Sexual Dysfunction in Premenopausal Women With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is well-studied in males, but less so in premenopausal women.
• Sexual dysfunction is a potential consequence of OSAS, impacting quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sexual function in premenopausal women diagnosed with OSAS.
• To compare sexual function between women with OSAS and a control group.

Main Methods:

• 22 premenopausal women with OSAS and 13 healthy controls underwent polysomnography (PSG).
• Participants completed the Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS), Beck Depression Scale (BDS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
• Statistical analyses correlated FSFI scores with OSAS severity and psychological parameters.

Main Results:

• Women with OSAS had significantly lower total FSFI scores compared to controls (P=.031).
• Specific FSFI domains, including desire, arousal, and orgasm, were significantly reduced in the OSAS group (P=.034, P=.048, P=.039).
• No significant correlation was found between FSFI scores and OSAS severity metrics (AHI, oxygen saturation) or psychological scores (ESS, BDS).

Conclusions:

• Premenopausal women with OSAS exhibit significant sexual dysfunction.
• Sexual health assessment should be a routine part of clinical evaluation for women diagnosed with OSAS.