Assessment of sexual dysfunction in females with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Introduction Sexual dysfunctions are common sexual health problems affecting a substantial proportion of females with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objective This study aimed at the evaluation of female sexual dysfunction in patients with SLE. Materials and methods A total of 50 females with SLE and 50 matched healthy female volunteers were assessed using the Arabic version of Female Sexual Function Index. Married and sexually active females during the past 6 months with established diagnosis of SLE were recruited from the Rheumatology Clinic, Beni-Suef University hospital during the period from March to August 2017. All data were statistically analyzed using the IBM statistical package for the social sciences version 20. Results The study showed that 60% of females with SLE and 16% of healthy controls reported abnormal sexual function according to the FSFI total scores, with a statistically significant differences in-between (P=0.00). Conclusion Female sexual dysfunction is a common problem among patients with SLE.