Sexual functioning and disordered eating: A new perspective.

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Female Orgasm and Overall Sexual Function and Habits: A Descriptive Study of a Cohort of U.S. Women

What is the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and what are the determinants of sexual (dys)functioning in couples with newly diagnosed unexplained infertility? At least one in four couples are at risk of sexual dysfunction, and higher age, longer infertility duration, higher sperm quality, and poorer personal and relational well-being were associated with decreased sexual functioning. Many couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility have the ability to conceive naturally over time, but infertility is linked to reduced sexual functioning, which can hinder conception. Surprisingly, sexual functioning, its risk factors, and partner interdependence are still understudied in unexplained infertility, while knowing the risk factors for reduced sexual functioning would enable fertility specialists to timely diagnose, prevent, or treat sexual dysfunction, and in this way improve natural conception rates. A cross-sectional survey, which also serves as the baseline assessment of a randomized controlled trial (RCT, 2016-2021). A total of 700 heterosexual couples were addressed. Dutch heterosexual couples (female age 18-38 years) who were able to have coitus and were recently diagnosed with unexplained infertility in secondary or tertiary clinics were eligible. The main outcome measures were sexual functioning as a continuous variable and female and erectile dysfunction based on cut-off scores of the Female Sexual Function Index and International Index of Erectile Function. Determinants included demographic, lifestyle, and diagnostic factors, as well as personal and relational well-being, which were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Sexual (dys)functioning and determinants were subjected to dyadic analysis followed by linear regression. A total of 581 (83%) women and 478 (68%) men completed the questionnaires. Complete couple data were available for 451 (68.9%) couples. About 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 14 men (7.3%) were at risk for, respectively, female sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction after a fertility work-up. Couples had a mean coital frequency of seven times per month (SD: 2.7). Higher female and male sexual desire (β: 0.04, P < 0.01 and β: 0.02, P < 0.02) and satisfaction (β: 0.03, P < 0.01 and β: 0.06, P < 0.01), but not orgasm, were significantly associated with increased coital frequency. Lower female sexual functioning (β) or dysfunction (OR) was associated with own age (β: -0.64, OR: 1.12), anxiety (β: -9.47, OR: 4.22), depression (β: -7.61, OR: 3.23), relationship distress (β: -8.97, OR: 2.04), and total motility sperm count (β: -4.88). Lower male sexual functioning was associated with anxiety (β: -5.03), depression (β: -3.65), relationship distress (β: -5.77), and partner's age (β: -0.46) and couple's duration of infertility (β: -0.24, OR: 1.06). The study is prone to selection bias given the inclusion of couples seeking medical help and consenting to an RCT. Not all previously identified determinants of sexual functioning were studied due to factors such as missing data, low case numbers, or not being assessed in the Pleasure&Pregnancy (P&P) RCT. Clinicians advising couples with unexplained infertility to continue natural conception, given their good prognosis, need to be aware that at least one in four couples are at risk for a sexual dysfunction. Clinicians should consider risk factors of reduced sexual functioning, take a sexual anamnesis, and advise face-to-face or digital (e.g. via website or app) sex counselling and treatment, if indicated. This work was supported by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMW reference: 843001605), University of Amsterdam and Flanders Research Foundation. The funders have no role in considering the design of the study, or collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data, or writing of the report. C.B.L. was the Editor-in-Chief of Human Reproduction until 1 January and has received speakers honorarium and travel support from Merck and Organon. Baseline assessment of the P&P RCT with trial registration number NTR5709.

A Systematic Review of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Epidemiology and Health Outcomes in Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals

Body Mass Index But Not Pulse Pressure Is Associated with Lesser Penile–Vaginal Intercourse Frequency in Healthy Young Men

Most younger adults who experience an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are sexually active before the AMI, but little is known about sexual activity or sexual function after the event. To describe patterns of sexual activity and function and identify indicators of the probability of loss of sexual activity in the year after AMI. Data from the prospective, multicenter, longitudinal Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients study (conducted from August 21, 2008, to January 5, 2012) were assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 1 year. Participants were from US (n = 103) and Spanish (n = 24) hospitals and completed baseline and all follow-up interviews. Data analysis for the present study was conducted from October 15, 2014, to June 6, 2016. Characteristics associated with loss of sexual activity were assessed using multinomial logistic regression analyses. Loss of sexual activity after AMI. Of the 2802 patients included in the analysis, 1889 were women (67.4%); median (25th-75th percentile) age was 49 (44-52) years (range, 18-55 years). At all time points, 637 (40.4%) of women and 437 (54.9%) of men were sexually active. Among people who were active at baseline, men were more likely than women to have resumed sexual activity by 1 month (448 [63.9%] vs 661 [54.5%]; P < .001) and by 1 year (662 [94.4%] vs 1107 [91.3%]; P = .01) after AMI. Among people who were sexually active before and after AMI, women were less likely than men to report no sexual function problems in the year after the event (466 [40.3%] vs 382 [54.8%]; P < .01). In addition, more women than men (211 [41.9%] vs 107 [30.5%]; P < .01) with no baseline sexual problems developed 1 or more incident problems in the year after the AMI. At 1 year, the most prevalent sexual problems were lack of interest (487 [39.6%]) and trouble lubricating (273 [22.3%]) among women and erectile difficulties (156 [21.7%]) and lack of interest (137 [18.8%]) among men. Those who had not communicated with a physician about sex in the first month after AMI were more likely to delay resuming sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.51; 95% CI, 1.11-2.05; P = .008). Higher stress levels (AOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01-1.83) and having diabetes (AOR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.15-3.13) were significant indicators of the probability of loss of sexual activity in the year after the AMI. Impaired sexual activity and incident sexual function problems were prevalent and more common among young women than men in the year after AMI. Attention to modifiable risk factors and physician counseling may improve outcomes.

Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Patients’ Sexual Problems and Satisfaction With Their Sex Life Following Anti-Cancer Treatment

Longitudinal Evaluation of Sexual Function in a Male Cohort: The Olmsted County Study of Urinary Symptoms and Health Status among Men

There has been limited investigation of the sexuality and sexual dysfunction in homosexuals by the sexual medicine community. The purpose of this article is to describe the methodology of the online GAy MEn Sex StudieS (GAMESSS) on the sexual behaviour and sexual dysfunctions of Belgian men who have sex with men (MSM). To describe the methodology of an online study that investigate sexual behaviour and sexual function and dysfunction in a sample of Belgian MSM. An internet-based survey on sexual behaviour and sexual dysfunctions was administered to MSM between April and December 2008. The questionnaire was a compilation of the Kinsey Scale for Sexual Orientation, the Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE), the Erection Quality Scale (EQS), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Brief (Male) Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) and the Gay Men Sexual Addiction Screening Test (G-SAST). The analytic sample comprised 1,830 Belgian men aged 18 years or older, who reported having sex with men. The use of an online questionnaire is a convenient way to gather information from a hidden population such as MSM. The anonymity of the participants is guaranteed. The collected data can be easily analyzed. With this online study, we aim to detect variables in sexual behaviour (SB) and sexual dysfunction (SD) that can help to improve care for MSM. Belgian MSM have a very active and varied sex life. They are rather promiscuous and do not always practice safe sex. This behaviour poses a high risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases. Additional research in this MSM population is needed.

CONTEXTO: A maioria dos estudos que relacionam transtornos alimentares com sexualidade diz respeito a anorexia nervosa e a bulimia nervosa, sendo escassos aqueles que estudam conjuntamente a sexualidade com o comer compulsivo. OBJETIVO: Verificar a presenca de disfuncoes sexuais, impulso sexual excessivo e alteracoes na percepcao da imagem corporal de mulheres obesas, alem de comparar portadoras a nao portadoras de transtorno da compulsao alimentar periodica (TCAP) quanto a esses aspectos. METODOS: Participaram do estudo dois grupos de 20 mulheres obesas cada, com as nao portadoras apresentando media etaria de 29,80 ± 6,15 anos e de IMC de 35,12 ± 4,59 kg/m², e as portadoras apresentando 34,70 ± 9,62 anos e 37,27 ± 2,89 kg/m². RESULTADOS: Em relacao a imagem corporal, os dois instrumentos utilizados mostraram diferenca significante entre os grupos, com as portadoras de TCAP sentindo-se menos atraentes (13,6 ± 3,2 vs. 15,6 ± 2,3; p = 0,047), mais gordas (55,2 ± 4,6 vs. 50,0 ± 3,6; p = 0,001) e menos aptas fisicamente (14,1 ± 2,3 vs. 16,5 ± 3,9; p = 0,036), conforme resultados do Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ). O escore do Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) tambem mostrou pior condicao para as portadoras de TCAP (146,05 ± 22,63 vs. 114,47 ± 19,50; p = 0,000). Ja o comportamento sexual nao mostrou associacao com a obesidade nem diferenca estatisticamente significante entre os grupos, apontando apenas uma tendencia de maior risco para disfuncao sexual entre as portadoras de TCAP, conforme resultados obtidos pelo Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). CONCLUSAO: Obesas portadoras de TCAP apresentaram mais frequentemente alteracoes de imagem corporal e devem ser mais bem investigadas quanto a presenca de disfuncoes sexuais.

