with PCOS, including arousal (Hedges's g [Hg] [95% CI] = -0.35 [-0.53, -0.17], I2 = 82%, P < 0.001), lubrication (Hg [95% CI] = -0.54 [-0.79, -0.30], I2 = 90%, P < 0.001), orgasm (Hg [95% CI] = -0.37 [-0.56, -0.19], I2 = 83%, P < 0.001), and pain (Hg [95% CI] = -0.36 [-0.59, -0.13] I2 = 90%, P < 0.001), as well as total sexual function (Hg [95% CI] = -0.75 [-1.37, -0.12], I2 = 98%, P = 0.02) and sexual satisfaction (Hg [95% CI] = -0.31 [-0.45, -0.18], I2 = 68%, P < 0.001). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses based on fertility status and body mass index (BMI) did not alter the direction or significance of the results. Meta-analysis on the VAS studies demonstrated the negative impact of excess body hair on sexuality, lower sexual attractiveness, and lower sexual satisfaction in women with PCOS compared to controls, with no differences in the perceived importance of a satisfying sex life. No studies assessed sexual distress. GRADE assessments showed low certainty across all outcomes.

Wider implications: Psychosexual function appears to be impaired in those with PCOS, but there is a lack of evidence on the related distress scores, which are required to meet the criteria for psychosexual dysfunction. Health care professionals should discuss sexual function and distress and be aware of the multifactorial influences on sexual function in PCOS. Future research needs to assess both psychosexual function and distress to aid in understanding the degree of psychosexual dysfunction in PCOS. Finally, more diverse populations (e.g. non-heterosexual and more ethnically diverse groups) should be included in future studies and the efficacy of treatments for sexual dysfunction should also be assessed (e.g. lifestyle and pharmacological interventions).

Keywords: female sexual function; polycystic ovary syndrome; sex counselling; sexual arousal; sexual satisfaction; sexuality.

Women with PCOS report lower sexual function and lower sexual satisfaction compared to control women, both overall and in subgroups based on fertility status and body mass index.

Figure 1.

PRISMA flowchart.

Figure 2.

Forest plots of questionnaires. Forest plots for total sexual function (A, B) and sexual satisfaction (C, D) both for all studies combined (A, C) and for studies using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) (B, D) only.

Figure 2.

Forest plots of questionnaires. Forest plots for total sexual function (A, B) and sexual satisfaction (C, D) both for all studies combined (A, C) and for studies using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) (B, D) only.

Figure 3.

Forest plots for subdomains with only the studies using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). (A) Desire, (B) arousal, (C) lubrication, (D) orgasm, (E) pain. ID, included study; Std. error, standard error; Df, degrees of freedom.

Figure 3.

Forest plots for subdomains with only the studies using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). (A) Desire, (B) arousal, (C) lubrication, (D) orgasm, (E) pain. ID, included study; Std. error, standard error; Df, degrees of freedom.