Continuum of Symptoms in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Links with Sexual Behavior and Unrestricted Sociosexuality

• Published in: The Journal of sex research Vol. 58; no. 4; pp. 532 - 544
• Main Authors: Tzalazidis, Rebecca, Oinonen, Kirsten A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 04.05.2021; Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
• Subjects: Androgens; Fertility; Hair; Hirsutism; Masturbation; Medical diagnosis; Medical screening; Ovaries; Polycystic ovarian syndrome; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Questionnaires; Responsiveness; Self report; Sexual behavior; Sexual orientation; Sexuality; Sociocultural factors; Sociosexuality; Young women
• ISSN: 0022-4499; 1559-8519
• DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1726273

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exist on a continuum, are associated with hyperandrogenism, and have fertility implications. The present study investigated the relationship between PCOS symptoms and sociosexuality in young women with a continuum of symptoms ranging from none to clinical levels. Given that unrestricted sociosexuality, or one's orientation toward uncommitted sexual activity, is associated with hyperandrogenism, we hypothesized that women experiencing more symptoms of PCOS, and a greater likelihood of androgen excess, would have a more unrestricted sociosexual orientation. Women completed questionnaires about PCOS symptoms, sociosexuality, and sexuality. Unrestricted sociosexuality, unrestricted desire, romantic interest in women, and masturbation frequency were all positively associated with PCOS symptoms (including male pattern hair growth). The sexuality scores were also higher in women who scored above (versus below) the cutoff on a self-report PCOS screening questionnaire. In addition, attraction to women was higher in participants reporting a past diagnosis of PCOS. The findings are in line with theories that androgens play a role in sociosexuality and sexual orientation. Future research should examine sociocultural explanations, and whether the continuum of PCOS symptoms (e.g., hirsutism) is a useful model for studying the effects of androgen exposure, hyperandrogenism, or androgen responsiveness on women's behavior.