Kapoor, Ekta

AbstractBackgroundInfertility has been linked with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged women, with longer periods of infertility associated with a greater risk.AimThe study’s aim was to examine whether a history of infertility treatment in women is linked to sexual dysfunction during midlife.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted among sexually active women, between the ages of 45 and 65 years, who sought consultation at the women’s health clinics at a US tertiary care center. History of infertility treatment was assessed with a single question that asked participants if they were treated for infertility in the past. The association between a history of infertility treatment and sexual dysfunction—which was diagnosed by a combination of Female Sexual Function Index score ≤26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised score ≥11—was assessed in a multivariable logistic regression model that adjusted for multiple confounders.OutcomesThe primary outcome was sexual dysfunction in midlife women.ResultsThe analysis included 5912 women, with a mean age of 54.1 years. Nearly 16% of women reported receiving treatment for infertility. More than half the women (55%) had sexual dysfunction: 56.3% of those with previous fertility treatments and 54.4% of those without any fertility treatment (P = .3). Receiving treatment for infertility in the younger years did not significantly increase the odds of sexual dysfunction in midlife in univariate (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.94-1.24; P = .3) and multivariable analyses (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96-1.29; P = .17).Clinical ImplicationsWhile infertility is known to be predictive of sexual dysfunction in women during their reproductive years, there was no association between a history of infertility treatment and sexual dysfunction in midlife women in the current study.Strengths and LimitationsThe study used validated questionnaires accounting for sexual complaints and distress and adjusted for multiple confounding factors. Limitations include the selection bias introduced by the study of women presenting for evaluation of sexual dysfunction, which may have been a result of factors stronger than the influence of infertility. Other limitations include the study’s cross-sectional nature with suboptimal racial and ethnic representation.ConclusionAlthough infertility is commonly associated with female sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age, the association was not present in midlife women in the current study.

Abstract Background One in 3 children has had at least 1 adverse childhood experience (ACE), and ACEs have been associated with multiple medical and psychiatric morbidities in women later in life, including greater menopause symptom burden. Aim To evaluate the association between ACEs and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in midlife women. Methods A cross-sectional analysis from DREAMS—the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality—was conducted with questionnaires completed by women aged 40 to 65 years who presented to a women’s health clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from May 2015 to December 2016. History of ACEs was obtained with the validated ACE questionnaire. FSD was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised. Outcomes The association between ACEs and FSD (defined as Female Sexual Function Index score ≤26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised score ≥11) was evaluated via a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for age, menopause status, hormone therapy use, anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, hot flash severity, and history of abuse in the past year. Results Women (N = 1572) had a mean age of 53.2 years. Overall 59% reported having at least 1 ACE. When compared with no ACEs, a history of ≥4 ACEs significantly increased the odds of not being sexually active (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.30-2.57; P < .001). Among sexually active women, the proportion of women with FSD increased sequentially as the number of ACEs increased. In the univariate analysis, a history of ≥4 ACEs significantly increased the odds of FSD as compared with no ACEs (odds ratio, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.50-2.99; P < .001). The association remained statistically significant in the multivariable analysis after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.15-2.68; P = .009). Clinical Implications The findings highlight an opportunity for clinicians to screen for ACEs in women with sexual dysfunction and offer appropriate treatment and counseling as indicated. Strengths and Limitations Strengths of the study include the large cohort, the use of validated tools for assessment of ACEs and FSD, and the adjustment for multiple potential confounding factors. Limitations include the cross-sectional study design, recall bias in reporting ACEs and recent abuse, and the low representation of racially and ethnically diverse women in the cohort. Conclusion The study demonstrates an increased risk of sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunction in midlife women who experienced childhood adversity. The sexual dysfunction in women with ACEs seems to be independent of other factors that potentially affect female sexual function in midlife.

