Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) can lead to different types and ranges of sexual dysfunction in MS patients. Studies in different parts of the world have reported a high range of sexual dysfunction in men with MS. This study aimed to estimate pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with MS. Methods The authors searched Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Magiran, SID, and Iran Medical Papers Database using the keywords “multiple sclerosis”, “sexual dysfunctions”, “men”, “prevalence”, and their synonyms systematically. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model with inverse variance-weighted method to estimate the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with MS. The protocol for this meta-analysis is available in PROSPERO (ID CRD42020199005). Results A total of 351 documents were identified, and 20 articles published from 1996 to 2019 were analyzed. The articles used sample sizes from 9 to 101 individuals. However, two studies conducted online used 388 and 1568 samples. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in all studies was reported from 31 to 92%, and the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with MS in all studies was 62.9% with a 95% confidence interval 53 to 72.7% (heterogeneity: I2 = 96.3%, Q-statistic = 12.48, P value < 0.001). According to the results of Egger’s test, there was publication bias in the current study (β = 4.55, Se = 1.38, P value = 0.004). Conclusion Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in men with MS. Diagnosing sexual dysfunction in MS patients in clinics by specialists have to be considered a necessity.

Data extraction methods for systematic review (semi)automation: A living systematic review

“…It is likely that the particular research context (e.g. see Pham et al ., 2021 1 ) will have a large degree of influence on the performance metrics to be had if they can be determined. The description of how the 17 “Key items of interest” were determined and if there is a plan to put these forth as methodological guidelines or a reporting checklist would be helpful.…”

“…It is likely that the particular research context (e.g. see Pham et al ., 2021 1 ) will have a large degree of influence on the performance metrics to be had if they can be determined.…”

Sexual dysfunction in men with multiple sclerosis

“…Lisa B. Grech 1,2* , Michelle Allan 3 and Barbora de Courten 1 We read with interest the review by Dastoorpoor and colleagues [1], highlighting the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with multiple sclerosis (MS). We congratulate the authors on bringing together research on the important topic of the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, which may be caused, at least in part, by the high prevalence of psychological symptoms in MS, but may also precipitate or compound existing psychological symptoms and impact quality of life.…”

“…A Danish community study found that 11% of male respondents reported sexual dysfunction (frequent and perceived as a problem), while 68% of males reported less severe sexual difficulties [5]. Many of the studies included in the review by Dastoorpoor and colleagues [1] reported on the severity, enabling a qualitative synthesis and discussion. Primary, secondary and tertiary causal aspects of sexual dysfunction were also reported in many of the included studies, again providing an opportunity for a nuanced discussion about the causal impact attributable to MS disease processes, the symptoms of MS or comorbid factors.…”

Using citation tracking for systematic literature searching - study protocol for a scoping review of methodological studies and an expert survey

“…Syst Rev. 2021 Jan 26;10(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s13643-020-01542-z) 1 . For example, item 5 of PRIMSA-S – Citation searching - states “Citation searching 5 Indicate whether cited references or citing references were examined, and describe any methods used for locating cited/citing references (e.g., browsing reference lists, using a citation index, setting up email alerts for references citing included studies).” I think this is important so as not to potentially confuse readers.…”