ASEX Scores Research Articles

Erişkin Yaşta Sünnet Olmak Üzere Başvuran Erkeklerle Çocukluk Çağında Sünnet Olan Erkeklerin Benlik Saygısı, Duygu Durum ve Seksüel Fonksiyonlar Açısından Karşılaştırılması

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the self-esteem, mood, and sexual functions of men who applied to the Urology outpatient clinic voluntarily for circumcision. Material and Methods : We assessed 20 adult male patients who admitted to our outpatient clinic for circumcision and 20 control group patients between 2016 and 2019. All patients were filled out Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Hospital anxiety and depression test and Arizona sexual experiences scale forms. Patients circumcised in adulthood were named as Group I and those who were circumcised in childhood were named as Group II. It was investigated whether there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Hospital anxiety and depression test and Arizona sexual experiences scale (ASEX) scores. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results : The mean age of 40 patients included in the study was 21.32 ± 1.62. Mean Rosenberg self esteem score was 2.15 ± 2.10, mean anxiety score was 6.70 ± 4.83, mean depression score was 6.27 ± 4.21 ant mean ASEX score was 12.37 ± 3.51. Mean Rosenberg self-esteem scores were 1.9+/-1.58 in Group I and 2.4+/-2.54 in Group II. Mean anxiety scores were 6.4+/-5.13 in Group I and 7+/-4.63 in Group II. Mean depression scores were 6.3+/-3.43 in Group I and 6.25+/-4.96 in Group II. Mean ASEX scores were 12.85+/-3.71 in Group I and 11.9+/-3.32 in Group II. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the Rosenberg self-esteem, anxiety, depression and ASEX scores (p=0.08, p=0.64, p=0.50, and p=0.40; respectively). Conclusion : The self-esteem of men applying for circumcision in adulthood is not affected. This situation does not affect the emotional state and sexual life of the people.

Gender Differences in Sexual Dysfunction of Patients with Schizophrenia

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia ranged from 50 to 85%. One hundred outpatients with schizophrenia had participated in this study. All these patients had remission criteria. We used sociodemographic and clinical characteristics from medical files and we passed to our patients PANSS and ASEX. Comparison was between female and male groups. Sexual dysfunction was present in 55% of patients with schizophrenia. Women had higher total ASEX score than men especially in Arousal disorders and orgasm. There was a relationship between the ASEX total score and dose of treatment and with the severity of symptoms.

Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Anxiety, Depression, Sleep and Sexual Function Levels in Patients with Breast Cancer.

In the phase of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer cases, patients can usually experience sexual dysfunctions, sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. The main objective of our research is to study of the pre-treatment and post-treatment anxiety, depression, sleep and sexual function levels in the patients with breast cancer. Fifty-six patients with breast cancer and 52 healthy women have participated in our study. In order to determine the anxiety, depression, sleep and sexual function levels, Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Form, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale (PSQI) and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) scores are utilized at pre-treatment and post-treatment phases for patients with breast cancer and our control group. According to scale scores applied to patients and control group, it has been determined that patients with breast cancer HADS sexual and sleep disorders, that their HADS and PSQI scores were higher and that ASEX scores decreased significantly (p<0.05). According to the scale scores calculated before and after treatment, there was a significant decrease in HADS and PSQI scores, whereas SEX scores have been increased significantly (p<0.05). According to the findings of our study, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction and sleep disorders in patients with breast cancer are far more explicit in the pre-treatment phase than post-treatment phase. Therefore, it is crucial to psycho-socially support patients with breast cancer in the early periods before starting the treatment after diagnosis.

Sexual dysfunction in female subjects with beta-thalassemia minor.

