Effects of human papillomavirus and LEEP on sexual function

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in humans. Aims: We evaluated the sexual function of human papillomavirus positive patients after colposcopy and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Methods: This study enrolled 344 patients with an HPV infection detected on routine screening in 2020–2022. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which consists of six sections: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Results: The mean age of the 344 HPV-positive patients was 37.2 ± 8.2 years, and 28.2% of them were unmarried. Colposcopy, cervical biopsy, and LEEP were performed in 251 (73.0%), 189 (54.9%), and 42 (12.2%) patients, respectively. The sexual history and FSFI scores of the patients were recorded. The total and individual parameter scores on the FSFI decreased significantly after colposcopy. Similarly, the total and individual parameter scores on the FSFI were lower at 8 weeks after LEEP compared to those before LEEP. Conclusion: Cancer-related fear and anxiety and LEEP may cause sexual dysfunction in HPV-positive patients.