Sexual disorder improvement: a target or a way in treatment of fibromyalgia. A case report and brief review

Abstract

Previous studies had shown the relation between fibromyalgia (FM) and sexual impairment as a symptom of established disease, which causes often serious problems in partners' relationship. We described a middle-aged man with FM who was refractory to conventional treatments after an 8-year history of generalized chronic pain. He underwent multiple treatment modalities, such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and nonpharmacological therapies, with no dramatic success. Psychiatric assessment revealed a homosexual tendency. He and his wife were informed about the problem. A change in sexual behavior caused a significant resolution of symptoms over a 6-month period, and he no longer receives medication for FM. This is the first case report to demonstrate the efficacy of sexual disorder improvement in the treatment of refractory FM.