The Effect of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Sexual Life and Quality of Life in Women with Moderate or Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Background and Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) negatively affects quality of life and causes erectile dysfunction in men. However, there are few studies examining the effects of OSAS on women’s sexual health. This study used validated measurement tools to evaluate whether the presence and severity of OSAS had an impact on female sexual function and if there was a change after 6 months of CPAP treatment. Scores were compared before and after CPAP in the same and between groups. Material and Method: The patients were divided into moderate and severe groups based on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). The female patients included in the study were administered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Calgary sleep apnea quality of life index (SAQLI) questionnaires to evaluate their sexual function. After CPAP treatment for 6 months, FSFI, and SAQLI questionnaires were compared with the results before treatment. Results: Among study participants, 72 had severe and 76 had moderate OSAS. The mean age (standard deviation or SD) in the severe OSAS group was 40.97±5.65 years and in the moderate OSAS group was 35.46 ± 5.43 years (p < 0.001). Body mass indexes of the severe and moderate OSAS groups were 33.10 ± 3.33 kg/m2and 31.04 ± 3.42 kg/m2, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean Epworth scores (SD) of the severe and moderate OSAS groups were 11.45 ± 3.27 and 9.52 ± 3.31, respectively (p = 0.001). Based on FSFI scores, in the pre-treatment period, desire, lubrication, and satisfaction were significantly better in the moderate OSAS group. After treatment, only desire and satisfaction were significantly better in the moderate OSAS group. In both groups, after treatment, all parameters of the FSFI score were significantly better compared with the pretreatment values (p = 0.001). When SAQLI scores were compared, in the pre-treatment period, all parameters were significantly better in the moderate OSAS group. In both groups, after treatment, all parameters of the SAQLI score were significantly better compared with the pre-treatment values (p = 0.001). Conclusion: In women with severe and moderate OSAS, sexual functions and satisfaction levels were negatively associated with OSAS severity. Sexual functions and quality of life were significantly improved with effective treatment of OSAS.