Effects of primary Sjögren's syndrome on female genitalia and sexual functions

Abstract

Objectives: Sexual dysfunctions in patients with rheumatological diseases can negatively affect human sexual life, and thus lead to the deterioration of quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effects of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) on female sexual organs and sexual functions.

Methods: A total of 68 women with pSS and 135 healthy female patients were included in the study. All the women in the study and control groups were evaluated gynaecologically, and genital findings during the examination and variables related to pSS were recorded. The women's sexual functions were evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and quality of life was evaluated using the Health Status Questionnaire-Short Form 36 (QoL-SF 36).

Results: There was no difference in terms of the ages of the patients between the pSS and control groups [50 (25-70) and 49 (23-70) years, respectively] (p=0.487). The FSFI and QoL-SF 36 scores of the pSS group were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). Although the age of the patients, duration of menopause, and presence of atrophy on genital examination significantly correlated with sexual dysfunction, there was no significant correlation between pSS activity-related variables and sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions: It was determined that pSS led to sexual dysfunction by causing genital atrophy and vaginal dryness in women. Moreover, mood changes associated with the disease, especially depression, were revealed to be an independent risk factor for this condition.