Abstract
Sexual concerns are known to be common in women suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) but definite data on the prevalence of particular sexual dysfunctions (SD) remain unclear. Previous studies brought inconsistent findings and rely on small groups of patients or use of unvalidated assessment methods. The aim of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of SD in women with MS using validated clinimetric scales. 137 female inpatients with MS diagnosis were interviewed, completed The Female Sexual Function Questionnaire SFQ28 and underwent neurological assessment. Only 2.2 % of patients had ever discussed their sexual concerns with a physician. 70.1 % reported sexual activity. At least one SD could be found in 82.5 % of patients, hypoactive sexual desire (57.7 %), arousal dysfunction (decreased genital sensation in 47.3 %, decreased lubrication in 48.4 %, decreased subjective arousal in 45.2 %) and orgasmic dysfunction (39.8 %) being the most probable. SD were less likely in women who assessed their relationship positively but more common in older patients and those who had a positive history of depression. The prevalence of SD was higher comparing to the majority of studies by other authors. In conclusion, SD are very common in female patients with MS and permanently overlooked by medical professionals. Therefore, the assessment of sexual function should be implemented in all patients after the diagnosis of MS. Further research is needed for better understanding of the sexuality of this particular population in order to establish targets for therapeutic intervention.
Highlights
Sexual activity has had a strong impact when it comes to determining a basic quality of life, self-esteem, self-image and quality of interpersonal relationships
The SFQ is recommended as the optimal screening tool for female sexual dysfunction [33] and the Polish version of the questionnaire was recently validated with an estimated reliability of level 0.97 (Cronbach’s alpha test) [34]
Sexual activity was reported by 96 women (70.1 %)
Summary
Sexual activity has had a strong impact when it comes to determining a basic quality of life, self-esteem, self-image and quality of interpersonal relationships. Sexual concerns of patients suffering from a neurological disease (especially polyneuropathies and myelopathies) are common [8, 9], but still remain poorly understood in clinical practice It has been known for a long time that SD in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more prevalent than in the general population [10]. They are thought to be derived from disease-related neurologic changes—demyelination and the atrophy of nerve fibers that impact sexual response (primarily SD), fatigue and physical disability related to MS (secondary SD).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
