[Impact of chronic pelvic pain on sexual functions and fertility]

To summarize current knowledge on prevalence, characteristics and ethiopathogenical hypothesis concerning sexuality and fertility dysfunctions in patients with chronic pelvic pain.

Review of articles published on this subject in the Medline (PubMed) database, selected according to their scientific relevance.

In the male subject, most frequent sexual dysfunctions are erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disturbance (premature ejaculation, painful ejaculation). Chronic epididymal and testicular pain has a negative impact on the quality of sexual intercourse and satisfaction of both partners. Association between lower urinary tract symptoms--frequent in the event of chronic pelvic pain syndrome--and sexual dysfunction has been proved. Change in spermatic parameters exists in the event of chronic pelvic pain syndrome, but their impact on male fertility has not yet been established. In the female subject, sexual dysfunction is less studied. However, effect of chronic pelvic and perineal pain on female patient sexuality cannot be ignored, as they can affect all components of the sexual cycle. There is no data published on the link between infertility and chronic pelvic and perineal pain in the female subject.

Allowing to the frequency of sexual dysfunction and its impact on quality of life, sexual function assessment must be a part of every consultation for chronic pelvic and perineal pain.