Introduction: Sexual health, a critical aspect
of overall well-being, is often compromised in
individuals with chronic disorders. Hidradenitis
suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory
skin condition that mainly affects intertriginous
areas, potentially impacting sexual health as a
result of its specific symptoms and psychosocial
burden.
Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized
data from the EpiCAi project, focusing on 199
patients with HS. Participants completed digital
questionnaires assessing sexual health via sexspecific
instruments: the Female Sexual Function
Index (FSFI) for women and the International
Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men, alongside different psychosocial scales. The disease
severity was assessed using the Hurley stage
and the Lesion Identification Scheme for Acne
Inversa (LISAI).
Results: The majority of the participants
reported impaired sexual health, with significant
clinical sexual dysfunctions noted in 71.8% of
women (FSFI score < 26) and erectile dysfunction
in 63.8% of men. Sexual dysfunction was
associated with several factors, including age,
and marital status. Psychosocial factors, notably
depression and quality of life, showed strong
correlations with sexual health outcomes. Notably,
women over 40 and those treated with biologics
reported more severe dysfunction, while
among men, employment status significantly
influenced sexual health.
Conclusions: HS profoundly affects the sexual
health of both male and female patients, with
significant impacts on their quality of life and
psychological well-being. The findings underscore
the necessity for healthcare providers to
address sexual health proactively in the management
of HS, considering both physical symptoms
and psychosocial impacts. This holistic
approach is essential for improving patient outcomes
and overall quality of life
