ASSESSMENT OF GENITAL MORPHOLOGY AND SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Istanbul Tip Fakultesi Dergisi, cilt.89, sa.3, ss.187-193, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 89 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.26650/iuitfd.1859729
- Dergi Adı: Istanbul Tip Fakultesi Dergisi
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.187-193
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Systemic sclerosis, Scleroderma, Sexual dysfunction, Gynecology
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objective: This study evaluates genital tract involvement and sexual function in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and examines their relationship with gynecological findings. Material and Methods: This case–control study included 36 women with SSc and 72 agematched healthy controls. All participants underwent standardized gynecological examinations. Sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), quality of life with the Short Form36 (SF36), and pelvic floor function with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire–Short Form 7 (PFIQ7). In the SSc group, the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) was additionally applied to explore the associations between disease activity and sexual dysfunction. Results: Women with SSc had a significantly smaller uterine size and narrower introital width than the control group (p<0.001). Bladder neck mobility was observed more frequently in controls (p=0.019). Natural menopause occurred at an earlier age in the SSc group (p=0.044). No significant differences were found between the groups in sexual function, quality of life, or pelvic floor impact. Conclusions: Women with SSc exhibit significant genital structural changes; however, these do not always adversely affect sexual function or overall genital health.