The relationship between anogenital distance and female sexual life

Minerva Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Aug;75(4):311-315. doi: 10.23736/S2724-606X.22.05023-0. Epub 2022 Feb 2.

Abstract

Background: Anogenital distance (AGD) is affected by intrauterine biochemical exposure. AGD appears to be associated with intrauterine testosterone level. It was aimed to explain the relationship between AGD and women's sexual quality of life.

Methods: A total of 600 participants were included in the study, 200 of whom did not give birth, 200 who had a normal vaginal delivery, and 200 who had a cesarean section. Hormone levels on the third day of their period, age, and BMI were recorded. AGD measurements were made and compared with the Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI) and The Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) scores.

Results: AGD and serum testosterone level appear to be unrelated. SQOL-F scores were statistically significantly correlated with AGD-AC and AGD-AF in all women (r=0.66 and r=0.84, respectively); FSFI scores were statistically significantly correlated with AGD-AC and AGD-AF in all women (r=0.66 and r=0.85, respectively) regardless of birth status.

Conclusions: Female sexual life is associated with AGD determined in the womb. However, further studies are needed to confirm our results.

MeSH terms

  • Cesarean Section*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Quality of Life*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Testosterone

Substances

  • Testosterone