Introduction: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is one of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and is often underdiagnosed, especially in women. Relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most widespread form of the disease, but the data on SD occurrence in this particular group of patients is limited. The aim of the study was to analyze the associations between demographic factors, symptoms and signs of MS, psychiatric comorbidities and SD in female patients with RRMS.Material & Methods: A subgroup of 86 sexually active women with RRMS out of 218 total MS respondents was analyzed. Exclusion criteria included active relapse, EDSS score equal or higher than 6.5, and current pregnancy. All patients completed questionnaires including demographic data, questions about symptoms and signs of MS, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual performance, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ‐9) for depression, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) for fatigue evaluation.Results: According to FSFI, SD occurred in 21 (27.27%) of the respondents. SD occurrence was associated with depression (p < .05) and speech disturbances (p < .04). A negative effect on sexual performance was associated with depression intensity (p < .003), fatigue intensity (p < .05), more advanced age at diagnosis (p < .02), lower education level (p < .05), and smaller area of residence (p < .002).Conclusions: SD in women with RRMS is mostly associated with psychosocial parameters. Patients who are more depressed, presenting speech problems, less educated, and from smaller towns, should be considered high‐risk for sexual dysfunction.

Immunosuppression is a risk factor of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which might lead to development of (pre)malignant lesions of the cervix and lower anogenital tract. Results of HPV DNA testing using cervicovaginal self-samples are comparable to those that are clinician-obtained and therefore might be used in cervical screening. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infections, their risk factors and the genotypes distribution among women undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Women undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for at least three months due to solid organ transplantation or autoimmune disorders were asked to self-collect samples for HPV testing using cervicovaginal brushes and complete questionnaires regarding cervical cancer risk factors. HPV DNA detection and genotyping were performed using Genotyping kit HPV GP version 2. hrHPV was detected in 26/90 (28.9%) specimens. Genotyping revealed a broad range of hrHPV, with type 16 being the most common genotype (11/26). The components of bivalent/quadrivalent or nonavalent vaccines cover all genotypes present in 4.4% and 17.8% women, respectively, and occur as a co-infection with other types in 12.2% and 23.3% of women, respectively. The only feature significantly associated with being hrHPV-positive was having at least two lifetime sexual partners. The high prevalence of hrHPV infections among immunosuppressed women emphasizes the need for regular cervical cancer screening with HPV DNA testing, which might be performed on self-collected specimen.

The number of immunocompromised patients is rising, and immunodeficiency is an independent risk factor for the development of premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix and anogenital tract. The aim of this review was to summarize and update data on human papilloma virus (HPV) infections and HPV-based anogenital lesions detected in patients who were immunocompromised due to both organ transplantation and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The incidence of HPV infections among solid organ recipients and HIV positive females is reported to be significantly higher when compared with age-matched healthy controls- i.e. higher by up to 65% and 46.6% respectively, vs 38% in the controls. These infections are also more often chronic, high risk HPV and multitype. Data suggest that HPV infections in these patients might not only occur more frequently, but that the course of the infection might also lead to faster oncogenesis. However, the treatment options for malignancies are limited; and this implies the need for intense primary and secondary prevention regimens. As infections with HPV types other than 16 and 18 and multitype infections are particularly frequently discovered in immunocompromised patients, they would probably benefit most from a nonavalent vaccine. Gynecological screening should be performed annually, including cervical smears and/ or HPV testing. In the group of non-responders, self-sampling methods should be considered. The number of immunocompromised patients is rising, and immunodeficiency is an independent risk factor for the development of premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix and anogenital tract. The aim of this review was to summarize and update data on human papilloma virus (HPV) infections and HPV-based anogenital lesions detected in patients who were immunocompromised due to both organ transplantation and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The incidence of HPV infections among solid organ recipients and HIV positive females is reported to be significantly higher when compared with age-matched healthy controls- i.e. higher by up to 65% and 46.6% respectively, vs 38% in the controls. These infections are also more often chronic, high risk HPV and multitype. Data suggest that HPV infections in these patients might not only occur more frequently, but that the course of the infection might also lead to faster oncogenesis. However, the treatment options for malignancies are limited; and this implies the need for intense primary and secondary prevention regimens. As infections with HPV types other than 16 and 18 and multitype infections are particularly frequently discovered in immunocompromised patients, they would probably benefit most from a nonavalent vaccine. Gynecological screening should be performed annually, including cervical smears and/ or HPV testing. In the group of non-responders, self-sampling methods should be considered.

Immunocompromised women are at an increased risk of developing malignancies, especially those that are viral-induced, such as invasive cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The aim of the study was to describe gynecological follow-up of women undergoing chronic immunosuppressive therapy for various reasons (e.g., kidney/liver transplant, systemic lupus erythematosus), diagnosed with a high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection based on a self-sampling test. Twenty-six hrHPV-positive women were invited to take part in a gynecological follow-up, including a visual assessment of the anogenital region, two-handed gynecological examination, and cervical cytology as well as a colposcopy and cervical biopsy when necessary. Four women declined taking part in the study. Over six years of observation, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) were detected at least once in 7/22 women (31.8%), and a cervical intraepithelial lesion 1 (CIN 1) histopathologic result was obtained five times in 3/22 women. No cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, CIN 2/3, or invasive cervical cancers were observed. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) was performed in three patients. As immunocompromised women are prone to persistent hrHPV infections, they should be under strict gynecological supervision because only vigilant surveillance enables fast detection and treatment of early dysplasia and, therefore, provides a chance for the reduction of the cervical cancer burden.