The Relationship between Serum Level of Vitamin D and Depression Severity with Sexual Function in a Sample of Iranian Women in the Year 2017

Few available studies suggest the possible role of vitamin D deficiency in sexual dysfunction. The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression is still considered challenging issue. According to the bilateral relationship between depression and sexual dysfunction, this study aimed to determine the relationship of serum level of vitamin D and depression severity with sexual function in a sample of Iranian women with sexual dysfunction in the year 2017.
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 women diagnosed for sexual dysfunction [Female sexual Function Index (FSFI) score of less than 28] and selected via convenience sampling method at selected health centers of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, in 2017. Research instruments were demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index, and Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D was measured via electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and linear regression tests via SPSS software.
Findings: From all sexual response domains, arousal (r = 0.22), lubrication (r = 0.31), and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.27) domain scores and total FSFI score (r = 0.23) were directly correlated with the serum level of vitamin D (P It is appeared that there is a correlation between serum level of vitamin D and depression severity with sexual function. Broader analytical studies to identify possible causal relationship are suggested.