(S5) sexual health among women with hypertension: a nested case control study

Abstract Background Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease in women globally, with increasing prevalence due to lifestyle changes and aging populations. In the MENA region, hypertension rates are rising, especially in women, driven by obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity. Limited healthcare access exacerbates the burden in this population. It may alter female sexual function either by its detrimental effects on quality of life and general well-being or because of the side effects of its multiple treatments. This study aims to explore the association between hypertension and female sexual function. Methods We conducted a nested case–control study where the cases were self-reported women with hypertension and controls were self-reported healthy women matched for age, medical history, and relationship status. Data was collected through an online self-administered questionnaire. The sexual function was assessed through Arabic and French-validated translations of the Female Sexual Function Index. Female sexual dysfunction is defined by an FSFI score ≤ 26.55. Results We included 42 participants: 14 females with hypertension compared to 28 healthy controls. The main socio-demographic components were similar between groups. The mean age of the participants was 33.83 ± 10.35, ranging from 19 to 51. The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among hypertensive women was not statistically different compared to the controls (p = 0.190). Neither group had a statistical difference regarding the total FSFI score (p = 0.338). There was also no difference between the groups regarding the six FSFI domains’ scores: Desire, Orgasm, Excitation, Lubrication, Pain, and Satisfaction. Conclusion This case–control study shows no difference in terms of sexual function between hypertensive and healthy young women. The literature on this topic is nuanced and highlights the potential side effects of certain treatments on the different phases of the sexual response. Due to the small sample size, subgroup analysis according to the hypertension treatment classes could not be performed.