Beta thalassemia minor (BTM) is a hereditary disease caused by defective globin synthesis and it is frequently asymptomatic or only mildly anemic. Female sexual dysfunction affects 21-41% of women worldwide. In this study we aimed to investigate female sexual dysfunction in subjects with BTM. A total of 183 subjects who had regular sexual intercourse with marital partners were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The study group was comprised of 87 subjects with BTM and the control group included 96 healthy subjects. Hemoglobin electrophoresis were performed in all subjects, and all participants were assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The FSFI scores of the study group were significantly lower than in the control group (19.1 ± 9.6 vs. 25.2 ± 6.6, p < 0.001). Conversely, the ASEX scores of the study group were higher than in the control group (15.2 ± 41 vs. 13.5 ± 6.1, p = 0.0085). Sexual functions were poor in subjects with BTM in this study and we conclude that certain metabolic diseases associated with BTM, such as insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, may be the main causes of sexual dysfunctions in these subjects.

Structured review of the use of the Arizona sexual experiences scale in clinical settings.

Approximately 40% of women and 30% of men describe sexual dysfunction, although recognition in medical settings is suboptimal, due to problems in reporting and eliciting concerns relating to sexual function and satisfaction. Screening questionnaires may help to support this aspect of clinical practice. The Arizona sexual experiences scale (ASEX) includes items that quantify sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication or penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. We investigated the validity and other psychometric properties of the ASEX, and the findings from the populations in which it has been employed, by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using the terms, Arizona sexual experiences scale, Arizona Sexual Experience Questionnaire, and ASEX. We eliminated duplications, letters, and papers not available in English, and grouped the remaining papers into the categories of psychometric, epidemiological, and outcome-based studies. After elimination of letters and duplicates, papers not in English, and preclinical and irrelevant studies, 104 papers were analyzed. The ASEX has excellent internal consistency, scale reliability and strong test-retest reliability. Analyses of variance reveal significant differences in total ASEX scores between patients and controls and between females and males. ASEX appears to be useful in a range of clinical situations including patients with primary sexual dysfunction, specific psychiatric disorders, specific physical illnesses, and treatment emergent sexual dysfunction. The ASEX appears to be a reliable instrument for identifying and quantifying sexual dysfunction across a range of populations in various clinical settings. Little is known about its utility in patients with anxiety disorders or relationships between ASEX scores and biological parameters.

Does THA Affect Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients With DDH?

BackgroundSexual health, aside from reproduction, plays an important role in physical, intellectual, emotional and social facets of life. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a chronic orthopedic disease that has negative physical, social, and mental/spiritual effects, and lowers quality of life. However, no studies exist in the literature that focus on sexual function and health in patients with DDH. MethodsThe preoperative and postoperative 6th month and 1st year sexual functions of women who underwent surgical treatment (total hip arthroplasty) for DDH (Crowe 1–4) (n:50) and their spouses (n:30) were evaluated with Arizona Sexual Experience scale (ASEX) questionnaire which evaluates sexual function in 5 categories such as desire, arousal, erection/lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. ResultsThe ASEX scores were 22.3 ± 3.5 preoperatively, 17.8 ± 2 at the 6th postoperative month, and 14.8 ± 1.3 at the 1st postoperative year. The decrease in the average score showed that sexual dysfunction existed in the preoperative period and sexual function was positively affected in the postoperative period over time. The ASEX scores of the patients younger than 35 in the postoperative 6th month had higher scores (P = .29). The sexual life of the husbands was not affected by the wives’ surgery, even though their spouses had a chronic condition causing functional difficulties. ConclusionThis study showed that the sexual life of women with DDH, who had been treated with total hip arthroplasty, was positively affected, whereas their husbands were unaffected. Further studies focusing on the effect of physiological and emotional factors, in addition to the surgical treatment, on sexual function are needed.

Evaluation of sexual functions and quality of life in female patients after hysterectomy for benign symptomatic diseases

Objective: To evaluate selected quality of life parameters among sexually active patients who underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH-BSO) for benign symptomatic disease. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six TAH-BSO patients (20 menopausal + 36 premenopausalhysterectomized women) were evaluated between September 2017 and May 2018 using the FSFI, ASEX and SF-36 scores with individual interviews before and six months after TAH + BSO surgery. Results: The preoperative and postoperative period scores from three different validated questionnaires were found to be significantly different for all patients. Scores in the postoperative periods were better in all patients. Also, scores in the preoperative and postoperative periods were higher among premenopausal patients than menopausal patients. Conclusion: Our results showed that sexual function and quality of life improved in all patients who underwent TAH-BSO for benign symptomatic disease. Also, menopausal status is very important.

