Assessment of Female Sexual Function in Patients with Psoriasis

Introduction. Psoriasis has a major impact on sexual health due to the disfiguring skin lesions affecting self-image and self-esteem. However, this topic has not been fully explored. Aim. The study aims to assess sexual function in female patients with psoriasis. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 52 sexually active female patients with psoriasis regardless of their age (group I) and 30 normal volunteers (who were age matched with the patients) who served as a control group (group II). Full history taking, general and systemic examination, including sexual history, together with clinical examination to evaluate the extent of skin disease using Psoriasis Assessment Severity Index (PASI) score and evaluation of sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire, were done for all the subjects enrolled in the study. Main Outcome Measures. Correlation between PASI and FSFI domain scores was determined in matched groups using Pearson correlation. Results. This study revealed a negative correlation between the PASI score and the overall sexual satisfaction in the studied group. Also, psoriatic female patients with genital psoriasis have more significantly impaired sexual function compared with either those without genital lesions or those with lesions elsewhere in the body. Conclusions. It is imperative to do full sexual and psychological assessment of psoriatic patients to improve outcomes and increase patients' compliance with treatment.