Female Sexual Function Index Scores In Women Research Articles

(028) A Comparison of Genital Self-Image and Sexual Functioning among Women with Vulvar and Non-Vulvar Dermatologic Disease

Abstract Introduction Inflammatory dermatologic diseases of the vulva represent a significant morbidity burden for affected women. Genital itching, pain, and skin changes have a profound impact on sexual function. Research also suggests women with generalized, non-vulvar dermatologic diseases have impaired sexual function. The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) was developed and validated in a large sample of American women a decade ago. Despite developers’ suggestion that the FGSIS could be used to further understand the burden of genital disease, there remains a paucity of research in this area. Both vulvar and non-vulvar inflammatory skin disease have yet to be fully characterized with regards to impact on genital self-image (GSI), a key mediator in sexual health and behavior. Objectives The present study describes GSI, sexual function, and sexual behaviors among women with vulvar and non-vulvar inflammatory dermatoses. Methods A 20-minute Qualtrics survey was distributed between September and November 2020 through three primary means: 1) targeted social media ads, 2) relevant social media support groups, and 3) online research volunteer recruitment services. Women in the US over age 18 who have ever been diagnosed with an inflammatory dermatosis persisting longer than one month were eligible to participate. The present data were collected as part of a larger study examining sexual health, quality of life, and health care experiences of women with skin disease. Survey items analyzed included the FGSIS, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and sexual behavior histories. Results The sample consisted of 320 women with a mean age of 42.7±15.5 (Range=19-81). Most participants were pre-menopausal (n=200; 62.5%), Caucasian (n=278; 86.9%), and heterosexual (n=263; 82.2%). Nearly one-third of women (n=98; 30.6%) reported inflammatory dermatologic disease isolated to the vulva, while 150 (46.9%) had strictly non-vulvar disease, and 72 (22.5%) experienced both vulvar and non-vulvar manifestations. The average FGSIS score among women with any vulvar disease was 16.9±4.1 (range=7-28) and was significantly (p<.01) lower than that of women with non-vulvar disease (M=21.2±4.3; range=9-28), with a higher score indicating a more positive FGSIS. A similar trend was seen with the FSFI, which was significantly (p<.01) different among women with vulvar disease (M=15.4±9.7, range=2.0-35.1) compared to women with non-vulvar disease (M=21.2±10.1, range=2.0-35.1), with higher scores indicating better functioning. When stratified by category, FSFI remained significant for desire (p=.04) and pain (p<.01), but not for arousal, lubrication, orgasm, or satisfaction. Women with vulvar disease were significantly less likely to receive (p=.02) or give (p=.04) oral sex or to engage in vaginal intercourse (p<.01) during the last four weeks. Conclusions This study demonstrates severe sexual health morbidity associated with inflammatory vulvar dermatoses, characterized by very low FGSIS and FSFI scores. Pain and desire shaped sexual function for women with vulvar disease, despite non-significant differences in other domains including satisfaction. Results also indicated low FSFI scores in women with non-vulvar disease, with FGSIS scores similar to previously-described healthy controls. A more precise understanding of the role of GSI in both vulvar and non-vulvar disease will provide opportunities for improved patient-centered disease management in the realm of sexual health. Disclosure No.

The effect of migraine and tension-type headaches on female sexual functions: A prospective, cross-sectional, controlled study.

We aimed to investigate the effects of migraine and tension-type headaches (TTH) on female sexual function. In this prospective study, sexually active females; 45 who were suffering from migraines, 47 who were TTH patients as diagnosed by a neurology clinic, and 50 who were healthy women that served as the control group were included. Sexual functions of the cases were evaluated through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) with Turkish validation and the results were compared among the groups. There was no significant difference between the ages and body mass index (BMI) of the migraine, TTH, and control groups. Although there was no significant difference between the FSFI scores of women with migraines and TTH, the FSFI scores of these two groups were found to be statistically significantly lower than that of the control group (16.77±4.27, 17.56±3.47, 26.81±3.19) (p<0.001). When all subgroup scales of FSFI scores were examined, both migraine and TTH groups were found to be significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001). This study shows that migraines and TTH disrupt the quality of life for patients and cause female sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is important that patients with neurologic disorders are also evaluated for sexual dysfunction.