Effect of Thyroxine Replacement on Leydig Cell and Sertoli Cell Function in Men with Hypothyroidism.

Context:Thyroid hormones play an important role in reproductive and sexual function in both sexes. Comprehensive information on the ill-effects of hypothyroidism on Leydig cell, Sertoli cell and germ cell function is lacking in the existing literature.Aims:To investigate the effect of primary hypothyroidism and its treatment on testicular function – Sertoli cell, Leydig cells, seminal fluid and spermatozoa.Methods and Material:This study was carried out as a descriptive study with a before-after study design in the endocrine department of a tertiary care hospital in South India. Forty treatment naïve, overtly primary hypothyroid, consenting male patients were included. Hormones assessed were free T3, free T4, thyroid stimulating hormone, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], prolactin, testosterone, inhibin B[INHB], and insulin like factor 3[INSL3]. Semen analysis was done according to WHO 2010 guidelines in 37 subjects. Sexual function questionnaires like Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male [ADAM], and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale [ASEX] were used. After ensuring euthyroid state for consecutive 6 months with adequate dose of thyroxine sodium, reassessment of all parameters was done.Results:At baseline, 72.5 % had a low serum testosterone value (< 230 ng/dl), 67.56 % had low total sperm motility, 72.97% had low total progressive sperm motility, 80% had low ADAM score and 72.72% had low ASEX score. A raised prolactin level was seen in 32.5% of study subjects. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was more common than hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (89.66% vs. 10.34%). On restoration of euthyroidism, all these parameters improved. Serum INSL3 and LH increased significantly after thyroxine replacement, unlike FSH and INHB.Conclusions:Leydig cell function seemed more severely affected by hypothyroidism as compared to Sertoli cell function. Among sperm function parameters, motility was predominantly affected.

Surgical outcomes and the impact of major surgery on quality of life, activity impairment and sexual health in hidradenitis suppurativa patients: a prospective single centre study.

BackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic debilitating skin disease, frequently located in the groin and anogenital area, leading to a substantial impact on quality of life and sexual health in patients with HS. Skin‐tissue‐sparing excision with electrosurgical peeling (STEEP) is a procedure with known low recurrence rates and high patient satisfaction in retrospective series. However, a prospective study to investigate the impact of any major surgery on specific aspects of the quality of life has not yet been performed.ObjectiveTo assess surgical outcomes and the effect of major surgery on the general quality of life, sexual health and activity impairment in patients with HS.Materials and methodsA single centre prospective survey study was conducted among 40 patients undergoing major surgery. Surveys were completed prior to the surgery and 2, 6, 12 and 26 weeks after surgery. Besides the objective parameters (time to wound closure and surface of the wound), patient‐reported outcomes were reported.ResultsThirty‐nine patients with a total of 171 survey responses were included for analysis. Patients with Hurley stage I or II had a shorter time to wound closure (TTWC) compared to patients with Hurley stage III (P = 0.005). TTWC was significantly prolonged in patients treated with biologics (P < 0.001). Smoking did not significantly influence TTWC. For patient‐reported outcomes, DLQI and ASEX scores did not significantly improve during the study period of 6 months. However, activity and overall work impairment showed considerable improvement after surgery.ConclusionTime to wound closure is significantly prolonged by higher Hurley stage and treatment with biologics, contrastingly not by smoking. Major surgery improved the overall work and daily activity impairment.

Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia Is Not Associated with Sexual Dysfunction: A Survey-Based, Single-Centre, Controlled Study

Background: The occurrence of sexual dysfunction side-effects associated with finasteride use in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is thought to be less prevalent than is publicized. There is a need to investigate sexual dysfunction among finasteride users with population-based controls. Objective: To evaluate the presence of sexual dysfunction in men using finasteride or not using finasteride. Method: Adult men visiting a dermatologist9s office for any reason were asked to complete a survey including a modified version of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) to assess the presence of sexual dysfunction with and without finasteride use. Results: Data from 762 men aged 18-82 were collected: 663 finasteride users and 99 non-finasteride users. There were no significant differences between finasteride users and non-user controls in reporting sexual dysfunction using the ASEX. Regression analysis indicated that self-reporting libido loss and reduced sexual performance, not finasteride use, predict a higher ASEX score. Conclusion: The use of finasteride does not result in sexual dysfunction in men with AGA. These data are consistent with other large survey-based controlled studies.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Depressive Disorder: A Prospective, Hospital Based Study

Background: Depression causes emotional and physical disturbances which impacts biological functions such as sleep, appetite, libido, and disinterest in sexual function. Since discussing sexual problems is considered a taboo, there is limited data available concerning the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with depression and its response to treatment. Aim: To assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in females with depressive disorder and the effects of treatment. Material and Methods: A total of 53 females with recurrent depression and age and sex matched normal control group were included in the study with their informed consent. All the subjects were assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX), and female sexual functioning index (FSFI), which were re-administered after 6 weeks of treatment. Results: There was a significant difference in the HAM-D, ASEX, and FSFI scores between index and control groups at baseline. There was a significant correlation between the scores of HAM-D, ASEX, and FSFI before treatment. The correlation between the HAM-D and ASEX scores after treatment was not significant. A significant correlation was found between the HAM-D scores and the scores of arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, total domains of FSFI after treatment. No correlation was found between the HAM-D scores and desire domain score of FSFI after treatment. Conclusion: Women with depression have a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction. A highly significant improvement in depression and sexual functioning was observed at the end of 6 weeks of antidepressant therapy. Despite the improvement in sexual dysfunctions, the individual domains of sexual functions were not comparable to the normal subjects at the end of 6 weeks suggesting the need for longer treatment.

Comparing the Effects of Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Opium Tincture Maintenance Therapy on Sexual Function.

BackgroundOpioid use disorder is a major concern to public health, and opioid maintenance treatment on methadone or buprenorphine is a widely used approach. On the other hand, in recent years, there has been more regards for the use of opium tincture for detoxification and maintenance treatment of opioid dependence in certain parts of the world. The purpose of our research was to compare sexual impairments of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), buprenorphine maintenance treatment (BMT), and opium tincture maintenance treatment (OMT) in patients.MethodsThe study sample consisted of opium-addicted men candidates for maintenance treatment in an addiction quitting clinic in Tehran, Iran, from November 2017 to February 2018. Participants (n = 84) were randomly assigned to three groups (of the equal number), receiving either methadone tablet, buprenorphine sublingual tablet, and opium tincture. The average score for sexual function was evaluated using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) at the beginning and after 3 months after treatment.FindingsAlthough there was no significant different in ASEX scores between the groups at the beginning and end of the study (P > 0.05), but the difference was significant in each group in comparing by themselves.ConclusionThese results showed that sexual dysfunction became better after opioid substitution therapies, and no differences were observed on sexual dysfunction between the three groups.

The relationship between injury mechanism and sexual dysfunction in surgically treated pelvic fractures.

The aim of the study was to identify the incidence of new sexual dysfunction reported by the patient in surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries, and to describe the relationship between new sexual dysfunction and type of fracture. Ninety-five patients who were operated for pelvic fracture were included in the study. Patients were evaluated according to age, gender, marital status, body mass index, trauma mechanism, fracture classification, genitourinary injury, accompanying injury, injury severity score, surgical technique, fixation material, duration of operation, functional outcomes, blood loss, complications, and sexual dysfunction. Functional outcomes were assessed with Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF5), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), and Modified Majeed's pelvic outcomes grading scale (MPS). Genitourinary symptoms were erectile dysfunction (ED) in 13 men, ejaculatory dysfunction in 9 men, and dyspareunia in 23 women. Urethral stricture developed in 4 males and 1 female with the urethral injury. FSFI score, ASEX score, and MPS score showed the statistically significant difference between the fracture types (p = 0.021, p = 0.032 and p = 0.020, respectively). There were no significant difference between fracture types in terms of the IIEF5 score, and no significant relationship between fracture type and ED development (p = 0.141). Anteroposterior compression (APC) is the most common cause of sexual dysfunction in both sexes, independent of surgery. In addition, the most common cause of ED in men is vertical shear (VS). Especially patients with APC and VS injuries should be multidisciplinary evaluated with gynecology, urology, and psychiatry departments.

