Body image and sexual function in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a unique experience for each patient, affecting physical, psychological, and social aspects. Furthermore, body image can be deteriorated. Although both dissatisfaction with body image and sexual dysfunction have been reported in SLE, their relationship remains unclear and has not been previously studied in a Mexican population. Our study aims to determine if body image is correlated with sexual function in women with SLE. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the rheumatology service including adult women aged 18 years or older who met the 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria for SLE. Participants completed the Body Esteem Scale (BES), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). All patients provided informed consent. Data from 68 women were analyzed. The mean age was 37.3 ± 13.4 years. Sexual dysfunction was prevalent in 57.4% (n = 39/68) of the participants. While no significant association was found between global body image (BES) and sexual function (r = 0.14, p = 0.24), the sexual attractiveness subdomain was significantly lower in women with dysfunction (3.22 vs. 3.66, p = 0.0125). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the primary independent predictors of sexual dysfunction were partner status (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02-0.49, p = 0.001), age (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.02-1.17, p = 0.012), and self-esteem (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.58-0.92, p = 0.018). Our findings may serve to improve treatment for patients with sexual dysfunction and SLE by offering therapies aimed at enhancing their self-esteem.