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Impaired sexual function in women with systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study
Arthritis Care and Research , 11/02/09

Schouffoer AA et al. – Women with SSc reported significantly impaired sexual functioning and more sexual distress then healthy controls. Impaired sexual functioning and sexual distress were associated with marital distress and depressive symptoms. These results indicate that in daily practice, inquiring about sexuality and screening for depressive symptoms is indicated in every patient with SSc, irrespective of their clinical characteristics.

Methods

Cross-sectional study
69 women with SSc (ages 18-60 years) and 58 healthy, age-matched controls
Assessment included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form 36 health survey, sociodemographic characteristics, and in patients only, the Health Assessment Questionnaire

Results

Of 69 eligible patients with SSc, 37 (54%) responded, in addition to 37 (64%) of 58 controls
FSFI total score and subscale scores for lubrication, orgasm, arousal, and pain significantly lower and FSDS scores significantly higher in patients with SSc
Longer disease duration and higher levels of marital dissatisfaction significantly associated with low sexual function in patients with SSc
Longer disease duration, more depressive symptoms, and use of antidepressants significantly associated with sexual distress
Multivariate analyses indicated that marital distress was only variable significantly associated with low sexual function in patients with SSc , whereas depression was only variable significantly associated with sexual distress
Same pattern of associations was found in healthy control group

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