ASEX Scores Research Articles

Effect of Sexual Dysfunction on Quality of Life in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction. Sexual dysfunction is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Men with DM may develop erectile dysfunction and a lack of sexual desire due to the nature of the disease and its complications. This study aimed to assess the effect of sexual dysfunction on the quality of life (QoL) in men with type 2 DM. Methods. This study utilized a single-center, descriptive design and was carried out between November 15, 2021, and August 24, 2022. It included 378 male patients with type 2 DM treated at the internal medicine outpatient clinic at a university hospital in Turkey. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form developed by the researchers, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and the Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life Scale (DSQOL). Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were used to assess the data. Results. Among male patients with type 2 DM participating in the study, the mean ASEX score was 14.47 ± 3.37 and the DSQOL score was 2.92 ± 0.31. The relationship between the mean ASEX and DSQOL scores and various factors such as age, education status, employment status, regular health check-ups, duration of diagnosis, type of treatment, fasting blood glucose level, HbA1c level, and body mass index was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was identified between the mean ASEX and DSQOL scores (p < 0.001). Additionally, multiple regression analysis revealed that QoL, duration of diagnosis, marital status, and education status were significant factors influencing the sexual dysfunction levels of the participants (p < 0.001). Conclusions. This study found that as individuals’ levels of sexual dysfunction increased, their QoL decreased. Therefore, it is recommended to assess sexual dysfunction thoroughly and implement training programs aimed at improving sexual health to enhance individuals’ QoL.

Comparative evaluation of craving, sleep quality, sexual function and quality of life in opioid use disorder patients in remission with buprenorphine/naloxone maintenance treatment.

To compare opioid use disorder (OUD) patients who continue to use opioids and are in remission with buprenorphine-naloxone (B/N) in terms of some parameters and to evaluate the relationship between B/N dose and these parameters. We included 141 OUD patients in remission with B/N maintenance treatment for at least 6months, 141 who still used opioids, and 141 healthy volunteers. Substance Craving Scale (SCS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) were administered. PSQI scores and ASEX scores were higher in those who continued to use opiates than in OUD in remission, and in OUD in remission compared to controls. OUD patients with current opioid use also had lower SF-36 scores compared to both patients in remission and healthy controls. SCS, PSQI, ASEX, and SF-36 scores were similar when the three groups were examined based on the dosage of B/N (below 8, 8-15, and 16mg/day and above) use in OUD in remission. Quality of life, craving, sleep and sexual functions improved significantly with B/N; however, these effects are not dependent on B/N dosage.

P-454 The effects of PLISSIT model based sexual counseling on sexual function and satisfaction in infertile couples

Abstract Study question Does a sexual counseling program based on the PLISSIT model improve the sexual function and satisfaction in infertile men and women? Summary answer PLISSIT model based sexual counseling for infertile couples with sexual dysfunction and low sexual satisfaction, positively affected the sexual function and satisfaction of the couples. What is known already Studies indicate that infertile couples experience more sexual problems than fertile couples due to the physical, psychological, and marital challenges of assisted reproductive technology treatments. Several sexual counseling models are recommended for discussing sexual problems with patients. PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy) have been demonstrated to be effective in improving sexual function. However the effects of PLISSIT model has not been evaluated in infertile couples with sexual problems. Study design, size, duration This randomized-controlled study was conducted between August 2019 - February 2020 in a fertility clinic of a university hospital in Istanbul. With a pre-study screening, 60 infertile couples with sexual dysfunction (women with a total score of ≤ 26.55 on the Female Sexual Function Index-FSFI and men with a score of ≥ 11 on the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-ASEX were included in the study. Participants were randomized for the counselling (30 couples) and control (30 couples) groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods Couples in counselling group were interviewed in 6 sessions (first assessment, 3 counseling sessions one week apart, 1 phone call in the second month and last assessment in the third month), and couples in control group were interviewed in 3 sessions (first assessment - 1 phone call in the second month and last assessment in the third month). FSFI, ASEX, Beck Depression Inventory-BDI, New Sexual Satisfaction Inventory-NSSI, Fertility Problem Stress Scale-FPSS were used for evaluation. Main results and the role of chance BDI total mean scores of women and men in the first asessments were similar in the counselling and control groups. In the final evaluations of the groups, women who received sexual counseling had better total scale scores and sub-dimension scores of FSFI and NSSI than the control group, and the ISS total scale scores and sub-dimension scores of women were lower than the control group. In the final evaluations of men in counselling group, mean ASEX score was positively lower, the total scale and sub-dimension scores of the NSSI were higher and the ISS total scale and sub-dimension scores were lower than the control group. Limitations, reasons for caution The long-term results of sexual counseling were not followed and the long term intensive therapy phase could not be carried out in this study. Results are limited to primary infertile couples with sexual problems in the setting of this reserch. Wider implications of the findings In order to comprehensively evaluate couples while providing sexual education and counseling with a planned and systematic approach, using counselling models for sexual function such as the PLISSIT model is recommended. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials Protocol ID: 13022260-300-108795

