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Assessment of Sexual Satisfaction in Relation to Potential Sexual Problems in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

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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.

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Acknowledgments

The research reported in this paper was part of a master’s thesis by Rashmi D.Sahay at the University of Cincinnati. No financial support was provided for this research. The authors wish to thank all the participants of the study. We are grateful to Dr. Maria Melanson and the staff of Waddell Center of Multiple Sclerosis at University of Cincinnati for their help. The corresponding author takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. Currently, the corresponding author is supported by the training grant NIEHS T32ES10957.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 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

    Rashmi D. Sahay, Erin N. Haynes & M. B. Rao

  2. Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905-0001, USA

    Istvan Pirko

Authors
  1. Rashmi D. Sahay
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  2. Erin N. Haynes
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  3. M. B. Rao
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  4. Istvan Pirko
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Correspondence to Rashmi D. Sahay.

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Sahay, R.D., Haynes, E.N., Rao, M.B. et al. Assessment of Sexual Satisfaction in Relation to Potential Sexual Problems in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. Sex Disabil 30, 227–236 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-011-9242-4

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