Sexual Function in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematous

Background and Systematic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder. Ninety percent of the lupus cases are women. Because of the chronic and painful nature of this disease, it can affect patient’s quality of life, sexual function and reproductive health. The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual function of women with SLE who referred to selected rheumatologic clinics in Tehran. This descriptive study was performed in 196 women with SLE attending selected rheumatologic clinics in Tehran, 2013-2014. Two questionnaires were completed including FSFI for sexual function and a demographic questionnaire. The mean scores and SD for different domains of FSFI were as following: sexual desire (4.21±1.49), sexual excitement (3.32±1.57), vaginal lubrication (3.69±1.72), orgasm (3.48± 1.61), sexual satisfaction (2.68±1.00), and dyspareunia (4.77± 2.55). Total mean score was 22.18±5.98. The most prevalent disorder was sexual satisfaction and the least prevalent disorders were vaginal lubrication, orgasm, and dyspareunia. Moderate and mild sexual function disorders were seen in 31.6% and 14.7%, respectively. None of the subjects reported sever sexual function disorder. Women older than 45 years of age were observed with higher sexual function disorders (p<0.001). Participants have been married for over 15 years showed better sexual function in sexual satisfaction, dyspareunia, and sexual desire domains (p<0.001). SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by alternate phases of remission and exacerbation of symptoms that could cause physical and socio-mental disturbances. It also has negative effect on sexual function of affected women. Awareness of health care providers about these problems may help in providing proper management of the disease and consequently improve the involved patients’ quality of life.