Impact of Aerobic Vaginal Infections on Female Sexual Function

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

1 Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt,

2 Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

3 Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt;

Abstract

Background: Normal sexual function is a crucial element of a female sexual and mental health. Disruptions in this function for any reason can lead to emotional and interpersonal communication problems, which may impact other aspects of a woman's life. Many women who suffer from different types of vaginal infections also experience sexual dysfunction. Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the association between aerobic vaginitis (AV) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 150 females with vaginal infections. A microbiological examination of vaginal samples was done to identify the causative microorganisms using stains, microbiological culture, and biochemical reactions. Female sexual function was measured by the use of the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index (ArFSFI) questionnaire. Results: The most prevalent isolate was Candida (55.3%). Aerobic bacteria were detected in 48.6% either mixed with Candida or as a single infection ( Staph aureus 14.7%, E.coli 10.7%, Klebsiella 8.7%, Strept agalactiae 7.3%, and Neisseria gonorrheae (N gonorrheae 7.3% ). Trichomonas vaginalis (T vaginalis) was only just detected among 2.6 % of the participants. 72.7% of studied females had sexual dysfunction (FSFI score ≤ 26.5). The mean full-scale score was 24.12±3.79. The presence of pain was significantly associated with lower FSFI scores in all other domains. Conclusion: Vaginal infection with various aerobic microorganisms negatively impacted females’ sexual function. Thus, patients with vaginal infections should be assessed prudently for sexual dysfunction to enhance their quality of life.

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