Sexual Function and Socio-Sexual Difficulties in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Introduction PCOS is the most common endocrine syndrome in women of the reproductive age that has manifold effects on the life of affected women. Little scientific attention has been devoted to these womenʼs sexual lives.

Aim To investigate sexual quality of life in women with PCOS.

Methods The sample size was n = 44. Measures employed were: An extended list of sexual dysfunctions and perceived distress based on DSM-IV-TR, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), German Questionnaire on Feelings of Inadequacy in Social and Sexual Situations (FUSS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) subscale depression. The relationships of these components were examined including further variables (body mass index, degree of hirsutism using the Ferriman-Gallwey Score, wish for a child). An open question about what participants see as the source of their sexual problems was presented.

Results Only moderate impairment in sexual function was detected, but feelings of inadequacy in social and sexual situations were markedly elevated and positively correlated with the degree of hirsutism. Depression showed to be a major problem.

Conclusion Patients with PCOS should be screened for socio-sexual difficulties and emotional problems. Specialized psychological and sexological counselling can complement patient care.

Zusammenfassung

Einleitung PCOS ist die häufigste endokrine Störung bei Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter und kann vielfältige Auswirkungen auf das Leben betroffener Frauen haben. Bislang wurde dem Sexualleben von betroffenen Frauen wenig Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet.

Ziel Ziel dieser Studie war es, die sexuelle Lebensqualität von Frauen mit PCOS zu untersuchen.

Methoden Die Fallzahl betrug n = 44. Folgende Fragebogen wurden zur Untersuchung verschiedenster Aspekte herangezogen: Sexualstörungen und subjektiv wahrgenommenes Leiden basierend auf dem DSM-IV-TR, dem Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), dem Fragebogen zur Unsicherheit in sexuellen Situationsen (FUSS), der Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), der Subskala Depressivität des Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Die Beziehungen der verschiedenen Aspekte untereinander wurden zusammen mit weiteren Variablen (Body-Mass-Index, Ausmaß des Hirsutismus gemessen mit dem Ferriman-Gallwey-Score, Kinderwunsch) untersucht. Den Teilnehmerinnen wurde ein offener Fragenbogen vorgelegt, in dem sie sich darüber äußern sollten, was sie als die Ursache ihrer Sexualprobleme betrachteten.

Ergebnisse Während die Sexualfunktion nur moderat beeinträchtigt war, waren Unsicherheitsgefühle in soziosexuellen Situationen signifkant erhöht und korrelierten positiv mit dem Ausmaß des Hirsutismus. Es zeigte sich, dass Depression ein erhebliches Problem darstellte.

Schlussfolgerung Patientinnen mit PCOS sollten auf soziosexuelle Schwierigkeiten und emotionalen Probleme untersucht werden. Eine zielgerichtete psychologische Beratung sowie eine Sexualberatung könnten eine sinnvolle Ergänzung der Patientinnenversorgung sein.

Key words

polycystic ovary syndrome - sexual quality of life - feelings of inadequacy in social and sexual situations - depression - hirsutism

Schlüsselwörter

polyzystisches Ovarsyndrom - sexuelle Lebensqualität - Unsicherheit in sexuellen Situationen - Depression - Hirsutismus

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