title: Perceptions about the sexuality of women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a phenomenological study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore and understand the perceptions and experiences of women with fibromyalgia syndrome regarding their sexuality.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic pathology, which compromises a woman's physical, mental and emotional health. Although concerns related to sexuality are commonly reported, research has tended to focus on the physical symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  An interpretive qualitative research methodology using Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics was carried out.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study explores the sexuality of women with fibromyalgia syndrome. A focus group and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Data were collected between April - June 2014. Participants were recruited until findings reached saturation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three themes define the perception of sexuality for these women: (i) Physical impact: don't touch, don't look; (ii) Sexuality and identity: fighting against their loss; (iii) Impact on the relationship: sexuality as a way of connecting the couple.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite limitations, sexuality is important for the identity and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Together with the physical symptomology, guilt, fear and a lack of understanding compromise the coping process. Women need the support of their partner, their socio-family environment and health professionals. Nurses can aid the successful adjustment to sexual problems related to fibromyalgia syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Department, Motril Hospital, Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: Tamara María
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Matarín Jiménez
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Spain.|Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile.
authors.forename: Cayetano
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1721-0947
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fernández-Sola
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Education, Adult, Child and Midwifery Department, Middlesex University, London, UK.
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hernández-Padilla
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Department, Poniente Hospital, El Ejido, spain.
authors.forename: Matías
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Correa Casado
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Vithas Virgen del Mar Hospital, Almeria, spain.
authors.forename: Laura Helena
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Antequera Raynal
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Spain.|Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile.
authors.forename: José
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7051-2584
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Granero-Molina
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D019529:Sexuality
keywords: female sexual dysfunction; fibromyalgia syndrome; musculoskeletal diseases; nursing; qualitative methods