Journal Article Ahead of print
PubMed: 42268671 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.70522
The Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa on Sexual Function: A Multicentered Cross-Sectional Study.
Int J Dermatol
Authors: Defne Özkoca, Hediye Eker, Dilay Yerlioğlu Ak, Beril Kara Esen, Ali Emre Buğday, Tuğba Tehçi, Neslihan Demirel Öğüt, Ayris Öztürk, Algün Polat Ekinci, Özlem Su Küçük, Erkan Alpsoy, Aslı Tatlıparmak, Esra Adışen, Ecem Etli, Fatma Etgü, Gülhan Aksoy Saraç, Ersoy Acer, Esra Ağaoğlu, Münevver Güven, Zeynep Karaca Ural, Rabia Öztaş Kara, Ahmet Uğur Atılan, Gözde Ulutaş Demirbaş, Gülhan Gürel, Seçil Vural
Affiliations
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Koç University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.
- Dermatology Clinic, Başakşehir Çam ve Sakura City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey.
- Department of Public Health, Esenler District Health Directorate, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Intern Doctor, Koç University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey.
- Dermatology Clinic, Adana City Hospital, Adana, Turkey.
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Uşak University Training and Research Hospital, Uşak, Turkey.
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Bezmialem University, İstanbul, Turkey.
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Üsküdar University, İstanbul, Turkey.
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey.
- Dermatology Clinic, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
- Deparment of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.
- Deparment of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey.
- Deparment of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
- Deparment of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey.
- Deparment of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical Faculty, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
- Dermatology Clinic, Kocaeli City Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey.
- Department of Dermtology and Venerology, Afyonkarahisar Medical Faculty, Afyon, Turkey.
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Haliç University Medical Faculty, İstanbul, Turkey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a disease that impairs the quality of life (QoL), sexual functioning, and fertility of the patients. The relationship between disease characteristics and sexual function remains insufficiently characterized.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of sexual dysfunction among HS patients; and to evaluate its relationship to disease or patient characteristics.
METHODS
In this multi-centered cross-sectional study, patients were asked to complete a structured online questionnaire including demographics, disease characteristics, the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Self-Assessment Tool (HSSA), HS-specific Dermatology Life Quality Index (HS-DLQI), and validated sexual function instruments (International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5] for males; Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] for females).
RESULTS
A total of 522 HS patients were included. Higher HSSA stages correlated positively with worse HS-DLQI scores (r = 0.258, p < 0.001). Lesions in the head/neck, inframammary, gluteal, and inguinal regions were associated with greater QoL impairment. Male patients had significantly lower IIEF scores and higher erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence compared to controls; however, HS was not an independent risk factor for ED in multivariable analysis. Female patients had significantly lower total FSFI scores than controls, particularly in arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain domains, whereas lubrication remained unaffected and desire scores were higher.
LIMITATIONS
Recall bias, the self-reported nature of questionnaires, and sociocultural barriers to discussing sexual health may have influenced results.
CONCLUSION
HS significantly impairs quality of life, particularly with increasing disease severity and involvement of specific anatomical regions. HS is associated with impaired sexual function in both women and men, with a more pronounced and multifaceted impact observed in female patients. Effective pain and inflammation control may improve sexual outcomes, underscoring the importance of comprehensive, domain-specific assessment in HS management.
MeSH
Quality Of Life, Cross-Sectional Studies, Fertility, Pain, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Multiple Chronic Conditions, Hidradenitis, Dermatology