Sexual Life Traits Of Chronic Pain Disorder Patients And Relationship Between Temperament And Character Dimensions Of Personality

Objective: It is known that a complex problem is sexual life in patients with chronic pain. Also physicians may ignore this point. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical features, sexual life properties and personality traits of patients with Chronic Pain Disorder (CPD) and healthy controls. We hypothesized that Harm Avoidance (HA) scores would be higher and predictive of compared to healthy controls also sexual dysfunction would found in patient group. Methods: This study was conducted in outpatients with CPD who presented to the Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital’s Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. The sample was comprised of 60 outpatients (53 women, 7 men) who complained of chronic pain for at least 3 months and were not under any medication treatments. The control group comprised of 60 healthy controls (49 women, 11 men). Semi-structured sociodemographic data form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) were administered to the participants. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows, Version 23.0. Results: In CPD patients ASEX scores were significantly higher than healthy controls. It demostrates sexual dysfunction presenting in CPD group. In terms of gender; female ASEX scores were significantly higher than male ones. VAS scores did not correlate to ASEX scores in all of participants. Explatory excitability subscale of Novelty Seeking, Total Cooperativeness and Total Reward Dependence scores were changed negatively correlation with ASEX scores; Harm Avoidance, persistanceness, Self Directedness, Self Trancendance and their subscales did not correlate to ASEX scores. ASEX scores, positively corraleted to Attachment and Sentimentality subsclaes of Reward Dependence. BDI scores changed positively with BAI, ASEX,VAS scores; BAI scores also corraleted positively with VAS and ASEX scores. Helpfulness vs Unhelpfulness and Compassion vs Revengefulness subscales of cooperativeness in patients with CPD positively corraleted to ASEX scores. Conclusion: Temperament and character traits and sexual life properties of the CPD patients were significantly different from the healthy control subjects. Explatory excitability subscale of NS and C is negative predictor of Sexual Dysfunction. Also Helpfulness vs Unhelpfulness and Compassion vs Revengefulness subscale of C is positive predictor of Sexual Dysfunction.

The effects of buprenorphine/naloxone maintenance treatment on sexual dysfunction, sleep and weight in opioid use disorder patients

Opioid use disorder is a growing social problem. Different agents are used in the treatment of this disorder. One of these agents is buprenorphine / naloxone combination that includes buprenorphine and naloxone in a ratio of 4:1. Although used successfully in opiate maintenance treatment, buprenorphine / naloxone could have some side effects that might affect the treatment. The present study aimed to examine the effects of buprenorphine /naloxone opiate maintenance treatment on sexual dysfunction, sleep and bodyweight in patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder and to draw the attention of clinicians to the adverse effects of the treatment. The study group included 107 inpatients who were diagnosed based on The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) and received treatment for opioid use disorder. On admission to the hospital and at the end of the 4th month, a Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Arizona Sexual Life Scale (ASEX) were applied to all patients. Patients were weighed, and their weight was recorded on the day of admission to the hospital and at the end of the 4th month. The data recorded at the beginning and during the treatment of the same group were compared. The mean age of 107 patients was 24.55 ± 4.27. Overall ASEX scores were 12.98 ± 4.33 before treatment and 15.03 ± 6.61 at 4 months (p < 0.001). The mean patient bodyweight was 63.86 ± 8.78 kg before the treatment and 68.49 ± 8.65 kg at the 4th month of the treatment (p < 0.001). Total PSQI scores were 8.87 ± 3.53 before the treatment and 6.85 ± 3.29 at the 4th month of the treatment (p < 0.001). The study findings demonstrated that after 4 months of buprenorphine /naloxone treatment, total ASEX scores and bodyweight of the patients increased and total PSQI scores decreased. These results demonstrated that sexual problems and bodyweight of the patients increased after the buprenorphine /naloxone treatment and sleep-related problems decreased, albeit still prevalent. These potential side effects should be included with other information about buprenorphine that is given to patients as they may influence interest in starting or continuing treatment.

