Investigation of the relationship between the pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction in women with Sjögren’s syndrome

Abstract

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of all exocrine glands, especially tear and salivary glands. 1 Typical symptoms of SS are dry eyes, mouth and vagina but other mucosa can also be involved, resulting in a disturbing sicca syndrome that can impair quality of life. 2 As in other autoimmune diseases, SS predominantly affects women more than men and may occur in patients of all ages but typically has onset in the 4th to 6th decades of life. 3 A good sexual life is an important factor in global health status 4 and vaginal dryness and dyspareunia experienced in SS have a negative effect on participation in sexual activity. 5 The classic triad of dry eyes, mouth and vagina is known to most gynecologists as

Absolute and Relative Reliability of the Assessment of the Muscle Mechanical Properties of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women with and without Urinary Incontinence

“…Regarding the representativity of the sample, the proportion of UI types was similar than those previously reported in young women [ 4 ]. The values of PF distress and impact of the current sample were lower when compared to previous research in women with PF disorders and healthy women [ 45 , 46 ], probably because the current sample was not in treatment or seeking treatment for PF or continence at the time of the study, and also due to the young age of the sample. Furthermore, no women reported pain or any discomfort throughout the assessments, demonstrating the safety and repeatability of the protocol.…”

Investigation of the effects of pelvic floor training on pain, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life in female patients with primary Sjögren syndrome

“…Studies demonstrated that women with SS had pelvic floor problems 7,10 . PFDI‐20 is generally used for pelvic floor disorders 6 .…”

“…The reason for this was explained as the antibodies in SS negatively affect gastrointestinal smooth muscle, parasympathetic function, and detrusor activity 8,9 . In a recent study, it was revealed that sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor problems are associated with women with pSS 10 …”

“…8,9 In a recent study, it was revealed that sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor problems are associated with women with pSS. 10 It has been shown that pelvic floor training has positive effects on both sexual function and pelvic floor problems. [11][12][13] There are also studies reporting that pelvic floor rehabilitation programs, including exercise and patient education, have positive effects on sexual functions, pain and quality of life in women with dyspareunia.…”