Sexual health and fertility in Duchenne muscular dystrophy—An exploratory study

Article


Hoskin, J., Cheetha, T. D., Mitchell, R. T., Wong, S. C. and Wood, C. L. 2024. Sexual health and fertility in Duchenne muscular dystrophy—An exploratory study. Muscle & Nerve. 70 (3), pp. 402-408. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.28201
AuthorsHoskin, J., Cheetha, T. D., Mitchell, R. T., Wong, S. C. and Wood, C. L.
Abstract

Introduction/Aims
Recent clinical guidelines recommend that adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who are on daily glucocorticoid treatment should be offered pubertal induction in order to ensure adult levels of sex hormones as they reach adulthood. However, it remains unclear how gonadal status, including androgen concentrations, impacts physical function and future fertility. The aim of this study was to give a voice to adults with DMD, exploring their perspectives around sexual health, hormone treatment, and fertility.

Methods
Qualitative data was collected from six adults with DMD through two online focus groups. Participants were recruited through Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance and Duchenne UK and invited to take part if they had DMD and were 18 years of age or older. Conversations were transcribed verbatim and an interpretivist paradigm was used with thematic analysis.

Results
The main themes identified were (1) the need for communication and information about sexual health, (2) dealing with the potential fear of rejection, (3) physical barriers to relationships including sex, (4) testosterone supplementation in DMD, and (5) parenthood and fertility.

Discussion
We recommend that clinicians work with young people with DMD individually, to explore the benefits of testosterone treatment for them and their personal sexual health needs. If they are offered treatment, this should always be accompanied by the opportunity for psychological support. This work highlights the need for further research to establish the role of testosterone supplementation in adults with DMD and its effects on fertility and the value of specific emotional and practical support for sexual health.

JournalMuscle & Nerve
Journal citation70 (3), pp. 402-408
ISSN0148-639X
1097-4598
Year2024
PublisherWiley
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Anyone
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.28201
Publication dates
Online11 Jul 2024
PrintSep 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted29 Jun 2024
Deposited11 Jul 2024
Copyright holder© 2024, The Author(s)
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