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Sexual dysfunction in female hypertensives.
Basil N Okeahialam1, Ndudim C Obeka
1Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. basokeam@yahoo.com
Journal of the National Medical Association
|April 21, 2006
Summary
Hypertensive women may experience sexual dysfunction, with reduced desire being common. This suggests a need for further research and clinical inquiry into this issue among women with hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension and its treatments are recognized causes of male sexual dysfunction.
- Cultural barriers often prevent women from discussing sexual health concerns with healthcare providers.
- Sexual dysfunction in women with hypertension remains under-explored, despite its potential impact on treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with hypertension.
- To compare sexual function in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve hypertensive women, treated hypertensive women, and normotensive controls.
Main Methods:
- The study included three groups of adult Nigerian women: newly diagnosed hypertensives (treatment-naïve), known hypertensives on thiazide treatment, and age-matched normotensive controls.
- Sexual function data was collected as part of a larger study on serum uric acid and lipid profiles.
Main Results:
- Sexual dysfunction was reported by 13.6% of newly diagnosed hypertensives, 17.2% of treated hypertensives, and 4.7% of normotensive controls.
- The most frequently reported issue was a reduced desire for sexual intercourse.
Conclusions:
- Hypertensive women may exhibit a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction compared to normotensive women, even prior to treatment.
- Larger studies are recommended to further investigate this phenomenon.
- Clinicians should proactively inquire about sexual dysfunction in hypertensive women, especially when poor treatment compliance is suspected.