The importance of physiotherapy in the sexuality of patients with rheumatic diseases

Abstract

The sexuality of patients with rheumatic diseases is a significant interdisciplinary problem, requiring intensified action not only of rheumatologists, sexologists, and psychologists but also physiotherapists. The sexuality problems and motor disability in chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, as well as other rheumatic diseases, are generally still taboo subjects, rarely discussed by physicians and physiotherapists. Lack of mobility, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, and accompanying decreased quality of life have an impact on sexual dysfunction. Meanwhile sex, as an integral part of human personality, is an essential element of human life.

Sexuality in male partners of women with fibromyalgia syndrome: A qualitative study

“…Being aware of the challenges that FMS poses for the relationship and engaging both partners can help restore the couple’s intimacy and sex life. Sexuality is rarely discussed with professionals [41], so our participants have discovered their own solutions and comfortable positions for the woman. According to Roy [30], the self-concept mode of adaptation consists of the individuals’ feelings about their bodies.…”

“…Despite experiencing difficulties [27, 46] and putting women first, our male participants do not lose hope of regaining their sex life. Dissatisfied with their sex life, men seek information and sexology advice [38, 47]; they compensate for sexual dysfunction by strengthening intimacy [22] and fostering new sexual practices [37, 38, 41]. Women with FMS and their partners require help from sexology experts [26, 29].…”

Co-Creation of a Working Model to Improve Sexual Health for Persons Living with Rheumatological Diseases

“…The results in this study present co-created knowledge, which can be useful in rheumatological care for the individual patient, for professionals and for teams. The results can be seen as an important contribution to previous research presenting how specific professions can contribute to promoting sexual health for persons living with rheumatological diseases [5] [20] [36]. The model can assist in clarifying difficulties in functioning affecting sexual health and how to best address them.…”

“…Improving sexual health is complex and includes more than guidance about sexual activities when living with a chronic disease. Sexual health can be improved by interventions initiated and performed by various professionals for persons with chronic conditions, such as rheumatological diseases [5] [19] [20], but there are still difficulties in addressing and promoting sexual health in practice [21] [22] [23] [24]. Self-management strategies can also play an important role regarding sexual health for persons living with rheuma-tological diseases [4] [25], indicating the importance of involving the patient in the co-creation of health care services regarding sexual health.…”