Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | Sexual disorders in patients affected by multiple sclerosis |
|---|---|
| Name | Rimondini Gaia |
| Supervisor(s) | Paolo Nichelli, Diana Ferraro |
| Academic Year | |
| Thesis type | Research thesis |
Abstract
Introduction: In the clinical context of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it has been repeatedly demonstrated that sexual dysfunction, although very frequent, is seldom reported by patients and underestimated by health professionals. Concealment of these symptoms does not allow patients to address the problem, consequently lowering the quality of their life and of their relationships with partners. Objective: To evaluate the impact of sexual dysfunction in MS, a neurological disease that mainly affects young adults, adopting a method that, guaranteeing anonymity, can more easily bring out the real incidence of the problem and its characteristics. Materials and methods: Administration of a questionnaire to patients in the neurological day hospital of the Baggiovara Hospital (Modena), including various scales used in the MS outpatient clinic. Results: Nearly half of the patients claim to suffer from sexual dysfunction. However, a significant number of patients who denied any discomfort appeared to suffer from it. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunctions are frequent in MS patients, and it is relevant in this regard that many patients fail to report the problem due to embarrassment or misinformation. Sexual satisfaction is reported even in patients suffering from sexual disturbance, a demonstration that sexual life can be fulfilling even with altered sexuality if there is good understanding and communication with the partner. This must always be pointed out to MS patients so that they can find the courage to ask for help from health professionals, mistakenly believing that they must face a limiting and incomplete lifestyle. Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, Sexual Dysfunction, Quality of Life.