Sexual Function in Iranian Female Multiple Sclerosis Patients

BACKGROUND: One of the typical complaints in females with multiple sclerosis (MS) is Sexual dysfunction (SD). AIM: This study aimed to compare the sexual function of women with and without MS and to recognise factors that possibly related to sexual dysfunction of women with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sexual function of 64 women with MS as a case study group were compared to a group of control comprised of 64 women. Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used accordingly to assess sexual function and severity of depression of case and control groups. Functional status of MS Patients was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The data were analysed using chi-square, independent Samples t, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression tests. RESULTS: There were no differences in the Total FSFI and 4 FSFI subscale scores (i.e. sexual desire, arousal, lubrication and satisfaction) between women with MS and controls. The only significant difference between the two groups was the dimension of orgasm (p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only BDI and FSFI total scores have significantly related (B = -0.436, P < 0.001). In women with MS, a significant negative correlation was found between FSFI and EDSS scores (rho = -0.35, P = 0.032), as well as between FSFI scores and disease duration (rho = -0.25, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Depression was associated to sexual dysfunction in women. It could be advantageous to evaluate and treat depression in women with MS who suffer from sexual dysfunction.