Sexual Function in Iranian Female Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2014

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common reported problem in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). to examine frequency and distribution of SD dimensions and to determine whether SD is related to various clinical and demographic variables in female patients. A total of 271 MS women (age: 19-50 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. We used a structured demographic and clinical interview and Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19). Disability was rated by Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS). 63.5% (n = 173) of women had SD included 142 (52.4%) women with primary SD, 102 (37.5%) women with secondary SD and 120 (41%) women with tertiary SD. The most common SD-related complaint was orgasmic problem (41.2%). Women with primary SD were significantly older and had higher EDSS score. No significant relationship was found between primary SD and disease duration. Fatigue (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.352-5.385, P = 0.005), memory and concentration complaints ...

BMC neurology, 2016

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is very common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and contributes a significant burden of disease, particularly for young people. SD has direct neurological contributions from depression and fatigue, which occur commonly in PwMS. Modifiable factors may represent potential targets for treatment and prevention of SD. We aimed to assess the prevalence of SD and explore associations between SD and demographic and modifiable risk factors, as well as depression and fatigue in a large cohort of PwMS. We analysed self-reported data from a large, international sample of PwMS recruited via Web 2.0 platforms, including demographic, lifestyle and disease characteristics. Specific sexual function questions included 4 items from the sexual function scale and 1 item regarding satisfaction with sexual function, part of the MS Quality of Life-54 instrument. 2062 PwMS from 54 countries completed questions on sexual function. 81.1 % were women, mean age was 45 years, most...

Acta Clinica Croatica

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system and usually occurs at the age when people would be expected to be in the prime of their sexual lives. In everyday practice, sexual dysfunction is underestimated because clinicians mostly concentrate on the classic neurologic defi cits and often overlook symptoms that can seriously aff ect the quality of life. Our study included 98 patients (42 men and 56 women, mean age 35±12 years) with relapse from our MS register, with established diagnosis of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis according to McDonald criteria. Patients completed the questionnaires (Sexual Satisfaction Scale, SSS and Beck Depression Scale BDS), and underwent neurological assessment (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS). All patients were in the group with EDSS 2 to 4 points (mobile patients). Th ere was no statistically signifi cant diff erence in BDS and SSS values according to EDSS score. Correlation coeffi cients were calculated (BDS and SSS) for men (p=0.42) and women (p=0.44), yielding positive correlation. Th ere was no statistically signifi cant diff erence in BDS and SSS values according to gender, disease duration or immunomodulatory therapy. In our group of patients, despite low EDSS score (fully ambulatory without aid, self suffi cient patients) we found positive correlation between sexual dysfunction and depression, showing that even in such patients the quality of life can be decreased. In conclusion, sexual dysfunction and depression are mostly under-recognized by neurologists because they are not part of routine testing; therefore, some additional questionnaires should be used in the evaluation in MS patients, even those with low EDSS score, in order to improve their quality of life.

Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 2008

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is an often overlooked disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). The pur- pose of this study was to investigate the relationship between SD and other disabilities in men and women with MS. The sample included 32 men and 219 women. The men ranged in age from 32 to 65 years with a mean of 47.6 years. The women

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 1995

Changes in sexual function in 47 women with advanced multiple sclerosis are described. Twenty eight (59-6%) of the women reported decreased sexual desire. Seventeen (36.2%) reported decreased lubrication. Five (10-6%) others did not know if they lubricated or not. Eighteen women (38.3%) reported diminished orgasmic capacity and six (12.8%) others had never had an orgasm. Sensory dysfunction in the genital area was experienced by 61-7% of the women and 76-6% had weakness of the pelvic muscles. Sixty six per cent had bowel problems and 89-4% had bladder dysfunction. The changes in sexual function correlated both with neurological symptoms from the sacral segments, such as weakness of the pelvic floor and bladder and bowel dysfunction, and to other symptoms such as ataxia and vertigo as well as with age and the occurrence of amenorrhoea. A significant correlation was found between expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score and cohabitation. Problems with sexual function were reported significantly more often by women with lower EDSS scores. Most women (83%) found the interview a positive experience.

The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, 2018

Studies on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in multiple sclerosis (MS) have shown that 40% to 80% of women and 50% to 90% of men have had sexual complaints. Sexual function is often disregarded during consultation with healthcare professionals, and SD is frequently underdiagnosed. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SD and its relationship to sociodemographic and disease-related factors, with regard to disability state, in a hospital cohort of MS patients, by using a semistructured interview. Of 130 screened outpatients, 87 met the inclusion criteria and completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 39.3 ± 8.3 years, with a disease duration of 8.3 ± 5.4 years and a mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 2.04 ± 0.19. Sexual function was evaluated by means of a semistructured interview, investigating a patient's 3 main life areas: sociodemographic information, illness perception, and sexuality. Approximately 70% of the pat...