Objectives Obesity is a potentially modifiable risk factor that has been consistently associated with the development and progression of multi-morbidity (MM). However, obesity may be more problematic for some persons compared to others because of interactions with other risk factors. Therefore, we studied the effect of interactions between patient characteristics and overweight and obesity on the rate of accumulation of MM. Methods We studied 4 cohorts of persons ages 20-, 40-, 60-, and 80-years residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota between 2005 and 2014 using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) medical records-linkage system. Body mass index, sex, race, ethnicity, education, and smoking status were extracted from REP indices. The rate of accumulation of MM was calculated as the number of new chronic conditions accumulated per 10 person years through 2017. Poisson rate regression models were used to identify associations between characteristics and rate of MM accumulation. Additive interactions were summarized using relative excess risk due to interaction, attributable proportion of disease, and the synergy index. Results Greater than additive synergistic associations were observed between female sex and obesity in the 20- and 40-year cohorts, between low education and obesity in the 20-year cohort (both sexes), and between smoking and obesity in the 40-year cohort (both sexes). Conclusions Interventions targeted at women, persons with lower education, and smokers who also have obesity may result in the greatest reduction in the rate of MM accumulation. However, interventions may need to focus on persons prior to mid-life to have the greatest effect.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to compare the association between migraine and sleep quality in premenopausal versus perimenopausal women. Methods A cross-sectional analysis from the Data Registry on the Experiences of Aging, Menopause and Sexuality was conducted using questionnaire data from premenopausal and perimenopausal women seen at women's health clinics at 3 geographic locations from 2015 to 2021. Sleep quality and duration were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Associations between poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >5) and self-reported migraine history (Y/N) were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for body mass index, anxiety, depression, and vasomotor symptoms. Results Of 2,067 women (mean age 43.2 years) included in the analysis, 594 (28.7%) reported a migraine history. Women were mostly white (92.2%), partnered (75.1%), and educated (86% with at least some college); 46.5% (n = 962) were premenopausal, 53.5% (n = 1,105) were perimenopausal, and 71.2% met the criteria for poor sleep. In univariate analysis, migraine history predicted poor sleep in both premenopausal and perimenopausal women (P = 0.005 and P = 0.004, respectively). However, in multivariable analysis, migraine history remained associated with poor sleep in premenopausal women (P = 0.044), but not in perimenopausal women (P = 0.46). Conclusions A migraine history was associated with poor sleep in premenopausal women. The relationship in perimenopausal women seemed to be influenced by confounding factors that are more prevalent during the menopause transition and are known to affect the frequency of migraine and sleep disturbances, such as anxiety, depression, and vasomotor symptoms. These conditions may need to be the focus of management in migraineurs with sleep disturbances during the menopause transition.

