Perianal disease and its impact on sexual life

The "Hidden Morbidity" of Perianal Disease: A Prospective Evaluation of Psychosexual Health and Body Image.

Observational AHEPA University Hospital · NCT07519850

This project will see how chronic perianal conditions (like fistulas, perianal Crohn’s, or pilonidal disease) affect sexual function and self‑esteem in adults who can complete Greek questionnaires.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAHEPA University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki)
Trial IDNCT07519850 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, cross-sectional observational assessment of adults with chronic perianal disease presenting to a proctology clinic. Participants complete a one-time questionnaire battery including IIEF-5 for men, FSFI-6 for women, and a 10-item "Hidden Morbidity" PROM to measure sexual function, body image, and related distress. Data on disease etiology, symptoms, presence of setons, and surgical history will be collected to explore associations with psychosexual outcomes. No experimental interventions are performed and care follows standard clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age >18) with chronic perianal disease (fistula-in-ano, perianal Crohn’s disease, pilonidal disease, or related conditions) who can read and complete the Greek IIEF-5/FSFI-6 and the study PROM and who provide informed consent.

Not a fit: People with active colorectal or anal cancer, major pelvic surgery within the past three months, significant cognitive impairment, or those unable to complete the Greek questionnaires are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians better address sexual health and body-image concerns and improve patient counseling and holistic care for people with perianal disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous literature has documented psychosexual impacts of perianal disease, but few prospective, questionnaire-based studies have quantified these effects using standardized PROMs, so this work builds on limited prior evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of chronic perianal disease (fistula-in-ano, pCD, pilonidal).
* Age \>18 years.
* Ability to understand and complete the Greek versions of the IIEF-5/FSFI-6 and the study PROM.
* Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active malignancy (colorectal or anal cancer).
* Major pelvic surgery in the last 3 months (unrelated to perianal disease).
* Cognitive impairment preventing survey completion.

Where this trial is running

Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Perianal Crohn DiseasePerianal FistulaFistula in AnoPerianal AbscessPilonidal Cyst/FistulaAnal Fissure and Fistulafistula in anoperianal fistula
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.