Differences in sexual function in patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS) and individuals with other chronic pain conditions and healthy controls in the MAPP Research Network
INTRODUCTION
Sexual dysfunction is an important predictor of diminished quality of life in patients with UCPPS. Our goals were to compare the prevalence and characteristics of sexual dysfunction among males and females with UCPPS as compared to individuals reporting other chronic pain conditions (positive controls, PC) and healthy individuals (healthy controls, HC).
METHODS
A cross sectional analysis was performed on subjects with UCPPS, PC (irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia) and HC enrolled in the MAPP Research Network Epidemiology and Phenotyping Study, a multi-center one-year prospective cohort study. Sexual function was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR), Washington Male Sexual Function Scale (MSFS), the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function Domain (IIEF-EF), and Ejaculatory Function Scale (EFS). Female sexual dysfunction was defined as an FSFI score
RESULTS
The population included 233 females and 191 males with UCPPS; 156 female and 44 male PC; 233 female and 182 male HC (Table). Females with UCPPS reported lower mean FSFI scores than HC and PC (p=
CONCLUSION
Sexual function is impaired in females and males with UCPPS even when compared to individuals with other chronic pain conditions. Assessment and treatment of sexual function is likely to improve overall symptoms and quality of life in patients with UCPPS.
Funding: Funding for the MAPP Research Network was obtained under a cooperative agreement from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health