3.9.BPS1 Best practice statement

Sexual dysfunction in individuals with Friedreich ataxia can have a profound effect…

Published June 24, 2022

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Sexual dysfunction in individuals with Friedreich ataxia can have a profound effect on quality of life. Evaluation of sexual function should form part of the routine care of an individual with Friedreich ataxia.

Part of 3.9 Sexual function in Friedreich ataxia

References (7)

1. Corben LA, Hermans MM, Marks A, Crowe LM, Delatycki MB. Sexual function, intimate relationships and Friedreich ataxia. J Neurol. 2021;268(3):1088-95.

2. Lad M, Parkinson MH, Rai M, Pandolfo M, Bogdanova-Mihaylova P, Walsh RA, et al. Urinary, bowel and sexual symptoms in a cohort of patients with Friedreich's ataxia. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2017;12(1):158.

3. Nasimbera A, Rosales J, Silva B, Alonso R, Bohorquez N, Lepera S, et al. Everything you always wanted to know about sex and neurology: neurological disability and sexuality. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2018;76(7):430-5.

4. Matthews V. Sexual dysfunction in people with long-term neurological conditions. Nurs Stand. 2009;23(50):48-56; quiz 8.

5. Basson R, Bronner G. Management and rehabilitation of neurologic patients with sexual dysfunction. Handb Clin Neurol. 2015;130:415-34.

6. Lundberg PO, Ertekin C, Ghezzi A, Swash M, Vodusek D. Neurosexology: Guideline for neurologists. Eur J Neurol. 2001;8 (Suppl 3):2-24.

7. Lombardi G, Nelli F, Celso M, Mencarini M, Del Popolo G. Treating erectile dysfunction and central neurological diseases with oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Review of the literature. J Sex Med. 2012;9(4):970-85.

Disclaimer, intended use and funding

Disclaimer
The Clinical Management Guidelines for Friedreich ataxia (‘Guidelines’) are protected by copyright owned by the authors who contributed to their development or said authors’ assignees.

These Guidelines are systematically developed evidence statements incorporating data from a comprehensive literature review of the most recent studies available (up to the Guidelines submission date) and reviewed according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework © The Grade Working Group.

Guidelines users must seek out the most recent information that might supersede the diagnostic and treatment recommendations contained within these Guidelines and consider local variations in clinical settings, funding and resources that may impact on the implementation of the recommendations set out in these Guidelines.

The authors of these Guidelines disclaim all liability for the accuracy or completeness of the Guidelines, and disclaim all warranties, express or implied to their incorrect use.

Intended Use
These Guidelines are made available as general information only and do not constitute medical advice. These Guidelines are intended to assist qualified healthcare professionals make informed treatment decisions about the care of individuals with Friedreich ataxia. They are not intended as a sole source of guidance in managing issues related to Friedreich ataxia. Rather, they are designed to assist clinicians by providing an evidence-based framework for decision-making.

These Guidelines are not intended to replace clinical judgment and other approaches to diagnosing and managing problems associated with Friedreich ataxia which may be appropriate in specific circumstances. Ultimately, healthcare professionals must make their own treatment decisions on a case-by-case basis, after consultation with their patients, using their clinical judgment, knowledge and expertise.
Guidelines users must not edit or modify the Guidelines in any way – including removing any branding, acknowledgement, authorship or copyright notice.

Funding
The authors of this document gratefully acknowledge the support of the Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). The views and opinions expressed in the Guidelines are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FARA.