The effects of anogenital condylomas on female sexuality and psychology: a case-control study

Abstract

Aim: Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted virus with over two hundred subtypes. It can cause anogenital condyloma, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. Human Papillomavirus types 6 and 11 are responsible for anogenital condylomas. The effect of condylomas on female sexual life and psychological state is investigated in our study. Material and Method: Seventy-six vulvar condyloma patients and 80 participants as the control group were included in the study after excluding the subjects not meeting the inclusion criteria. After an initial evaluation, condylomas excised using carbon dioxide laser followed by a medical assessment in the 3rd post-excisional month. Female sexual function index and Beck depression inventory scales were used on a group of healthy patients with anogenital condyloma at 0-3 months. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the FSFI scores at 0 and 3 months between the case and control groups (p<0,001). Although no statistically significant difference was found, a trend of improvement in the Female sexual function index scores of cases from 0 to 3 months was observed (p=0.194). A statistically significant difference was found in the Beck depression inventory scores of cases from 0 to 3 months (p=0.002). Conclusion: Anogenital condylomas cause negative effects on female psychology and sexuality, and excisional intervention seems to have a beneficial effect on psychology and sexual functions.