Psycho sexological impact(s) of syphilis among infected persons

Syphilis bears the image of a great sexually transmitted disease. Its diagnosis can disrupt a person's intimacy. Indeed, the nature of its transmission and the stigma associated with the disease, could affect sexual function (decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, sexual dissatisfaction, sexual aversion). Sexual health, as well as the mental health of the infected person may be affected. No study has yet explored this psycho sexological impact. The aim of the present research is to investigate the psycho sexological impact(s) of syphilis, in order to improve our knowledge on these aspects, and consequently, to improve the quality of care for our patients and messages on prevention. Our results showed that psychosexological impact of syphilis exists, at diagnosis, but negative consequences do not last enough to induce deep changes in social relationship and decrease the risk of a further infection. To conclude, it seems fundamental to take into consideration the psycho sexual issues of patients during their care, in order to avoid additional distress linked to the disease. However, as the psycho sexological impact remains moderate overall, it seems crucial to improve prevention and risk education linked to risky sexual behavior, in order to avoid repeated sexually transmitted infections.

Organizational unit

Pre Toutous Trellu Research group - Syphilis

Type

Dataset

DOI

10.26037/yareta:madbiiluavgzpagany2xfrjmqu

Funding agencies

Swiss National Science Foundation

Keywords

syphilis, psycho-sexological impacts, prevention and risk education