Sexual dysfunction and marital adjustment in married men with alcohol dependence syndrome

Background: Only a few studies have systematically assessed sexual dysfunction and marital adjustment in married men with alcohol dependence in India. Aim: To assess the prevalence and pattern of sexual dysfunction and marital adjustment in a clinical sample of married men with alcohol dependence. The association of sexual dysfunction and marital adjustment with the severity of alcohol dependence was also explored. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 consecutive married men attending psychiatry outpatient department (OPD) with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). A pre-designed study proformawas used for collecting relevant socio-demographic and clinical details of the study participants. Sexual dysfunction, marital adjustment, and alcohol dependence were assessed using the following validated tools: the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), the Marital Adjustment Questionnaire (MAQ), and the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ), respectively. Results: Of 100 patients, about 15% had clinical sexual dysfunction based on ASEX. The most commonly reported sexual dysfunction was difficulty with erection (24.0%), followed by problems in desire (18.0%), sexual arousal (12.0%), ability to reach orgasm (12.0%), and satisfaction with orgasm (9.0%). Sexual dysfunction (ASEX score) showed significant positive correlation (rs = 0.345; P < 0.001) with alcohol dependence severity (SADQ score). Also, the severity of alcohol dependence was negatively correlated (rs = -0.240; P = 0.016) with the overall level of marital adjustment (MAQ score) with spouse. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is common in married men with ADS, with both sexual dysfunction intensity and marital adjustment difficulties being positively associated with the severity of alcohol dependence.

Sexuality of pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women

IntroductionPregnancy and breast-feeding represents a period of psychological maturation for the woman who becomes a mother, a period of significant changes in women’s lives that affects their sexuality and intimacy.ObjectivesTo investigate the quality of sexual function in pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women.Methods It was a cross-sectional study established over a period of 3 months from the June 1st, 2023 to August 31, 2023. This study focused on a population of pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women recruited from outpatient consultations and inpatient of the obstetric gynecology department at the university hospital of Gabes. We used a pre-established sheet exploring socio-demographic data, medical and gyneco-obstetric history and informations concerning the marital relationship and the woman’s sexual activity. We administered the validated Arabic version of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) to assess sexual functioning.Results Fifty-eight women were included. The average age was 35.6±5.5 years, they had a university level in 40%, secondary in 37.5%, and they were unemployed in 74.2%. From an urban origin in 75%. They were pregnant in the first, second and third trimester in (15.6%, 15.6% and 25% respectively). They were in postpartum in 43.8% of cases with a cesarean delivery in 73.3% and breastfeeding in 56%. All women reported being on good terms with their spouses and satisfied with their sexuality. The usual frequency of sexual relations (SR) was (1/day: 22.6%, 1/week: 74.2%, 1/month: 3.2%) and 25% reported wanting to reduce the frequency. Only 3.44% masturbated and 5.17% had sexual fantasies. The mean ASEX score was 13 ± 4.3 and 47%of the sample had sexual dysfunction. We found a significant association between the sexual dysfunction and the trimester of pregnancy (p=0.045).Highest score of sexual dysfunction during the first and third trimester compared to the second one (68.9%, 77.6% and 22.4% repectively). The areas of sexual dysfunction were difficulty reaching orgasm (81%), impaired sexual desire (65.5%), insufficient lubrication (60.3%), arousal (55.1%) and pain on penetration (50%).ConclusionsWe found that sexual function is problematic among women during pregnancy especially in the first and third trimester also in postpartum and breastfeeding period. So what factors are associated with this sexual dysfunction?Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Body satisfaction and sexuality in pregnant and postpartum women

