How Does Metabolic Syndrome Affect Sexual Function in Obese Women?

Abstract

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is significant public health concern with a rising prevalence. MetS leads to diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension (HTN) and atherosclerotic heart disease, as well as female sexual dysfunction (FSD). However, the relationship of MetS to female sexual function in obese woman is unclear. In our study, obese women and obese women with MetS were compared. We aimed to determine whether there was a difference between the two groups in terms of FSD. Method: The study included 114 patients, aged 21-51, who visited the obesity outpatient clinic of our center from January to April 2022. Patients who met the study criteria answered the sociodemographic data questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure assessments were conducted during the visit, and blood tests were recorded. Results: Seventy-three (64%) patients were only obese, and 41 (36%) had a diagnosis of MetS with obesity. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data, clinical features, BDI scores, and FSFI total score. Lubrication, one of the FSFI subparameters, was found to be low in the group with MetS (p=0.028), while there was no difference in other subparameters. Conclusion: In this study, we showed that lubrication as a sign of arousal problem is affected by MetS. Patients with risk factors for FSD such as MetS, obesity, HTN, diabetes mellitus should not be ignored. Thus, it will be possible to prevent the effects of FSD on general health.