Effects of Yoga on Sexual Function in Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Female sexual dysfunction is an important public health issue; it has a high global prevalence, but no effective and safe treatment options. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is higher in women with metabolic syndrome than in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of yoga as a treatment for sexual dysfunction in women with metabolic syndrome. In this randomized, controlled study, 41 women with metabolic syndrome (age 30-60 years) were assigned to a 12-week yoga exercise group (n=20) or a wait-listed control group (n=21). Primary end points were changes in total and individual domain scores on the Female Sexual Function Index. The 12-week yoga intervention resulted in significant improvement in arousal (0.74±1.18 vs. 0.16±0.82, respectively; P=0.042) and lubrication (0.72±1.12 vs. 0.06±0.87, respectively; P=0.008) compared with the control group. Systolic blood pressure showed significantly greater improvement in the yoga group than in the control group at the 12-week follow up (-3.5±13.7 vs. 2.0±14.7, respectively; P=0.040). These findings suggest that yoga may be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction in women with metabolic syndrome as well as for metabolic risk factors.