Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients: Prevalence, predi̇ctors and effect on quality of life

Sexual Dysfunction İn Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Prevalence, Predictors And Effect On Quality Of Life Objective: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common multifactorial condition in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study investigated the frequency and predictors of SD in MS and its effects on quality of life. Material and Method: The study included 140 patients, aged 18-49, who were diagnosed with MS according to McDonald criteria, who applied to the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of İnönü University, and 140 healthy volunteers. Sociodemographic Data Form, Expanded Disability Status Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale-54, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Body-Algebra Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were administered. Results: SD was detected in 70.7% of the patients, and this rate was higher than the healthy controls (12.8%). While the incidence of SD was 14% in healthy men and 13.3% in women, it was 74.4% in women with MS and 64% in men. The most common complaints of female patients with SD were 48.9% decreased libido, 16.7% vaginal dryness and 5.6% dyspareunia. On the other hand, 28% of male patients complained of difficulty in erection, 22% of decreased libido and 20% of ejaculation problems. For the patients and their spouses, advanced age, low education level, smoking, long marriage and long illness, and high number of attacks and hospitalizations were risk factors for the development of SD. There was a correlation between ASEX score and all scale scores as well as between these scales. Conclusions: Our study showed that SD is common in patients with MS, psychosocial factors as well as neurological complications may lead to the development of SD and negatively affect quality of life. The results obtained can guide clinicians about the precautions to be taken and the treatments to be applied. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Sexual dysfunction, Depression, Anxiety, Body image and self-esteem, quality of life.