Sexual dysfunction in women with gestational trophoblastic disease: a cross-sectional study in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) who were undergoing outpatient follow-up at a university hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 73 women aged ≥ 18 yr. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, in addition to the Sexual Quotient - Female Version (SQ-F) to assess sexual function. Most participants were aged 18–30 yr (58.9%), married (74.0%), and reported using oral contraceptives (52.1%). Based on the total SQ-F score, 63.0% ( n = 46) of participantsdemonstrated adequate sexual satisfaction. However, 15.0% reported experiencing dyspareunia, and 45.2% reported difficulty maintaining concentration during sexual activity. Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with smoking (Prevalence ratios (PR) = 2.88; p = 0.015) and residence in rural areas (PR = 3.47; p = 0.003). Although the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction was not higher than national estimates, the findings identify specific vulnerabilities that may adversely affect sexual health. These factors should be considered in the comprehensive clinical management of women with GTD.
Authors
- Elias Ferreira de Melo Junior (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6639-7712)
- Edinaldo Brito dos Santos
- Josielle Carvalho de Lima
- Auro Del Giglio
Institutions
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (BR)
- Faculdade Frassinetti do Recife (BR)
- Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PeerJ
- Published
- 2026-09-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21427
- Primary Topic
- Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00