Sexual behavior of diagnosed women with HPV

One hundred twenty-one women of reproductive age with suspected human papilloma virus (HPV) infection were studied. HPV-DNA testing was performed to determine HPV positivity and genotype. The Female Sexual Function Index was administrated before and three months after the diagnosis was communicated to the patient. Eight-six women were HPV positive and had a significant worsening of sexual function over the next three months. The women receiving information that they were HPV negative did not experience a worsening of sexual function. Clinicians need to be aware of the possible adverse effects on sexual behavior of the diagnosis of HPV.