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Iron deficiency and sexual dysfunction in women
Maurizio Serati1, Montserrat Espuña-Pons2, Aurore Mouton-Puglisi3
1Urogynaecology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy.
Sexual Medicine Reviews
|July 11, 2023
Summary
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is linked to sexual dysfunction in women. Treating IDA with oral iron supplements can improve sexual function, highlighting the importance of screening for both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Women's Health
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Sexual dysfunction affects 40-50% of adult women, with risk factors including trauma, relationship issues, chronic conditions, medications, and poor health like iron deficiency.
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in women stems from blood loss, increased needs, or poor intake/absorption, impacting overall health and sexual well-being.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes findings from a symposium at the XV Annual European Urogynaecological Association Congress.
- Content was identified through PubMed searches, including original research, reviews, and meta-analyses on sexual dysfunction and iron deficiency/anemia.
Key Points:
- Oral iron supplementation, particularly ferrous sulfate and prolonged-release formulations, effectively improves sexual function in women with IDA.
- Iron deficiency is a common cause of sexual dysfunction in women, often linked to abnormal uterine bleeding.
Conclusions:
- Sexual dysfunction and iron deficiency are interconnected; screening for one should prompt investigation of the other.
- Routine, inexpensive iron deficiency testing is recommended for women experiencing sexual dysfunction.
- Addressing both IDA and sexual dysfunction is crucial for optimizing women's quality of life.
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