The Effect of Electronic Cigarette Use on Female Sexual Functions

Abstract

Abstract Aim While the effect of tobacco use on female sexual functions is known, the effect of electronic cigarettes on female sexual functions is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate whether electronic cigarette use influences female sexual functions.Method Female patients over the age of 18 who applied to the Chest Diseases Polyclinic between July and August 2023 were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to smoking status. Patients who consume tobacco products, patients who consume electronic cigarettes, and patients who do not smoke. Participants filled out the Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), which consists of 19 questions. Participants' sexual function scores were compared between groups. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) rates were evaluated between groups.Results A total of 171 women participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 34.25 ± 7.51 (19–58). Participants who smoked were divided into two groups: tobacco smokers (n = 56) and electronic cigarette users (n = 44). 71 participants who did not smoke constituted the control group. A total of 72 patients (42.1%) were found to have FSD. When the electronic cigarette group and the control group were compared, the FSFI-orgasm, satisfaction, pain and total FSFI scores of the participants in the e-cigarette group were found to be lower than the control group (p = 0.005 for orgasm, p = 0.029 for satisfaction, p = 0.046 for pain and Total p = 0.040 for FSFI). More FSD was observed in the cigarette group and e-cigarette group than in the control group (26.8% for the control group, 48.2% for the cigarette group, 47.7% for the e-cigarette; p < 0.001).Conclusion FSD can be seen in women who use e-cigarettes as frequently as in women who smoke regular cigarettes, and FSD is seen at a higher rate than in women who do not smoke.