Objective: We investigated the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the mediating effects of psychosocial factors on women's sexual adjustment.
Methods: Data were obtained through structured interviews and psychometric scales administered to 100 female subjects with SLE and 71 disease-free controls.
Results: Compared with controls, patients with SLE had a significantly higher rate of abstention (26 vs 4%, p < 0.01), a lower frequency of sexual activity among the sexually active (p < 0.05), diminished vaginal lubrication (p < 0.01), and poorer general sexual adjustment (p < 0.01). Greater disease severity was associated with more impairment in sexual function (p < 0.01). Variables mediating the relationship between diagnostic status and sexual outcome included age (delta R2 = 0.04, p < 0.01), relationship status (delta R2 = 0.03, p < 0.05), weight concerns (delta R2 = 0.05, p < 0.01), premorbid sexual adjustment (delta R2 = 0.04, p < 0.01), and depression (delta R2 = 0.03, p < 0.05). Seventy-two percent of patients with SLE were receptive to physician inquiry about sexual functioning and 82% desired further education about the sexual impact of the disease.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that sexual impairment is not inevitable among women with SLE. The role that providers can play in helping to prevent sexual difficulties is discussed.