The effect of bariatric surgery on female sexual function: a cross-sectional study

Sci Rep. 2020 Jul 22;10(1):12138. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-69176-8.

Abstract

The generally negative impact of obesity on female sexuality is well-established. The possible association between bariatric surgery, weight loss, and female sexuality is much less described. The aim of the study was to analyse the possible association between bariatric surgery and female sexual function. It was a cross-sectional study of 623 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 1999 and 2017. Patients were recruited on the basis of medical records from the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw. Patients were invited to complete a questionnaire which consisted of self-designed demographic questions and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The total FSFI score, as well as each subdomain, improved significantly after surgery. The prevalence of low score (< 26.55) was significantly lower after the surgery in comparison to the status prior to the procedure (36.3% vs. 57.5%; p < .001). There were no differences regarding the number of sexually active patients before and after the surgery (75.3% vs. 76.1%; p < .63). There were observed statistically significant, positive correlations between BMI decrease and each subdomain of the FSFI score as well as the total score. Weight loss surgery seems to decrease the risk of sexual dysfunction presence and the advantages are associated with the total BMI loss.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery / adverse effects*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / diagnosis
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / etiology*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Surveys and Questionnaires