Sexual dysfunction in married women with systemic sclerosis

Abstract

IntroductionSexuality is an often neglected area in patients with rheumatic disease. The aim of this study is to assess sexual functioning and quality of life in a group of married women with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).MethodsThis is a horizontal study for descriptive and analytical purposes. Married women with SSc were interviewed about their sexual functioning and their quality of life.ResultsA total of ten patients who met the criteria have accepted to participate to the study. Their mean age was 52, 4± 8,2 years. Eight women thought that the disease had affected their sexual activity. All patients reported a decrease in the frequency of intercourse since the onset of their disease. Eight of the sample reported a diminished desire for a sexual relationship. The reasons were fatigue, altered body image and pain. The assessment of sexual functioning using the Female sexual function index (FSFI) showed a mean FSFI score at 14,2±7,8 with nine women scoring in the range associated with sexual dysfunction (SD) (<26). All the subscales were affected. Our patients reported a mean total score on WHOQOL-brief (World Health Quality of Life-Brief Version) of 60 out of 120 indicating a moderate altered quality of life. Depression has been identified as determinants of impaired sexual function.ConclusionThe prevalence of SD in women with SSc is high when a specific questionnaire is used to assess it. These results indicate that in daily practice, inquiring about sexuality and screening for depressive symptoms is indicated for every patient with SSc.

Sexual dysfunction and its determinants among women infected with HIV

“…However, a few studies have reported FSFI scores that were similar or lower than the present values. For example, Frikha et al . reported lower FSFI scores among women with systemic sclerosis in Tunisia; Knafo et al .…”

“…Chronic health conditions are also associated with impaired sexual function . Defined as “persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain that causes distress and strains relationships,” female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects the lives of many women worldwide …”

Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

“…Sexual response is a complex interaction of psychological, interpersonal, social, cultural and physiological processes and one or more of these factors may affect any stage of the sexual response. In order to be considered a sexual dysfunction, the dysfunction must: (1) occur frequently, although it may be absent on some occasions; (2) have been present for at least several months; and (3) be associated with clinically significant distress" [25].…”

“…The vascular alterations and immunological activation lead to progressive fibrosis of multiple organ systems including the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and the lungs. Disease-associated changes can have a negative impact on sexual functioning [1,2]. Generally, sexuality in systemic sclerosis has been a neglected area so far, especially female sexual dysfunction.…”

“…The most common symptoms of female sexual dysfunction are vaginal tightness, dryness, and dyspareunia [7,8]. More severe sexual dysfunction is usually associated with depression symptoms, aging, and functional impairment [2,9,10]. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is about 80% [11][12][13].…”