JAKARTA - Gout has long been known as a painful disease and often recurs without warning. Severe joint pain, especially on the big toe, often makes sufferers difficult to move.
However, a recent scientific finding reveals an unexpected way that can help relieve gout symptoms, namely having an active sex life.
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. This disease was once dubbed as 'the disease of kings', because it was previously associated with a high-meat and alcohol-rich diet. Even so, modern gout sufferers come from various backgrounds and ages.
The latest research published in the journal Sexual Medicine examines the relationship between gout, sexual health, and relationship quality with a partner.
The researchers reviewed previous studies that discussed the association between gout and sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and its impact on married life.
The results show that gout can indeed interfere with sexual performance. However, on the contrary, a healthy sex life can actually help manage the disease.
The lead researcher, Dr. Andrea Sansone, an endocrinologist from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, stated that there is a two-way relationship between gout and sexual health.
"Better management of gout will have a positive impact on sexual health. Conversely, maintaining a healthy sex life can also help control gout," said Dr. Sansone, quoted from the Mirror.co.uk page.
He also emphasized the important role of the couple in the healing process.
"The presence of a partner can improve the behavioral well-being of gout patients, which has a positive impact on sexual health as well as disease management," he said.
According to Sansone, the reciprocal relationship between gout and sexual dysfunction opens a new chapter in the medical world.
"Uric acid can negatively impact sexual health, but efforts to maintain a healthy sexual life have the potential to improve clinical and therapeutic outcomes for gout," he explained.
This finding also received a response from other experts. Dr. Mark Russell, a rheumatologist from King's College London, assessed that the study provided a new perspective on the impact of gout on patients' lives.
"This study highlights one of the many impacts of gout on patient quality of life," said Russell.
He explained that gout affects around one in 40 people in the UK and is often under-diagnosed and under-treated.
Russell added that gout treatment is actually quite effective if it is carried out regularly.
"There are drugs such as allopurinol that are very effective for controlling gout and preventing complications. This study highlights the possible relationship between sexual health and patient compliance in undergoing treatment," he said.
According to him, patients with partner support tend to be more obedient to undergo therapy, which ultimately helps control the disease in the long term.
Based on data from the UK health service (NHS), gout most often attacks men over the age of 30 and women after menopause.
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining an ideal body weight, and reducing alcohol and cigarette consumption also play an important role in preventing recurrence.
Although sex is not a substitute for medication, experts insist that a healthy sex life and a supportive relationship can be part of a comprehensive approach to help gout sufferers live a more comfortable and quality life.
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