Abstract
Primary sexual dysfunctions (SD) are a direct result of neurological changes that affect the sexual response. Secondary SD result from the symptoms that do not directly involve nervous pathways to the genital system, such as bladder and bowel problems, fatigue, spasticity, or muscle weakness. Tertiary SD are the result of disability-related psychosocial and cultural issues that can interfere with sexual feelings and experiences. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual satisfaction (SS) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) without significant mobility impairment and to estimate the influence of SD, the score on the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), lowered mood, and stress coping strategies on SS. Methods. 76 PwMS with the EDSS score < 5.0 points were enrolled in the study. The subjects completed the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19), and the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ). Results. The level of SS in PwMS was not significantly lower compared to that of the general population. It correlated with the primary, secondary, and tertiary SD and lowered mood. However, it did not correlate with disability measured by the EDSS. Conclusions. The level of SS in PwMS with the EDSS score below 5.0 points was not significantly lower. SS depended on SD, lowered mood, and stress coping style, and it was not significantly related to the level of disability in patients with the EDDS score below 5.0.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that results in demyelination with axonal damage and cerebral cortical atrophy [1]
We found the lack of correlation of SS with the level of disability measured on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
Our study demonstrated that in most patients, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) score did not show any significant depressive disorders
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that results in demyelination with axonal damage (white matter damage) and cerebral cortical atrophy (grey matter damage) [1]. The number of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) worldwide exceeds 2.5 million with approximately 630,000 cases reported in Europe. Poland is among the countries with a high incidence of MS. It is assumed that the incidence of MS in Poland ranges from 45 to 92 people per 100,000 inhabitants [3]
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