Sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor dysfunction in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases

Title: Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Rheumatic Diseases Objectives: To assess sexual functions, quality of life and pelvic floor function in female patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIM) compared to age-/sex-matched healthy controls (HC). Methods: In total, 41 women with SSc (mean age: 50.9, disease duration: 5.8 years), who fulfilled the ACR/EULAR 2013 classification criteria for SSc, 41 healthy controls (mean age: 50.9) without rheumatic diseases, 22 women with IIM [mean age: 55.1, disease duration: 7.9 years, dermatomyositis (DM, 8)/ polymyositis (PM, 10)/ necrotizing myopathy (IMNM, 3)/ inclusion body myositis (IBM, 1)], who fulfilled the Bohan/Peter 1975 diagnostic criteria for DM/PM, and 22 healthy controls (mean age: 55.1 years) filled in 12 well-established and validated questionnaires assessing sexual function/quality of life, pelvic floor function, fatigue, physical activity and depression. Results: Compared to HC, patients with SSc and IIM had significantly higher prevalence and greater severity of sexual dysfunction (FSFI, BISF-W: in all subscales as well as total scores), dysfunction of pelvic floor (PISQ-12), and worse sexual quality of life (SQoL-F). Worse scores in SSc patients were associated...