Rates and correlates of sexual activity and impairment among women with systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Objective. To assess 1) the rates of sexual activity and impairment, 2) clinical correlates of sexual activity/impairment, and 3) common sources of pain during and after sex in a large sample of female patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Methods. We performed a cross-sectional multicenter study of female SSc patients from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry. Patients underwent medical examinations and clinical histories and were asked whether they had engaged in sexual activities with their partner in the past 4 weeks. Sexually active patients completed a 9-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and items related to problems that may be linked to sexual dysfunction in SSc. Multivariate logistic regressions assessed independent predictors of activity/inactivity and sexual dysfunction. Results. A total of 226 (41%) of 547 patients, including 215 (54%) of the 401 patients currently in relationships, reported having engaged in sexual activities with a partner in the past 4 weeks. Among 165 sexually active patients with complete data for all variables, 102 (62%) had FSFI total scores <22.5, indicating impaired function. Seventeen percent of the patients were sexually active and not impaired. Independent predictors (P < 0.05) of sexual activity were younger age, fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, and less severe Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms. Sexual impairment was independently associated with older age, higher skin scores, and more severe breathing problems. Vaginal pain was 8 times more likely among women with impairment. Conclusion.Research is needed to compare the extent of activity and impairment in SSc compared to women without SSc and to develop interventions to address impaired sexual function in women with SSc.

Psychosocial Aspects of Scleroderma

“…39,40,42 Factors that are independently associated with being sexually active include younger age, fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, and less severe Raynaud phenomenon symptoms. 41 Among women who are sexually active, sexual impairment is associated with older age, as well as with more severe skin involvement and breathing problems. Vaginal pain is 8 times as common among women with impairment compared with those without.…”

“…1,[38][39][40][41][42][43] Compared with women in the general population, women with SSc are significantly less likely to be sexually active, and sexually active women with SSc are significantly more likely to be sexually impaired. 39,40,42 Factors that are independently associated with being sexually active include younger age, fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, and less severe Raynaud phenomenon symptoms.…”

The clinical relevance of sexual dysfunction in systemic sclerosis

“…Therefore sexual dysfunc- 51 tion is a concern for both male and female genders in the general popu-52 lation, with a major influence on patients affected by chronic diseases 53 [3]. Patients may not feel confident in discussing their sexual problems 54 to the rheumatologist or to the general practitioner. Equally, health 55 professionals might be reluctant to discuss sexual problems due to 56 their very personal nature and concern about embarrassment for both 57 professional and patient.…”

Sexual Distress, Sexual Dysfunction and Relationship Quality in Women with Systemic Sclerosis: Correlation with Clinical Variables

“…Chronic pain, fatigue and low self esteem can reduce an individual's sexual interest and thereby reduce the frequency of intercourse (2). Women with SSc have high levels of sexual impairment compared with women with other chronic diseases (4). Many female SSc patients in relationships are sexually active, although few are active without significant problems.…”

“…Many female SSc patients in relationships are sexually active, although few are active without significant problems. Gastrointestinal and Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) symptoms are associated with decreased sexual activity, while breathing problems and higher skin scores are associated with sexual impairment (4)(5).…”