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.