Brief Index Of Sexual Functioning For Women Research Articles

Validation of the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for women and men (BISF-W and BISF-M) in an Italian sample

IntroductionThe Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) is an international 4-factors tool assessing qualitative and quantitative aspects of sexual experiences in women, both in clinical and experimental settings. The present research aims at validating an Italian version of the BISF-W, to develop a BISF version for men (BISF-M) to fill the gap in the existing sexual function evaluation tools in Italy and to analyze gender and age groups differences in the BISF factors.MethodsThe research included 6,355 women, aged from 18 to 65 (M = 34.94, SD = 10.52) and 2,207 men, aged from 18 to 80 (M = 38.25, SD = 13.67), who completed the BISF-W and BISF-M. The Quality of Marriage Index (QMI) was administrated to both samples for testing divergent validity, while Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were administered for testing convergent validity. Correlation analysis, MANOVA between gender and age and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were conducted.ResultsThe CFAs confirmed that the proposed 4-factor model (Dyadic, Solitaire and Anal Sexuality, and Sexual Difficulties) is suitable both for the BISF-W and the BISF-M, demonstrated strong psychometric properties for assessing sexual functioning in both genders, with dyadic sexuality being the most important factor. MANOVA analysis showed significative differences in the factors’ scores, according to gender and age.DiscussionThe BISF-W and the BISF-M are promising tools to address sexual functioning in individuals and couples, both in clinical and non-clinical settings. Gender and age differences are discussed regarding the potential use of BISF in the therapeutic context.

Eating disorders and sexuality: A quantitative study in a French medically assisted procreation course.

ObjectiveAmong medically assisted procreation (MAP) patients, the prevalence of eating disorders (ED), clinical or subclinical, current or past, is considerable. In addition to metabolic repercussions, the literature suggests that these patients present with more sexual dysfunction, leading to anxiety.This quantitative research on a population of women consulting a MAP department for unexplained or ovulatory infertility proposed to study the sexuality of this population by comparing the sexuality of patients suffering from or having suffered from an ED to the sexuality of the non‐ED group.MethodPatients (n = 61) filled out the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF‐W), the ED Whole Life Research Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS).ResultsWe found a prevalence of 54% of ED, current or past. Even though these patients reported the same prevalence of sexual intercourse, they had significantly more physical problems (e.g., anorgasmia, vaginismus, headache) affecting their sexuality (p = .01) than the non‐ED group, after adjusting for depression. Approximately 10% of the study population reported no intravaginal intercourse during the last month.DiscussionThis study provides evidence for the existence of more sexual dysfunction in patients who have a fertility disorder and have ED or a history of ED. Future research should evaluate the results of psychological or sexological care that may be more suitable for the infertility of these patients.

A cross-sectional study of sexual function and fertility status in adults with congenital genitourinary abnormalities in a U.S. tertiary care centre.

We aimed to evaluate sexual function, sexual knowledge, and fertility status in adult patients with congenital genitourinary abnormalities (CGUA). Adult patients with CGUA who were referred to a single transitional urology clinic between 2014 and 2017 were prospectively recruited to participate in the study. Questionnaires about general demographics, bowel and bladder continence, fertility, and sexuality were gathered. Validated questionnaires, including the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W), were also collected. A total of 167 adults with CGUA were referred to our clinic within the defined time frame. Sixty patients (25 males, 35 females) with a mean age of 25.4 years (range 18-75) met inclusion criteria and responded to questionnaires pertaining to sexuality and fertility. Forty-five (75%) responded to the fertility questionnaire; 26 (58%) had never heard of assisted reproductive technologies, and only one had received prior fertility counselling. Fifty-eight participants (97%) responded to the sexuality questionnaire; 21 (36%) reported a history of sexual activity, with 12 (21%) being currently sexually active. Twenty (34%) wanted to learn more about sexuality and/or fertility. The SHIM response rate was 44%, and only three females (9%) completed the BISF-W in its entirety. Adults with CGUA desire more sexuality and fertility education, yet they are uncomfortable completing current questionnaires. Our sexuality and fertility questionnaires are too challenging for this patient population to complete despite assistance. Thus, modifications are urgently needed. Additionally, medical providers should discuss sexual and reproductive health with these patients earlier and in more detail.

Sexual quality of life evaluation after treatment among women with breast cancer under 35years old.