Vaginal extension improves sexual function in patients receiving laparoscopic radical hysterectomy

ObjectiveTo investigate as to whether vaginal extension (VX) following laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) improves sexual function in patients with early-stage cervical cancer patients. MethodsA total of 216 patients with stage Ia1–IIa2 cervical cancer were recruited, 115 of them received LRH concurrently with VX (group VX) and the other 101, LRH only (group C). Demographic, clinicopathological, and peri-operative data were collected. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administrated before and one year after surgery. Serum estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were also measured one year after surgery. The total and domain-wise FSFI scores before and after surgery were compared. ResultsIrrespective VX or not, all 6 domains of the FSFI scores in women with early-stage cervical cancer were significantly reduced one year after LRH. VX, however, significantly attenuated this reduction and improved all 6 FSFI domain scores, at the only cost of <20min longer operating time. In addition, more ovarian reserve and better pre-operational sexual function also contributed to the attenuation. The ovarian reserve was improved if ovarian preservation procedure was performed during LRH. ConclusionsWhile the sexual function in patients receiving VX procedure does not fully achieve the pre-operational level, the improvement is nonetheless global and significant. Ovarian preservation procedure during LRH may also help improve the sexual function. Therefore, VX and ovarian preservation may be desirable for patients with early-stage cervical cancer who undergo RH.

Effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy on partners' sexual lives.

To assess sexual functioning in male and female partners before and after nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Twenty-one male patients with moderate to severe OSA and erectile dysfunction, and their female partner, were recruited into this prospective study. Males diagnosed with OSA were treated with nasal CPAP therapy for 12 weeks. Women were assessed for sexual functioning using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and for mood status using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), before and after their male partner underwent nasal CPAP therapy. Sexual functioning was assessed in men using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), before and after nasal CPAP therapy. After nasal CPAP therapy for OSA in men, IIEF scores were significantly higher than pre-treatment scores. Total pre- and post-treatment IIEF scores (mean ± standard deviation) were 50.28 ± 15.88 and 65.42 ± 7.47, respectively, P < 0.01. Pre- and post-treatment FSFI scores in women were 21.54 ± 6.62 and 29.94 ± 3.76, respectively, P < 0.01. Pre- and post-treatment BDI scores in women were 14.61 ± 9.69 and 12.42 ± 8.92, respectively, P < 0.01. Following treatment of men with OSA, our data indicate benefits for nasal CPAP therapy on sexual functioning in both the male and female partners. Moreover, our findings indicate that improved sexual function in women after their male partner underwent nasal CPAP also had psychological benefits.

Sexuality after Laparoscopic Peritoneal Vaginoplasty in Women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome

Objective To evaluate anatomic and sexual outcomes in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome after laparoscopic Davydov (laparoscopic peritoneal vaginoplasty). Design Prospective follow-up study of patients with MRKH syndrome after vaginoplasty (Design classification: II-2). Setting Academic hospital. Patients Patients with MRKH syndrome and frequency-matched age-comparable healthy controls. Intervention Thirty-one patients with MRKH syndrome underwent surgery with the procedure, and their clinical, surgical, and follow-up data were recorded. A Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administrated to evaluate sexual functions of patients who became sexually active and compared them with 50 randomly selected, age-matched healthy women. Measurements FSFI scores in women with MRKH syndrome and in control subjects. Clinical and anatomic measurements of neovagina. Main Results The laparoscopic Davydov was successfully completed in all 31 cases, with 24 patients monitored. The mean length of the neovagina was 6.27±1.25 cm. There was no statistical difference in the total FSFI score between the case and control groups. There is indication that shorter neovaginal length, especially of<7 cm, appears to be associated with lower total FSFI scores. Conclusion Laparoscopic Davydov is a safe, effective treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome with minimal invasion and a relatively low complication rate.

FSFI Scores of Women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder Compared with Published Scores of Women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder and Healthy Controls

Although persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) has been mistaken for hypersexuality, there is no research documenting the sexual functioning of PGAD women to support or refute such an assumption. To compare the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores of PGAD women to that of women diagnosed with female sexual arousal syndrome (FSAD) and healthy controls. The FSFI scores of heterosexual women who met all five features qualifying for a diagnosis of PGAD (N = 172) on an online questionnaire were compared with previously published FSFI scores of women diagnosed with FSAD (N = 128) and healthy controls (N = 131). Total and subscale scores on the FSFI. On every subscale of the FSFI with the exception of desire, the PGAD women obtained scores between that of the FSAD and the healthy control group. The FSAD women displayed the greatest problems in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain while women with PGAD reported somewhat more desire than the control group but did not meet the cutoff score for sexual dysfunction. PGAD women are more similar to the normal control group than women with FSAD. There is no evidence to support the belief that women who meet criteria for a diagnosis of PGAD are "hypersexual." In fact, their overall sexual functioning falls within the normal range and is significantly better than that of women diagnosed with FSAD.