Up to 80% of women living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience sexual dysfunction, though its link with sexual activity and sexual satisfaction is not well understood. Among older women with CKD treated with hemodialysis, the majority report sexual inactivity, though few describe sexual difficulty and most report high sexual satisfaction. Whether this applies to reproductive-aged females living with CKD is yet unknown. This study aimed to assess the sexual activity, function, and satisfaction of reproductive-aged females living with CKD. Self-identified females aged 18–51 years with CKD were recruited from nephrology clinics in Calgary, Canada. Sexual activity, function, and satisfaction were assessed with a modified version of the Female Sexual Function Index. Fifty-seven participants were recruited (35% CKD without kidney replacement therapy, 44% CKD treated with hemodialysis, 9% CKD treated with peritoneal dialysis, 12% CKD treated with kidney transplant) and nearly half (47%) reported sexual activity. Among sexually active participants, there was a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction (67%) and only 25% of participants reported sexual satisfaction. A strong relationship between sexual function and satisfaction was identified. Reproductive-aged females living with CKD are sexually active, though experience high rates of sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction. These findings emphasize the importance of recognition and management of sexual dysfunction in this important population.

Body Esteem as a Common Factor of a Tendency Toward Binge Eating and Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Women: The Role of Dissociation and Stress Response During Sex

Introduction Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is one of the common problems in postmenopausal women, which can severely impact their sexual function and quality of life. It can cause vulvovaginal dryness, soreness, itchiness/irritation, and pain during intercourse, leading to impaired various aspects of sexual function and satisfaction. Erbium-YAG (Er-YAG) laser has emerged as a promising alternative in GSM treatment. However, effects of this therapy on sexual function are still lacking. Objective This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of Er-YAG laser therapy among postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction and GSM using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Additionally, subjective measurement on GSM, including the vaginal health index(VHI), visual analog scale (VAS) of GSM symptoms, and treatment satisfaction were assessed. Methods This prospective study was conducted from May 2023 to January 2024 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Postmenopausal women with at least one symptom of GSM and had sexual dysfunction defined by total FSFI score &amp;lt; 26.5. were recruited. All participants received Er-YAG laser therapy every 4-weeks apart for 3 times. The FSFI, VHI, and VAS of GSM symptoms were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks after initial treatment. Overall treatment satisfaction was assessed at the end of treatment. Results Twenty-three women were recruited. Mean total FSFI scores were significantly higher at 12 weeks compared to baseline, 16.3 + 5.1 versus 21.8 + 6.1, (p &amp;lt; 0.001). All sub-domains of FSFI at 12 weeks also showed significant improvements. However, only seven women (7/23, 30.4%) reported no sexual dysfunction (total FSFI score &amp;gt; 26.5) after 12 weeks of treatment. VHI, VAS of GSM symptoms showed significant improvements at 12 weeks after treatment (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Overall satisfaction at the end of treatment by VAS was 7.8 + 0.7 out of 10. Conclusions Er-YAG laser therapy showed significant improvement on both sexual function and GSM symptoms in postmenopausal women. However, majority of participants (16/23, 69.6%) are still having sexual dysfunction defined by total FSFI &amp;lt;26.5. Treatment of sexual dysfunction should always be based-on biopsychosocial approach. Further well-controlled studies on this topic are still needed to be evaluated. Disclosure No.

Self‐reported Premature Ejaculation and Aspects of Sexual Functioning and Satisfaction

Introduction: obsessions are common symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that can cause great distress and can focus on various sexual themes: unwanted sexual thoughts, thoughts of violent sexual behaviour, obsessions about the fear of engaging in homosexual activity or sex with animals. Our aim is to discuss the findings from previous studies about sexual obsessions and sexual dysfunction in OCD, analyse compulsive sexual behaviour disorder and the sexual dysfunction associated with the pharmacological treatment of OCD. Material and Methods: A literature research was conducted using the “PubMed” database and the search equation was built using the terms: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Sexual Obsessions; “Compulsive Behaviour” and Sexual Function; 18 articles were selected for the discussion of this narrative review. Results and Discussion: Several studies have been conducted on sexual function in individuals with OCD. obsessions comprise intrusive, recurrent and persistent thoughts, images or concerns about sexual matters that do not usually prompt sexual behaviour. orientation obsessions and the related distress may be misunderstood as being the result of a sexual identity conflicts. obsessions and obsessive thoughts about self-impurity play a role in sexual dysfunction in OCD as well as relationship difficulties and pharmacological management of the disease. Some studies suggest an association between OCD and compulsive sexual behaviour disorder, however, repetitive sexual thoughts in compulsive sexual behaviour are egosyntonic, whereas the obsessions in OCD are egodystonic. Conclusions: The occurrence of sexual obsessions in OCD should be recognised and understood as an ordinary and non-threatening OCD symptom. The more specific neurobiological characteristics of OCD and its treatment seem to influence sexual function in unique ways. A better understanding of sexual function in OCD may help clinicians to choose treatments more suited to the specific needs of these patients.