Effect of familial Mediterranean fever on sexual and reproductive health in women

Abstract

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between familial Mediterranean fever and female sexual dysfunction and premenstrual syndrome. Materials and methods: This study included 36 patients with familial Mediterranean fever and 33 healthy volunteers. Familial Mediterranean fever was diagnosed according to the Tel Hashomer criteria and familial Mediterranean fever mutations were identified in all of the patients. The patients and healthy volunteers were compared in terms of anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and premenstrual syndrome, and a model was created that describes the relationships among these variables. Results: We found statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, and Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction frequency and vaginismus subscale scores. There was no difference in depression scores between the groups. Conclusion: Familial Mediterranean fever is a rheumatic disease that predisposes patients to sexual dysfunction and premenstrual syndrome, which emerges as direct and indirect psychological factors.