Impact of a high visceral adiposity index on female sexual dysfunction in sexually active women? Results of a cross-sectional study.

AIMS

To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the impact of high visceral adiposity index (VAI) on female sexual dysfunction (FSD). We aimed to show the impact of increased levels of VAI on FSD compared with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) particularly in those with metabolic syndrome (MeTS).

METHODS

We included 158 participants in two groups: Group 1 (n = 68 with normal sexual function) and Group 2 (n = 90 with sexual dysfunction). Demographic, clinic data, presence of MeTS and comorbidities were recorded. The BMI, WC and the VAI were calculated. Sexual function was assessed using the female sexual function index.

RESULTS

The mean age and all the anthropometric variables were similar between the groups (P > .05). MeTS was associated with lower arousal and lubrication scores than those without MeTS (P = .023). The higher VAI was associated with lower desire, lubrication and orgasm scores (P < .05). Each integer increase of the VAI weakly predicted decrease of desire (P = .015), arousal (P = .015), lubrication (P = .005) and satisfaction (P = .046). The WC and BMI were not a good predictor for FSD in women (OR=1.019, P = .318).

CONCLUSION

The VAI was linked with lower scores in some female sexual function subdomains, but the correlation coefficient was low, indicating a weak association. Further studies with a higher number of participants are needed to conclude that the VAI may increase the risk of FSD, particularly in patients with MeTS.