Gibrael Dr. Hevy S, Linhardt Signe, Graugaard Prof. Christian

(172) SEXUAL FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH LICHEN SCLEROSUS

  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
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Abstract Objectives Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most commonly affects the anogenital region in women. LS can be asymptomatic in some patients. In others, it can lead to irreversible anatomical changes in the vulvar area, such as reabsorption of the labia minora, burial of the clitoris, labial fusion and introital stenosis. Symptoms can include severe itch, paresthesia, and dyspareunia. However, there is a paucity of data concerning the effects of LS on sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate sexual function and quality of life in women with LS. Methods A literature review was performed based on extensive searches in PubMed. References were assessed for relevance by title and abstract by 2 independent reviewers, yielding 14 research papers for inclusion in the study. Results Women with LS had significantly decreased sexual activity and less satisfying sexual activity when compared with controls with no history of LS, and this included all types of sexual activity (vaginal, oral, anal and masturbation). Sexual function was significantly reduced among women with LS compared to controls, and this applied for all subdomains (desire, lubrication, arousal, orgasm, and pain). Women with LS had significant worse genital self-image, more anxiety, more depressive symptoms, and impaired health-related quality of life compared to controls. Despite adequate medical treatment, women with LS continued to have significant sexual distress. Sexual distress decreased but did not resolve. Conclusions LS can have a considerable impact on sexual function and quality of life. Thus, it is important that healthcare professionals consider LS from a bio-psycho-social perspective, where focus is not restricted to the biological aspects of the disease, but also on its psychosocial ramifications. Conflicts of Interest No interest of conflict.

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