The effect of systemic lupus erythematosus on sexual function in women: an updated meta-analysis based on cross-sectional studies

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, often affects different organs and tissues. It can be effectively managed using drugs; however, attention should be paid to the patient’s quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SLE on female sexual function based on current literature. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies published up to November 9, 2021. This review included all English studies that compared the sexual function between women with SLE and healthy women. A meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: A total of 367 records were retrieved from 3 electronic databases. Five studies that involved 710 women with SLE and 2059 healthy women were finally included in this meta-analysis. The result indicated a significant decrease (mean difference = − 1.74, 95% confidence interval − 3.14 to − 0.34, p = 0.02) in the total scores of the Female Sexual Function Index in women with SLE, implying that healthy women had better sexual function than those with SLE. Conclusion: The results of our study indicated that SLE could negatively affect the quality of sexual life in terms of desire, arousal, and pain. Thus, close attention should be paid to the sexual function of women with SLE. Trial registration: This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42021290439).