Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Global prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Review article
  • Published:
Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Sexual dysfunction is a common disorder among women, especially during menopause. Metabolic syndrome is a multifactorial disease that, according to previous studies, there is a relationship between the metabolic syndrome and sexual dysfunction among women. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to obtain the prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) among women with metabolic syndrome, and to analyze available related evidence.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the keywords of MeSH, female sexual dysfunction, FSD, metabolic syndrome were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The searches were conducted without a lower time limit and until May 2022.

Results

The prevalence of FSD among women with metabolic syndrome was found to be 39.3% (95% CI: 28.3–51.5). In the subgroup analysis and in the review of 4 studies, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome was 49.8% (95% CI: 26.1–73.6). Analyzing the results of the meta-regression test in examining the effect of the three factors of sample size, year of the study, age, and BMI of the patients on the heterogeneity of the meta-analysis, showed that with the increase of the sample size, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with metabolic syndrome decreases (p < 0.05). Moreover, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with metabolic syndrome increases (p < 0.05) with the increase in the years of conducting studies and the mean of age of women with metabolic syndrome. Also, with increasing mean of BMI of female patients with metabolic syndrome, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in these women also increases (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Female sexual dysfunction is a global health problem that can affect women’s life to a great extent. Metabolic syndrome, which is a set of factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, affects sexual dysfunction in women. From this study, it can be concluded that there is a close relationship between metabolic syndrome and female sexual dysfunction.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

Datasets are available through the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

References

  1. Sancak EB, Oguz S, Akbulut T, Uludag A, Akbas A, Kurt O, Akbulut MF. Female sexual dysfunction in androgenetic alopecia: case-control study. Can Urol Assoc J. 2016; https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.3582.

