Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: Expectations Regarding Treatment and Information, and Utility of the SEA-MS-F Questionnaire

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sexual dysfunction is a common complaint in female with multiple sclerosis (MS), however this problem is not often considered in the medical and psychological care. Aim To evaluate expectations regarding treatment and information for sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis using the SEA-MS-F (Sexual Dysfunction Management and Expectations Assessment in Multiple sclerosis - Female) questionnaire, and to gain an understanding of the relationship between their expectations, demographic factors and medical factors known to promote sexual dysfunction. Methods A prospective epidemiological, descriptive, analytical, multicentre study was carried out over 15 months on adult women suffering from MS. The SEA-MS-F was used to evaluate expectations regarding their sexuality and sexual activity. Main Outcome Measure 87 women were included. Mean age was 47 years and the mean time since MS diagnosis was 14 years. Results 59.8% reported sexual dysfunction, but only 22.4% of the participants had raised the subject with a professional. With regards to expectations, 68% of the women wanted information about sexual dysfunction and 80% of women with sexual difficulties wanted treatment. High expectations correlated with the presence of sexual dysfunction, a regular sexual partner and with milder ambulatory handicap. There were no correlations between expectations and age, time since MS diagnosis, fatigue or being postmenopausal. The SEA-MS-F questionnaire was perceived as useful by 63.4% of the women and 90% felt that it could help doctors to treat sexual dysfunction. Conclusion To date, the SEA-MS-F is the only questionnaire validated in women with MS for the evaluation of sexual expectations and in the present study the women felt strongly that it represented a useful way for them to introduce and then discuss the subject of their sexual dysfunction with their doctor.