Prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction among Psoriatic Females: a Cross Sectional Case Controlled Study

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual relationships are an integral part of females psychological and physiological wellbeing. Objectives: The study aimed to identify prevalence and impact of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) in women affected with psoriasis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 150 married females who were interviewed to answer Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and were divided into two groups: the first group included 100 female patients complaining of psoriasis (50 suffering from moderate psoriasis and 50 with severe psoriasis). The disease severity was graded according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) while the second group included 50 age matched women who served as controls. Results: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in psoriasis female groups was higher than that in the control group (47%, 24%, P < 0.05). The mean total scores of FSFI ranged from 12.30 to 34.20 and were significantly lower in the severe PASI affected group (22.34 ± 5.35) when compared to moderate PASI group (26.24 ± 2.67) or control group (28.79 ± 2.22). In addition, total scores were significantly lower among moderate PASI affected females when compared to control group. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction should be routinely investigated in female patients with psoriasis in the case of moderate-severe disease due to its negative impact on quality of life. Further research over the effect of certain interventional programs on FSD should be considered for patients suffering from psoriasis.