Sexual dysfunction in women with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders: an online community-based study
Abstract
Abstract Objectives Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (h-EDS) are connective tissue disorders associated with joint hypermobility, pain, fatigue and autonomic dysfunction. We sought to assess sexual function in women with h-EDS/HSD. Methods In this cross-sectional community-based case–control study, women with h-EDS/HSD completed the following online questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), 31-item Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and an additional short form with questions pertaining to comorbidities and sexual activity. Scores were compared with those of healthy female controls. Results A total of 84 women with h-EDS/HSD [mean age 37.1 years (s.d. 8.4)] and 75 healthy women [mean age 29.79 years (s.d. 5.38)] completed the questionnaires. Of these, 75% were diagnosed with h-EDS, 25% with HSD and 58% had concurrent postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. A majority of women with h-EDS/HSD (52%) did not engage in any sexual activity, and only 25% reported having sexual intercourse with a partner in the past 6 months. The mean COMPASS-31 score was 51.5 (s.d. 13.8), mean BDI-II score was 24.6 (s.d. 11.4) and mean FSFI score was 15.3 (s.d. 7.9) in the patient group. Compared with healthy controls, women with h-EDS/HSD had decreased FSFI scores in the subdomains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and sexual satisfaction. Neither BDI-II nor COMPASS-31 scores were…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 84 participants or records.
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