Evaluation of sexual function in females with chronic hepatitis C virus and its correlation with medical parameters

Abstract

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a high prevalence in Egypt. The sexual function of female patients with chronic HCV has not been adequately studied in Egypt, where discussion of sexual desires and function is considered unacceptable by many. This study aims to evaluate sexual function in females with chronic HCV and its correlation with medical parameters. 120 female patients with chronic HCV and 120 healthy female controls were involved in the study. The Arabic validated version of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess the sexual function of the patients and controls. There was a significant decrease in all domains of the FSFI score (desire, excitement, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) in female patients with chronic HCV versus the control candidates. We found significant correlation between FSFI domains and haemoglobin level, leucocytic and platelet counts. However, the correlation between FSFI domains and serum HCV RNA, alanine transaminase (ALT) were stastistically non- significant. Being worker, having HCV + ve partner, having an old aged partner, presence of finantial stress and duration > 2 years since HCV diagnosis, all were associated with significant increase in female sexual dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients.