Abstract | PURPOSE: Women with epilepsy are at risk for sexual dysfunction but the frequency and types of dysfunction have not been well characterized. METHODS: RESULTS: Although sexual experience was not reduced, women with PGE and LRE reported significantly less sexual arousability and women with LRE reported significantly more sexual anxiety. Women with LRE experienced significantly more dyspareunia, vaginismus, arousal insufficiency, and sexual dissatisfaction, whereas women with PGE experienced anorgasmia and sexual dissatisfaction. Sexual symptoms were not associated with seizure frequency, AED exposure, sexual experience, depression, or prepubertal seizure onset. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to subjects of previous research, the women in our study did not have a disorder of sexual desire, but more than one third experienced disorders of sexual arousal, implying a physiological deficit. Although the etiology for these arousal phase dysfunctions has not been defined, such conditions are treatable and warrant referral to a gynecologist versed in the treatment of sexual disorders.
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Authors | M J Morrell, G T Guldner |
Journal | Epilepsia
(Epilepsia)
Vol. 37
Issue 12
Pg. 1204-10
(Dec 1996)
ISSN: 0013-9580 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8956853
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Comorbidity
- Depressive Disorder
(diagnosis, epidemiology)
- Dyspareunia
(diagnosis, epidemiology)
- Epilepsy
(diagnosis, epidemiology, psychology)
- Female
- Humans
- Libido
- Middle Aged
- Personality Inventory
(statistics & numerical data)
- Sexual Behavior
(psychology)
- Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
(diagnosis, epidemiology)
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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