Fertility and Sexual Dysfunction in Rheumatic Diseases

Reproductive health in individuals with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) is rapidly evolving as an area of focus, underscoring the need for improved clinical practice. Concerns regarding sexuality and fertility are common among patients but are infrequently or inadequately addressed by health care providers in routine clinical practice. In AIRDs, disease activity, medications, and comorbidities can impact sexual health (SH) and fertility. Thus, exploring the causes of sexual dysfunction (SD) and its assessment and management are an integral part of managing AIRDs. Infertility, the various options of fertility preservation, methods, and concerns in AIRDs, and the barriers to effective care also need to be explored and adequately addressed. It is important for rheumatologists to have a good understanding of the common concerns, broach these aspects, and implement effective strategies. When needed, rheumatologists should guide patients toward appropriate resources and offer timely referrals to relevant specialists when complex intervention or detailed counseling is required.