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Sexual Dysfunction Is Common in Reproductive-Age Women with Systemic Sclerosis.
Lingling Salang1, Pranom Buppasiri1, Arporn Jutiviboonsuk2
1Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects over half of reproductive-age women with systemic sclerosis (SSc), especially those with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). This highlights the need for early recognition and management of sexual health in SSc patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Immunology
- Sexual Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a significant, yet underrecognized, complication in women diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- Limited data exists regarding FSD prevalence and contributing factors in reproductive-age women with SSc, particularly the diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) subset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of FSD in reproductive-age women diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- To identify factors associated with FSD in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study conducted between May 2019 and March 2020.
- Included sexually active women aged 18-45 with SSc, excluding those with specific gynecological conditions or recent hormonal treatments.
- Utilized the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess sexual function.
Main Results:
- FSD was identified in 51.9% of the 27 reproductive-age SSc patients studied.
- The prevalence of FSD was notably higher in the diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) subset (71.4%) compared to limited cutaneous SSc (28.6%).
- Women with FSD exhibited significantly lower scores across multiple domains of the FSFI, including arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is highly prevalent in reproductive-age women with systemic sclerosis (SSc), with a greater burden in the dcSSc subset.
- Disease severity, older age at disease onset, and prolonged cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment may be associated risk factors for FSD.
- Emphasizes the critical need for early screening and comprehensive management of sexual health concerns in women with SSc.
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