Fibromyalgia and sexual dysfunction in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition that associates pain, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes. Recent evidence shows that sexual dysfunction is also associated with fibromyalgia, further affecting patients’ quality of life.

Objective

Our aim was to explore the association between FMS and sexual dysfunction (SD) in women.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy was carried out, using the keywords “fibromyalgia” and “sexual dysfunction” and their synonyms. The databases used were MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Biomed Central, Web of Science, CINAHL, IBECS, LILACS, Congress Abstracts, and gray literature sources like Google Scholar. Studies published from January 1990 to August 2023 were considered, without imposing any language restrictions. The inclusion criteria involved studies that investigated individuals diagnosed with FMS and who suffered from sexual dysfunction, while studies that did not meet these criteria were excluded. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the New Castle Ottawa tool. The results were presented in tables and forest graphs generated by the RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

27 studies were included, 10 of which were case-control and 17 were cross-sectional. These studies were published between 2005 and 2023, with participants aged between 18 and 81 years. Patients with FMS performed markedly worse than healthy controls in all domains of sexual dysfunction assessed. The methodological quality of the included studies was classified as moderate to high.

Conclusion

Compared to healthy women, the findings indicate a negative correlation between sexual dysfunction and fibromyalgia. These results underscore the significance of addressing sexual disturbances as a source of distress in the context of fibromyalgia syndrome. It becomes evident that incorporating psychological therapies that encompass emotional, physical, and sexual health could be a pivotal component in the comprehensive treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome.