The Effect of Body Mass Index on Sexual Function

Sexual function is a part of life and human behavior which is considered as a part of an individual's sexual health and one of human essential needs. The effect of the relationship between obesity and overweight on women's sexual function is ambiguous; therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index and sexual function in women. This cross-sectional study was conducted by convenience method on 300 women who had referred to Women's Health Clinics in 2015. The data collection instruments included a questionnaire of demographic data and a standard questionnaire of female sexual function (FSFI). Data were analyzed through SPSS 16.0 Software using Chi-square test, ANOVA and multivariate regression test. The significant level was set at 5% (P<0.05). Average and standard deviation of women and their husbands' age was 32 +/- 0.4 and 37 +/- 0.5 years, respectively. The mean score of total sexual function was 19 +/- 4.3 and the average body mass index was 28.3 +/- 2.1. There was a significant difference between the three obese, overweight and normal groups under investigation in terms of all areas of their sexual function (p<0.001). At last, multivariate regression was employed and it was concluded that there was a statistical and inverse significant correlation between body mass index and age of spouse and sexual function. There was a direct and significant correlation between other variables such as housing status, income status, length of marital life and the level of spouse's education. There is significant correlation between body mass index and all areas of women's sexual function; therefore, preventing and managing obesity are the essential needs of this group of society.