Sexual dysfunction includes problems related to sexual activity: libido, stimulation, painful intercourse, reduced satisfaction and orgasmic disorders, etc.
A Chinese observational study evaluated the frequency of these disorders in 319 participants, including 158 patients with myasthenia gravis (52 males and 106 females), and 161 unaffected controls, mean age 41.82 ± 10.44 years. The participants were asked to complete questionnaires, on a single occasion, to evaluate the presence of different types of sexual dysfunction and to measure anxiety and depression.
More sexual disorders reported
- This affected 48.11% of female participants with myasthenia gravis, vs. 22.64% of unaffected females. These disorders are evidenced by a decline in overall sexual function, particularly reduced libido, sexual stimulation, lubrication and orgasm.
- More than 40% of male participants with myasthenia presented erection disorders, and nearly 20% experienced premature ejaculation (vs. 8% of unaffected males).
- The severity of the disorders is independent of disease severity;
- Age and depression lead to an increase in sexual dysfunction (a correlation is also observed in the general population): reduced libido and lubrication, orgasmic disorders, together with lower sexual satisfaction scores are observed.
A long-term study would allow the onset and progression of these disorders to be monitored over time.
