Sexual Activity and Impairment in Women with Systemic Sclerosis Compared to Women from a General Population Sample

Abstract

ObjectiveReports of low sexual activity rates and high impairment rates among women with chronic diseases have not included comparisons to general population data. The objective of this study was to compare sexual activity and impairment rates of women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) to general population data and to identify domains of sexual function driving impairment in SSc.MethodsCanadian women with SSc were compared to women from a UK population sample. Sexual activity and, among sexually active women, sexual impairment were evaluated with a 9-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).ResultsAmong women with SSc (mean age = 57.0 years), 296 of 730 (41%) were sexually active, 181 (61%) of whom were sexually impaired, resulting in 115 of 730 (16%) who were sexually active without impairment. In the UK population sample (mean age = 55.4 years), 956 of 1,498 women (64%) were sexually active, 420 (44%) of whom were impaired, with 536 of 1,498 (36%) sexually active without impairment. Adjusting for age and marital status, women with SSc were significantly less likely to be sexually active (OR = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.28–0.42) and, among sexually active women, significantly more likely to be sexually impaired (OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.42–2.49) than general population women. Controlling for total FSFI scores, women with SSc had significantly worse lubrication and pain scores than general population women.ConclusionsSexual functioning is a problem for many women with scleroderma and is associated with pain and poor lubrication. Evidence-based interventions to support sexual activity and function in women with SSc are needed.

Quality of Sexual Life in Women with Primary Sjögren Syndrome

“…All had an established diagnosis of pSS according to the American-European Consensus group criteria 3 and all were sexually active (women were classified as sexually active/inactive based on the question: "During the past 4 weeks, have you engaged in sexual activities with your partner?") 4 .…”

Psychosocial Aspects of Scleroderma

“…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. 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.…”

Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

“…It means that only 115 of 730 (16%) patients engaged in sexual activities without impairment. It was also confirmed that SSc patients are significantly less likely to be sexually active and more likely to be sexually impaired than the general population of women [46]. Severe sexual dysfunction was also observed in married women with systemic sclerosis.…”