Sexual dysfunction in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Abstract Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that causes fatigueable muscle weakness. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common condition, but the association between SD and MG remains poorly understood. Methods An observational study was conducted to explore SD incidence and risk factors in MG patients. The study enrolled 158 MG patients and 161 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. SD was investigated using the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI), the abridged International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), and the Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation-5 (CIPE-5). The mental health was evaluated using Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). Results A total of 52 male patients and 106 female patients were finally included. The average age of these patients was 41.82 ± 10.44 years. The incidence of female SD was significantly higher in MG patients (48.11%) than in healthy people (22.64%) (P  Conclusion SD is a common problem in MG, and its severity does not change with the severity of the disease. Age and depression are risk factors for sexual dysfunction.