IntroductionPregnancy and postpartum is an important life event associated with profound physiognomic and psychosocial changes affecting the female body in all its physiological, psychic and affective reality. It might influence the sexual function in expectant mothers.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between the body satisfaction and perception and the sexual function among pregnant and postpartum women.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study established over a period of 3 months from the June 1st, 2023 to August 31, 2023. This study focused on a population of pregnant and postpartum women recruited from outpatient consultations and inpatient of the obstetric gynecology department at the university hospital of Gabes. We used a pre-established sheet exploring socio-demographic data, medical and gyneco-obstetric history, the body mass index (BMI) and informations concerning the marital relationship and the woman’s sexual activity. We administered the validated Arabic version of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) to assess sexual functioning and we used the body satisfaction and global self-perception questionnaire (QSCPGS) to explore the body satisfaction and perception.ResultsFifty-eight women were included. The average age was 35.6±5.5 years; they were from an urban origin in 75%. They were pregnant in the first, second and third trimester in (15.6%, 15.6% and 25% respectively). They were in postpartum in 43.8% of cases with a cesarean delivery in 73.3% and breastfeeding in 56%. All women reported being on good terms with their spouses and satisfied with their sexuality. The usual frequency of sexual relations was (1/day: 22.6%, 1/week: 74.2%, 1/month: 3.2%) and 25% reported wanting to reduce the frequency. The mean ASEX score was 13 ± 4.3 and 47% of the sample had sexual dysfunction. For the total score of the QSCPGS, we observe a mean value of 33 ±28.3, which means that our sample has a good level of positive body satisfaction and self-perception. The mean value of the “body satisfaction” factor is higher (23.7 ± 10.4) than the mean value of the “self-perception” factor (11.4 ± 14.3). The mean value of BMI was 28.74 ± 4.4 wich means an overweigh. We found a significant association between the “body satisfaction” factor and the sexual dysfunction (p=0.03), insufficient lubrication (p=0.01) and difficulty reaching orgasm (p=0.001).ConclusionsWe found that body and physical changes among pregnant and postpartum women can negatively affects their body perception and it might deteriorate its global sexual function. Further researches are recommended to study other potential factors affecting sexual function during this period.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Sexual dysfunction in men with young onset Parkinson's disease.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common, yet under-reported non-motor symptom of PD. Common sexual symptoms among male PD patients include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and decreased sexual desire. Few research papers have examined sexual dysfunction in PD, especially in YOPD male patients, and there is no Indian research study on sexual dysfunction in YOPD. In this study, we determined the frequency of sexual dysfunction in men with YOPD, and its correlation with other motor and NMS. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on YOPD males who presented to the Department of Neurology, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India, from May 2021 to April 2023. The diagnosis of YOPD was made based on MDS criteria for IPD 2015. Sexual functions were evaluated by ASEX, PEDT, QUIP-RS, and sex hormone assay. The patients also underwent other motor and non-motor assessments. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. The study was funded by the PDMD fund. This study included 62 male YOPD patients. The mean age of cases was 44.74 ± 8.54years. The mean duration of symptoms was 8.45 ± 6.23years. 43.5% of the cases of PD were Akinetic rigid type. By ASEX Score grading, 46.8% of the cases had erectile dysfunction and 71% of the cases of YOPD had premature ejaculation by PEDT Score grading. 9.7% of the cases had hypersexuality by QUIP-RS.Duration of YOPD was a better predictor of Erectile Dysfunction and premature ejaculation when compared with other variables. SD was related to anxiety and depression and it had a negative impact on the patient's health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). SD should be investigated and treated as an integral part of the neurological assessment in YOPD.

Study of Sexual Dysfunctions in Male Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

Background: Virtually all aspects of the human sexual response are affected by alcohol. Chronic and persistent alcohol use has been seen to impair erectile, orgasmic and ejaculatory capacities, which leads to marked distress and interpersonal difficulty. Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence and types of sexual dysfunction and to study the impact of the severity of alcohol dependence on sexual dysfunctions in male patients with alcohol dependence syndrome. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done at the outpatient Department of Psychiatry of a tertiary teaching hospital. Socio-demographic details of the patient and alcohol-related clinical variables were collected using the study proforma. The severity of alcohol dependence was assessed using the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS). To assess the presence of sexual dysfunction, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used and the type of sexual dysfunction was decided by the Sexual Dysfunction Checklist (SDC) based on ICD 10, and the data was analysed. Results: 170 male patients with alcohol dependence, with a mean age of 35.84 years, participated in the study. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 67.06%. Loss or lack of sexual desire was the most common sexual dysfunction, followed by failure of genital response (erectile dysfunction), frequency dissatisfaction and premature ejaculation. The majority of the sample studied had one or more sexual dysfunctions. The ADS score positively correlated with the ASEX score, and this correlation was statistically significant. Conclusion: Alcohol use was found to be associated with sexual dysfunctions, and lack of sexual desire was the most common sexual dysfunction.