To qualify the quality of patients sexual lives after treatment among women with breast cancer under 35years old and compare results to the literature. Sexual quality of life was measured for 84 women aged 20 to 35years old at diagnosis, with two validated quality of sexual life questionnaires, Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), at least six months after breast cancer diagnosis. Two other questionnaires were used to allow us to understand other aspects of their life before cancer and to monitor quality of sexual life during treatment. Forty-three women responded to the questionnaire. The questionnaires demonstrated that more than half of them had problems with their sexuality. The mean total score was 28.08/75 for BISF-W and 25.1 for FSFI (under the cutoff score 26.55). The domain analysis showed an association between the absence of chemotherapy and scores in regard to sexual health. Only 7% had sexual disturbance detected but 49% of the patients wished to have it. Sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors is real, has several factors, and cannot be evaluated based only on the organic side effects induced by cancer treatment. Better monitoring and screening seems necessary in order to optimize the quality of sexual life after surviving breast cancer.

Impact de la conisation cervicale à l’anse diathermique sur la qualité de vie sexuelle

To assess the consequences of loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) on the quality of sexual life. A prospective observational study in two university hospital departments in Marseille, France, including women requiring a LEEP. Sexual quality of life was assessed before LEEP and three months after the procedure with a self-administered validated questionnaire: the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W). Among the 100women included, 69filled both questionnaires. Among the 69women whose outcomes were available, composite BISF-W score was significantly lower before LEEP than three months after LEEP (28.3±13vs 30.1±13.2; P=0.01). The items scores concerning desire (D1) and orgasm (D5) were significantly improved after LEEP (4.3±2.3vs 5±2.2 [P<0.001] and 4.3±2.5vs 4.7±2.6 [P<0.001]). This study found an improved quality of sexual life after LEEP. These findings suggest that the psychological impact of HPV infection on sexual function is greater than the anatomical and functional impact of LEEP.

Oxytocin increases VTA activation to infant and sexual stimuli in nulliparous and postpartum women

After giving birth, women typically experience decreased sexual desire and increased responsiveness to infant stimuli. These postpartum changes may be viewed as a trade-off in reproductive interests, which could be due to alterations in brain activity including areas associated with reward. The goal of this study was to describe the roles of oxytocin and parity on reward area activation in response to reproductive stimuli, specifically infant and sexual images. Because they have been shown to be associated with reward, the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) were targeted as areas of expected alterations in activity. Oxytocin was chosen as a potential mediator of reproductive trade-offs because of its relationship to both mother–infant interactions, including breastfeeding and bonding, and sexual responses. We predicted that postpartum women would show higher reward area activation to infant stimuli and nulliparous women would show higher activation to sexual stimuli and that oxytocin would increase activation to infant stimuli in nulliparous women. To test this, we measured VTA and NAc activation using fMRI in response to infant photos, sexual photos, and neutral photos in 29 postpartum and 30 nulliparous women. Participants completed the Sexual Inhibition (SIS) and Sexual Excitation (SES) Scales and the Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women (BISF-W), which includes a sexual desire dimension, and received either oxytocin or placebo nasal spray before viewing crying and smiling infant and sexual images in an fMRI scanner. For both groups of women, intranasal oxytocin administration increased VTA activation to both crying infant and sexual images but not to smiling infant images. We found that postpartum women showed lower SES, higher SIS, and lower sexual desire compared to nulliparous women. Across parity groups, SES scores were correlated with VTA activation and subjective arousal ratings to sexual images. In postpartum women, sexual desire was positively correlated with VTA activation to sexual images and with SES. Our findings show that postpartum decreases in sexual desire may in part be mediated by VTA activation, and oxytocin increased activation of the VTA but not NAc in response to sexual and infant stimuli. Oxytocin may contribute to the altered reproductive priorities in postpartum women by increasing VTA activation to salient infant stimuli.

