The impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa on sexual function: a multicentered cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a disease that impairs the quality of life (QoL), sexual functioning, and fertility of the patients. The relationship between disease characteristics and sexual function remains insufficiently characterized. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of sexual dysfunction among HS patients; and to evaluate its relationship to disease or patient characteristics. Methods In this multi‐centered cross‐sectional study, patients were asked to complete a structured online questionnaire including demographics, disease characteristics, the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Self‐Assessment Tool (HSSA), HS‐specific Dermatology Life Quality Index (HS‐DLQI), and validated sexual function instruments (International Index of Erectile Function‐5 [IIEF‐5] for males; Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] for females). Results A total of 522 HS patients were included. Higher HSSA stages correlated positively with worse HS‐DLQI scores ( r = 0.258, p Limitations Recall bias, the self‐reported nature of questionnaires, and sociocultural barriers to discussing sexual health may have influenced results. Conclusion HS significantly impairs quality of life, particularly with increasing disease severity and involvement of specific anatomical regions. HS is associated with impaired sexual function in both women and men, with a more pronounced and multifaceted impact observed in female patients. Effective pain and inflammation control may improve sexual outcomes, underscoring the importance of comprehensive, domain‐specific assessment in HS management. image