Vitamin D is an independent predictor of sexual dysfunction in females

Abstract

Background: Sexual functions are complex in physiology, and there are several elements that influence them. Female sexualdysfunction is an overlooked condition that is seldom addressed and discussed, especially in Eastern countries.Aim: To assess serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3 and sex hormones in females suffering from sexual dysfunction.Patients and Methods: One hundred participants were included in this case-control study. They were divided into two groups:50 females with sexual dysfunction and 50 age-matched, healthy, sexually active females. They provided comprehensivemedical and drug history and answered the arabic form of Female Sexual Function Index. In addition, serum vitamin D3,estradiol, and total testosterone levels were measured using ELISA.Results: Serum vitamin D3 was significantly lower in cases compared to controls (16.53 ± 8.41 and 26.1 ± 13.93 ng/ml,respectively, p <0.001), but there was no significant difference in estradiol (366.51 ± 154.75 and 338.75 ± 150.86 pg/ml,respectively, p = 0.4) or total testosterone (0.97 ± 0.88 and 0.82 ± 0.39 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.3). Substantial positivecorrelations have been observed between vitamin D3 and sexual desire, arousal, and full-scale scores (p < 0.001, = 0.006, =0.008, respectively), but not with lubrication, orgasm, or satisfaction (p > 0.05 for each).Conclusion: Low serum vitamin D3 level may lead to female sexual dysfunction, while estradiol and total testosterone haveminimal impacts.