Abstract
Changes in sexual functioning are common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, but its impact on women’s sexual satisfaction
remains unclear. The study examined the level of sexual satisfaction in relation to sexual functioning changes and explored
the factors associated with overall sexual wellbeing in women with MS. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was administered
to 160 women during routine MS clinic visits. Sexual satisfaction was assessed using a modified version of the Female Sexual
Functioning Index. One-hundred-forty-four subjects completed the entire survey with a 90% completion rate. Subject’s mean
age was 42 (SD 10.2) years. Mean MS duration was 8.7 (SD 6.9) years. The majority reported Relapsing-Remitting form of MS
(79%) and were walking independently (73%). Presence of at least one bladder and bowel problem was noticed in 54/144 and 69/144
subjects respectively. Generalized sexual satisfaction was demonstrated in this cohort of women (44%). Respondents reported
extreme satisfaction with their partner-relationship (35%), highest satisfaction for frequency of sexual activity (48%) and
highest dissatisfaction for sexual desire (33%). Frequency of sexual activity and sexual desire ranked highest for having
an impact on overall sex life. Other factors in the descending order of importance were: natural wetness, sexual arousal,
orgasm, partner-relationship and disease duration.
remains unclear. The study examined the level of sexual satisfaction in relation to sexual functioning changes and explored
the factors associated with overall sexual wellbeing in women with MS. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was administered
to 160 women during routine MS clinic visits. Sexual satisfaction was assessed using a modified version of the Female Sexual
Functioning Index. One-hundred-forty-four subjects completed the entire survey with a 90% completion rate. Subject’s mean
age was 42 (SD 10.2) years. Mean MS duration was 8.7 (SD 6.9) years. The majority reported Relapsing-Remitting form of MS
(79%) and were walking independently (73%). Presence of at least one bladder and bowel problem was noticed in 54/144 and 69/144
subjects respectively. Generalized sexual satisfaction was demonstrated in this cohort of women (44%). Respondents reported
extreme satisfaction with their partner-relationship (35%), highest satisfaction for frequency of sexual activity (48%) and
highest dissatisfaction for sexual desire (33%). Frequency of sexual activity and sexual desire ranked highest for having
an impact on overall sex life. Other factors in the descending order of importance were: natural wetness, sexual arousal,
orgasm, partner-relationship and disease duration.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s11195-011-9242-4
- Authors
- Rashmi D. Sahay, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Kettering G32A, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
- Erin N. Haynes, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Kettering G32A, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
- M. B. Rao, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Kettering G32A, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
- Istvan Pirko, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905-0001, USA
- Journal Sexuality and Disability
- Online ISSN 1573-6717
- Print ISSN 0146-1044