Nöropsikiyatri arşivi, 2017

Introduction: To investigate the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on male sexuality. Methods: While 61 men with MS were included into the study group, 60 healthy men constituted the control group in the study. In MS patients, such parameters as functional status and depression levels were assessed with the Expanded Disability Status Scala (EDSS) and the Beck Depression Scale (BDS), other parameters such as pain levels, sexual function and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scala (VAS), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the short form-36 (SF-36), respectively. Results: Patients with MS were classified as 45 with EDSS <5.5 and 19 with EDSS >5.5. Mean VAS and BDI scores patients with MS were found statistically significantly higher, compared with those of the controls (p<0.05). Mean IIEF and all sub-group scores of SF-36 of patients with MS were found to be statistically significantly lower, compared with those of the control group (p<0.05). Mean EDSS in patients with MS was 2.75±2.42. While there was a positive correlation between IIEF scores of patients with MS, and mean mental and physical components of SF-36, a negative correlation was found between IIEF scores in MS patients, and age, disease duration, number of attacks, number of marital years and scores of EDSS, VAS and BDI (p<0.00). When BDI ≥17 was accepted as the threshold for depression, the depression was detected in 62.5% of patients with MS and 11.7% of the controls (p<0.001). Sexual functions are affected negatively in male patients with MS and seem to be associated with increased disability, pain and accompanying depression. Therefore, male patients with MS should also be evaluated with regard to sexual function, as well as disability during their follow-ups.

Journal of The Neurological Sciences, 2001

Background and objectiÕe. Sexual dysfunction severely affects the quality of life of patients, but longitudinal studies of sexual function in multiple sclerosis are lacking. We performed a study on a group of patients with multiple sclerosis to evaluate the change in sexual function and to examine the relationship between sexual dysfunction and other clinical variables over time.

Iranian journal of psychiatry, 2017

Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease with a detrimental effect on functional status. The present study investigated the effect of a sexual therapy program on the quality of life (QOL) of women with multiple sclerosis. Method: Women with multiple sclerosis and sexual dysfunction (n = 30) were selected, and were randomly assigned into the treatment (n = 15), or the control groups (n = 15). Participants of the treatment group (n = 15) received 12 weekly sessions of sexual therapy. Participants in both groups completed the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and the MS Quality of Life- 54 (MSQOL-54) in the onset of the program and at the end of the program. Results: ANCOVA(s) using pre-test scores as covariate(s) revealed that in comparison to the control condition, MS patients within the treatment group showed a significant improvement in their sexual desire (0.0001), arousal (0.022), lubrication (0.001), orgasm (0.001), satisfaction (0.0001), overall quality of life (0....

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 2010

Female sexual functioning is a complex process involving physiological, psychosocial and interpersonal factors. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is frequent (40-74%) among women with multiple sclerosis (MS), reflecting neurological dysfunction, psychological factors, depression, side effects of medications and physical manifestations of the disease, such as fatigue and muscle weakness. A conceptual model for sexual problems in MS characterizes three levels. Primary SD includes impaired libido, lubrication, and orgasm. Secondary SD is composed of limiting sexual expressions due to physical manifestations. Tertiary SD results from psychological, emotional, social, and cultural aspects. Sexual problems cause distress and may affect the family bond. Practical suggestions on initiation of discussion of sexual issues for MS patients are included in this review. Assessment and treatment of sexual problems should combine medical and psychosexual approaches and begin early after MS diagnosis. Intervention can be done by recognizing sexual needs, educating and providing information, by letting patients express their difficulties and referring them to specialists and other information resources.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1984

