Sexual Functions are Impaired in Males and Females with Chronic Spontaneous and Inducible Urticaria; A Controlled Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction (SD) related to chronic dermatological diseases in females and males have been reported in the literature, but there are few reports on the effects of chronic urticaria (CU) on male and female sexual function.

Objectives: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of SD in females and erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by two different CU subtypes.

Methods: Our study included 100 patients with CU (60 chronic spontaneous urticaria ([CSU]) and 40 chronic inducible urticaria [CIndU]) and 60 healthy controls. The Urticaria Activity Score 7, Urticaria Control Test, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were assessed in patients and controls.

Results: Patients with CSU and CIndU had a higher prevalence of female SD (83% and 70%, respectively, vs 20%; P <0.001) and ED (43% and 50%, respectively vs 10%; P <0.05, for all) than controls. CSU and CIndU patients both had lower FSFI scores than controls (median 23.35 and 23.9, respectively, vs controls 30.75; P <0.001). Overall score of IIEF was lower in the CSU group than in the control group (median 60 vs 67; P = 0.005). Depressive symptoms both in males and females with CU was associated with more impairment in sexual functions (r=-0.44, r=-0.47; P <0.001).

Conclusions: Sexual function is affected in both female and male patients with CSU and CIndU. Given that sexual health is a crucial aspect of QoL, it should be considered when assessing treatment outcomes and disease control.