  2. Esposito K, Ciotola M, Marfella R, Di Tommaso D, Cobellis L, Giugliano D. The metabolic syndrome: a cause of sexual dysfunction in women. Int J Impot Res. 2005;17(3):224–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. da Silva GMD, Lima SMRR, Reis BF, Macruz CF, Postigo S. Prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder among sexually active postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome at a public Hospital Clinic in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. Sex Med. 2020;8(3):545–53.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Alvisi S, Baldassarre M, Lambertini M, Martelli V, Berra M, Moscatiello S. Maria Cristina Meriggiola, Stefano Venturoli, Giulio Marchesini, sexuality and psychopathological aspects in premenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. Sex Med. 2020;8(3):545–53.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Kim YH, Kim SM, Kim JJ, Cho IS, Jeon MJ. Does metabolic syndrome impair sexual function in middle- to old-aged women? J Sex Med. 2011;8(4):1123–30.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, Giugliano D, Esposito K. From inflammation to sexual dysfunctions: a journey through diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. J Endocrinol Investig. 2018;41(11):1249–58.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Otunctemur A, Dursun M, Ozbek E, Sahin S, Besiroglu H, Koklu I, et al. Effect of metabolic syndrome on sexual function in pre- and postmenopausal women. J Sex Marital Ther. 2015;41(4):440–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Politano CA, Valadares AL, Pinto-Neto A, et al. The metabolic syndrome and sexual function in climacteric women: a crosssectional study. J Sex Med. 2015;12:455–62.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Martelli V, Valisella S, Moscatiello S, Matteucci C, Lantadilla C, Costantino A, et al. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome. J Sex Med. 2012;9(2):434–41.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Raina R, Pahlajani G, Khan S, Gupta S, Agarwal A, Zippe CD. Female sexual dysfunction: classification, pathophysiology, and management. Fertil Steril. 2007;88(5):1273–84.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Moreira ED Jr, Kim SC, Glasser D, Gingell C. Sexual activity, prevalence of sexual problems, and associated help-seeking patterns in men and women aged 40-80 years in Korea: data from the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors (GSSAB). J Sex Med. 2006;3(2):201–11.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Choy CL, Sidi H, Koon CS, et al. Systematic review and Meta-analysis for sexual dysfunction in women with hypertension. J Sex Med. 2019;16:1029–48.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Ford ES, Giles WH, Mokdad AH. Increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(10):2444–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Park HS, Kim SM, Lee JS, Lee J, Han JH, Yoon DK, Baik SH, Choi DS, Choi KM. Prevalence and trends of metabolic syndrome in Korea: Korean National Health and nutrition survey 1998-2001. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2007;9(1):50–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Ponholzer A, Temml C, Rauchenwald M, Marszalek M, Madersbacher S. Is the metabolic syndrome a risk factor for female sexual dysfunction in sexually active women? Int J Impot Res. 2008;20(1):100–4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Trompeter SE, Bettencourt R, Barrett-Connor E. Metabolic syndrome and sexual function in postmenopausal women. Am J Med. 2016;129(12):1270–1277.e1.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  17. Baldassarre M, Alvisi S, Mancini I, Moscatiello S, Marchesini G, Seracchioli R. Cristina Meriggiola M, impaired lipid profile is a risk factor for the development of sexual dysfunction in women. J Sex Med. 2016;13(1):46–54.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Lee SW, Kwon DJ, Kim JH, Jo HH, Kim MR, You YO. Association between menopausal symptoms and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2012;285(2):541–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Blümel JE, Chedraui P, Baron G, Belzares E, Bencosme A, Calle A, et al. Sexual dysfunction in middle-aged women: a multicenter Latin American study using the female sexual function index. Menopause. 2009;16(6):1139–48.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Dombek K, Capistrano EJ, Costa AC, Marinheiro LP. Metabolic syndrome and sexual function in postmenopausal women. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2016;60:545–53.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Chew PY, Choy CL, Sidi H b, Sahimi HMS, Samad FDA, Ravindran A. The association between female sexual dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in the male partner: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. JSexMed. 2021;18:99–112.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Gragasin FS, Michelakis ED, Hogan A, Moudgil R, Hashimoto K, Wu X, Bonnet S, Haromy A, Archer SL. The neurovascular mechanism of clitoral erection: nitric oxide and cGMP- stimulated activation of BKCa channels. FASEB J. 2004;18:1382–91.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Kim SW, Jeong SJ, Munarriz R, Kim NN, Goldstein I, Traish AM. Role of the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway in regulation of vaginal blood flow. Int J Impot Res. 2003;15:355–61.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Doumas M, Tsiodras S, Tsakiris A, Douma S, Chounta A, Papadopoulos A, Kanellakopoulou K, Giamarellou H. Female sexual dysfunction in essential hypertension: a common problem being uncovered. J Hypertens. 2006;24:2387–92.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Gragasin FS, Michelakis ED, Hogan A, Moudgil R, Hashimoto K, Wu X, Bonnet S, Haromy A, Archer SL. The neurovascular mechanism of clitoral erection: nitric oxide and cGMP- stimulated activation of BKCa channels. FASEB J. 2004;18:1382–91.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Kütmeç C, Yurtsever S. Effects of sexual function of essential hypertensions in women. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2011;10:56–63.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Giraldi A, Kristensen E. Sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes mellitus. J Sex Res. 2010;47:199–211.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Esposito K, Maiorino MI, Bellastella G, Giugliano F, Romano M, Giugliano D. Determinants of female sexual dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. Int J Impot Res. 2010;22:179–84.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Esposito K, Giugliano F, Ciotola M, De Sio M, D’Armiento M, Giugliano D. Obesity and sexual dysfunction, male and female, 2008 nature publishing group. Int J Impot Res. 2008;20(4):358–65.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Faubion SS, Fairbanks F, Kuhle CL, Sood R, Kling JM, Vencill JA, Mara KC, Kapoor E. Association between body mass index and female sexual dysfunction: a cross-sectional study from the data registry on experiences of aging, menopause and sexuality. J Sex Med. 2020;17(10):1971–80.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  31. Esposito K, Giugliano D. Obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and sexual dysfunction, 2005 nature publishing group. Int J Impot Res. 2005;17(5):391–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Limoncin E, Ciocca G, Mollaioli D, Jannini EA. Sexual distress in obesity. In: Lenzi A, Migliaccio S, Donini L, editors. Multidisciplinary approach to obesity. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2015. p. 145–53.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Hayes R, Dennerstein L. The impact of aging on sexual function and sexual dysfunction in women: a review of population-based studies. J Sex Med. 2005;2(3):317–30.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Esposito K, Ciotola M, Giugliano F, Schisano B, Autorino R, Iuliano S, Vietri MT, Cioffi M, De Sio M, Giugliano D. Mediterranean diet improves sexual function in women with the metabolic syndrome, 2007 nature publishing group. Int J Impot Res. 2007;19(5):486–91.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Giugliano F, Maiorino MI, Di Palo C, et al. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and sexual function in women with type 2 diabetes. J Sex Med. 2010;7:1883–90.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Peugh J, Belenko S. Alcohol, drugs, and sexual function: a review. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2001;33:223–32.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. McCall-Hosenfeld JS, Freund KM, Legault C, et al. Sexual satisfaction and cardiovascular disease: the women’s health initiative. Am J Med. 2008;121:295–301.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Lutfey KE, Link CL, Rosen RC, et al. Prevalence and correlates of sexual activity and function in women: results from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) survey. Arch Sex Behav. 2009;38:514–27.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Helmrich SP, Ragland DR, Leung RW, Paffenbarger RS Jr. Physical activity and reduced occurrence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 1991;325:147–52.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Skrzypulec V, Dabrowska J, Drosdzol A. The in uence of physical activity level on climacteric symptoms in menopausal women. Climacteric. 2010;13:355–61.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Li S, Holm K, Gulanick M, Lanuza D, Penckofer S. The relationship between physical activity and perimenopause. Health Care Women Int. 1999;20:163–78.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Llaneza P, Fernández-Ĩnarrea JM, Arnott B, García-Portilla MP, Chedraui P, Pérez-López FR. Sexual function assessment in postmenopausal women with the 14-item changes in sexual functioning questionnaire. J Sex Med. 2011;8:2144–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Elavsky S, McAuley E, Moti RW, Konopack JF, Marquez DX, Hu L. Longitudinal examination of the exercise and self-esteem model in middleaged women. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2010;32:862–80.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Cabral PU, Canário AC, Spyrides MH, Uchôa SA, Eleutério Júnior J, Giraldo PC, Gonçalves AK. Physical activity and sexual function in middle-aged women. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2014;60:47–52.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Kim H-N, Ryu J, Kim K-S, Song S-W. Effects of yoga on sexual function in women with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. J Sex Med. 2013;10(11):2741–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the esteemed officials of the Student Research Committee of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences for the financial affords of this study.

Authors’contributions

NS and YK and MM1 and MM2 contributed to the design, MM2 statistical analysis, participated in most of the study steps. MM1 and Yk and AH prepared the manuscript. MM1 and MM2 and YK and HZ and MM and YK assisted in designing the study, and helped in the, interpretation of the study. All authors have read and approved the content of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

    Nader Salari

  2. Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

    Mona Moradi & Yassaman Khodayari

  3. Department of Business Systems & Operations, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK

    Amin Hosseinian-Far

  4. Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran

    Masoud Mohammadi

Authors
  1. Nader Salari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mona Moradi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Amin Hosseinian-Far
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yassaman Khodayari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Masoud Mohammadi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Masoud Mohammadi.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Salari, N., Moradi, M., Hosseinian-Far, A. et al. Global prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Diabetes Metab Disord 22, 1011–1019 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-023-01267-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-023-01267-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation