Sexual problems in women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Sexual Dysfunction Prevalence and Its Relationship With Various Factors in Women With Multiple Sclerosis
See if sexual dysfunction is common in women aged 25-50 with relapsing-remitting MS and whether it's linked to fatigue, mood, bladder symptoms, and cognitive problems.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Ege University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Izmir, Bornova) |
| Trial ID | NCT07193823 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational, clinic-based study of women 25–50 years old with relapsing-remitting MS who are sexually active and have EDSS ≤5. Participants complete validated questionnaires and brief cognitive testing including the FSFI for sexual function, BICAMS for cognition, HADS for anxiety and depression, FSS for fatigue, and OAB-V8 for bladder symptoms. The primary goal is to measure how common sexual dysfunction is in this group and the secondary goal is to look for statistical links between sexual dysfunction and fatigue, mood, bladder symptoms, and cognitive test results. Patients are recruited at the Neurology Department of Ege University in Izmir and must attend in-person visits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 25–50 with relapsing-remitting MS, EDSS ≤5, literate, sexually active within the past 3 months, and with a continuous sexual partner are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have EDSS >5, are not sexually active or lack a regular partner, have high spasticity, or have non-relapsing forms of MS are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians recognize how common sexual dysfunction is in women with RRMS and prompt better screening and supportive care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have frequently reported high rates of sexual dysfunction in women with MS and found links with fatigue, mood disorders, and bladder symptoms, so this approach builds on existing literature.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female patients aged 25-50 years * Literate and able to comprehend written and spoken instructions * Diagnosed with relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis * Having a continuous/regular sexual partner * Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤ 5 * At least 3 months since the last relapse * Sexually active within the past 3 months * Spasticity level \< grade 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Illiteracy or inability to understand spoken or written instructions * Absence of a continuous/regular sexual partner * Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score \> 5 * Not sexually active within the past 3 months * Spasticity level ≥ grade 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale
Where this trial is running
Izmir, Bornova
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology — Izmir, Bornova, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Merve Dokumaci, Resident doctor
- Email: dokumacimerve@gmail.com
- Phone: +905435088428
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.