The influence of disease type and activity to sexual life and health quality in inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a major impact on patients' quality of life (QoL), mood, and sexual life. The purpose of the present study was to show the effect of disease type and activity on sexual life and QoL in patients with IBD. A total of 122 patients with IBD and 42 sex- and age-matched control cases were included in the study. Demographic characteristics were recorded. The disease activity of patients with IBD was assessed by the Harvey-Bradshaw Index in Crohn's disease (CD) and the Mayo Clinical Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index in ulcerative colitis (UC). All participants were subjected to complete three questionnaires: Short Form 36 (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HAD-A and HAD-D), and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). There was no difference in terms of demographic characteristics between the three groups, except cigarette exposure in CD. The disease activity of patients with UC and CD was not different (p>0.05). The mean HAD-A score was significantly higher in the CD group, whereas the mean HAD-D score was higher in the IBD group than in the control group (p<0.05). Anxiety was seen more frequently in women. SF-36 scale scores were found to be lower in the UC and CD groups than in the control group (p<0.05). The mean ASEX scores of women with UC (19.59±7.59) and CD (19.38±6.27) were both significantly higher than those of the control group (15±4.76). Although the mean ASEX scores of men were not different, some ASEX subscores of the IBD groups were worse than those of the control. Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic disease that has multiple complications affecting patients' psychosocial life. Patients have more anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction when their disease is active. Patients should be screened for psychological diseases and sexual dysfunction, and necessary treatments should be given.

Sexual health and health-related quality of life among women with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by progressive limitations in physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL deficits may extend beyond the traditional domains of physical activity, psychological health, and emotional wellbeing to sexual health and function. Sexual HRQoL has not been studied in PAH, nor has the impact of PAH therapies themselves on sexual health and intimacy. In this initial investigation, we sought to explore HRQoL among women diagnosed with PAH and to determine if PAH treatment type (intravenous or subcutaneous prostanoids versus oral medications) was associated with levels of self-reported HRQoL assessed by validated measures for PAH-specific, general, and sexual HRQoL. We administered the emPHasis-10, Short Form (SF)-36, Female Sexual Dysfunction Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) to 35 women with self-reported World Health Organization Group 1 PAH at the 2016 Pulmonary Hypertension Association International Conference and Scientific Sessions. HRQoL instruments demonstrated excellent internal reliability. Women with PAH had high levels of sexual distress captured with the FSDS-R scale. The FSDS-R (but not ASEX) was significantly correlated to emPHasis-10 (r = 0.64, p < 0.01) and most SF-36 domains (r = − 0.36 to − 0.64, p < 0.05). Participants treated with intravenous or subcutaneous prostanoids had higher (worse) FSDS-R scores than those on oral therapies while ASEX, emPHasis-10, and SF-36 scores were similar across treatment types. Sexual HRQoL may impact overall quality of life in PAH and specific assessment of sexual health and functioning within intimate relationships may detect deficits in wellbeing not addressed by established HRQoL metrics. Further study to address all aspects of HRQoL in PAH is required.

