Cervix human papilloma virus positivity: Does it cause sexual dysfunction?

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether testing positive for human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical screening has an impact on female sexual functioning.

Materials and methods: This study was designed as a single-center, prospective, descriptive-cross-sectional study and 300 women who received HPV testing in our hospital [HPV-positive (n=187) or HPV-negative (n=113)]. The Arizona Sexual Experiences (ASEX) scale and Female Sexual Functioning index (FSFI) were administered to study participants during face-to-face interviews.

Results: No significant differences were found between women who were HPV-positive and HPV-negative in sexual functions as assessed using the ASEX and FSFI scales (p=0.343 and p=0.604, respectively). In addition, the analyses addressing whether sexual functioning was affected by a positive test result, at diagnosis or during the follow-up (before 2 weeks, 2 weeks-1 month, 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6 months-1 year and over 1 year) revealed no significant differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative women in sexual functioning (p>0.05). Sexual dysfunction was less common in married women than in the ASEX scale (p=0.03), and this difference was not detected when the FSFI scale was applied. The incidence of dysfunction was more frequent in working women than in retirees (p=0.006, p=0.01).

Conclusion: Educational attainment, socioeconomic status, age, employment status, and marital status were found to have statistically significant effects on sexual functioning. Sexual functioning was affected by neither HPV test results (positive/negative) nor time from diagnosis.

Keywords: Sexual dysfunction; cervix; human papilloma virus; physiological.