The importance of use of the FSFI questionnaire in gynecology and venerology: a pilot study

Introduction: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is recognized as an excellent tool for assessing female sexuality and screening female sexual dysfunction, but it also has important venereological implications as sexually transmitted diseases result from human behaviour in the sexual sphere. It is influenced by socio-economic, psychological and cultural factors. Aim: To present the results of an attempt to implement FSFI in gynaecological practice. Material and methods: The study comprised 91 women aged 20-35 (mean: 24.3 +/- 4.0) undergoing prophylactic gynaecological examinations. All of them voluntarily agreed to fill in the FSFI questionnaire, and provide data on weight, height, hormone treatments, the age of menarche and sexual initiation and information essential in health promotion and prevention, including the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Results: The average age of the first sexual intercourse was 18.2 +/- 2.4. The total FSFI score ranged from 3.8 to 35.1 points (mean: 27.4 +/- 6.5). As many as 34.1% of the women presented with FSFI < 27.50, suggesting an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. Patients' age as well as the age of menarche were both negatively correlated with desire. The mean FSFI scores for almost all of the domains and the FSFI total score were higher for women taking oral contraceptives, although statistically significant differences were detected only for the orgasm domain. Conclusions: A high percentage of sexually active Polish women presented with FSFI below the threshold, suggesting some grade of sexual dysfunction. Gynaecological and STI medical history should be extended to include issues related to female sexual function.