Sexual dysfunction among Nigerian women with epilepsy

ObjectivesSexual dysfunction (SD) has been shown to be more prevalent among females with epilepsy (FWE) when compared with controls. Identified risk factors for SD among FWE include depression, antiepileptic drug (AED) type, epileptic lateralization, and temporal lobe involvement. Despite a huge population of FWE in sub-Saharan Africa and by extension Nigeria, there are limited studies on the effect of AEDs and epilepsy on sexual function among FWE in the region. We therefore studied predictors and patterns of SD among Nigerian FWE. MethodThis was a descriptive study carried out at the University College Hospital, Oyo State — a tertiary hospital in South-Western Nigeria. The Zung Self-rating Depression Scale was used to assess mood. Sexual dysfunction was measured using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) questionnaire. ResultsThe frequency of clinically significant SD among FWE (35, 50.0%) was similar to that of controls (27, 38.6%; p = 0.173). However, the mean ASEX score was higher in FWE than in controls (p = 0.009). Using domains defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — 5th Edition (DSM-V), we observed that FWE had higher scores in all domains. Sexual dysfunction was also more prevalent among FWE with lesional epilepsy when compared with those with nonlesional epilepsy. Standardized beta coefficients from multiple regressions conducted suggest that age of FWE, the presence of motor weakness, and systolic blood pressure contributed to SD. SignificanceFemales with epilepsy had higher ASEX scores in all domains, with older FWE and those with lesional epilepsy more likely to have SD. Healthcare providers should pay attention to SD among FWE for improved quality of life.

Mode of Delivery and Number of Children Effect on Sexual Function

Objective: To reveal the effect of the delivery mode (vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery) and the number of children on sexual function. Methods: Eightywomen who applied to our clinic for routine gynecological control between July 2017 and January 2018 were included in the study. Age of women’s, parity, demographic analysis andArizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) were done. The patients were divided into four groups: group I only had one vaginal delivery, group II only one cesarean delivery, group III two/three vaginal deliveries, group IV two/three cesarean deliveries. Results: We found significantly lower ASEX scores in the cesarean delivery andone child group (p=0,000). When the groups were examined; ASEX scores were respectively; I 14,45 - II 11,65 - III 17,35 - IV 14,15 (p=0,000). Finally vaginal delivery and having more than one child has created a tendency to have female sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: Even though we found in our study there is no clear evidence in the literature that cesarean delivery might be protective for the development of female sexual dysfunction. There is need of randomized, well-controlled, long-term studies. Sexual dysfunction is a relatively common health problem and efforts to recognize and treat this problem should not focus only on delivery mode.

A 12-week Comparative Prospective Open-label Randomized Controlled Study in Depression Patients Treated with Vilazodone and Escitalopram in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

Background:Depression is a leading cause of morbidity in modern world and introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was a revolution for treating depression. However, sexual dysfunction and weight gain always remained an issue for patients leading to discontinuation of treatment. Vilazodone is a novel SSRI and literature show better efficacy and decrease weight gain and sexual dysfunction.Aim of study:This study aims to compare the efficacy, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain caused due to vilazodone and escitalopram.Methodology:This is an open-label randomized, controlled study; 60 patients diagnosed as depression were divided into two groups of 30 each. One group was started on vilazodone and one on escitalopram randomly. The groups were compared on the basis of efficacy, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction by applying Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks interval. Statistical analysis was done by applying Chi-square, t-test, and fisher exact test and descriptive analysis.Results:Vilazodone group shows fall in HDRS with 18.77 ± 4.3, 14.83 ± 3.68, and 9.63 ± 3.06 while it was 18.8 ± 4.09, 14.3 ± 2.96, and 8.43 ± 2.1 at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. ASEX score in vilazodone was found to have 16.87 ± 2.97, 15.37 ± 3.1, and 11.73 ± 3.55 while on escitalopram, 16.4 ± 3.35, 17.13 ± 3.48, and 18.37 ± 4.09 at first visit, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. Patients on vilazodone had mean weight of 69.63 ± 7.7, 69.83 ± 7.83, and 69.9 ± 7.69 while on escitalopram, 72.47 ± 7.95, 72.87 ± 7.9, and 75.6 ± 8.46 at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively.Conclusions:Our study shows that vilazodone has better efficacy, lesser weight gain, and lesser sexual dysfunction.