Sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors:
K. Novotná 1,2; L. Friedová 1; J. Motýl 1; D. Horáková 1; E. Kubala Havrdová 1; M. Andělová 1
Authors‘ workplace:
Neurologická klinika a Centrum klinických neurověd, 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze
1; Klinika rehabilitačního lékařství 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze
2
Published in:
Cesk Slov Neurol N 2025; 88(6): 373-376
Category:
Original Paper
doi:
https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsnn2025373
Overview
Introduction: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common, but often underestimated and inadequately addressed symptom in men and women with MS. The prevalence of SD has not been systematically described in Czech MS patients, and therefore our aim was to map the prevalence of SD in women with MS, including possible associated factors. Methods: The standardized questionnaire Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess SD. The FSFI questionnaire was distributed in a long-term prospective study (monitoring disease course and symptoms) to a total of 251 women with MS (mean age of patients was 43.3 ± 8.9 years; with a mean disease duration of 14.7 ± 6.2 years). Results: The complete questionnaire was completed by 147 women (response rate 58.5%). A total of 48 respondents (32.6%) were identified as having SD. When compared with the rate of neurological disability, a weak to moderate negative correlation was found with the total Expanded Disability Status Scale score (0.481; P = 0.002). Patients with SD were older (P = 0.001), with a longer disease duration (P = 0.012) and higher rates of neurological disability (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction in women with MS seems to be mainly associated with sensory dysfunction. It was also more prevalent in older women with longer disease duration. Therefore, it is recommended for the clinical practice to ask specifically about the possible occurrence of SD especially in women with sensory symptoms.
Keywords:
Sexual dysfunction – Multiple sclerosis – prevalence – sexuality – EDSS
Sources
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Paediatric neurology Neurosurgery NeurologyArticle was published in
Czech and Slovak Neurology and Neurosurgery
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