The Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Iranian Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), which has a great impact on the individuals’ quality of life, and is usually neglected. The present study was conducted with the aim of studying the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Iranian women with MS. All Iranian articles published between 2000 and June 2018 in Persian and English were collected by using standard keywords in national and international databases. After evaluating articles based on inclusion/ exclusion criteria and quality assessment, related articles were selected. Heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated using the I2 index and the publication bias was assessed using the Egger and Begg tests. Data analysis was performed in STATA software version 11, 1 by using random effect model. Eight studies with a sample size of 1,301 people entered in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with MS was 62% (CI: 95%, 51% - 73%). In addition, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction by using female sexual function index (FSFI) was 57% (CI: 95%, 46% - 68%) and by using multiple sclerosis intimacy and sexuality questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), was 73% (CI: 95%, 55% - 91%). The results of the present study were indicative of a prevalence of 62% for sexual dysfunction in Iranian women with MS. Considering the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its impact on the quality of life of these women, it seems essential for treatment teams to pay attention, plan, and design effective interventions in this regard.