(340) Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic hemoglobinopathy with clinical and epidemiological relevance. Its clinical manifestations directly affect the quality of life of affected individuals. There is a gap in the literature regarding the approach to aspects related to the sexual and reproductive health of people with sickle cell disease, especially in the female population, given that most of the available studies evaluated men. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual health of adult women with SCD. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the sexual health of adult women with SCD. Methods We prospectively evaluated 29 women with SCD with a median age 34 (26.5 - 40). Nineteen women had HbSS and 10 HbSC hemoglobinopathies. Quantitative data on sociodemographic, biological, and clinical characteristics were collected. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results The median age at diagnosis was 9(1-22) years old, the median age at menarche was 14(13-15) years, and the onset of sexual life occurred on average at 19(16-20) years. Sexual activity was reported by 75.8%. Of the sexually active patients, 40.9% had impaired sexual function (the FSFI total score < 26.55). The Median, FSFI score was 23.5 (1-32.5). The median scores of each domain are detailed in fig 1.The most prevalent sexual dysfunction was hypoactive desire, reported by 72.7% of women. Conclusions Sexual function is tremendously affected by SCD in most women. They present a significant decrease in overall satisfaction with sexual life and markedly reduced sexual desire and orgasmic function. Disclosure No