Sexuality in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Studies

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a nonarticular rheumatic syndrome which presents as chronic musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and body aches. FMS affects approximately 2.5% of the population, mostly women. FMS causes physical and psychological problems and reduces quality of life. The objective of this study is to identify qualitative evidence about experiences of women diagnosed with FMS about their sexuality. Methods: Metasynthesis of qualitative studies. The search included articles published between 2000 and June 2023 on the PubMed, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and SCIELO databases. Results: 450 articles were found through the initial search, of which, only nine fulfilled the criteria and were included in the thematic synthesis. From this analysis, three main themes emerged: (1) “I want to, but I can’t”: FMS causes a shift in feminine sexuality. (2) Resetting sex life and intimacy. (3) Taking charge of a “new sexuality.” Conclusions: Women with FMS suffer from limitations of their sexuality that affect their partner. Pain, stiffness and a loss of desire make sexual encounters difficult. Becoming aware of this and striving not to lose their sexuality is key to coping with this problem. Women and their sexual partners can change roles and encourage communication, games, foreplay or touching. The use of lubricants, physical exercise and complementary therapies, along with social, professional and partner support, are key to coping with FMS.

The lived experience of mothers living with fibromyalgia syndrome: A phenomenological inquiry

“…This study, based on interviews with 10 women diagnosed with FMS, explores their perspectives on how pain affects their libido, sense of pleasure, and overall sexual relationships. Research suggests that women with FMS experience higher rates of sexual dysfunction compared with the general population, potentially due to the impact of pain on physical and emotional intimacy (Granero‐Molina et al., 2023; Ricoy‐Cano et al., 2022; Santos‐Iglesias et al., 2022), as shown by our results.…”

Role of sexuality in women with chronic pain: Results from an Italian cross-sectional study on chronic headache, fibromyalgia, and vulvodynia

“…To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to compare the experience of sexuality among women with various conditions attributed to nociplastic CP. Previous studies have typically examined sexual functioning by focusing on one specific condition or by grouping different diagnoses within the same category (e.g., chronic musculoskeletal pain) ( Birke et al, 2019 ; Burri et al, 2014 ; Granero-Molina et al, 2023 ; Piarulli et al, 2021 ; Ricoy-Cano et al, 2022 ; Santos-Iglesias et al, 2022 ).…”

“…One aspect that remains little explored in CP is the experience related to sexuality. With respect to female sexual health in CP, some studies ( Chisari et al, 2021 ; Connor et al, 2020 ; Flegge et al, 2023 ; Granero-Molina et al, 2023 ; Nimbi et al, 2020 ) agree that this area is frequently impacted, displaying a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and showing a correlation between the severity of pain, psychological issues, and sexual problems. Numerous women experience notably reduced sexual satisfaction linked to elevated levels of pain, pain-related disruptions in daily life, depression, and anxiety ( Flegge et al, 2023 )…”

“…One critical point is that the available literature is mainly focused on one specific conditions, for example sexuality in women with FM ( Granero-Molina et al, 2023 ; Ricoy-Cano et al, 2022 ; Santos-Iglesias et al, 2022 ), or studies that collide different CP conditions into macro-groups, without distinguishing the possible specific experience of patients in different diagnoses ( Birke et al, 2019 ; Burri et al, 2014 ; Piarulli et al, 2021 ). There is also lack of evidence about the specific role of sexual factors in determining physical and mental QoL, apart from the CP type and pain characterization.…”

Living with non‐cardiac chest pain – An inductive qualitative interview study of spouses' perspectives

“…Consequences of different characters, such as reduced social interaction, limitations in sexual life, reduced career opportunities and financial loss and uncertainty about the future, engaging in escapeavoidance coping in order to deal with the demands of caregiving. All together, this results in cumulative negative changes to the family's life (Granero-Molina et al, 2023;Montesó-Curto et al, 2022). Hence, spouses of patients with NCCP, where no medical diagnosis has been established, may live with similar experiences.…”