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Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: II. Correlation analysis
R Zivadinov1, M Zorzon, A Bosco
1Clinical Neurology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 5, 2000
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), linked to physical, psychological, and social factors. Sphincteric dysfunction suggests a common spinal cord cause, but other elements also play a role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- The precise clinical presentation and etiology of MS-related sexual dysfunction require further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sexual dysfunction and various patient and disease characteristics in multiple sclerosis.
- To explore correlations with disability, neurological impairment, psychological functioning, and cognitive status.
Main Methods:
- An unselected sample of 108 patients with definite multiple sclerosis was studied.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations between sexual dysfunction and multiple variables.
Main Results:
- Sexual dysfunction significantly correlated with sphincteric dysfunction, physical disorders, disability, cognitive deterioration, depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
- Factors such as lower education, older age at onset, primary-progressive disease course, male gender, and unemployment were also associated with sexual dysfunction.
- A negative correlation was observed with a relapsing-remitting disease course.
Conclusions:
- The link between sexual and sphincteric dysfunction in MS suggests a common etiology related to spinal cord involvement.
- Physical, psychological, and sociological factors likely contribute to the multifactorial nature of sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.
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