Agramonte MA, Martínez M, del Valle CE, Moreno VA, Carvajal MF, Espinosa RT

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 45-55
PDF size: 186.40 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Turner Syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder that occurs with short stature, sexual infantilism and somatic malformations, including psychological, sexual and social alterations. However, in Cuba there are few studies aimed at exploring these aspects. Objective. Describe some psychosexual characteristics (behavior, and sexual response and body image) of women suffering from the Turner syndrome treated with growth hormone. Material and methods. Descriptive study of 23 women aged 16-27, treated in outpatient consultation in the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology of the National Institute of Endocrinology (INEN). Data were obtained from the application of a questionnaire of sexuality and projective technique named Drawing of the Human Figure. Content analysis of the drawings was carried out, and the quantitative information was analyzed using descriptive statistical processing. The fundamental ethical aspects were fulfilled. Results. 73.9% had not had sexual relations, and 69.5% had not experienced games or caresses. They claimed to have privacy conditions for the enjoyment of their sexual life (17 women), and 82.6% said they had received sexual education. At the time of the investigation, only 3 women had a partner with a relationship of less than one year. 47.8% rated their sexual life as unsatisfactory and only 21.7% considered sexuality as nothing important. The highest percentage reported a low level of desire and sexual arousal, for 47.8% and 52.2% respectively. 5 women (21.7%) out of the 6 already sexually initiated had experienced orgasm. 100% had difficulties in the perception and elaboration of the body outline, the majority drew battered figures, puppets or sticks, reinforced in the line, mutilated in the genital area or reinforced in this area. 39.1% of women were only moderately satisfied with the body image while 60.9% felt dissatisfied. Outcome. The difficulties with body scheme, expressed in lack of acceptance and dissatisfaction, seem to be related to the morphological characteristics associated with the genetic condition. Sexuality is lived in a limited way, with little or no bond of couple and practice of autoerotism. The experience of an unsatisfactory sexual life is probably related to difficulties with the body scheme and family and social experiences that hinder the full development of sexuality.