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The impact of pulmonary fibrosis on sex and sexual function: a multinational mixed methods study
Na'ama Avitzur1, Madelyn Knaub2, Francesca Thornton-Wood3
1Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Background:
Sex is an important part of life for many adults, yet sexual function may be impacted by chronic respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF). This multinational study sought to characterise the impact of PF on sex and sexual function, using mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology.
Methods:
We analysed data from a patient registry, a clinical study, an online survey and patient interviews to accomplish our objective and develop a conceptual framework for describing the effects of PF on sex-related quality of life. These cohorts used three distinct questionnaires, University of California, San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSD-SOBQ), Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care (SPARC) questionnaire, and Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ), to assess sexual dysfunction, respectively. Individual patient interviews were conducted and qualitatively evaluated using thematic analysis.
Results:
Dyspnoea with sexual activity affected 2054/2759 (74%) of registry patients, associated with male sex, lower forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted, lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D LCO) % predicted and worse cough. Distress due to the effect of PF on their sex life was reported in 52/225 (23%) of the clinical cohort, associated with younger age, male sex, lower D LCO % predicted and worse cough. Sexual dysfunction was common, affecting 56/67 (83%) female and 63/73 (86%) male survey respondents. Qualitative analysis of patient interviews identified several themes, including sex life limitations, changes in interpersonal relationships and quality of life. All patients wanted to discuss sex with trusted healthcare providers.
Conclusions:
In this multinational study, patients with PF reported engaging in sex and sexual activities but were adversely impacted by the effect of PF on their sex life, with both physical and psychological limitations. Sexual dysfunction was common, driven by multiple disease domains. Sexual health appears to be an important component of comprehensive patient care.
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