Sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety in young women according to relationship status: an online survey

Sexual dysfunction is a common, still poorly understood problem among women. Being or not in a relationship seems to be a risk factor for sexual dysfunction.

To evaluate the presence of sexual problems, anxiety, and depression in young women and to correlate findings with current relationship status (single, in a committed relationship, or married).

Data were collected trough an online survey from a total of 155 women aged between 20 and 29 years. Sociodemographic data were collected, and both the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and the Female Sexual Function Index were applied. Data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and groups were compared in 2 x 2 matrices using the Mann-Whitney test.

Single women showed a significantly higher prevalence of problems in the lubrication (45.3%), orgasm (53.1%), satisfaction (67.2%), and pain (50%) domains and also in total Female Sexual Function Index scores (60.9%) in comparison with the other groups. Additionally, significantly higher depression scores were found among single women (5.89±3.3) in comparison to those in a committed relationship (4.05±2.83). Anxiety scores were similar in all groups.

Our findings suggest that single women have a poorer sexual function and are more likely to have mood disorders in comparison to their peers involved in stable relationships.