Evaluation of Sexual Function of Women with Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome and Investigation of the Effects of Lubricants on Sexual Drive

INTRODUCTION: Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes vaginal dryness and dyspareunia secondary to lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands. This study aimed to evaluate the sexual functions of premenopausal and postmenopausal women with pSS and to investigate the effects of using polycarbophil-containing vaginal moisturizing gel on sexual function.
METHODS: The study included 24 female patients (mean age 45.1 ± 6.1, range 33 to 54 years) with pSS, who had an active sex life and reported vaginal dryness. The patients were asked to use 1 g of polycarbophil-containing vaginal gel twice per week for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and after vaginal lubricant use. All patients underwent full gynecologic examinations.
RESULTS: After treatment with vaginal lubricants, significant improvements were observed in the lubrication scores, satisfaction, and pain during intercourse (p=0.032, p=0.002, and p=0.006, respectively). The total post-treatment FSFI score was detected to be higher than the values of pre-treatment [median 22.5 (range, 15.1-32.4) vs. 20 (range, 12.3-28.5), respectively; p=0.004]. Considering the sum and sub-parameters of FSFI in postmenopausal women before and after lubricant treatment, there were significant differences in premenopausal satisfaction, pain reviews, and total FSFI scores (p=0.014, p=0.014, and p=0.032, respectively).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The use of polycarbophil-containing vaginal moisturizing gel improved sexual symptoms in women with Sjögren's syndrome, especially in the premenopausal period, without serious adverse effects; therefore, we concluded that non-hormonal polycarbophil-based gel could be used in the treatment of patients with this condition.