Relationship Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions and Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Investigation of the Relationship Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions and Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: a Cross-Sectional Study

Relationship Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions and Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Female patients with systemic sclerosis have a high incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual dysfunction.The association of sexual dysfunction in systemic sclerosis with many disease-related factors has been confirmed. There are numerous studies in the literature investigating the prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in women with SSc, the number of studies examining the prevalence and effects of pelvic floor dysfunction in SSc is limited. Moreover, no studies were identified in the literature that specifically investigate the relationship between pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual dysfunction.The aim of this study is to evaluate pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in women with SSc, examine the relationship between these dysfunctions, and compare the findings with data from a healthy control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• female gender
• being between 18-64 years old
• having a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc)
• being sexually active, and not having entered menopause

The control group will consist of healthy women aged 18-64 years who are sexually active, have not entered menopause, have no history of urological or gynecological surgeries other than cesarean section, and have no rheumatologic or severe chronic diseases.

Exclusion Criteria:

• the presence of current or past rheumatologic diseases other than SSc
• the presence of current urogynecological diseases
• a history of urological or gynecological surgeries other than cesarean section.