The effect of heavy menstrual bleeding on sexual quality of life: a case-control study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) on the sexual quality of life of women. Method: A case-control study was conducted with a total of 142 women (71 with HMB and 71 controls) who applied to the outpatient clinics of a state hospital in Turkey. The case group consisted of women of reproductive age diagnosed with HMB, while the control group included women without HMB who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F). Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age and body mass index (BMI) (p > 0.05). However, compared to the control group, women with HMB reported a greater number of bleeding days, menstrual clots, higher pad/tampon usage, greater bleeding volume, menstrual discomfort, and shorter menstrual cycles (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups regarding educational level (p < 0.005), while no significant difference was found in contraceptive use (p > 0.05). The mean SQOL-F score was 71.91 ± 20.60 for women with HMB and 80.06 ± 17.39 for the control group, indicating a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Additionally, 26.8% of women with HMB had poor sexual quality of life. Conclusion: Although differences in educational level may represent a potential confounding factor, our findings demonstrate that HMB significantly reduces sexual quality of life in women, thereby supporting our research hypothesis.