The relationship between iron deficiency anemia and sexual function and satisfaction among reproductive-aged Iranian women.

Zahra Nikzad,Mina Iravani,Amal Saki,Parvin Abedi,Nahid Shahbazian,Aryeh Shander

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208485

Zahra Nikzad, Mina Iravani + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208485

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Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Dec 6, 2018
Citations: 12	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, and an important health problem especially in women of reproductive age. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IDA and sexual satisfaction and function among reproductive-aged Iranian women. In this study, 129 women (52 with IDA and 77 non-IDA) with age 18–45 in Mahshahr, Iran were recruited. Data was gathered by a demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square, and correlation coefficient test. The results of this study showed that the means of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), serum iron and ferritin were significantly lower in the IDA group than those in the non-IDA group (p<0.01). All dimensions of sexual function and satisfaction were significantly lower in women with IDA compared to the healthy women (p<0.001). Also, all blood indices for IDA had a significant relationship with all sexual function components and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.01) except for pain with Hb and ferritin. Health care providers should provide screening, education, and counseling about anemia and sexual function in reproductive age women.

Highlights

Sexual dysfunction is defined as a disorder in the sexual response cycle or pain during sexual intercourse [1]
There was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the baseline characteristics
There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of reproductive characteristics (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is defined as a disorder in the sexual response cycle or pain during sexual intercourse [1]. Almost 40–45% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction [2]. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction reported to be 43% and 31% among women and men in the United States respectively [3]. According to a national survey conducted in Iran, 31.5% of women had sexual dysfunction [4]. Female sexual dysfunction can affect the general health and quality of life [5]. Several factors can cause sexual dysfunction in women, including general health status, psychological

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