Female Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Associated with Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Barbora Heřmánková, Maja Špiritović, Hana Šmucrová, Sabína Oreská, Hana Štorkánová, Martin Komarc, Karel Pavelka, Ladislav Šenolt, Jiří Vencovský, Radim Bečvář and Michal Tomčík
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Barbora Heřmánková: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Maja Špiritović: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Hana Šmucrová: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Sabína Oreská: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Hana Štorkánová: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Martin Komarc: Department of Methodology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, 162 52 Prague, Czech Republic
Karel Pavelka: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Ladislav Šenolt: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Jiří Vencovský: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Radim Bečvář: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Michal Tomčík: Institute of Rheumatology, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Only a few studies have addressed sexual health in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aimed to compare female sexual function and pelvic floor muscle function in SSc patients with healthy controls (HC) matched by age, and to identify the potential implications of clinical features on sexual function. Our cohort included 90 women with SSc and 90 HC aged 18–70 years that completed six well-established and validated questionnaires assessing sexual function (Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women, Female Sexual Function Index, Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire–Female, Sexual Function Questionnaire) and pelvic floor function (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire–Short Form 7 and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire Short Form). Results from women with SSc and HC were contrasted and correlated with relevant clinical features. The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 73% in SSc patients (vs. 31% in HC). Women with SSc reported significantly worse pelvic floor function and sexual function than HC. Impaired sexual function was correlated with higher disease activity, the presence of dyspnea and interstitial lung disease, increased systemic inflammation, reduced physical activity, functional disability, more severe depression, more pronounced fatigue, and impaired quality of life. We demonstrate that sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among women with SSc. This aspect of the disease deserves more attention both in clinical care and at the level of international research collaboration.

Keywords: systemic sclerosis; sexual health; female sexual dysfunction; pelvic floor function; quality of life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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