Comparative analysis of sexual function and psychological health in infertile patients with different ovarian...

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common reproductive disorders that negatively affect women's sexual and psychological health.

This study aims to compare sexual function and psychological well-being in women with POI, PCOS, and healthy controls.

A total of 340 women were recruited: 68 with POI, 104 with PCOS, and 168 healthy controls. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

The primary outcomes included sexual function, assessed via FSFI total and domain scores (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), and psychological well-being, evaluated through GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores.

Women with POI and PCOS exhibited significantly lower FSFI total scores compared to controls (POI: 26.00 ± 3.50, PCOS: 26.13 ± 4.50, controls: 27.37 ± 3.24; P < 0.01). Women with POI had significantly lower scores in the arousal (3.83 ± 0.87) and satisfaction (4.44 ± 0.84) domains, while those with PCOS had significantly lower lubrication (4.92 ± 0.97) and arousal (3.92 ± 1.01) scores compared to controls (all P < 0.05). The prevalence of anxiety and depression were significantly higher in the POI and PCOS groups than in controls (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that POI was independently associated with a higher risk of coital pain (OR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.19-8.26, P < 0.05) and lubrication disorder (OR: 4.93, 95% CI: 1.88-12.92, P < 0.05). Additionally, PCOS was independently linked to a significantly increased risk of lubrication disorder (OR: 8.57, 95% CI: 1.95-37.57, P < 0.05). Psychological factors, particularly anxiety and depression, were significant contributors to sexual dysfunction (all P < 0.05).

Women with POI and PCOS require a comprehensive approach to care, addressing both sexual and psychological health to improve clinical outcomes.

Strengths include a relatively large sample size and a comprehensive assessment of sexual and psychological health. Limitations include the case-control design and lack of long-term follow-up.

POI and PCOS are significantly associated with sexual dysfunction and psychological distress, underscoring the need for integrated healthcare strategies to improve overall well-being.