Sexual Function and Its Predictors in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (PP-11)

Sexual dysfunction is a common and distressing issue in individuals with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (PwNMOSD).
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate sexual function (SF) in PwMS and PwNMOSD compared to healthy controls (HCs) and identify the predictors associated with SF.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted from February 2023 to January 2024 at the MS clinic of Kashani Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. The study included 114 PwMS, 88 PwNMOSD, and 86 HCs. Demographic, clinical, and psychological data were collected, and SF was assessed using the Female SF Index (FSFI) for women and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationships between variables.
Results: SF was significantly lower in PwMS and PwNMOSD compared to HCs. For males with MS, partner’s education (B = -2.7, p = 0.003), anxiety (B = -0.6, p = 0.003), and depression (B = -0.3, p = 0.026) were significant independent predictors of SF, while the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (B = -1.2, p = 0.016) and depression (B = -0.2, p = 0.001) were significant predictors in females with MS. In males with NMOSD, EDSS (B = -5.7, p = 0.007) and anxiety (B = -1, p = 0.002) were significant independent predictors of SF, whereas EDSS (B = -1.4, p = 0.005) and depression (B = -0.1, p = 0.019) were significant predictors in females with NMOSD.
Conclusion: PwMS and PwNMOSD have poorer SF than HCs. Several factors, including partner’s education, anxiety, depression, and EDSS scores, have been identified as independent predictors of SF in these populations.