Islam, N

Abstract Introduction Sexually transmitted viruses (STVs), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), present major public health challenges due to their high prevelance, chronicity, and transmission rates. Extending beyond immediate health impacts, these viruses affect sexual health and function through mechanisms including chronic inflammation, psychological stress, social stigma, and adverse effects of treatment. While the link between STVs and sexual disorders is acknowledged, it is underexplored in the literature, particularly concerning female sexual health. Current research largely focuses on male sexual dysfunction, especially erectile disorder and its treatment. This review investigates the relationship between STVs and female sexual disorders, examining physiological, psychological, and social factors contributing to sexual health concerns. Enhancing our understanding of this relationship could support clinicians in identifying sexual health concerns in female patients with STVs and providing targeted interventions to optimize sexual health outcomes. Objective This systematic review aims to examine existing literature on the relationship between STVs and female sexual disorders, identifying specific dysfunctions (e.g., pain, desire, arousal, and satisfaction) associated with each virus, underlying mechanisms, and discussing clinical and research implications. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in September 2024 across four databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 523 references were identified, with 139 duplicates removed, leaving 384 studies for screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Searches combined MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms and keywords to capture relevant studies. MeSH terms included “Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological,” “Sexual Dysfunction, Psychological,” “Papillomavirus Infections,” “Herpesvirus 2, Human,” “Hepatitis B,” and “HIV.” Additional keywords included “sexual dysfunction,” “HSV,” “hepatitis,” “HPV,” “woman,” “women,” and “female.” The search was limited to English-language studies. Results A total of 384 studies met the inclusion criteria, with findings revealing associations between specific STVs and various types of female sexual dysfunction. HSV was notably associated with dyspareunia during outbreaks due to genital ulcers, as well as with psychosexual issues linked to concerns about transmissibility and the stigma of visible lesions, negatively affecting intimate relationships. HIV was associated with multifactorial sexual dysfunction, encompassing psychological impacts such as fear of transmission and health-related anxiety, as well as physiological effects like decreased sexual desire from antiretroviral therapy and lipodystrophy. HPV’s relationship with sexual disorders was variable, with some studies connecting it to heightened depression and anxiety following diagnosis, which diminished sexual desire. For HBV, sexual dysfunction correlated with the severity of liver dysfunction, as chronic liver disease in women impairs hormone metabolism and increases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, leading to suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary-gonadal axis. Conclusions This review highlights a notable relationship between STVs and female sexual dysfunction, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care that addresses both management of the infection and sexual health concerns. Routine screening for sexual health concerns in women with STVs is recommended, along with interdisciplinary approaches to address these complex impacts. Improved recognition and management of sexual disorders in this context can enhance both sexual health outcomes and overall quality of life in affected individuals. Disclosure No.