A study to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its related factors in female patients with Lupus Nephritis at AIIMS,New Delhi

The WHO (World Health Organization) describes sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality, it is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Sexual health plays an essential role in patient’s quality of life and sexual behavior is considered an indispensable part of personal behavior. Several chronic diseases have been reported to negatively affect sexual function, a finding that is frequently neglected. Several studies conducted has reported that females with SLE have high incidence of sexual dysfunction. Since SLE is high among female of childbearing age (15 to 45yrs) thus it is very much necessary to address the sexual dysfunction among this group. Lupus Nephritis denotes a common & severe manifestation of SLE and could be a major factor exerting negative impact on long term renal and patient survival. Renal involvement occurs in up to 60% of adult patients with SLE. Therefore, this study is undertaken to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its related factors in female lupus nephritis patient instead of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a whole.