Prevalence and risk of developing sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis (MS): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective To estimate the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar and also gray literature up to October 2021. The search strategy includes: (“Multiple Sclerosis” OR “MS” OR “Disseminated Sclerosis” OR (Disseminated AND Sclerosis) OR (Sclerosis AND Multiple)) AND (“Sexual Dysfunction” OR (Sexual AND Dysfunction) OR (Sexual AND Dysfunctions) OR (Sexual AND Disorders) OR (Sexual AND Disorder) OR “Sexual Dysfunctions” OR “Sexual Disorders” OR “Sexual Disorder” OR “Psychosexual Dysfunctions” OR (Dysfunction AND Psychosexual) OR (Dysfunctions AND Psychosexual) OR “Psychosexual Dysfunction” OR “Psychosexual Disorders” OR (Disorder AND Psychosexual) OR (Disorders AND Psychosexual) OR “Psychosexual Disorder” OR “Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder” OR “Sexual Aversion Disorder” OR (Aversion Disorders AND Sexual) OR (Disorders AND Sexual Aversion) OR “Sexual Aversion Disorders” OR “Orgasmic Disorder” OR (Disorders AND Orgasmic) OR “Orgasmic Disorders” OR “Sexual Arousal Disorder” OR (Arousal Disorders AND Sexual) OR (Disorders AND Sexual Arousal) OR “Sexual Arousal Disorders” OR “Frigidity”). Results We found 2150 articles by literature search, after deleting duplicates 1760 remained. Fifty-six articles remained for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of SD in MS patients estimated as 61% (95%CI:56–67%) (I2:95.7%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of Anorgasmia in MS patients estimated as 29% (95%CI:20–39%) (I2:85.3%, P < 0.001). The pooled odds of developing SD in MS women estimated as 3.05(95%CI: 1.74–5.35) (I2:78.3%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of decreased vaginal lubrication in MS patients estimated as 32%(95%CI:27–37%) (I2 = 94.2%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of reduced libido was 48%(95%CI:36–61%) (I2:92.6%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of arousal problems was 40%(95%CI: 26–54%) (I2:97.4%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of intercourse satisfaction was 27% (95%CI: 8–46%) (I2:99%, P < 0.001). Conclusion The result of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that the pooled prevalence of SD in women with MS is 61% and the odds of developing SD in comparison with controls is 3.05.

Supervised Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Improves Sexual Function and Diminishes Sexual Distress in Women with Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomised Controlled Study

“…In women with MS, FSD is a prevalent and extremely stressful condition [5]. According to Yasdani et al, FSD prevalence in MS patients was evaluated to be 61%, and the odds of presenting FSD in comparison with controls is 3.05 [6]. Reduced libido was described as the most reported issue, affecting 48% of patients.…”

“…Reduced libido was described as the most reported issue, affecting 48% of patients. Furthermore, the pooled prevalence of satisfaction with intercourse was determined to be 27% [6]. MS patients present increased levels of physical disability, psychosocial variables and adverse pharmacological side effects, all of which can increase the incidence of FSD [7].…”

Priority setting: women’s health topics in multiple sclerosis

“…These women will need to manage the stages of their reproductive life, including pregnancy and menopause, as they cope with MS. In our prior scoping review of the literature regarding topics relevant to women’s health in MS ( 2 ), most studies focused on pregnancy, fetal/neonatal outcomes and sexual dysfunction ( 3 ). Few studies addressed relevant topics such as menopause, contraception, gynecologic cancers and cancer screening.…”