[Sexual function in rheumatic diseases].

Sexual function is closely related to satisfactory quality of life. The sexual activity has an impact in the sexual satisfaction of patient, several aspects of personal life and in their relationships. Systemic autoimmune diseases affect various organs and systems and they can determine sexual dysfunction in patients, particularly with: rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren syndrome, vasculitis and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Manuscripts describing sexual function in these diseases, mainly with large population, are scarce. Sexual dysfunction in females and males with rheumatic diseases is multifactorial due to chronic disease aspects, disease activity and drugs. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in order to offer preventive measures for these patients. The authors did a literature review based on Medline, Lilacs and Pubmed data using the keywords: sexual function, sexuality, reproductive health and rheumatic diseases.