A primary analysis of sexual problems in Chinese patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

While the physical impact of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is central to clinical treatment, the sexual problems associated with AS are often overlooked. Sexual problems may be related to a variety of undocumented demographic parameters, physical impairments, and psychological problems. These associations were examined through a single-center cross-sectional study of 103 AS patients (78 males and 25 females) and 121 healthy individuals (73 males and 48 females). All participants provided information pertaining to sexual problems, sociodemographics, and clinical characteristics via written questionnaires including multiple-choice questions conducted independently in the clinical setting under physician supervision. Rates of both prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunctions in AS patients were much higher than those observed in healthy individuals. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis (BAS) Disease Activity Index and two parameters of body image disturbance (distress and impairment in social functioning) correlated with impaired partner relationships (P < 0.05). BAS mobility index, impaired social functioning, and BAS functionality index were the most significant causes of impaired sexual function (P < 0.05) in AS patients. Both physical and psychological factors were shown to impact sexual relationships and function in Chinese AS patients. To more effectively manage AS in clinical settings, rheumatologists and nursing specialists should be aware of the condition's impact on sexual health, considering both physical outcomes, such as disease activity and physical function, as well as psychological well-being.

Sexual dysfunctions and lower urinary tract symptoms in ankylosing spondylitis

“…Using IIEF, our study demonstrates that sexual problems are significantly more prevalent in male AS patients as compared to normal subjects. This is similar to other studies which have reported significant deterioration of sexual function in AS males. A few have reported sexual problems in female AS patients as well …”

“…Impairment of partner relationships and social life in AS patients has been shown by Shen et al . and Ozgül et al ., respectively.…”

“…Of the limited number of controlled/cross sectional studies published in the literature, while some report sexual dysfunctions in AS, others do not. The prevalence of urinary symptoms in AS has not been well studied.…”

Impact of Ankylosing Spondylitis on Erectile Function

“…[18,22] Besides Shen et al shown the association between disturbed social function impeded by depression and sexual dysfunction. [23] Quality of life is impeded by both chronic diseases and sexual dysfunctions. The diminishment of quality of life (QoL) in patients with AS, a chronic inflammatory disease has already been established in the literature.…”

Effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha on sexual activity of male patients with ankylosing spondylitis

“…Another study compared AS male patients' ED with healthy controls and found a significantly higher frequency of ED in AS patients [6]. Shen et al [7] conducted a study on the sexual problems of 103 AS patients in China. They found that the rate of the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in AS patients was much higher than that observed in healthy individuals.…”