title: How the rheumatologist can guide the patient with rheumatoid arthritis on sexual function.
abstract: Sexuality, an integral part of human life and quality of life, is one of those responsible for our individual welfare. Sexual dysfunction can be defined as a change in any component of sexual activity, which may cause frustration, pain and decreased sexual intercourse. Although it is known that chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), influence the quality of sexual life, sexual dysfunction is still underdiagnosed, due to two reasons: both patients fail to report the complaint because of shame or frustration, and this subject is rarely called into question by doctors. Rheumatologists are increasingly willing to discuss areas which are not directly related to drug treatment of joint diseases, such as quality of life, fatigue, and education of patients; however, sexuality is rarely addressed. The aim of this review is to present some useful concepts to Rheumatologists for orientation of their patients with RA with respect to sexual function/dysfunction, some considerations concerning the role of these professionals in order to instruct the patient, general notions about sexual function, including practical concepts about the more appropriate sexual positions for patients with RA, and a multidisciplinary approach to sexual dysfunction.
authors: Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil; Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
authors: Pedro Henrique Tavares Queiroz de
authors: PH
authors: Almeida
authors: Hospital Regional de Ceilândia, Ceilândia, DF, Brasil. Electronic address: ferreira.clarissa@gmail.com.
authors: Clarissa de
authors: Cd
authors: Castro Ferreira
authors: Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
authors: Patricia Shu
authors: PS
authors: Kurizky
authors: Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
authors: Luciana Feitosa
authors: LF
authors: Muniz
authors: Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil.
authors: Licia Maria Henrique da
authors: LM
authors: Mota
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy; D037001:Directive Counseling; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D012219:Rheumatology; D012725:Sexual Behavior
keywords: Artrite reumatoide; Disfunção sexual; Rheumatoid arthritis; Sexual dysfunction; Sexualidade; Sexuality