Rationale Sex is an important part of life for many adults, yet sexual function may be impacted by chronic respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Objectives This multinational study sought to characterize the impact of PF on sex and sexual function, using mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology. Methods We analyzed data from a patient registry, a clinical study, an online survey, and patient interviews to accomplish our objective and develop a conceptual framework for describing the effects of PF on sex-related quality of life. These cohorts used three distinct questionnaires; University of California, San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSD-SOBQ), Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care (SPARC) questionnaire, and the Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ) to assess sexual dysfunction, respectively. Individual patient interviews were conducted and qualitatively evaluated using thematic analysis. Findings Dyspnea with sexual activity affected 2054/2759 (74%) of registry patients, associated with male sex, lower forced vital capacity (FVC%), lower diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO%), and worse cough. Distress due to the effect of PF on their sex life was reported in 52/225 (23%) of the clinical cohort, associated with younger age, male sex, lower DLCO%, and worse cough. Sexual dysfunction was common, affecting 56/67 (83%) of female and 63/73 (86%) male survey respondents. Qualitative analysis of patient interviews identified several themes including sex life limitations, changes in inter-personal relationships, quality of life. All patients wanted to discuss sex with trusted healthcare providers. Conclusions In this multinational study, patients with PF reported engaging in sex and sexual activities but were adversely impacted by the effect of PF on sex life, with both physical and psychological limitations. Sexual dysfunction was common, driven by multiple disease domains. Sexual health appears to be an important component of comprehensive patient care.
Avitzur et al. (Thu,) studied this question.