The effect of stoma self-efficacy of people with stoma on their sexual function and satisfaction.

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of stoma self-efficacy of people with stoma on their sexual function and satisfaction. This descriptive research was carried out between November 2022 and May 2023. One hundred and forty people with stoma were included in the research. A descriptive information form, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for satisfaction with sexual life, the Stoma Self-Efficacy Scale (Stoma SE) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) were used for the research. According to the findings of the research, it was established that 90% of the participants had sexual dysfunction according to the ASEX. The average VAS satisfaction with sexual life score was 2.77 ± 3.19, the average Stoma SE Total score was 76.26 ± 19.63 and the average ASEX score was 21.62 ± 7.88. The VAS-satisfaction with sexual life score of the participants had a positive relationship with the social self-efficacy score and a negative relationship with the ASEX score. There was a negative relationship between the social self-efficacy score and the ASEX score of the participants. It has been determined that the social self-efficacy scores of the participants affect their ASEX and VAS-satisfaction with sexual life scores. Development of care self-efficacy is as critical as the development of social self-efficacy for people with stoma. Development of social self-efficacy by people with stoma can contribute to their sexual function and satisfaction with sexual life.

Differential effects of carbamazepine and levetiracetam monotherapy on reproductive endocrine function in Nigerian women with epilepsy

ObjectiveThis study is aimed at comparing differential effect of Levetiracetam (LTC) monotherapy and Carbamazepine (CZP) monotherapy in W omen with epilepsy (WWE) on gonadal hormone. Methods87 WWE were recruited comprising randomly of 46 and 41 on CZP and LTC group respectively with diagnosis and classification based on International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Reproductive hormones (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) were assayed. National Hospital Seizure Severity Scale (NHSS) and Zung self-reporting depression scale (ZSRDS) were used to assess the seizure severity and the mood respectively. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables while Student's t-test or its non-parametric equivalent where appropriate were used to compare continuous variables. ResultsClinical characteristics were comparable in both groups except for ZSRDS (p = 0.048), NHSS (p = 0.012) and hip circumference (p = 0.037). The CZP group had a higher ASEX score and proportion of WWE with clinically significant sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001). WWE on LTC had similar hormonal profiles with those on CZP except for a higher median serum testosterone level (p = 0.004), and lower median serum LH (p = 0.006). Age was negatively associated with serum testosterone level for the 25th, 50th, and 75th quartile. However, the differential effect for AED type was only significant for the 25th quartile; with higher values in LTC. ConclusionThe therapeutics implication of lower LH and testosterone levels in the LTC group compared to CZP group need to be explored.

Sexual dysfunction in Egyptian patients with migraine

BackgroundMigraine is believed to affect over 20% of people at some point in their lives. The presence of sexual dysfunction in migraine sufferers can cause lack of self-confidence and divorces. The aim of this work is to study sexual dysfunction in migraine headache patients.MethodsThe study was carried out at Tanta University Hospital. The study included married patients who visited our hospital clinic and have had episodic or chronic migraine headaches and another group of age and sex matched healthy subjects will be recurited as a control group. Our interview includes questions for disease duration, severity and frequency of headache attacks and attack duration. questionnaire. the Arabic Version of the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale and Beck depression inventory. Sexual function will be evaluated by an Arabic version of Arizona sexual experience scale.ResultsThe ASEX score showed high significant changes between migraine patients and healthy subjects. These changes were reconfirmed when comparing male patients to healthy subjects or female patients to healthy subjects.Despite there was no significant difference regarding total ASEX score between bot male and female patients with migraine there was significant differences in the items of derive, erection/lubrication and satisfaction between them. In patients with migraine the total ASEX score was correlated with the MIDAS, Beck depression inventory, Beck anxiety inventory; but not with the age of patients or headache duration.ConclusionsSexual dysfunction is a common finding in migrine patients which is poorly evaluted in the clinical sitting.

