Fibromyalgia and sexual problems

Bazzichi, Laura; Giacomelli, Camillo; Rossi, Alessandra; Sernissi, Francesca; Scarpellini, P.; Consensi, Arianna; Bombardieri, Stefano

doi:10.4081/reumatismo.2012.261

Cited by 31 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Women with fibromyalgia report sexual dysfunction primarily related to diminished desire, low arousal and decreased orgasm. [17] Various dermatologic conditions, such as Behcet’s disease and psoriasis, also impact sexual functioning. [18–20] A large proportion of our participants (80%) had chronic vulvovaginitis symptoms that had been present for over a year, which could suggest that their dysfunction relates to having chronic medical illness rather than symptoms intrinsic to vulvovaginitis.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in a Vulvovaginal Specialty Clinic

Gordon

Gardella

Eschenbach

et al. 2016

Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease

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Objective Our study evaluated the presence and predictors of sexual dysfunction in a vulvovaginal specialty clinic population. Materials & Methods Women who presented to a vulvovaginal specialty clinic were eligible to enroll. Participants completed a questionnaire, including Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess sexual dysfunction and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 depression screen, and underwent a standardized physical exam, with vaginal swabs collected for wet mount and culture. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between sexual dysfunction and clinical diagnosis. Results We enrolled 161 women, aged 18–80 years (median = 36), presenting with vulvovaginal complaints. Median symptom duration was 24 months; 131 women (81%) reported chronic symptoms (≥12 months). By PHQ-9, 28 (17%) women met depression criteria. In the month prior to assessment, 86 (53%) women experienced sexual dysfunction. Women were primarily diagnosed with vaginitis (n = 46, 29%), vestibulodynia/vulvitis (n = 70; 43%), lichen planus or lichen sclerosus (n = 24; 15%). Controlling for age, sexual dysfunction did not correlate with chronic symptoms (IRR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50–1.48), depression (IRR 1.24; 95% CI 0.59, 2.58), or presence of any of the three main diagnoses (IRR 1.16, 95% CI 0.47, 2.88). Discussion Sexual dysfunction is present in over half of women presenting to a vulvovaginitis referral clinic, more than twice the rate in the wider population.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in a Vulvovaginal Specialty Clinic

Gordon

Gardella

Eschenbach

et al. 2016

Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease

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“…The higher presence of arousal problems in patients suffering from FM and/or other chronic pain conditions has been previously reported by a number of studies (e.g., Refs. 21, 42, and 43). The major factor affecting these women's sexual response is not only the constant pain presence but also related psychological aspects (such as symptoms of depression, stress) and CWP‐related somatic symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbances.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sexual Problems and Sexual Distress in a Sample of Women Suffering from Chronic Widespread Pain

Burri¹,

Lachance²,

Williams³

2014

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Introduction Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal problem and a cardinal symptom of fibromyalgia, affecting up to 15% of the population. CWP is associated with substantial physical and psychological impairment and reduced quality of life. Aim To describe sexual problems in women having CWP. To compare the sexual function between patients with CWP and healthy women, and to explore potential predictors of sexual problems in women suffering from CWP. Methods A descriptive, cross sectional study involving a total of 853 individuals, including 166 with CWP and 687 healthy counterparts. For the screening of sexual problems and distress, the original and amended lifelong version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale were applied. A set of standardized questionnaires to assess potential risk factors for sexual problems was further used. Main Outcome Measures The levels of sexual function and distress in women with CWP was compared with those of healthy women. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was used to determine the potential predictors for sexual problems in women with CWP and healthy counterparts. Results Women with CWP reported more difficulties with lubrication, more sexual pain, and higher levels of sexual distress. Potential predictors of sexual problems in women with CWP were heterogeneous, with relationship dissatisfaction being associated with lower levels of sexual function in all the FSFI domains. Significant, domain-specific effects were further detected for anxiety sensitivity, emotional intelligence, obsessive compulsive behavior, and the big five personality traits. In general, factors influencing recent sexual problems were different from those influencing lifelong sexual function. Conclusions CWP patients report more sexual pain and sexual distress compared with controls. Assessment of sexual problems should therefore be added to routine care of patients with CWP.

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“…Several studies in the literature have found a close correlation between FMS and sexual dysfunction. The main symptoms include decreased sexual drive, excitement, orgasm, and increased genital pain ( 2 ) . From a psychological point of view, stress, chronic generalized pain, fatigue, and sleep disorder negatively affect the sexual life of patients with FMS.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of sleep disorder and its effect on sexual dysfunction in patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome

Koca¹,

Acet²,

Tanrikut³

et al. 2016

tjod

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Objective:Sexual problems are commonly seen in women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The objective of this study was to reveal the relationship between the severity of symptoms, sleep disorder, and sexual dysfunction in women with FMS.Materials and Methods:A total of 140 sexually active women with FMS aged 17-67 years who presented to our physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic between January 2016 and June 2016 were enrolled in the study. The patients’ age, height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), and general pain score [visual analogue scale, (VAS)] for the last 1 week were recorded. The patients were given three different sets of questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).Results:The mean age of the patients was 40.3±8.5 years; the mean BMI was 27.1±4.4 kg/m2, VAS (last 1 week) was 6.9±2 cm, the mean PSQI was 24.8±10.8 (one patient with PSQI ≤5), FIQ was 65.9±19.2, and FSFI was 19.0±6.9. No significant relationship was observed between the mean PSQI and BMI values (p=0.401), whereas a significant relationship was found between the mean values of VAS, FIQ, and FSFI (p=0.03; p=0.034; p<0.001, respectively). In Pearson’s correlation analysis, a positive correlation was noted between PSQI and VAS (r=0.324; p<0.001) and FIQ values (r=0.271; p=0.001). A significant relationship was found between the FIQ and VAS values (p<0.001). P less than 0.005 was considered statistically significant.Conclusion:Sleep disorder is regarded as the underlying cause for many signs and symptoms in FMS. Sexual dysfunction may develop in women with FMS, based on the severity of the disease and poor sleep quality. We found that sleep dysfunction was significantly related with the severity of disease, pain, and sexual disfunction. We also found a positive correlation between VAS and PSQI.

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Fibromyalgia and sexual problems

Cited by 31 publications

References 21 publications

High Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in a Vulvovaginal Specialty Clinic

High Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in a Vulvovaginal Specialty Clinic

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sexual Problems and Sexual Distress in a Sample of Women Suffering from Chronic Widespread Pain

Evaluation of sleep disorder and its effect on sexual dysfunction in patients with Fibromyalgia syndrome

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