International Journal of
Reproductive Biomedicine
Wed, Nov 5, 2025
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Volume 23, Issue 9 (September 2025)
IJRM 2025, 23(9): 739-748 |
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Ethics code: IR.MODARES.REC.1397.211
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Azarbayjani K, Jahanian Sadatmahalleh S, Mirzaei N, Yarjanly M, Jahangiri N, Nasiri M et al . Comparison of sexual function in fertile and infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study. IJRM 2025; 23 (9) :739-748
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-3434-en.html
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-3434-en.html
Khadijeh Azarbayjani1 
, Shahideh Jahanian Sadatmahalleh *2 , Negin Mirzaei3 , Mahsa Yarjanly1 , Nadia Jahangiri4 , Malihe Nasiri5 , Mona Zeinaloo6
, Shahideh Jahanian Sadatmahalleh *2 , Negin Mirzaei3 , Mahsa Yarjanly1 , Nadia Jahangiri4 , Malihe Nasiri5 , Mona Zeinaloo6
1- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. ,Shahideh.Jahanian@modares.ac.ir
3- Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia.
4- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
5- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
6- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. ,
3- Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia.
4- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
5- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
6- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (68 Views)
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects approximately 9.2% of women of childbearing age. Physical and psychological changes caused by PCOS might impair women’s sexual function. Women with PCOS may experience one of the most significant complications, which is infertility.
Objective: This study aimed to compare sexual function between fertile and infertile women diagnosed with PCOS.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 364 fertile and 239 infertile women with PCOS who referred to the Arash hospital gynecological clinics, Tehran, Iran from April 2019-February 2020. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on fertility: the fertile group (n = 364) and the infertile group (n = 239). They were asked to fill out a demographic survey and the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires. Finally, the sexual performance index and demographic variables were compared between groups.
Results: The total FSFI score for fertile and infertile women was 23.70 ± 6.26 and 24.65 ± 4.04, respectively. Regarding FSFI, the differences between the 2 groups were not statistically significant in terms of total FSFI score (p = 0.391), desire (p = 0.863), lubrication (p = 0.583), satisfaction (p = 0.118), orgasm (p = 0.901), and arousal score (p = 0.405). However, the pain score was significantly higher in the fertile group (3.51 ± 1.27, 3.10 ± 1.11, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Impaired sexual function in infertile women diagnosed with PCOS can be more associated with PCOS-related complications and other concurrent factors that affect sexual function rather than infertility. It seems that the effects of infertility on sexual function can be different in infertile women according to each person's condition. Hence, screening for sexual dysfunction in women with PCOS and infertility should be deemed as a part of clinical assessment, leading to early diagnosis and improving their quality of life.
Objective: This study aimed to compare sexual function between fertile and infertile women diagnosed with PCOS.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 364 fertile and 239 infertile women with PCOS who referred to the Arash hospital gynecological clinics, Tehran, Iran from April 2019-February 2020. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on fertility: the fertile group (n = 364) and the infertile group (n = 239). They were asked to fill out a demographic survey and the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires. Finally, the sexual performance index and demographic variables were compared between groups.
Results: The total FSFI score for fertile and infertile women was 23.70 ± 6.26 and 24.65 ± 4.04, respectively. Regarding FSFI, the differences between the 2 groups were not statistically significant in terms of total FSFI score (p = 0.391), desire (p = 0.863), lubrication (p = 0.583), satisfaction (p = 0.118), orgasm (p = 0.901), and arousal score (p = 0.405). However, the pain score was significantly higher in the fertile group (3.51 ± 1.27, 3.10 ± 1.11, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Impaired sexual function in infertile women diagnosed with PCOS can be more associated with PCOS-related complications and other concurrent factors that affect sexual function rather than infertility. It seems that the effects of infertility on sexual function can be different in infertile women according to each person's condition. Hence, screening for sexual dysfunction in women with PCOS and infertility should be deemed as a part of clinical assessment, leading to early diagnosis and improving their quality of life.
Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Infertility, Female sexual function, Reproductive health, Female sexual function index.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Fertility & Infertility
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