Impact of Antipsychotics on the Sexuality of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

Background: Sexuality is a natural component of human behaviour. The general population has been extensively studied since the first half of the 20th century. On the other hand, regarding patients treated for Schizophrenia (SCZ), discussing sexual disorders was initially considered inappropriate because it was thought they should not be sexually active. Given these findings, this work proposes to study the sexuality of patients with SCZ. Aim: Our objectives were to assess the sexuality of patients with schizophrenia, to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction among these patients, and to determine practitioners' attitudes toward the sexuality of our study population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in the psychiatry department of Kairouan (outpatient department), including 46 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. A pre-established information sheet was completed for each patient recruited, including socio-demographic and clinical data; on the other hand, three scales ensured a sexual psychometric evaluation: Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire PRSexDQ - SALSEX ), Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire - Male Clinical Version ( CSFQ -M -C ). Results: Concerning the evaluation of sexuality according to the scales used, SD according to the PRSexDQ-SALSEX scores was observed in 31 patients (67.4%). According to the ASEX scores, 24 patients (52%) had a SD, and for the total score of the CSFQ-M-C, 27 patients (58.7%) had a SD. We cannot confirm the existence of a relationship between the dose of the current treatment (in chlorpromazine equivalent) used and the results of the test assessing sexuality. In addition to these results, we can deduce the existence of a statistically significant association between the antipsychotic used and the results of the PRSexDO-SALSEX only. Conclusions: we recommend that screening for SD in patients followed for SCZ should be systematic, regardless of the AP molecule type and dosage. In this regard, we recommend the establishment of a better therapeutic relationship between caregivers and patients followed for SCZ, based on empathy and trust, so that the latter feel comfortable enough to address the sexual dimension in general and SD in particular.

Cinsel ve nörojenik alt üriner sistem disfonksiyonunun multipl skleroz hastalarının yaşam kalitesi ve sağlık algıları üzerindeki etkisi

Purpose: To investigate the impact of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) and sexual dysfunction (SD) on multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' quality of life and health perceptions and evaluate the possible relationship with disease parameters.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 192 patients with MS were included in the study. Along with the King's Health (KHQ) and COOP/WONCA questionnaires, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Beck Depression Scale (BDI), Monitoring My Multiple Sclerosis Scale (MMMS) were used to evaluate the patients’ quality of life and self-perception of health. &#x0D; Results: The median age of the patients was 39.5 years (18–66 years). In contrast, SD was present in 34.4%, 51.6% of the patients presented with NLUTD. Patients with NLUTD had significant differences in terms of age, education level, duration of disease, EDSS, BDI, ASEX, and MMMS scores. The majority of the study group had minor disability (82.8% had an EDSS score less than 3). Patients with SD showed higher disability, depression, and disrupted self-perception of their health status. In addition, quality of life measures correlated with the presence of NLUTD, SD and depression along with higher disability and altered self perception of their health status. &#x0D; Conclusion: NLUTD and SD significantly effect quality of life and well being. Increasing awareness about the impact of NLUTD and SD symptoms in patients with MS will provide a comprehensive approach in clinical practice.

Gender specific sexual dysfunction in patients with depression.

This study aims to investigate the factors associated with sexual dysfunction (SD), with a particular focus on the influence of sex on the occurrence and severity of this condition in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Sociodemographic and clinical assessments were conducted on 273 patients with MDD (female = 174, male = 99), including the ASEX, QIDS-SR16, GAD-7, and PHQ-15. Univariate analyses, independent samples t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used as appropriate, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlation factors for SD. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS 9.4). SD was reported in 61.9% of the participants (ASEX score = 19.6 ± 5.5), and the prevalence of it in females (75.3%, ASEX score = 21.1 ± 5.4) was significantly higher than that in males (38.4%, ASEX score = 17.1 ± 4.6). Factors associated with SD included being female, being aged 45 years or above, having a low monthly income (≤750 USD), feeling more sluggish than usual (a QIDS-SR16 Item 15 score of 1 or above), and having somatic symptoms (evaluated with the total score of PHQ15). The use of antidepressants and antipsychotics might be a confounding factor affecting sexual function. Also, the lack of information in the clinical data regarding the number, duration, and time of onset of the episodes limits the richness of the results. Our findings reveal the sex differences in the prevalence and severity of SD in patients with MDD. Evaluated with the ASEX score, female patients showed significantly worse sexual function than male patients. Being female, having a low monthly income, being aged 45 years or above, feeling sluggish, and having somatic symptoms may increase the risk of SD in patients with MDD.

