Effects of Yoga on Sexual Function in Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Female sexual dysfunction is an important public health issue; it has a high global prevalence, but no effective and safe treatment options. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is higher in women with metabolic syndrome than in the general population.
AIM:
The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of yoga as a treatment for sexual dysfunction in women with metabolic syndrome.
METHODS:
In this randomized, controlled study, 41 women with metabolic syndrome (age 30-60 years) were assigned to a 12-week yoga exercise group (n = 20) or a wait-listed control group (n = 21).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Primary end points were changes in total and individual domain scores on the Female Sexual Function Index.
RESULTS:
The 12-week yoga intervention resulted in significant improvement in arousal (0.74 ± 1.18 vs. 0.16 ± 0.82, respectively; P = 0.042) and lubrication (0.72 ± 1.12 vs. 0.06 ± 0.87, respectively; P = 0.008) compared with the control group. Systolic blood pressure showed significantly greater improvement in the yoga group than in the control group at the 12-week follow up (-3.5 ± 13.7 vs. 2.0 ± 14.7, respectively; P = 0.040).
CONCLUSION:
These findings suggest that yoga may be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction in women with metabolic syndrome as well as for metabolic risk factors. Kim H-N, Ryu J, Kim K-S, and Song S-W. Effects of yoga on sexual function in women with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. J Sex Med **;**:**-**.
© 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.
KEYWORDS:
Female Sexual Dysfunction, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Metabolic Syndrome, Yoga

PMID: 23899008