Purpose
This study aimed to assess whether obesity can affect female sexuality,
Patients and Methods
A case-control study was carried out on a sample of Egyptian women using a self¬ filled questionnaire. A group of 60 obese women (BMI > 30 kq/m2) and a matching group of 30 non-obese women (controls) participated in this study. They answered a questionnaire that Included 20 questions covering four domains (demographic data, assessment of female sexual function, weight image variables, and verbal or physical abuse by husbands). All women were free from diseases known to affect sexual function.
Results
Nonsignificant differences were found between obese and non-obese women in terms of arousal, ability to reach orgasm, and occurrence of unprovoked desire to have sex. The most preferred coital positions were rear entry in the obese group and man on top in the lean group. The practice of oral and anal sex was uncommon for both groups. Satisfaction with sexual life was significantly higher in the non-obese group. There was a statistically significant correlation between weight loss and improvement in libido. Three quarters of the obese women reported being verbally abused by their husbands because of their body shape.
Conclusion
There is a tendency for obese women to be inferior to their lean counterparts in many aspects of sexual functioning. Weight loss seems to be useful in boosting libido in obese women.
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