---

Abstract Background and purpose: Systematic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder. Ninety percent of the lupus cases are women. Because of the chronic and painful nature of this disease, it can affect patient’s quality of life, sexual function and reproductive health. The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual function of women with SLE who referred to selected rheumatologic clinics in Tehran. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was performed in 196 women with SLE attending selected rheumatologic clinics in Tehran, 2013-2014. Two questionnaires were completed including FSFI for sexual function and a demographic questionnaire. Results: The mean scores and SD for different domains of FSFI were as following: sexual desire (4.21±1.49), sexual excitement (3.32±1.57), vaginal lubrication (3.69±1.72), orgasm (3.48± 1.61), sexual satisfaction (2.68±1.00), and dyspareunia (4.77± 2.55). Total mean score was 22.18±5.98. The most prevalent disorder was sexual satisfaction and the least prevalent disorders were vaginal lubrication, orgasm, and dyspareunia. Moderate and mild sexual function disorders were seen in 31.6% and 14.7%, respectively. None of the subjects reported sever sexual function disorder. Women older than 45 years of age were observed with higher sexual function disorders (p<0.001). Participants have been married for over 15 years showed better sexual function in sexual satisfaction, dyspareunia, and sexual desire domains (p<0.001). Conclusion: SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by alternate phases of remission and exacerbation of symptoms that could cause physical and socio-mental disturbances. It also has negative effect on sexual function of affected women. Awareness of health care providers about these problems may help in providing proper management of the disease and consequently improve the involved patients’ quality of life.

---

Background and purpose: Sexual dysfunction caused by contraceptive methods threatens sexual health. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between sexual health and contraceptive methods in women attending health centers in Urmia, Iran.

Materials and methods: A descriptive- analytical study was conducted in 2014 in which 198 women were randomly recruited. Data was collected by a standard questionnaire consisting of three parts: socio-demographic characteristics, Female Sexual Function INDEX (FSFI), and Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS). Data was then analyzed applying descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient in SPSS V. 22. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 29.89 ± 7.01 years. The mean scores for sexual function and satisfaction were 20.99 ± 6.73and 35.93 ± 16.10, respectively. ANOVA analysis showed a significant relationship between sexual function and contraceptive methods. Also, a significant association was found between contraceptive methods and sexual satisfaction (P= 0.00). The most common cause of sexual dysfunction and satisfaction was contraceptive injections, while withdrawal method resulted in the lowest incidence of sexual dysfunction and satisfaction.

Conclusion: In this study, the most common contraceptive methods in women were withdrawal method and taking oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). The results showed that hormonal methods of contraception particularly contraceptive injections could negatively influence the women's sexual health. Therefore, more training programs should be carried out in family planning counselors, so that appropriate contraceptive methods are implemented while considering women’s sexual satisfaction and function.