Background

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is reported in neurological conditions similar to Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). Anecdotally individuals with FRDA report SD including erectile dysfunction and altered genital sensation. Understanding SD in FRDA assists health professionals identify SD issues and improve healthcare for individuals with FRDA.

Objective

To quantify if, and to what extent, people with FRDA experience challenges with sexual function and intimate relationships as a result of primary (genital function), secondary (physical) and tertiary (psychosocial) dysfunction.

Methods

An online purpose designed anonymous questionnaire explored SD and intimate relationships. Invitations to participate were sent to individuals with FRDA aged 18 years and over on the Ataxia UK and Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance databases. Date collection occurred between January and July, 2017.

Results

One-hundred-and-seventy-nine adults with FRDA participated, of which 107 reported current or previous sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction was reported in 57% (20/35) of males, inadequate vaginal lubrication interfering with sexual responsiveness was reported in 57.7% (26/45) of females, and 47% (51/107) reported reduced genital sensation. In addition, 88% (94/107) reported problems moving their body during sexual activity and 73% (78/107) reported reduced confidence about their sexuality due to FRDA. A significant negative relationship was shown between younger age of disease onset and SD.

Conclusion

This study confirmed FRDA impacts sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction and the capacity to form intimate relationships. Understanding the nature and extent of SD is critical to developing interventions and recommendations designed to enhance sexual function, sexuality, and intimate relationships for individuals with FRDA.

中文翻译：

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性功能，亲密关系和弗里德里希共济失调

背景

性功能障碍（SD）在类似于Friedreich共济失调（FRDA）的神经系统疾病中报道。患有FRDA的个体报告SD，包括勃起功能障碍和生殖器感觉改变。了解FRDA中的SD可帮助卫生专业人员识别SD问题并改善FRDA个人的医疗保健。

目的

为了量化患有FRDA的人是否因原发性（生殖器功能），继发性（身体）和三级（心理社会）功能障碍而面临性功能和亲密关系方面的挑战。

方法

在线设计的匿名问卷调查了SD和亲密关系。在Ataxia UK和Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance数据库上向18岁及以上的FRDA个人发送了参加邀请。日期收集发生在2017年1月至7月之间。

结果

一百零九十九名患有FRDA的成年人参加了活动，其中有107名报告了当前或以前的性活动。男性中有57％（20/35）出现勃起功能障碍，女性中有57.7％（26/45）的阴道润滑不足以干扰性反应，而女性生殖器感觉下降的比例为47％（51/107）。此外，有88％（94/107）的人报告说在性活动期间身体会出现问题，而73％（78/107）的人报告说由于FRDA而降低了对其性行为的信心。发病年龄和SD之间呈显着负相关。

结论

这项研究证实，FRDA影响性功能，性满意度和形成亲密关系的能力。了解SD的性质和程度对于制定旨在增强FRDA个体性功能，性行为和亲密关系的干预措施和建议至关重要。