Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy And Sexuality Questionnaire-19 Research Articles

Sexual problems among women with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundSexual problems are prevalently experienced by women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and have been investigated in several studies. The nature of sexual changes in MS is best defined as primary, secondary, and tertiary. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate three levels of sexual problems (SP) in female patients with MS and to examine their relationship with various clinical and demographic variables. MethodsA total of 132 women with MS completed two questionnaires; demographic and clinical history, and Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19). Fatigue was evaluated by Fatigue (energy) sub-scale of Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) questionnaire. General physical ability and frequency of sexual intercourse were also evaluated. ResultsOne hundred and fifteen patients (87.1%) reported primary SP. The most frequent symptoms of primary, secondary and tertiary sexual problems were delayed orgasm, spasticity and concern about partner's sexual satisfaction, respectively. The MSISQ-19 total score was correlated with age(p=0.002), disease duration(p=0.010), marriage duration(p=0.001), fatigue(p<0.001), number of children(p=0.006), physical ability(p<0.001), education(p=0.006), economic status(p=0.002), number of times having sexual intercourse(p=0.007) and number of times approached by spouse for intercourse(p=0.012) in the last 30days. ConclusionsSexual problems were prevalent among our participants. Appropriate management of SP depends on understanding the disturbed level.

Sexual dysfunction ın multiple sclerosis: Gender differences

PurposeTo assess the frequency and nature of sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and to investigate the relationships of SD with clinical, demographic and psychosocial factors by comparing MS patients with and without SD. MethodsEighty-nine patients were included, 45 males and 44 females, aging an average of 37.4±8.6years (range:21–56). We applied Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) to all patients. Disability was evaluated with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Results60.7% (n=54) of patients reported SD according to MSISQ scores. Women exhibited significantly higher MSISQ scores than men (42.6±12.9 and 36.6±13.3, respectively; P=0.034). Women (7.9%) also reported to experience sexual arousal difficulties significantly more than men (1.1%) (P=0.024) according to ASEX. The patients were classified into three MSISQ-19 subscales, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary SD. The most common reported dimension of SD was secondary (32.5%, n=41). In this dimension of SD, patients mostly complained of pain-burning, memory-concentration problems and bowel symptoms. A significant relationship was found between Secondary SD and both EDSS score and disease duration (r=0.34 p=0.001 and r=0.21 p=0.042, respectively). Tertiary SD was also associated with EDSS score (r=0.23 p=0.03). ConclusionSexual Dysfunction, a frequent problem for MS patients, is associated with gender. Women reported more SD than men. Secondary SD symptoms were the most common complaints for both men and women. Nonetheless women had more secondary SD symptoms than men. The emotional dimension of SD is related with disability.

Problems and Factors Affecting the Sexual Lives of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Living in Turkey

Sexual dysfunction is frequently reported by patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and this topic is receiving more attention in Turkey with many recent studies having been conducted. A descriptive study was conducted to determine the sexual problems and factors affecting the sexual lives of patients with MS living in Turkey. A demographic questionnaire and the evaluation form of sexual satisfaction were completed 59 study participants. The patients’ symptom severity evaluated with the MS-Related Symptom Scale (MS-RS) and sexual problems evaluated with Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19). Data has been collected from a face-to-face interview performed by a neurology unit nurse. Results indicated that 27.1% of the participating MS patients had sexual problems, and the difference of patients’ sexual satisfaction scores was statistically significant both before and after onset of disease. It was also determined that the relation between MS-RS and MSISQ-19 was significant in a positive way. The total MSISQ-19 score was higher and the difference was significant for participants who were married, who had insufficient income, who engaged in exercise, who had tense relationships with their spouse, who thought that sexual fulfillment is important and that the medicines had changed their sexual life, and who spoke with their spouse about sexual problems. Many factors are involved in the development of sexual difficulties in MS patients. The study determined that as the symptom intensity of MS patients increases, sexual problems also increase. Also this study have shown that after the onset of MS sexual satisfaction decreases. For these reasons, it has been suggested that MS patients and their spouses should be given information about symptom control, and the nurses should offer counsel to the spouses concerning this important topic. Furthermore, patients also need to know the side effects of the medicines they must take, suitable exercises and social activities should be planned, at-home care should be arranged for patients who need it, and free care should also be arranged for those who cannot afford it otherwise.

Multiple sclerosis patients with and without sexual dysfunction: are there any differences?

Objective Sexual dysfunction (SD) severely affects the quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study is to investigate the type and frequency of sexual complaints in MS patients, to analyse their relationship to various clinical and psychosocial variables and to clarify the differences between MS patients with and without SD. Methods Thirty-five relapsing-remitting (RR), nine secondary progressive and seven primary progressive MS patients were included in this study. A structured face-to-face interview regarding sexual function and other physical problems which may interfere with sexual functioning was administered to each patient. They also filled out Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), which includes items for primary (direct physical), secondary (indirect physical) and tertiary (psychosocial) causes of SD. Disability, cognitive functions and psychological functioning were also evaluated. Results Forty-one patients (80.4%) reported primary SD; decreased libido was the most frequent complaint (80.5%). These patients were older and more disabled, however 39% had low disability scores. SD was a common problem for both men and women. Patients with RRMS were affected less in all items of primary SD. Several items of secondary SD-problems with memory and concentration, bladder symptoms, bowel symptoms-showed correlation with different items of primary SD; these were altered genital sensation, decreased libido, increased time for arousal, decreased lubrication/difficulties with erection. Total MSISQ-19 scores were correlated with disease duration, age, disability, disease course, Beck depression scale, temporary and long-standing anxiety and low level of education. Conclusion SD is an underestimated, common symptom of MS. It may occur in MS even in the absence of severe disability. Physicians’ awareness of this problem may help to bring about appropriate treatments and management, and improve the quality of life for these patients.