Sexual dysfunction in women with genital warts: a systematic review

PURPOSE: To provide an understanding of the changes in sexual function in women with genital warts. METHODS: In this review study, databases searched included: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Wiley, and Highwire Press. No study design limitations were applied to the initial search, and qualitative and quantitative studies published between 2005 and 2021 were included. RESULTS: 19 articles were selected and analyzed narratively. The quality of the studies was almost good. The findings were classified into three groups: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with genital warts (GWs) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV); Types of sexual dysfunction in women with genital warts, and associated factors; Psychosexual effects of genital warts. CONCLUSION: This study provides up-to-date evidence of the changes in sexual function in women with genital warts. Although the results of most studies showed that women with genital warts experienced sexual dysfunction in almost all dimensions, differences in study design and study population made it difficult to determine the specific type of disorder such as libido, or arousal disorders in these women. Based on the findings of this review, more research in this field is recommended for the future. Systematic review registration: (PROSPERO: CRD42020188584, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=188584). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-02073-6.