Sexual Health and Well-being in Men with RMD across Europe: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Italy, the UK and Turkey

Project Description

Sexual health is associated with optimal levels of health and well-being. People with inflammatory arthritis (IA) (e.g., axial spondylarthritis (AxSpA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA)) and osteoarthritis (OA) experience a broad array of symptoms (e.g., pain, fatigue, psychological issues, joint swelling and deformity) that can hinder their sexual well-being. Although a growing body of evidence demonstrated that rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) impact on women’s sexual health, there is a paucity of research concerning men’s sexual health and well-being. Moreover, healthcare professionals and patients tend to omit discussions around sexual health during clinical consultations. Not talking about sex in healthcare setting limits the opportunity to recognise the early symptoms of sexual dysfunction, introduce preventive strategies and address the issues that are affecting patients’ quality of life.