Abstract
To describe sexual dysfunction (SD) in persons with MS, its impact on quality of life and relationship with bladder function.
Persons with definite MS (n = 73) from a tertiary hospital database, interviewed using standardized measures. For disability: Neurological Disability Scale (NDS), American Urological Association Index, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI6), Incontinence
Impact Questionnaire (IIQ7) and Personal Experiences Questionnaire (PEQ); participation: Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS). Mean age 50 years, 73% female, 52% progressive MS and 60% with detrusor overactivity.
Fifty-one (72%) had PEQ scores indicating SD. Women reported greater SD than men (p = .013). SD included: lack of enjoyment of sexual activity (32%), failure of arousal (30%) and anorgasmia (47%). Patients
who reported MS impacted ‘a great deal ‘on their sex lives, compared with those who did not, showed significant differences
on PEQ Sexual Frequency (p = .01), IIQ7 (p = .03), UDI6 (p = .04) and both MSIS subscales (Physical p = .04; Psychological p = .03). The PEQ Sexual Frequency scale significantly correlated with NDS (rho = −.30), QoL Bladder score (rho = −.35) and
MSIS Physical subscale (rho = −.30). No association was found between SD and age, years since diagnosis, stage or severity
of MS. SD is complex and often overlooked in clinical care. Improved management options for SD may improve QoL in these persons.
Persons with definite MS (n = 73) from a tertiary hospital database, interviewed using standardized measures. For disability: Neurological Disability Scale (NDS), American Urological Association Index, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI6), Incontinence
Impact Questionnaire (IIQ7) and Personal Experiences Questionnaire (PEQ); participation: Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS). Mean age 50 years, 73% female, 52% progressive MS and 60% with detrusor overactivity.
Fifty-one (72%) had PEQ scores indicating SD. Women reported greater SD than men (p = .013). SD included: lack of enjoyment of sexual activity (32%), failure of arousal (30%) and anorgasmia (47%). Patients
who reported MS impacted ‘a great deal ‘on their sex lives, compared with those who did not, showed significant differences
on PEQ Sexual Frequency (p = .01), IIQ7 (p = .03), UDI6 (p = .04) and both MSIS subscales (Physical p = .04; Psychological p = .03). The PEQ Sexual Frequency scale significantly correlated with NDS (rho = −.30), QoL Bladder score (rho = −.35) and
MSIS Physical subscale (rho = −.30). No association was found between SD and age, years since diagnosis, stage or severity
of MS. SD is complex and often overlooked in clinical care. Improved management options for SD may improve QoL in these persons.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s11195-011-9198-4
- Authors
- Fary Khan, Royal Melbourne Hospital, c/o Building 21, Royal Park Campus, Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Julie F. Pallant, Rural Health Academic Centre, University of Melbourne, 49 Graham St, Shepparton, VIC 3632, Australia
- Louisa Ng, Department of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
- Michael Whishaw, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 34-54 Poplar Road, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Journal Sexuality and Disability
- Online ISSN 1573-6717
- Print ISSN 0146-1044