Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 60% of chronic pain individuals complain of sexual dysfunction, the prevalence of which varies from 20 to 88%. Among sexual complaints most reported by elderly females there are low interest, difficult vaginal lubrication and inability to reach orgasm. This study aimed at checking the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among long-lived females with chronic pain and at describing interfering factors. METHODS: This was a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study with females above 80 years of age. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities and use of drugs, in addition to chronic pain evaluation and measurement and identification of sexual dysfunctions by the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. RESULTS: Participated in the study 32 elderly females, with mean age of 87 years, most of them widows, with less than 4 years of education, good self-reported health, without sexual partner and with primarily osteoarthritis-induced nociceptive pain.The prevalenceof sexual dysfunctionwasfoundtobe 78% ofelderlywithchronicpainwith a mean score of7. Major reason for sexual inactivity was lack of a partner. In approximately 28.1% it was observed that chronic pain would interfere with sexuality. It was also observed that no elderly female had been previously addressed as to their sexuality, although 68.8% have stated that would have liked to be addressed. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain was considered a factor interfering with sexual practices of studied long-lived females, suggesting that this symptom may impair sexuality during aging.
Highlights
Life expectation is increasing worldwide and with it, the prevalence of chronic problems is increasing among aging individuals, such as chronic pain presentations[1]
This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among long-lived females with chronic pain and at describing factors interfering with that dysfunction, supposing that negative society attitudes about aging and sexuality, especially among long-lived females, would represent a major challenge
As to drugs potentially interfering with sexual function, it was observed that elderly females part of this study used them frequently (12.5% used opioid analgesics, 37.5% antidepressants and 6.3% anticonvulsants), and sexual dysfunction may be considered a common antidepressant adverse effect[30]
Summary
Life expectation is increasing worldwide and with it, the prevalence of chronic problems is increasing among aging individuals, such as chronic pain presentations[1]. Sexual dysfunction is common among elderly females, with prevalence varying from 20 to 88%13,14. Most important complaint related to such dysfunction is low sexual interest, difficult vaginal lubrication and inability to reach orgasm[11]. 60% of chronic pain individuals complain of sexual dysfunction, the prevalence of which varies from 20 to 88%. Among sexual complaints most reported by elderly females there are low interest, difficult vaginal lubrication and inability to reach orgasm. This study aimed at checking the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among long-lived females with chronic pain and at describing interfering factors. RESULTS: Participated in the study 32 elderly females, with mean age of 87 years, most of them widows, with less than 4 years of education, good self-reported health, without sexual partner and with primarily osteoarthritis-induced nociceptive pain.The prevalenceof sexual dysfunctionwasfoundtobe 78% ofelderlywithchronicpainwith a mean score of[7]. CONCLUSION:Chronic pain was considered a factor interfering with sexual practices of studied long-lived females, suggest-
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