ABSTRACT Background Studies have found that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Aim To evaluate the relationship between self-reported endometriosis and FSD utilizing validated surveys. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among sexually active women aged 18–90 who presented to 3 Mayo Clinic sites from 2015 to 2021. FSD was determined utilizing a combined endpoint of Female Sexual Function Index score ≤ 26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score ≥ 11. Associations between history of endometriosis and FSD were evaluated by fitting 3 multivariable logistic models and were stratified by menopause status. In the first model, the association was adjusted for age, BMI, race/ethnicity, marital status, and education. The second model adjusted for the variables in Model 1 and hormone therapy, hormonal contraceptive use, self-reported history of abuse within the last year, and co-morbidities including the history of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, and stroke. The third model adjusted for the variables in Model 1, Model 2, and anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, and SSRI/SNRI use. Outcomes The outcomes included self-reported endometriosis and female sexual dysfunction determined utilizing a combined endpoint of Female Sexual Function Index score ≤ 26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score ≥ 11. Results Of 7118 patients (mean age 51.3), 92.2% were white, 78.4% were peri- or postmenopausal, 8.7% reported endometriosis history, and 57.2% met the criteria for FSD. Women with endometriosis were more likely to be overweight or obese, be smokers, have had a history of heart disease and osteoporosis, have had anxiety and depressed mood, have had a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and have used hormone therapy. Compared to those without endometriosis, women with endometriosis were significantly more likely to have FSD only among premenopausal women (74.2% vs 57.4%). Similarly, in multivariable analysis the relationship was only seen for premenopausal women in all 3 models (Model 1: OR 2.74 (95% CI 1.43–5.27); Model 2: OR 2.55 (95% CI 1.30–5.04); Model 3: OR 2.30 (95% CI 1.13–4.68)). Clinical Implications These findings highlight the opportunity for healthcare practitioners to evaluate sexual function in premenopausal women with endometriosis. For peri and postmenopausal women with endometriosis, the risk of FSD was lower than for premenopausal women with endometriosis. Strengths and Limitations This study analyzed the association between endometriosis and FSD in women by menopause status using validated tools that included a measure of distress associated with sexual dysfunction. Limitations include its cross-sectional design which does not allow for determination of the direction of this association. Conclusion The risk for FSD associated with endometriosis depends on menopause status. Endometriosis increased the odds of FSD only in premenopausal women.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate associations between sleep and female sexual function. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis from the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause and Sexuality (DREAMS) was performed using questionnaires in women presenting for menopause or sexual health consult at Mayo Clinic from December, 2016 to September, 2019. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) assessed sexual function and sleep parameters, respectively. Associations between sleep quality (PSQI score ≥ 5 poor sleep quality), sleep durations (< 5 h, 5-6 h, 6-7 h, > 7 h) and female sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.55 and FSDS-R ≥ 11) were evaluated utilizing a multivariable logistic model adjusting for multiple factors. A secondary analysis evaluated sleep quality by sexual activity and also included sexually inactive women. Results: A total of 3,433 women were included (mean age 53). Sexually active women (N = 2,487; 72.4%) were included in the primary analysis; 75% had poor sleep quality, and 54% met criteria for female sexual dysfunction. On multivariable analysis, women with poor sleep quality were 1.48 times more likely to report female sexual dysfunction (95% CI 1.21-1.80, P < 0.001). Of women who reported sleeping < 5 hours nightly, 63.3% had female sexual dysfunction, and their Female Sexual Function Index total and domain scores were significantly lower than women sleeping > 7 hours nightly (P = 0.004); however, this was not statistically significant in multivariable analysis. Sexually active women were more likely to report good sleep quality compared with sexually inactive women (25.3% vs 20.5%, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality, but not sleep duration, was associated with greater odds of female sexual dysfunction. Good sleep quality was linked to sexual activity. In addition to its myriad effects on health, poor sleep quality is associated with female sexual dysfunction. Video Summary: http://links.lww.com/MENO/A714.

Abstract Background Obesity and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are prevalent conditions, and both are associated with significant adverse effects on health and well-being. Aim To investigate the association between body mass index and FSD, as well as potential moderators. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed by analyzing medical records of 6,688 women seeking consultation for menopause-related or sexual health–related concerns at women’s health clinics at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, and Scottsdale, AZ, between May 1, 2015, and September 15, 2019. Outcomes Female sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index, and sexual distress was assessed by the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. Results Being overweight or obese was associated with a lack of sexual activity. Among sexually active women, those who were overweight or obese had lower Female Sexual Function Index total scores and sexual function domain scores (indicating worse sexual function), including sexual arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm, and pain, and higher levels of sexual distress than those with normal weight. However, on multivariable analysis, these associations were found to be mediated by other factors, including age, level of education, reproductive stage, medication use, and mood disturbances, which are known to impact body weight and sexual function in women. Clinical Implications Overweight and obesity were associated with sexual inactivity and greater odds of having FSD, which should prompt proactive assessment of sexual function. Strengths and Limitations The strengths of this study include the large cohort size and assessment of sexual problems in addition to sexual distress, a key component of the definition of sexual dysfunction. This study also took into account multiple potential moderating factors. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, which precludes determination of causality as well as lack of diversity in the cohort, potentially limiting generalizability of results. In addition, sexual function was not assessed in women reporting no recent sexual activity, which may confound results. Conclusion Overweight/obesity and FSD are highly prevalent conditions, which appear to be indirectly associated. These results highlight the need to identify and address FSD in all overweight and obese women, with particular attention to potential contributing factors.