Sexuality in male partners of women with fibromyalgia syndrome: A qualitative study

PLoS One. 2019 Nov 27;14(11):e0224990. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224990. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to understand how male partners of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome perceive sexuality. Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenology and the Roy Adaptation Model provided the overall framework for this research study. Eighteen participants were recruited through convenience and purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted between February and July of 2017 and included a focus group and twelve in-depth interviews. Two main themes were extracted: "facing a new sex life" and "resisting the loss of the couple's sexuality". Fibromyalgia syndrome compromises the couple's sex life. Enhancing intimacy, skin-to-skin contact (during acute FMS outbreaks), finding new positions, non-coital sex and use of sex toys can increase female desire and help coping.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fibromyalgia / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Sexuality*
  • Syndrome

Grants and funding

This research was funded by Health Science Research Group (CTS-451) and Health Research Centre (CEINSA/UAL), University of Almeria (Spain).