Sexual Functioning Among Adults with Chronic Pain: Prevalence and Association with Pain-Related Outcomes

Abstract

Background/Objective Prior research indicates that sexual functioning and chronic pain commonly co-exist and impact each other; however, there are limitations in current research as to the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in patients with chronic pain. Method This study used detailed measures across multiple domains of sexual functioning to describe the prevalence and correlates of self-reported sexual functioning among individuals with chronic pain presenting for treatment at a multidisciplinary pain management center (N = 247). Domains included sexual interest, satisfaction with sexual functioning, vaginal lubrication, vaginal discomfort, and erectile function and with and without sexual dysfunction were compared on pain-related outcome variables. Results Results from this study showed a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in chronic pain populations and a positive association between sexual problems and pain severity and psychological concerns. Sex differences were noted with female participants exhibiting significantly lower sexual satisfaction associated with higher levels of pain, pain-related life interference, depression, and anxiety, whereas these relationships were not significant for male participants. Conclusion Findings demonstrated that patients with chronic pain experience significant sexual dysfunction, including lack of interest in sexual activity and low satisfaction with their sex lives. Compared to patients without sexual dysfunction, patients with sexual dysfunction reported higher average pain levels and higher depressive symptoms, along with greater anxiety for patients with at least one area of sexual dysfunction. Adding to these findings are the pain-relevant correlates of sexual functioning domains and sex differences in these relationships with women experiencing additional pain-related problems. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.

Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation and sexual functioning: Treatment outcomes and patient preferences

“…Consistent with other literature, this study found that sexual functioning problems are common among patients seeking chronic pain treatment 1–4 . Also echoing other published results, 23 most patients have not talked to their providers about their sexual functioning concerns; however, patients reported that it is important to address.…”

“…Consistent with other literature, this study found that sexual functioning problems are common among patients seeking chronic pain treatment. [1][2][3][4] Also echoing other published results, 23 most patients have not talked to their providers about their sexual functioning concerns; however, patients reported that it is important to address. While IPRPs have the potential to remove barriers to sexual healthcare among those with chronic pain, results of this study indicate that IPRP participation was insufficient to improve satisfaction with sexual functioning among female patients.…”

“…Sexual dysfunction is common for patients experiencing chronic pain 1–4 . While prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction for patients presenting for chronic pain treatment have been reported, 3 there is limited understanding of how chronic pain treatment affects patients' sexual functioning.…”

“…Sexual dysfunction is common for patients experiencing chronic pain. [1][2][3][4] While prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction for patients presenting for chronic pain treatment have been reported, 3 there is limited understanding of how chronic pain treatment affects patients' sexual functioning. Current outcome data for this population include studies examining the experiences only of one sex, 5 a specific type of pain (such as cancer pain 6 ), using a one-item outcome measure of sexual functioning from a measure of global impairment, 7 or using a population receiving treatment away from home and thus likely separated from their sexual partners.…”

The Effect of Frequency of Sexual Intercourse on Symptoms in Women with Fibromyalgia

“…[ 34 ] Patients with chronic pain with sexual dysfunction have greater pain intensity and depressive symptoms than those without. [ 35 ] Sexual function in FM, a chronic painful condition, has long been the focus of studies. Sexual dysfunction reduces the quality of life of FM patients.…”