Sexual dysfunction is increasingly being recognized as a significant yet under-addressed complication in women with Sjögren’s syndrome, with recent studies highlighting its high prevalence and complex underlying causes. The condition is multifactorial, characterized by physical symptoms, psychological distress, treatment-related effects, and social influences, all of which can markedly reduce quality of life.
Physical manifestations of Sjögren’s syndrome, particularly mucosal dryness, can cause pain and discomfort during sexual activity, adversely affecting intimacy and relationships. Musculoskeletal involvement, including joint pain and stiffness, may further limit physical movement and sexual activity. Psychological symptoms such as chronic fatigue, depression, and anxiety are common and strongly associated with sexual dysfunction, potentially through both emotional stress and neuroendocrine mechanisms affecting sexual hormones. Long-term use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and other therapies may also contribute through hormonal, vascular, or neurological pathways. In addition, social factors including altered body image and disease-related stigma can indirectly worsen sexual difficulties.
Evidence from a recent study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology underscores the magnitude of the problem. The cross-sectional observational study evaluated 158 women with Sjögren’s syndrome admitted to three Grade-III Class-A hospitals in Beijing between January 2021 and December 2023. Female sexual dysfunction, defined by a Female Sexual Function Index score below 26.5, was identified in 124 patients, accounting for 78.5% of the cohort.
Women with sexual dysfunction were significantly older and had longer disease duration than those without, with a notably higher proportion aged 40 years or above. Frequently reported symptoms included reduced libido, impaired arousal and vaginal lubrication, orgasmic disorders, decreased sexual satisfaction, and dyspareunia. The association between Sjögren’s syndrome and female sexual dysfunction remained statistically significant even after adjusting for medication use, psychological status, and socioeconomic factors.
These findings are supported by a review by Yang and colleagues, which reported adverse effects of Sjögren’s syndrome on multiple aspects of sexual health, including sexual function, sex hormone profiles, and pregnancy outcomes. The authors emphasized that sexual health concerns are often overlooked in routine rheumatology practice, despite their profound impact on patient wellbeing.
Experts recommend that clinicians routinely assess sexual health in women with Sjögren’s syndrome using validated tools and address concerns proactively. While further clinical trials are needed to define effective therapeutic strategies, a multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists, gynecologists, obstetricians, psychologists, and other specialists is encouraged.
Growing evidence shows that sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among women with Sjögren’s syndrome and closely linked to disease duration, age, and psychological burden. Early recognition, systematic assessment, and integrated multidisciplinary care are essential to address this unmet clinical need. Incorporating sexual health into routine management has the potential to significantly improve quality of life and overall patient-centred outcomes in Sjögren’s syndrome.
References
- Wang M, Gao Z. Sexual dysfunction in women with Sjögren’s syndrome: a cross-sectional observational study. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2025 Dec;45(1):2463413.
- Yang Y, Huang XX, Huo RX, Lin JY. Sexual health in women with Sjogren’s syndrome: A review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2023 Dec;291:1-9.