The Sexual Lives of Women Living with Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Study

Santos‐Iglesias, Pablo; Crump, Lyndsay; Henry, Justine L.; LaChapelle, Diane L.; Byers, E. Sandra

doi:10.1007/s11195-022-09748-w

Cited by 5 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…Most of the studies were conducted in Spain (4). Two studies conducted in Colombia [34,35] and two studies conducted in Spain have the same data collection [9,24], although they focus on different aspects of sexuality. Thematic synthesis is an inductive process in which three themes and 18 sub-themes emerge (Table 4).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…By the pain I get bad and insult him without him deserving it. [35] The generalised stiffness prevents them from relaxing and enjoying sex, and they have severe difficulties in reaching orgasm. Women report that this feeling is difficult to explain, especially to their partners, as reported in a focus group: I had a lot of discomfort doing it (coitus), some pain here (vulva) and I didn't have one (an orgasm).…”

Section: Irritability and Low Moodmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…I know it's difficult and that's why I always try to show a good face and avoid him knowing that it hurts me. [35] 3.1.3. Decreased Frequency/Difficulty Reaching Orgasm Pleasure and desire are fluctuating; some women maintain their desire for sex, but most do not.…”

Section: Irritability and Low Moodmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…but I know that this is because of the pain, because of the anguish I feel all the time. [35] Women with FMS feel guilty, and have sex because they see the lack of affection their partner receives as unfair and want to reciprocate. Faced with frustration, they sometimes even consider going their separate ways, knowing that they no longer meet their partners' expectations.…”

Section: Know It's Not Mutualmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Granero-Molina,

Jiménez-Lasserrotte,

Dobarrio-Sanz

et al. 2023

Healthcare

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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.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Irritability and Low Moodmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Irritability and Low Moodmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Know It's Not Mutualmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

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

Granero-Molina,

Jiménez-Lasserrotte,

Dobarrio-Sanz

et al. 2023

Healthcare

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“…Our findings suggest that not refusing sexual activity from the outset may be an option, even if the activity eventually has to stop because every woman and every relationship is different [24]. Communication between partners and commitment to changing their habits is essential [35,38]. Emphasis on play, touch and preparation is key for women [39], along with lubricants and exploring less painful positions [36].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexuality in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Metasyn-Thesis of Qualitative Studies

Granero Molina,

Jiménez-Lasserrotte,

Dobarrio-Sanz

et al. 2023

Preprint

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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 9 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.

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

Lo Monaco,

Alblooshi,

Mallaci Bocchio

et al. 2024

Musculoskeletal Care

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IntroductionFibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex chronic pain condition that negatively impacts women's daily lives, particularly their roles as mothers and wives. A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of motherhood and daily life among women diagnosed with fibromyalgia.MethodsA sample of 10 women affected by FMS was recruited between January and February 2020. Participants were interviewed in a face‐to‐face, in‐depth interview using a semi‐structured interview guide. Data were collected until saturation, and Colaizzi's method was used to analyse data.ResultsThis qualitative analysis identified five themes: A trauma preceding diagnosis, Pervasive feelings of misunderstanding, A struggle to maintain strength among limitations, Challenges in fulfilling maternal roles, and Persistent sexual discomfort. The latter two themes emerged as the most prominent.ConclusionThese findings highlight the significant impact of fibromyalgia on women's family lives and suggest the need for a more comprehensive care programme.

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The Sexual Lives of Women Living with Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Study

Cited by 5 publications

References 54 publications

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

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

Sexuality in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Metasyn-Thesis of Qualitative Studies

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

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