Sexological and traumatic aspects in reproductive difficulties: a psychometric study on couples seeking help for infertility.

To investigate the impact of infertility in gender differences on psycho-traumatological, sexological, relational and emotional aspects and gender differences in couples requiring assisted reproductive treatment. 151 couples were recruited with a mean age of 36.7 ± 4.8years for women and 39.8 ± 6.6f or men. 43% of women and 34% of men had already received the diagnosis of infertility. To recruited subjects was administered the following psychometric tests: Sexological and Emotional in Infertility questionnaire (SEIq), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the Orgasmomether and the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). There was a significant difference in traumatic symptoms between men and women (t = 5,859, p < 0.05). Gender differences were found in the sexological dimension of the SEIq (t = 7,858, p < .001) and in the total ASEX score (t = 3,979, p < .001). Specifically, significant correlations emerged between the ASEX domains and the emotional and sexological aspects related to infertility only in women. The reaction to the diagnosis was negatively correlated with the emotional area of ​​the couple (r = -0.683, p < .001) and positively with the couple relationship (r = 0.815, p < .001). Multiple regression revealed that the overall functioning of the couple, rather than the single scales, is the main predictor of sexuality (R2 = 0.77). A clear impact of infertility on the couple's psycho-traumatological, psycho-sexological and relational aspects emerged. It could be useful to promote targeted support interventions on the most compromised areas of couple functioning in assisted reproductive centers.

Sexual Functions Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Evaluation of Male Patients and Their Partners.

Sexual functionality, a critical component of health-related quality of life, can decline for various reasons, including heart failure (HF). Our purpose was to prospectively evaluate male patients with HF scheduled for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in terms of sexual function, erectile function, and alterations in hormonal and biochemical parameters. In addition, we sought to determine the sexual functioning of the partners of these patients. The study enrolled 103 male patients and their partners. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) was administered to all males and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) questionnaire was completed by all participants, at baseline and three months after CRT. The ASEX scores of patients and partners demonstrated significant declines from baseline to post-intervention analysis. The IIEF-5 scores of patients showed a significant increase from baseline to post-intervention (p=0.001 for all). We conclude that sexual dysfunction is experienced by the partners of male patients with erectile dysfunction before CRT and that reversal of erectile problems with CRT yields improvements in both male and female sexual functions.

Agomelatine in the treatment of anhedonia, somatic symptoms, and sexual dysfunction in major depressive disorder.

This study evaluated the treatment outcomes of agomelatine on anhedonic state, anxiety/somatic symptoms, and sexual function in Chinese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In total, 93 adult patients with MDD were enrolled, and 68 of them were included in a prospective, open-label, multicenter clinical study. All patients received agomelatine monotherapy during a 9-week treatment phase. The effectiveness of the treatment was reflected by the improvement of anhedonia and somatic symptoms based on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). In addition, the Arizona Sexual Dysfunction Scale (ASEX), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and Short Form of Quality-of-Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF) were administered to all participants at baseline and at the 3-, 6-, and 9-week follow-ups. After 9 weeks of treatment with agomelatine, the response and remission rates were 73.5% and 39.7%, respectively. Somatic symptoms significantly improved at week 9 (p < 0.001), and significant effects were also observed on the HAMD anhedonia items (p < 0.001). The patients exhibited lower levels of disease severity (the SDS score dropped from 15.52 ± 4.7 to 7.09 ± 5.62 at week 9; the ASEX score dropped from 21.89 ± 4.06 to 16.19 ± 4.79, p < 0.001) and higher levels of QOL (the Q-LES-Q-SF score dropped from 41.02 ± 5.99 to 50.49 ± 8.57, p < 0.001) during the follow-up. Furthermore, treatment with agomelatine improved depressive symptoms without causing serious adverse events. These analyses indicate that agomelatine is a treatment option for improving anhedonic status, anxiety/somatic symptoms, and sexual dysfunction in MDD patients.

Preliminary data on the neurophysiological evaluation of male sexual dysfunction in patients with pelvic ring fractures: a multicenter retrospective study.

