Determinants of sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of present study was to determine disease-related and psychological risk factors for sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsThis was a clinical-based study conducted from September 2009 to June 2010 in Tehran, Iran. A consecutive sample of female patients with MS was recruited from an outpatient clinic. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function. In addition neurological impairment was measured using the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed in order to examine the association between sexual dysfunction and independent variables.ResultsIn all, 226 women participated in the study. Of these, 125 women (55.3%) met the criteria for sexual dysfunction. The mean age of participants was 35.7 years (SD = 8.07). The results obtained from multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the disease duration (OR for the disease duration of equal or greater than 9 years = 3.13, %95 CI = 1.29-7.57, P = 0.01), the disease course (OR for secondary progressive MS = 3.96, %95 CI = 1.55-10.10, P = 0.004) and the BDI score (OR = 1.11, %95 CI = 1.07-1.16, P < 0.001) were significant factors contributing to sexual dysfunction in these patients.ConclusionsThe findings from this study indicated that the duration and severity of the disease in addition to depression were the most significant factors that contributed to sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis. The burden of disease and sexual dysfunction suggests the need for further attention to this patient population.

Sexual Dysfunction Seems to Trigger Depression in Female Multiple Sclerosis Patients

“…In the general population, SD and depression are considered to be associated with each other due to a known bidirectional interdependence between depression and SD [12,23]. In female MS patients, previous studies also suggest an interdependence of SD, depression, disease severity, and duration [12,13,24].…”

“…In female MS patients, previous studies also suggest an interdependence of SD, depression, disease severity, and duration [12,13,24]. However, it is so far unclear whether depression in female MS patients might be secondary to centrally induced SD, or whether SD might result from MS-related depression.…”

“…Various studies show that the prevalence of SD among female MS patients ranges between 50 and 85% [2,[11][12][13]. Again, SD may be multifactorial.…”

Sexual Dysfunction and its Associated Factors in Breast Cancer Patients After Mastectomy

“…Studying in Turkey, Bektas and Ozkan (36) achieved the results indicating that post-operation body image has been more problematic for women undergoing mastectomy than those having surgery with preserving breast. It seems that the psychological complications have influenced women's sexual function more that the physiological factors because in the majority of the reported studies, the most common sexual problem has been sexuality and arousal .This dimension mainly reflects their psychological status and conditions while the dimensions like sexual stimulation ,vaginal moisture and dyspareunia are caused due to physiological disorders (9). In this research, the most common sexual problem has been found in the sexuality and sexuality arousal dimension.…”

“…It seems that psychological complications have affected women's sexual function more that the physiologic ones since in the majority of the published studies ,the most common sexual issue has been related to sexuality/sexual arousal dimension . This dimension mainly reflects psychological conditions of patients while areas like sexual arousal, vaginal moisture, and sexual pain stem from physiological conditions causes (9).…”