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Journals / İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 89 Sayı: 3

Assessment of Genital Morphology and Sexual Function in Women with Systemic Sclerosis: A Case–Control Study

Ayşe Topcu Akduman(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, GÜLHANE TIP FAKÜLTESİ, GÜLHANE TIP PR. (ANKARA))0000-0001-6902-5378
Fahrettin Bıçakçı(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, GÜLHANE TIP FAKÜLTESİ, GÜLHANE TIP PR. (ANKARA))0000-0002-2756-2914
Özhan Özdemir(SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ, GÜLHANE TIP FAKÜLTESİ, GÜLHANE TIP PR. (ANKARA))0000-0002-0930-775X
Pages
187–193
Publication Date
2026-08-14
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Conclusions: Women with SSc exhibit significant genital structural changes; however, these do not always adversely affect sexual function or overall genital health.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Objective: This study evaluates genital tract involvement and sexual function in women with SSc and examine their relationship with gynecological findings.
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Key Findings & Data:Material and Methods: This case–control study included 36 women with SSc and 72 age-matched healthy controls (HC).
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Conclusion & Impact:Conclusions: Women with SSc exhibit significant genital structural changes; however, these do not always adversely affect sexual function or overall genital health.
🔬Design:Survey & Empirical Study
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Systemic Sclerosis · Scleroderma · Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates genital tract involvement and sexual function in women with SSc and examine their relationship with gynecological findings. Material and Methods: This case–control study included 36 women with SSc and 72 age-matched healthy controls (HC). All participants underwent standardized gynecological examinations. Sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), quality of life with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and pelvic floor function with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire–Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7). In the SSc group, the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) was additionally applied to explore associations between disease activity and sexual dysfunction. Results: Women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) had a significantly smaller uterine size and narrower introital width compared with 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.

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Cite This Article

Akduman, A. T., Bıçakçı, F., Özdemir, Ö. (2026). Assessment of Genital Morphology and Sexual Function in Women with Systemic Sclerosis: A Case–Control Study. İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi, Cilt: 89 Sayı: 3, 187–193. https://doi.org/10.26650/IUITFD.1859729

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