Prevalence and Odds of Developing Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:  A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zahra  Shahraki; Mohsen  Rastkar; Elham  Rastkar; Aida  Mohamadi; Mozhdeh  Mohammadghasemi; Mahsa  Ghajarzadeh

doi:10.18502/jfrh.v19i4.21072

Zahra Shahraki Zabol Medicinal Plants Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
Mohsen Rastkar Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Elham Rastkar Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Aida Mohamadi Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mozhdeh Mohammadghasemi Faculty of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Mahsa Ghajarzadeh Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfrh.v19i4.21072

Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Women; Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) suffer from a wide range of psychological difficulties such as sexual dysfunction (SD). In different countries, sexual dysfunction has been evaluated in women with PCO, but the results differ between studies. So, we designed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction and to assess the odds of SD among women with PCO compared with controls.

Materials and methods: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar were systematically searched by two independent researchers on December 1^st, 2023. Data analysis was done using STATA.

Results: A literature search revealed 1636 records, 84 full-texts were evaluated, and finally, 37 studies remained for systematic review. Most studies were published in 2023, followed by 2022.Most studies were from Iran, followed by Turkey. The prevalence of SD in women with PCO ranged between 4% and 99%, and the pooled prevalence was estimated as 73% (95%CI: 72%-74%, fixed-effect model) (I²=0). The odds of SD in women with PCO ranged between 0.42 and 7.29, and pooled OR was estimated as 2.45(95%CI: 1.55-3.86, random-effect model) (I²=79.9%, P<0.001). The SMD of total FSFI (case-control) ranged between -2.83, and 0.46, and the pooled SMD was estimated as -0.48(95% -0.72, -0.25) (I2=94.6%, P<0.001, random-effect model).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates a significantly higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with PCO, emphasizing the need for routine sexual health assessment and holistic management, including psychological support, hormonal regulation, and lifestyle interventions.