The frequency, nature and enjoyment of sexual practices may be disturbed by acute or chronic illness. Sexual problems may be caused by, among other factors, the nonspecific symptoms of illness, the anxieties over disruption of lifestyle or the specific impairments caused by a disorder. Patients with, for example, multiple sclerosis are thought to experience sexual problems commonly. In one study, Lilius found that in a group of 284 MS patients, 64% of the men and 39% of the women described their sexual life as "unsatisfactory" or "ceased entirely."' Lundberg found that 90% of his MS patients confined to wheelchairs "have major problems with sexual function."* Szasz et al. used a Sexual Functioning Scale to study 73 consecutive patients a t an M S clinic and found that 45% of the patients were "less sexually active" or "inactive" since the onset of MS. Fifty percent of this group indicated that they were "concerned" about this situation.' In a follow-up study, 18 "concerned" MS patients listed their sexual concerns as: "cannot satisfy the partner" (1 1 patients), "don't feel like sex" (9 patients), "cannot satisfy myself" (1 1 patients), "cannot be like a man" (4 patients), and "partner does not feel like sex" (2 patients). Fifteen of these patients were men; most were over the age of 40, and most were married. The three women were over the age of 50. and only one was married. Most of these patients had M S for over 10 years. Their rating on the Kurtzke Disability Scale ranged from 1 to 7.4 The purpose of this paper is to consider the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of one sexual problem area that may be associated with MS, that of sexual dysfunctions. CLASSIFICATION Sexual dysfunctions include erectile and ejaculatory disorders in men, disorders of vaginal lubrication, orgasm and vaginismus in women. Some definitions also include sexual disinterest.' The nature and the significance of these dysfunctions vary and are dependent on a variety of factors, including the health and the age of the patient and the presence or absence of a partner. EPIDEMIOLOGY Sexual Dysfunctions in the General Population Kinsey et al. estimated that impotence affected 18% of the American male population at the age of 60. Premature ejaculation was not considered a disorder and 9% of women were described as nonorgasmic on a lifetime basis! Frank et al. studied 100 white well-educated couples who were nonpatient volunteers. Forty percent of the men reported erectile or ejaculatory problems. Sixty-three percent of the women described orgasmic dysfunctions. However, 80% of

The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2014

BMC Women's Health

Objective To estimate the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar and also gray literature up to October 2021. The search strategy includes: (“Multiple Sclerosis” OR “MS” OR “Disseminated Sclerosis” OR (Disseminated AND Sclerosis) OR (Sclerosis AND Multiple)) AND (“Sexual Dysfunction” OR (Sexual AND Dysfunction) OR (Sexual AND Dysfunctions) OR (Sexual AND Disorders) OR (Sexual AND Disorder) OR “Sexual Dysfunctions” OR “Sexual Disorders” OR “Sexual Disorder” OR “Psychosexual Dysfunctions” OR (Dysfunction AND Psychosexual) OR (Dysfunctions AND Psychosexual) OR “Psychosexual Dysfunction” OR “Psychosexual Disorders” OR (Disorder AND Psychosexual) OR (Disorders AND Psychosexual) OR “Psychosexual Disorder” OR “Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder” OR “Sexual Aversion Disorder” OR (Aversion Disorders AND Sexual) OR (Disorders AND Sexual Aversion) OR “Sexual...

The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2018

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative neurological disease that usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 50 years. Sexuality issues are important factors that affect the quality of life of patients. Aim: To determine and evaluate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Greek women with MS and correlate it with organic and psychological factors. Methods: 248 consecutive women with MS, aged over 18 who admitted to our outpatient clinics from February 2016 to March 2017 were included in the study. Demographics (age, marital status, menopause status, number of children) and disease-related data such as the duration of the disease, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and medication for MS obtained. Main Outcome Measure: All participants completed the Greek validated versions of the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) questionnaires. Statistics used to estimate the prevalence of FSD and its correlation with organic (age, EDSS, duration of the disease, menopause status) and psychological factors (depression, anxiety, stress). Results: FSD was diagnosed in 64.5% of our sample. Age was associated with most subscales of the FSFI. There was no significant correlation in FSFI subscales with the disease duration. Correlation of EDSS and FSFI scores was found to be statistically significant with a negative correlation in all subscales apart from the Satisfaction subscale. Regarding the association between DASS domains and FSFI subscales, there were no significant correlations. Conclusion: FSD is common among Greek women; it is influenced by age, severity of disease, and it is independent of the existence of depression, anxiety, and stress. Konstantinidis C, Tzitzika M, Bantis A, et al. Female sexual dysfunction among Greek women with multiple sclerosis: Correlations with organic and psychological factors. Sex Med 2019;7:19e25.

International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system characterized by episodic and progressive neurologic dysfunction resulting from inflammatory and autoimmune reactions. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common disorder in both male and female patients complaining of multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted including patients with MS attending Arfa MS Society in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from participants using electronic pre-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was uploaded online using social media platforms. Multiple sclerosis intimacy and sexuality questionnaire (MSISQ-19) was used to assess sexual dysfunction. Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess patient’s psychological health and depression.Results: The study included 303 patients with multiple sclerosis whose ages ranged from 20 to 62 years old with mean age of 34.7±8.2 years old. About 75.6% ...