Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Sexual health is a major component of human well-being. As repeatedly shown in research, satisfaction with sex life and sexual fulfillment correlate positively with quality of life (QoL) in most of its aspects. It is thus true that a reduced quality of one’s sex life and lack of sexual fulfillment can contribute to poorer QoL overall. The aim of this study is to describe an assessment of sexual dysfunction and factors affecting sexual dysfunctions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Material and methods: 171 consecutive RA patients (mean age 48.3 ± 14.6) attending the rheumatology outpatient clinic. Standardized questionnaires used in the study were the sexological questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF to assess QoL level, Disease Acceptance Scale, and VAS scale to assess pain intensity. Results: The mean duration of the disease in the study group was 13 ± 9 years, mean score of subjective assessment of mobility was 6.2 ± 1.6, and the mean score of the DAS-28 was 4.0 ± 1.9. The study group presented a mean level of disease acceptance (AIS 29.6 ± 11.6). The comparative analysis showed significant differences in reaching orgasm and declared sexual dysfunctions. These problems occurred more often in women than in men (34.2% vs. 18% and 43% vs. 40%, respectively). In univariate analysis, factors correlating positively with the frequency of declaring sexual dysfunction were subjective motor score less < 6 points, AIS < 36 points, WHOQOL-BREF < 59 points, disease activity ≥3.5 points, and VAS > 3. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent factors positively correlating with frequency of sexual dysfunction declaration were general QoL (β = 1.255; p = 0.035) and pain limiting social life (β = 1.564; p = 0.030). The absence of comorbidities correlated negatively and reduced the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (β = −1.030; p = 0.043). Patients with reduced QoL and patients with pain limiting social life had 3.5 and 4.8 times higher risk of sexual dysfunction than other patients, respectively. In contrast, those without comorbidities were 2.8 times more likely to be free of sexual dysfunction than those diagnosed with other chronic diseases besides RA. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is an emerging problem in both men and women with RA. The absence of comorbidities is an independent determinant of sexual dysfunction, whereas poor QoL and pain limiting social life are independent determinants that exacerbate sexual dysfunction in both genders.

Prevalence and Comorbidities Among Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Saudi Arabian Context

“…The study population consisted of 128 females (85.3%) and 22 males (14.7%), reflecting the higher prevalence of RA in women, which is commonly observed worldwide [ 20 ]. The finding that the male sex is protective against comorbidities in patients with RA aligns with the literature that has reported a higher prevalence of comorbidities in female patients with RA [ 21 , 22 ]. Hormonal and genetic factors and differences in healthcare-seeking behavior may contribute to this sex disparity in comorbidity burden among patients with RA.…”

Biomedical microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging

“…关节疾病是一个严重的公共卫生问题, 会引起 疼痛、肿胀、僵硬、功能障碍等一系列症状 [80,81] . 由 于关节结构的复杂性和多样性, 诊断关节疾病, 包 括关节炎和创伤, 是一个具有挑战性的问题.…”

Lifestyle Factors and Their Influence on Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review

“…Sexual dysfunction occurs more frequently in RA patients compared with the healthy population, although this factor is rarely discussed with the treating rheumatologist [ 111 ]. The problem is aggravated by pain and by the number of comorbidities [ 112 ] and associated with depression and fatigue [ 111 ]. In addition, the disease activity, the age of patients and partners and poor sleep quality contribute to problems with sexual life that occur in almost half of female RA patients [ 113 ].…”