Let’s Talk about Sex: Sexual Health in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Al‐Naamani, Nadine

doi:10.1513/annalsats.202204-322ed

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

(16 reference statements)

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“… 11 Side effects such as vaginal dryness in patients using diuretics and massive and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding in patients with anticoagulants negatively affect sexual activity. 12 , 28 In addition, the disease altered perceptions of intimacy, sexuality, and attitudes toward pregnancy among women with PAH. As up to 80% of PAH patients were women, Pregnancy increases the risk of disease exacerbation, and patients fear of pregnancy may impact sexual and reproductive health in women of childbearing age and their partners because pregnancy was strongly discouraged, due to the risk of pregnancy‐related death.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Patients (and sexual partners) are concerned about catheter displacement, treatment interruption, and pump displacement 11 . Side effects such as vaginal dryness in patients using diuretics and massive and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding in patients with anticoagulants negatively affect sexual activity 12,28 . In addition, the disease altered perceptions of intimacy, sexuality, and attitudes toward pregnancy among women with PAH.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 12 Patients lack comfort discussing sensitive topics and are reluctant to share intimate details of their relationships and sex lives, cultural sensitivities that make sexual activity taboo, or time constraints. 28 This study investigated the sexual function of female CHD‐PAH patients and assessed their QoL with emPHasis‐10. The correlation between sexual function, mental health, and QoL was analyzed, so as to provide a reference for the guidance and related intervention of PAH sexual health in the future.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…PAH alters women's self‐perceptions, relationships, sexual behavior, and thoughts about pregnancy 12 . Patients lack comfort discussing sensitive topics and are reluctant to share intimate details of their relationships and sex lives, cultural sensitivities that make sexual activity taboo, or time constraints 28 . This study investigated the sexual function of female CHD‐PAH patients and assessed their QoL with emPHasis‐10.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Relationships between sexual function, mental health, and quality of life of female patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease

et al. 2022

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In recent years, the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has gradually increased, including new drugs and surgical methods, the mortality rate of PAH patients has significantly decreased, and the average survival rate has significantly improved. However, there was no obvious improvement in sexual health, mental health, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with PAH. Although an important dimension of QoL, little is known about sexual health and sexual health‐related QoL of patients with PAH in China. In this study, the female sexual function index (FSFI) scale, the Symptom Checklist‐90 (SCL‐90), and emPHasis‐10 were used to evaluate PAH associated with congenital heart disease (CHD‐PAH) patients’ sexual function, mental health, and QoL. The score of sexual function in female CHD‐PAH patients ranged from 4.40 to 34.80 points, and the average score was 26.80 (19.00–27.80) points. The detection rate of sexual dysfunction was 48.30%. The FSFI score of all dimensions of the sexual dysfunction group was significantly lower than that of the nonsexual dysfunction group. In addition, the scores of SCL‐90 and emPHasis‐10 were significantly higher than that of the nonsexual dysfunction group ( p < 0.01). The sexual function was negatively correlated with mental health ( r = −0.58, p < 0.01) and QoL ( r = −0.62, p < 0.01) in female CHD‐PAH patients. The sexual function of female patients with CHD‐PAH is not optimistic. Sexual health may impact mental health and overall QoL in female PAH patients. Reasonable intervention measures should be taken to improve their sexual health, so as to improve their overall QoL.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Relationships between sexual function, mental health, and quality of life of female patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease

et al. 2022

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Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Sexual Function

Ramirez,

Blanco

2024

Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine

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Sexual function, health functionality, and quality of life in females with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a cross-sectional study

Oliveira,

Arakaki,

Vieira

et al. 2024

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can have several consequences on sexual function, which can lead to worsened quality of life. Aim The study sought to assess sexual function and its association with health functionality and quality of life in females with PAH. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in pulmonary circulation outpatient clinics from January 2022 to March 2023 in females diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Assessment was carried out through the application of the Female Sexual Function Index, the 36-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, and the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form Survey. Outcomes Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and JASP, and Spearman’s correlation tests were applied between the instruments, with a P value <.05 considered significant. Results A total of 91 females were assessed. It was identified that 90.1% of females had sexual dysfunction, with worse scores in females with sexual dysfunction in the domains of satisfaction, arousal, and desire, with average health functionality and quality of life. There were significant correlations between the domains of mobility, getting along, life activities, and the overall functionality score with some domains of sexual function, especially arousal and satisfaction. We found significant correlations between some domains of quality-of-life assessment with the domains of desire, arousal, and satisfaction, and with the overall score of sexual function assessment, as well as strong correlations between health functionality and quality of life. Clinical Implication The data reinforce the need for rehabilitation programs and social support for this population. Strengths and Limitations This is one of the few studies to evaluate sexual function, quality of life, and health functionality in women with PAH. Due to limitations in data collection, we were unable to assess certain factors such as hormone levels and a history of sexual abuse. Conclusion We identified a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in females with PAH with mild functional impairment and a moderate quality-of-life score with correlations between sexual function, health functionality, and quality of life.

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Let’s Talk about Sex: Sexual Health in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Cited by 3 publications

References 15 publications

Relationships between sexual function, mental health, and quality of life of female patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease

Relationships between sexual function, mental health, and quality of life of female patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease

Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Sexual Function

Sexual function, health functionality, and quality of life in females with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a cross-sectional study

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