Sexual Dysfunction among Women with Connective Tissue Disease

Abstract

Sexuality is an important aspect of quality of life that is often neglected in research studies and is rarely assessed in routine clinical practice. Patients may feel embarrassed to mention their sexual concerns and many health care providers feel uncomfortable taking a sexual history. The exact prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the general population is not known, but it is clearly very common and women are affected more often than men. Since the majority of connective tissue diseases have a female predilection, sexual dysfunction likely has a large impact on many of our patients. Furthermore, the clinical manifestations of these diseases such as joint pain, deformity and decreased physical function among many others have a major effect on sexual function.We will report results on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with systemic sclerosis from our own institution. A validated questionnaire, The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), consisting of six domains was used to assess the multidimensional nature of female sexual dysfunction among women with scleroderma. Our results show a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among female scleroderma patients compared to a healthy control population.We will also provide a review of the literature on sexual dysfunction among women in a variety of other connective tissue diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjogren's syndrome.

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

“…Remaining partly clothed, using extra blankets, and adjusting the room temperature may help to keep warm and reduce the likelihood of a Raynaud's phenomenon episode (14,16). A warm bath before sexual activities, attempting alternative sexual positions, and using pillows may reduce the effects of painful joints (10,12,14,16). In addition, antiinflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants may help with muscle and joint pain (12,16).…”

“…A warm bath before sexual activities, attempting alternative sexual positions, and using pillows may reduce the effects of painful joints (10,12,14,16). In addition, antiinflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants may help with muscle and joint pain (12,16). Eating small meals and/or avoiding eating right before sexual activity may be helpful for patients with gastrointestinal problems (14,16).…”

“…Existing studies of sexual functioning among women with SSc have concluded that sexual impairment is common, based on frequencies of reported problems (10,17), comparisons to the general population (11,12,15), and comparisons to women with other chronic diseases (14). Common problems reported include vaginal dryness and discomfort, painful intercourse, and reduced frequency and intensity of orgasms (10,15).…”

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

“…For instance, a water-based lubricant may be useful to reduce vaginal dryness and dyspareunia [11], [13], [14], [19], [20], [23]. A warm bath before sexual activities, attempting alternative sexual positions, and using pillows may reduce the effects of painful joints [11], [14], [20], [22]. Good communication during sexual activity has also been emphasized so that partners are aware of what is pleasurable and painful [14].…”

Disfunción sexual en mujeres con esclerosis sistémica

“…La disfunción sexual (DS) es común entre las mujeres con enfermedades crónicas 3 , incluyendo ES [4][5][6][7][8][9] . Según el Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales (DSM-5), las disfunciones sexuales son un grupo de trastornos heterogéneos, típicamente caracterizados por una alteración clínicamente significativa de la capacidad de la persona para responder sexualmente o para experimentar placer sexual 11 .…”