ASSESSMENT OF GENITAL MORPHOLOGY AND SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Objective: This study evaluates genital tract involvement and sexual function in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and examines their relationship with gynecological findings.Material and Methods: This case–control study included 36 women with SSc and 72 age-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent standardized gynecological examinations. Sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), quality of life with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and pelvic floor function with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire–Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7). In the SSc group, the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) was additionally applied to explore the associations between disease activity and sexual dysfunction.Results: Women with SSc had a significantly smaller uterine size and narrower introital width than the control group (p<0.001). Bladder neck mobility was observed more frequently in controls (p=0.019). Natural menopause occurred at an earlier age in the SSc group (p=0.044). No significant differences were found between the groups in sexual function, quality of life, or pelvic floor impact.Conclusions: Women with SSc exhibit significant genital structural changes; however, these do not always adversely affect sexual function or overall genital health.