Hatice Isik1, Metin Isik2, Oner Aynioglu3, Deniz Karcaaltincaba4, Ahmet Sahbaz3, Tugba Beyazcicek5, Mehmet Ibrahim Harma3, Nejat Demircan5. 1. Bulent Ecevit University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zonguldak, Turkey; Mevlana University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konya, Turkey. Electronic address: k.hgonbe@gmail.com. 2. Bulent Ecevit University, School of Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, Zonguldak, Turkey. 3. Bulent Ecevit University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zonguldak, Turkey. 4. Gazi University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara, Turkey. 5. Bulent Ecevit University, School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Females with Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) often experience vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, along with glandular and extraglandular symptoms. We aimed to evaluate sexual function and life quality in women with SS. METHODS: Forty-six premenopausal women with SS and 47 age-matched controls were studied. Age, duration of the disease, medications, and comorbid diseases were noted. Participants completed 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Patients were asked about vaginal discharge and itching in the last month, and if they informed their rheumatologists about any sexual problems. Gynecologic examinations were performed and vaginal smears were taken on each participant. RESULTS: The median total scores of FSFI were significantly lower in the SS group than the controls [17.12 (2.4-27.8) and 27.4 (16.9-36.0), respectively, p<0.001]. In the SS group, 37 (80.4%) and in the control group 18 (38.3%) of patients were sexually dissatisfied (p<0.001). Vaginal dryness and lubricant use were significantly increased in patients with SS compared to controls (p<0.001). Life quality scores were significantly lower in patients with SS than the controls (p<0.001). Vaginal dryness was negatively correlated with FSFI total (r=-0.312, p=0.035) and subscores except desire and arousal. Physical functioning, role physical and role emotional scores were positively correlated with total FSFI scores (r=0.449, p=0.002, r=0.371, p=0.011, r=0.299, p=0.043, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Women with SS experience less satisfaction with sexual activity, which can be affected by age, vaginal dryness, physical pain, and impaired function due to the disease. Therefore, rheumatologists should pay attention to these symptoms and management.
OBJECTIVE: Females with Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) often experience vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, along with glandular and extraglandular symptoms. We aimed to evaluate sexual function and life quality in women with SS. METHODS: Forty-six premenopausal women with SS and 47 age-matched controls were studied. Age, duration of the disease, medications, and comorbid diseases were noted. Participants completed 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Patients were asked about vaginal discharge and itching in the last month, and if they informed their rheumatologists about any sexual problems. Gynecologic examinations were performed and vaginal smears were taken on each participant. RESULTS: The median total scores of FSFI were significantly lower in the SS group than the controls [17.12 (2.4-27.8) and 27.4 (16.9-36.0), respectively, p<0.001]. In the SS group, 37 (80.4%) and in the control group 18 (38.3%) of patients were sexually dissatisfied (p<0.001). Vaginal dryness and lubricant use were significantly increased in patients with SS compared to controls (p<0.001). Life quality scores were significantly lower in patients with SS than the controls (p<0.001). Vaginal dryness was negatively correlated with FSFI total (r=-0.312, p=0.035) and subscores except desire and arousal. Physical functioning, role physical and role emotional scores were positively correlated with total FSFI scores (r=0.449, p=0.002, r=0.371, p=0.011, r=0.299, p=0.043, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:Women with SS experience less satisfaction with sexual activity, which can be affected by age, vaginal dryness, physical pain, and impaired function due to the disease. Therefore, rheumatologists should pay attention to these symptoms and management.
Authors: Weini Xin; Katherine Chiu Man Leung; Edward Chin Man Lo; Mo Yin Mok; Moon Ho Leung Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-05-21 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Jolien F van Nimwegen; Karin van der Tuuk; Silvia C Liefers; Gwenny M Verstappen; Annie Visser; Robin F Wijnsma; Arjan Vissink; Harry Hollema; Marian J E Mourits; Hendrika Bootsma; Frans G M Kroese Journal: Rheumatology (Oxford) Date: 2020-10-01 Impact factor: 7.580