7 de octubre de 2026

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association between statin use, urogenital symptoms and sexual function in postmenopausal women.
Method

This cross-sectional study included 1184 postmenopausal women from nine Latin American countries. Participants were classified according to statin use. Urogenital symptoms were assessed using the urogenital domain of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with severe urogenital symptoms and lower sexual function.
Results

Of the participants, 307 (25.9%) were statin users. According to the MRS, statin users reported significantly higher frequencies of vaginal dryness, urinary complaints and sexual problems as well as a greater prevalence of severe urogenital symptoms than non-users (24.4% vs. 12.3%; p < 0.001). They also showed poorer performance across all FSFI-6 domains and a higher prevalence of lower sexual function (78.5% vs. 64.4%; p < 0.001). After adjustment for confounders, statin use remained independently associated with severe urogenital symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–2.50) and lower sexual function (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07–1.99).
Conclusions

Statin use was independently associated with severe urogenital symptoms and lower sexual function in postmenopausal women. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causality.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Sexual and urinary symptoms are common during postmenopause and may negatively affect quality of life, intimate relationships and emotional well-being. At the same time, many middle-aged and older women use statins to reduce cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. However, little is known about whether these medications may influence female sexual health. This study evaluated 1184 postmenopausal women from nine Latin American countries to examine the relationship between statin use, urogenital symptoms and lower sexual function. Women using statins reported more vaginal dryness, urinary complaints, sexual problems, low sexual desire, difficulties with arousal and orgasm, and more pain during intercourse compared with non-users. Overall, lower sexual function and severe urogenital symptoms were also more frequent among statin users. After taking into account differences in age, health conditions, lifestyle and other relevant factors, statin use remained associated with severe urogenital symptoms and lower sexual function. These findings suggest that healthcare professionals should routinely ask about sexual and genitourinary symptoms in postmenopausal women who use statins. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved and to determine whether different statins may have different effects on female sexual health.

Ver artículo online