Sexually transmitted infections in sexually compulsive women

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction There is a large evidence in literature associating compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) with negative outcomes, including increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI), unwanted pregnancies, work or educational role impairment, excessive financial expenses, and others. Most research supports that CSB is substantially more frequent among men than women, which could explain the paucity of data about distribution, accurate clinical picture and particularities in this population. Objective we proposed an investigation of lifetime reported serological tests and STI in women who are outpatients of a compulsive sexual behavior clinic in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from women who sought treatment in the clinic between 2012 to 2019. Participants are submitted by throughout clinical evaluation to assessing sexual compulsivity severity. Data of lifetime STI, previous treatment and serological tests are asked by a semi-structured interview. The participants who met diagnostic criteria for sexual preference disorder, sexual identity disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, hypomanic or manic episode of mood disorder and other mental disorders due to brain dysfunction, injury or physical illness were excluded. Results thirty-two women completed baseline evaluation. Of this, twenty-two (68%) met criteria to CSB and twelve (32%) did not. There was no difference in mean of age, proportion of sexual orientation, race, marital status, years of education or income (TABLE 1). Most of women were white, heterosexual and weren't in a stable relationship. The median (Md) of Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) score had significant difference (Md 32,5 IQR [26; 36] to sexually compulsive and Md 11,5 IQR [10,5; 14] to non sexually compulsive; p<0.05) (TABLE 2). Self-reported history of STI was present in 40% of compulsive women while 8% of non-compulsive reported it (p 0.75). About 91% of compulsive and 75% of non-compulsive women reported previous serological tests. Conclusion Sexually compulsive women reported more STI than non sexually compulsive women. We believe that small sample size was determinant to do not find statistical difference between the groups due the low statistical power of the test. Further research with greater sample is needed to confirm this inference. However, sexually compulsive women presented high severity of sexual compulsivity which support our inference. The study points out to the importance of psychiatrist to assess STI in sexually compulsive women. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.