Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with ischemic stroke: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is characterized by the acute onset of one or more neurologic deficits that persist for at least 24 hours, and is the result of a vascular disorder in a defined territory, being the leading cause of disability. Late complications, such as sexual dysfunction, have a direct impact on psychological and emotional aspects and directly affect the quality of life of these patients. Objectives and methods: Cross-sectional study that aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke followed in the neurovascular outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, using the Female Sexual Quotient (FSQ) questionnaire. The FSQ can range from 0-100 points. Higher values indicate better sexual performance/satisfaction and a score of 60 points or less was considered as having sexual dysfunction. Casuistics and results: Sixty-five questionnaires were analyzed and classified according to the FSQ score. Mean age was 52 years and median FSQ score was 54 points. Of the interviewees, 30.7% had their sexual performance classified as poor-null, 13.85% of patients had poor-unfavorable sexual performance, 15.38% as unfavorable-regular. Regular-good and good-great sexual performance were found in 21.54% and 18.46%, respectively. Discussion: In this study, only 40% of post-stroke women have regular-good and good-great sexual performance. The impact of the stroke on the sexual life of these patients is high, because most of the interviewees had sexual dysfunction according to FSQ. Conclusion: The health professional must be aware of the non-motor sequelae caused by the stroke and be prepared to help these patients in coping with sexual dysfunctions.