Investigation of Sexual Dysfunction in Partner of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the sexual functions of the partners of individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to compare these with those of the partners of individuals without AS of the same sex. The study included 192 partners of AS patients (102 females, aged 41.85  ± 6.84 years; 90 males, aged 45.26 ± 6.15 years) and 191 age- and gender-matched subjects with a healthy partner (100 females, aged 44.39 ± 9.10 years, 91 males, aged 43.18 ± 9.12 years). The Female Sexual Function Scale and the International Erectile Function Form were used to evaluate sexual dysfunction. In the male groups, a statistically significant difference was determined in all the sub-parameters in favor of the partners of women without AS (z: − 6.77 to − 4.30,p: 0.00). In the female groups, with the exception of desire and total score, there was a statistically significant difference in the other sub-parameters in favor of the partners of men without AS (z: − 7.32 to − 3.55,p: 0.00). According to the study results of the study, both male and female partners of AS patients had lower sexual functions. These results can be considered valuable in respect of questioning the sexual functions of both patients diagnosed with AS and their partner as soon as possible, to assist in identifying dysfunctions and to be able to establish sexual education programs.
Source: Sexuality and Disability - Category: Disability Source Type: research