Sexual activity in Moroccan men with ankylosing spondylitis

The aim of this study was to assess the perceived impact of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on sexual activity within Moroccan men and to identify the associations with demographic, psychological status, quality of sleep, and disease-related variables. A total of 110 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AS according to the modified New York classification criteria were invited to participate in the study. Patients completed a questionnaire, which also included questions relating to the impact of AS on their sexual function, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. The patient sample comprised 110 men. The mean age of patients was 38.5 ± 12.6 years. Among the 110 patients, only 73 (67 %) have already had sexual activity. In this group of patients, 32 (44 %) were unsatisfied, 30 (41 %) reported erectile dysfunction, and 28 (38.4 %) had orgasmic trouble. Multivariate analysis showed that fatigue and sleep disturbance were independently associated with erectile dysfunction. This study suggests that AS in men seems to impact on sexual lives. Fatigue and sleep disturbance were independently associated with perceived problems with sexual activity.