Traumatic pelvic ring fractures include several comorbidities due to the close anatomical relationship between the skeletal system, pelvic organs, and neurovascular structures. In this retrospective multicenter study, we evaluated patients complaining of sexual dysfunction following pelvic ring fractures, assessed through different neuro-physiological examinations. Patients were enrolled one year after the injury according to their reported ASEX scores and evaluated on the basis of the Tile's type of pelvic fracture. Lower limb and sacral somatosensory evoked potentials, pelvic floor electromyography, bulbocavernosus reflex and pelvic floor motor evoked potentials were recorded, according to the neurophysiological indications. A total of 14 male patients (mean age 50.4; 8 subjects Tile-type B and 6 Tile-type C) were enrolled. The ages between the Tile B group and the Tile C group of patients were not significantly different (p=0.187), while the ASEX scores were significantly different (p=0.014). In 57% of patients (n=8), no alterations in nerve conduction and/or pelvic floor neuromuscular responses were found. In 6 patients, electromyographic signs of denervation were revealed (2 patients), and alterations of the sacral efferent nerve component were detected in 4 patients. Sexual dysfunctions after a traumatic pelvic ring fracture are more common in Tile-type B. Our preliminary data did not reveal a significant association with neurogenic aetiology. Other causes could explain the complaining impairments.

Psychological impact of the announcement of an abnormal cervical smear: How to improve patient experience and information? COLANX: a multicenter study in Seine-Maritime

When an anomaly in the screening by cervical smear or by the HPV-HR test is detected, the women are called for a colposcopy. Waiting for colposcopy is often an anxiety-provoking situation for women, probably linked to a widespread ignorance of the value of screening and the pathophysiology of HPV infection. The COLANX was a multicentric study, in Seine-Maritime, conducted with 8 colposcopist practitioners. Self-questionnaires were distributed to volunteer women, summoned for a first abnormal smear result, at the exit of colposcopy and filled out immediately on site. This questionnaire evaluated: the psychological impact of the announcement of the abnormal cervico-uterine smear, its impact on the sexual quality of life, the epidemiological characteristics of the population studied, the modalities of the announcement made of the abnormal result, the satisfaction of the women and their desire for additional information. 131 questionnaires were included, from June 1, 2020 to January 18, 2021. 61.5% of responding women presented proven psychological distress, as evidenced by a GHQ-12 score ≥ 2. The state of psychological distress was significantly different depending on the time left by the practitioner between the announcement of the abnormal cytology result and the colposcopy appointment. The GHQ-12 score was significantly different according to the initial classification of the cervico-uterine smear, high in case of suspicion of high-grade lesions in particular. 36.3% of patients had a significant deterioration in their sexual quality of life, demonstrated by an ASEX score ≥ 18. The women were statistically more satisfied when the announcement of their abnormal screening result had been made by telephone or during a consultation, rather than by mail, but no significant difference was found on the presence or absence of distress psychological according to this mode of announcement. 52.3% of the women in this study expressed a request for additional information support, preferably written support (for 89.4% of these women), to be delivered when the abnormal screening was announced (for 76, 5% of these women). The main results of the COLANX study are consistent with those of the literature, in particular concerning the negative psychological impact in the announcement of an abnormal smear result. The new methods of organized screening will increase the use of colposcopy for many women. There is a significant impact on their psyche and their intimate life. The issuance of additional information during this announcement would probably reduce this anxiety.

Sexuality, quality of life and psychological well-being in older adults: A correlational study

This study aimed at analyzing the relationship between general health status, quality of life, and sexual life among older adults. This descriptive-correlational design study was conducted with the participation of 323 (169 female and 154 male) older people at the age of 65+. The participants were clients of the outpatient services in a general hospital in Istanbul. Data were collected with the General Health Questionnaire, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, and Quality of Life Scale. Psychological well-being had no association with sexuality scores whereas quality of life had a significant association. Older people with better quality of life had less sexual dysfunctionality. Participants who were up the 75 years old, who have lower education, lower economic status, unemployed, having chronic diseases seemed to experience higher ASEX scores, meaning that higher sexual dysfunction, lower GHQ scores and lower quality of life level. Sexuality in older people changes over time and continues to hold its importance. Less sexual dysfunction seemed to relate with higher quality of life in older people. Researchers should consider the importance of the quality of life on sexual satisfaction in older people.