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Bahadori F, Jahanian Sadatmahalleh S. The impact of rheumatic diseases on sexual function in women: A literature review. J Res Dev Nurs Midw 2020; 17
URL: http://nmj.goums.ac.ir/article-1-1231-en.html
1- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. , fabahadori2017@yahoo.com
2- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:   (2503 Views)
Background: Sexuality is a complex aspect of the human being’s life and is more than of only the sexual act. Normal sexual functioning consists of sexual activity with transition through the phases from arousal to relaxation with no problems, and with a feeling of pleasure, fulfillment and satisfaction. Rheumatic diseases may affect all aspects of life including sexual functioning. The reasons for disturbing sexual functioning are multifactorial and comprise disease-related factors as well as therapy.
Methods: Searching performed in some databases like PubMed, google scholar, Scopus, Springer and Science Direct. 22 full text articles in English from 2000 until 2019 were found
Which their topic was similar to our topicThe presence of sexual dysfunction was assessed with the questionnaire ‘Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)’. The FSFI was self-administered and consisted of 19 questions covering six domains; desire, subjective arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm and pain. The patients’ answers were based on the 4 weeks prior to completing the questionnaire. A total score of ≤ 26 indicated sexual dysfunction.
Results: In rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients, pain and depression could be the principal factors contributing to sexual dysfunction. On the other hand, in women with Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis sexual dysfunction is apparently most associated to vaginal discomfort or pain during intercourse. Finally, sexual dysfunction in patients with fibromyalgia could be principally associated with depression, but the characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia (generalized pain, stiffness, fatigue and poor sleep) may contribute to the occurrence of sexual dysfunction.
Rheumatic diseases affects sexual health as a result of pain, reduced joint mobility, fatigue, depression and body image alterations. Sexual function is closely related to satisfactory quality of life. The treatment of sexual dysfunction will depend on the specific patient’s symptoms, however, there are some general recommendations including: exploring different positions, using analgesics drug, heat and muscle relaxants before sexual activity and exploring alternative methods of sexual expression.
 Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction in females with rheumatic diseases is multifactorial due to chronic disease aspects, disease activity and drugs. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in order to offer preventive measures for these patients.
The investigated material provides few solutions to sexual health problems of female patients. The most commonly mentioned solution is increased information and communication between health professionals and patients. Further research is needed to understand which types of intervention can help women with rheumatic disease to improve their sexual health
The results of this studies indicated that more attention should be paid to the sexual health of women suffering from rheumatic diseases as a neglected aspect of their treatment, which requires an interdisciplinary approach to shift the care of these patients from a biomedical model to a biopsychosocial model.
     
Type of Study: Original Article | Subject: Nursing

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