Sexual dysfunction in women with increased cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Normal sexual function is considered as an essential aspect of quality of life. Distortions of the sexual activity can result in psychosocial conflicts, separation, depression and even increased morbidity and mortality. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is age related, progressive and more prevalent among women than men. An increased prevalence of SD has been reported in females with risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Aim To evaluate SD among women with increased CV risk compared with the general female population using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Methods 107 women with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) and 75 healthy women were enrolled in the study. All participants completed questionnaires, evaluating their sociodemographic characteristics, health status, physical activity and sexual function (FSFI). Results Mean subject age was 50,4±6,62 y. in the group with increased CV risk and 47,1±6,97 y. in the control group, respectively (p<0,001). There were no significant differences between the groups due to the other baseline sociodemographic characteristics – marital status, educational level, employment and income. Higher prevalence of menopause in the group with increased CV risk was found (63,6% vs 37,3%, p<0,001). Dyslipidemia (52,9% vs 28,9%, p<0,01), obesity (34,6% vs 8%, p<0,001) and family history of premature coronary artery disease (20,6% vs 8,1%, p=0,02) were significantly more prevalent in females with increased CV risk. There was no significant difference between the groups due to the prevalence of smoking (72,9% vs 64%, NS). The majority of the study population had minimal or no everyday physical activity. No significant difference in physical activity between both groups was observed. According to FSFI, women with increased CV risk more often had SD (64% vs 33,3%, p<0,001). The scores in all domains of sexual function – desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain, were significantly lower in women with hypertension and/or DM compared with the control group. These trends seemed more prominent in premenopause females. No significant difference in the FSFI score was found between both groups in postmenopausal women. The FSFI score was significantly lower in the subgroup of premenopausal women with increased CV risk compared with premenopausal participants in the control group (21,02±10,98 vs 28,24±5,37, p<0,001). Conclusion Females with hypertension and/or DM more often have other CV risk factors like dyslipidemia, obesity and family history of premature coronary artery disease. They also have increased prevalence of SD, especially in premenopausal women. Screening for increased CV risk should be discussed in premenopausal women with SD.