Sex lives of patients are negatively affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a new study has found.
Results of a French study of 1,271 patients (average age 64, 98% receiving treatment) showed that 66% of patients reported that their RA symptoms had negatively impacted their sexual relationships, and 40% reported RA was the sole reason for not being sexually active.
For sexually active patients, the main physical problems reported in the RA study were a decrease or absence of libido, reported by 47% and pain or stiffness in the joints reported by 24%.
A mean Health Assessment Questionnaire score of 1.23 was reported by participants, indicating that RA had a moderate to severe level of impact on their physical functioning.
The study findings also showed that in addition to physical problems, significant emotional consequences were experienced with 39% of RA patients reporting feelings of guilt and frustration. [Read more...]
