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. 2025 May 20;13(2):qfaf027.
doi: 10.1093/sexmed/qfaf027. eCollection 2025 Apr.

Comparative analysis of sexual function and psychological health in infertile patients with different ovarian dysfunctions

Meng Dong  1   2 , Yiyang Li  1   2 , Jinyue Rong  1   2 , Jichun Tan  1   2
Affiliations

Comparative analysis of sexual function and psychological health in infertile patients with different ovarian dysfunctions

Meng Dong et al. Sex Med. .

Abstract

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common reproductive disorders that negatively affect women's sexual and psychological health.

Aim: This study aims to compare sexual function and psychological well-being in women with POI, PCOS, and healthy controls.

Methods: A total of 340 women were recruited: 68 with POI, 104 with PCOS, and 168 healthy controls. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Outcomes: The primary outcomes included sexual function, assessed via FSFI total and domain scores (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), and psychological well-being, evaluated through GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores.

Results: Women with POI and PCOS exhibited significantly lower FSFI total scores compared to controls (POI: 26.00 ± 3.50, PCOS: 26.13 ± 4.50, controls: 27.37 ± 3.24; P < 0.01). Women with POI had significantly lower scores in the arousal (3.83 ± 0.87) and satisfaction (4.44 ± 0.84) domains, while those with PCOS had significantly lower lubrication (4.92 ± 0.97) and arousal (3.92 ± 1.01) scores compared to controls (all P < 0.05). The prevalence of anxiety and depression were significantly higher in the POI and PCOS groups than in controls (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that POI was independently associated with a higher risk of coital pain (OR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.19-8.26, P < 0.05) and lubrication disorder (OR: 4.93, 95% CI: 1.88-12.92, P < 0.05). Additionally, PCOS was independently linked to a significantly increased risk of lubrication disorder (OR: 8.57, 95% CI: 1.95-37.57, P < 0.05). Psychological factors, particularly anxiety and depression, were significant contributors to sexual dysfunction (all P < 0.05).

Clinical implications: Women with POI and PCOS require a comprehensive approach to care, addressing both sexual and psychological health to improve clinical outcomes.

Strengths and limitations: Strengths include a relatively large sample size and a comprehensive assessment of sexual and psychological health. Limitations include the case-control design and lack of long-term follow-up.

Conclusion: POI and PCOS are significantly associated with sexual dysfunction and psychological distress, underscoring the need for integrated healthcare strategies to improve overall well-being.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; polycystic ovary syndrome; premature ovarian insufficiency; sexual function.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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