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Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a case-control study. I. Frequency and comparison of groups.
M Zorzon1, R Zivadinov, A Bosco
1Clinical Neurology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 5, 2000
Summary
Sexual dysfunction significantly impacts multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with 73.1% experiencing symptoms. This study highlights the high prevalence of sexual and sphincteric dysfunction in MS, suggesting neurological damage and psychological factors may contribute.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sexual Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent yet often overlooked symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Understanding the specific types and frequency of sexual dysfunction in MS is crucial for patient care.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the impact of MS on various aspects of sexual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the type and frequency of sexual dysfunction symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- To compare sexual and sphincteric function between MS patients, chronic disease controls, and healthy individuals.
- To assess the influence of physical, cognitive, and psychological factors on sexual dysfunction in MS.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 108 definite MS patients, 97 chronic disease controls, and 110 healthy controls.
- Face-to-face structured interviews conducted by same-gender physicians to collect data on sexual function, sphincteric function, and physical limitations.
- Assessment of disability, cognitive performance, psychiatric conditions, and psychological profiles for all participants.
Main Results:
- Sexual dysfunction was reported by 73.1% of MS patients, compared to 39.2% in chronic disease controls and 12.7% in healthy controls (P<0.0001).
- Male MS patients experienced sexual dysfunction more frequently than female MS patients (P<0.002).
- Common symptoms included anorgasmia/hyporgasmia, decreased lubrication, and reduced libido in women; impotence/erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory/orgasmic dysfunction, and reduced libido in men. Sphincteric dysfunction was also significantly higher in MS patients (75%).
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of multiple sclerosis patients suffer from sexual and sphincteric dysfunction.
- These dysfunctions are significantly more common in MS patients than in control groups, suggesting a direct impact of the disease.
- While neurological damage is implicated, psychological factors like depression and anxiety may also play a role in sexual dysfunction in MS.