Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, which influences metabolic, psychological and sexual aspects of their life. We aimed to evaluate the sexual function of women with PCOS in comparison with age-matched controls.

Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 40 women with PCOS (mean age 27.02±4.54 years) were compared with a control group of 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 25.28±4.37 years). All women used barrier contraception methods at the enrolment into the study. The degree of hirsutism was assessed using the modified Ferriman–Gallwey scale. Subjects’ sexual function was evaluated using the female sexual function index (FSFI). Women were considered to be at risk for sexual dysfunction in the case of FSFI score ≤26.55. Testosterone and SHBG concentrations were measured by RIA Kits (DIA Source, Belgium).

Results: Mean FSFI score in women with PCOS was 24.89±10.61, in the control group 24.71±7.16 (P=0.498). There were no differences in the FSFI domains scores between groups as well. 65% (n=26) of women in PCOS and 65% (n=26) in the control group were at risk for sexual dysfunction (P=0.946). Non-obese PCOS women reported higher FSFI scores than obese women with PCOS (P=0.041). FSFI scores in PCOS patients with amenorrhea (≤3 menstrual cycles/year) were lower if compared with patients with oligomenorrhea (4–8 cycles/year), P=0.045. Neither testosterone concentration nor hirsutism score were related to the sexual function of the study subjects.

Conclusions: The sexual function in women with PCOS did not differ from their age-matched healthy counterparts. A high percentage of young Lithuanian women are at risk for sexual dysfunction independently of their androgen status. Clinical features of PCOS might determine sexual function in PCOS patients.