Sexual quality-of-life of patients with arthritis compared to arthritis-free controls.

The influence of arthritis upon sexual satisfaction and activity and patient receptivity to sexual rehabilitation was investigated by interviewing 169 patients with arthritis and 130 controls. Patients differed from controls in their greater loss of sexual satisfaction over time, but they were comparably satisfied with their current sexual adjustment. They reported similar reductions in frequency of intercourse over time. Joint symptoms and fatigue disturbed the sexual adjustment of patients more than controls, but damaged body image, worry about partner interest, loss of libido and loss of lubrication did not. There was receptivity to a program of sexual rehabilitation among patients and controls that was not dependent upon sexual dissatisfaction.