Sexual function and pelvic floor function in men with systemic sclerosis compared to healthy controls: a...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Rheumatology
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems.
• Sexual function (SF) and pelvic floor function (PF) are important aspects of quality of life that may be impacted by chronic illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare sexual function and pelvic floor function in men with SSc versus age-matched healthy controls (HC).
• To identify clinical factors associated with impaired sexual function in men with SSc.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 20 men with SSc and 20 HC (aged 18-70).
• Assessment of SF using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ).
• Evaluation of pelvic floor function using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7), alongside questionnaires for fatigue, depression, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Men with SSc reported significantly worse SF, with 70% experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to 15% in HC (p < 0.001).
• No significant difference in pelvic floor function was found between SSc patients and HC (p = 0.141).
• Impaired SF in SSc was associated with higher disease activity, inflammation, fatigue, reduced physical fitness, depression, and poorer quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in men with systemic sclerosis.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction is unlikely to be a primary cause of sexual dysfunction in this population.