The Effects of Fibromyalgia Syndrome on Female Sexuality: A Controlled Study

Introduction. Fibromyalgia may have negative effects on sexual function in women. Aims. To evaluate the sexuality of women with fibromyalgia and healthy control subjects, and to investigate the relation between sexuality and clinical parameters of fibromyalgia. Main Outcome Measures. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Tender Points Count (TPC), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Methods. Clinical evaluation and surveys were done with 126 women with fibromyalgia and 132 healthy women. Results. Patients with fibromyalgia had higher BDI scores and lower frequency of sexual intercourse than control subjects. The mean FSFI scores (total and all domains) were significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia than control subjects. Mean FSFI scores (total and most domains) were significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia who had BDI score≥17 than those who had BDI score<17. In women with fibromyalgia, a significant negative correlation was noted between total FSFI score, and both FIQ and BDI scores. Conclusions. Fibromyalgia has negative effects on female sexual function that are aggravated by depression. © 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.