Risk Factors of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has a high impact on quality of life. However, sexual health has scarcely been investigated. Objective: To describe the frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women and erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with HS and to explore potential risk factors. Patients and Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study using a crowd-sourced online questionnaire spread by the Spanish hidradenitis suppurativa patients’ association (ASENDHI). Results: In total, 393 participants answered the questionnaire. SD was found in 51% (95% CI 45–57%) of women and ED in 60% (95% CI 49–70%) of men. Factors related to SD were education status, patient’s global assessment for disease activity, numeric rating scale for pain and unpleasant odour and the absence of a stable relationship. Factors related to ED were increasing age, the presence of active lesions in the genital area and the number of areas affected by active lesions. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of SD and ED in HS patients. Being in a stable relationship has been a protective factor of SD in women. The results suggest that sexual impairment in HS patients is due, at least in part, to disease activity, symptoms and active lesions.