Body image and sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on women’s body image and sexual function. METHODS: In this case-control study, 97 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 95 healthy women were interviewed in a hospital using the Personal Information Form, Body Image Scale, and Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS: The total score of body image of women in the polycystic ovary syndrome group was found to be 132.11±19.44 and it was 133.35±21 in the control group; there was no statistically significant difference between them (p>0.05). In this study, 74.23% of the women with polycystic ovary syndrome (+) experienced sexual dysfunction. Sex drive, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and averages of pain subscales and female sexual function index total score were found to be significantly lower in the polycystic ovary syndrome group than in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a difference between women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy women in terms of sexual function, while body image was similar in both groups. Our data suggest that the polycystic ovary syndrome has a negative effect on the sexuality.