Assessment of Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Women with Chronic Persistent Vaginal Discharge

Objective Assessment of the sexual functions and quality of life (QoL) in women having chronic persistent vaginal discharge using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) as well as short form 36 questionnaires. Methods A cross-sectional controlled trial was conducted on 64 sexually active women recruited from Gynecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University Hospital during the period from April 2022 to October 2022. Participants were grouped into women affected by chronic persistent vaginal discharge and healthy control women without chronic vaginal discharge. Each participant completed the FSFI questionnaire and short form 36 questionnaire. Results Percentage of women with sexual dysfunction (total FSFI score less than 26.55) was 56.3% in the chronic vaginal discharge group compared with 18.8% in the control group with a significant difference ( P =0.002). Bodily pain, physical functioning, vitality, role limitations owing to social functioning, emotional problems, mental health in addition to mental components scores were significantly lower in females with chronic vaginal discharge versus controls. Conclusion Women with chronic persistent vaginal discharge were found to have lower FSFI scores. The study also revealed that the disease has a strong impact on patient’s quality of life and usual daily activities.