Impact of Fibromyalgia Syndrome on Female Sexual Function A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

Background: Women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) experience generalized and chronic musculoskeletal pain and other disabling symptoms such as female sexual difficulties that reduce the quality and the frequency of their sexual relationships. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine sexual dysfuntion in women diagnosed with FMS compared with healthy controls. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. The literature search was conducted using PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, SciELO, and PsycINFO PROQUEST until February 2021. Observational studies with 2 groups (women with FMS and healthy controls) that assessed sexual function were included. Pooled effect was calculated using Cohen standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects model. Results: Twelve studies were included comprising 1367 women (766 diagnosed with FMS and 601 healthy controls). The methodological quality of the included studies was moderate, according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Our findings showed a significant sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with FMS (SMD = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.18-2.26; p < 0.001). In addition, the secondary outcomes more affected in women with FMS were sexual satisfaction (SMD = -2.09; 95% CI, -2.83 to -1.36; p < 0.001) and the pain during sexual relations (SMD = -1.97; 95% CI, -2.81 to -1.12; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Women with FMS showed a significant sexual dysfunction and other related sexual difficulties, such as increase in sexual pain and a decreased sexual desire or sexual satisfaction, compared with healthy women.