Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The frequency of sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged married women with primary myofascial pain syndrome will be evaluated in a prospective, cross-sectional survey-type study. The medical history of each participant was obtained and they underwent a detailed physical examination. Sociodemographic and clinic characteristics of all participants (age, education, marital status, employment status, family structure, income status, Body Mass Index(BMI), disease duration, number of pregnancies, sleep quality, etc.) were recorded. Pain and fatigue levels of the patients were measured by the visual pain scale (VAS), mood states by the Beck depression index (BDI), sexual function of the participants was assessed by the 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess the degree of importance of sexuality (the sexuality-importance score). In addition, weekly/monthly sexual intercourse frequency was asked to all participants (patient and control groups). The questionnaires were administered to all participants in a room where they were alone with a female physician, and a suitable environment was provided for the patients to fill out the questionnaire. Patients were assured of the confidentiality of their information. Only questions that were not understood by the patient were explained without guidance.

Inclusion criteria

• Myofascial pain syndrome (>3 months) was diagnosed in a female.
• Being between the ages of 18 and 50, married, sexually active, and not menopausal
• Volunteering to participate in the study, and being able to communicate easily.

Exclusion criteria

• a history of systemic disease (cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, hematological, etc.)
• major psychiatric illness, mental retardation
• uncontrollable respiratory system problems
• endocrine diseases, neurological diseases
• previous hysterectomy or vaginal surgery, a history of sexually transmitted diseases
• urinary or anal incontinence
• limited motion in the upper or lower extremities
• Fibromyalgia
• inflammatory rheumatic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.)
• cervical/lumbar radiculopathy or myelopathy
• communication problems
• pregnancy, lactation
• taking estrogen therapy
• use antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antiepileptic drugs
• chronic alcohol users