What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aimed to explore how body mass index (BMI) affects sexual function in women with endometriosis.

February 16, 2026PLoS ONE0 citationsOpen Access

Association of body mass index on sexual function in women with endometriosis: A cross-sectional study

Key Points

The study aimed to explore how body mass index (BMI) affects sexual function in women with endometriosis.
Conducted a cross-sectional survey via social media targeting women with endometriosis.
Categorized BMI into three groups: <25, 25–30, and >30 kg/m².
Assessed sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire.
Applied multiple linear regression models to analyze the data while adjusting for confounding factors.
Mean FSFI score was 17 (SD: 9), indicating sexual dysfunction in participants.
Mean BMI was 26 (SD: 6) kg/m².
Each one-unit increase in BMI correlated with a small decrease in FSFI score (β = –0.07; 95% CI: –0.15 to –0.01).
An inverse U-shaped association was found, linking both low and high BMI to lower FSFI scores.
Higher symptom burden amplified the negative correlation of BMI > 30 kg/m² with FSFI scores.

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and sexual function, measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), in women with endometriosis, adjusting for the number of endometriosis symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online survey distributed via social media. A total of 1,586 women with endometriosis participated. BMI was categorized as 30 kg/m². Sexual function was assessed using the FSFI questionnaire, with a cutoff score of 30 kg/m² linked to lower FSFI scores. BMI > 30 kg/m² was significantly correlated with lower FSFI in women with seven endometriosis symptoms (p for interaction = 0.010). Conclusion BMI is significantly correlated with sexual function in women with endometriosis, with both low and high BMI negatively correlating FSFI scores. The association was stronger in women with a higher symptom burden. These findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach integrating metabolic, hormonal, and psychological interventions to improve sexual health among women with endometriosis. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore causality and potential interventions.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper