Evaluation of sexual function in females with chronic hepatitis C virus and its correlation with medical parameters
Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a high prevalence in Egypt. The sexual function of female patients with chronic HCV has not been adequately studied in Egypt, where discussion of sexual desires and function is considered unacceptable by many.
Objective
This study aims to assess sexual function in females with chronic HCV and clarifies its correlation with medical parameters.
Patients and methods
Participants of this study were 120 female patients with chronic HCV and 120 healthy female controls. The Arabic-validated version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess the sexual function of the patients and controls.
Results
There was a significant decrease in all domains of the FSFI score (desire, excitement, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) in female patients with chronic HCV versus the control candidates. We found a significant correlation between FSFI domains and hemoglobin level, leucocytic and platelet counts. However, the correlation between FSFI domains and serum HCV RNA, alanine transaminase was statistically nonsignificant.
Conclusion
Being a worker, having HCV+ve partner, having an old aged partner, the presence of financial stress, and duration greater than 2 years since HCV diagnosis, all were associated with a significant increase in female sexual dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients.