Understanding of chest pain in microvascular disease proved by cardiac magnetic resonance image (UMPIRE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundMicrovascular angina (MVA) is characterized by anginal chest pain, an abnormal stress test, and normal coronary arteries on coronary angiography. Although the exact pathogenesis remains unclear, endothelial dysfunction is a contributing factor. To date, there exists no specific therapy for this disease. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor improves the endothelial function and subsequently microvascular circulation. The aim of this study is to identify whether udenafil offers benefits in the treatment of MVA in female patients, who have a perfusion defect in their cardiac magnetic resonance image (CMR), but normal coronary arteries.Methods/DesignThe ‘Understanding of Chest Pain in Microvascular Disease Proved by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Image: (UMPIRE)’ trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, placebo controlled trial, designed to evaluate the effect of udenafil on myocardial ischemia and symptoms in female patients with MVA. The myocardial ischemia will be quantified by myocardial stress perfusion defect in CMR. A total of 80 patients with proven perfusion defect in adenosine-stress CMR will be randomly assigned to either the udenafil treatment group (daily dose of 100 mg) or the placebo group for three months. The primary endpoint is >25% improvement in perfusion defect size in adenosine-stress CMR from baseline. The secondary endpoints include <25% improvement in perfusion defect size, chest pain frequency, ST depression in stress test, Duke score in stress test, quality of life (QoL) assessment by SF-36 questionnaire, sexual dysfunction assessment by BISF-W (Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women) self-assessment questionnaire, and biomarkers for endothelial function.DiscussionThe UMPIRE trial is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of udenafil in female MVA patients. If udenafil demonstrates cardioprotective effects, it may provide a novel therapeutic option to reduce myocardial ischemia and improve cardiac function in female MVA patients.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov: NCT01769482 (registered on 20 November 2012).

Validity of the Chinese Version of the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women with a New Scoring Algorithm and Comparison of Normative and Recurrently Depressed Han Chinese Population

The Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) is proved to be a useful instrument to assess female sexual function, but the validation information of its Chinese version is still unavailable. It has not been used to assess female sexual function among Han Chinese women with recurrent depression. This study aims to validate the Chinese version of BISF-W (C-BISF-W) with a new scoring algorithm and evaluate the impact of recurrent depression on sexual function among Han Chinese women. Three groups of subjects, 63 unmedicated patients with recurrent depression, 50 medicated remitted patients with recurrent depression, and 92 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Sexual function was assessed with C-BISF-W. A new scoring algorithm was developed to provide an overall composite score (G) and seven dimension scores: desire (D1), arousal (D2), frequency of sexual activity (D3), orgasm (D4), sexual interaction (D5), relationship dissatisfaction (D6), and problems affecting sexual function (D7). Psychometric analyses were conducted. Four factors whose Eigenvalues were higher than 1 were extracted, explaining 61.426% of the total variance. Compared with healthy age-matched control, unmedicated cases scored significantly lower in G, D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5, whereas these were higher in D6 and D7. No significant difference was found in the scores of G, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 between remitted cases and control, but the former scored higher in D6 and D7 than the latter. In comparison with unmedicated cases, medicated remitted cases got a higher score in G, D1, D2, and D5. For the healthy control, sexual function (G) was negatively correlated with age. With the new scoring algorithm, C-BISF-W is proved to be a validated instrument to assess female sexual function. The impact of recurrent depression on female sexual function is negatively profound and extensive.

Mirena IUD on menstrual patterns in patients with adenomyosis and sexual quality of life in clinical research

Objective To investigate the effect on the menstrual patterns and sexual quality of life of patients with adenomyosis after treated with Mirena IUD.Methods 56 patients with adenomyosis who were treated with Mirena IUD were recruited from August 2009 to December 2009.We used Menstrual blood loss chart method,Dysmenorrhea score method and Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women (BISF-W) to evaluate the menstrual pattern,the volume of uterus and sexual quality after1,3,6,9,12 months.{Results 53 patients were followed up,the rate was 94.6%.The condition of 56 patients became better after treated with Mirena for 3,6,9,12 months,dysmenorrhea[Placed before:(3.15±0.91)points;After placing:(1.41±0.51)points,(0.22±0.09)points,(0.07±0.01)points,0 points]and menstrual quantity[Placed before:(12.0±57.5)points;After placing:(71±23.1)points,(29±19.4)points,(18±10.5)points,(10±4.7)points]were both reduced(P＜0.05),the symptoms were not significantly improved after 1 month(P＞0.05).D2 indicators was significantly improved after 3 months of treatment (P＜0.05),sexual function was also improved after 6 months(P＜0.05～0.01).Conclusions Mirena IUD has a good effect on the menstrual pattern and sexual function for patients with adenomyosis. Key words: Intrauterine devices/AE; Uterine diseases; Adenomyoma; Menstruation; Coitus

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of the efficacy and safety of bupropion for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in ovulating women

To compare the efficacy of sustained-release (SR) bupropion to placebo in treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in ovulating women. After a 1-week, placebo lead-in phase, 232 treatment-seeking women with regular menstrual cycles were randomly assigned to bupropion SR 150 mg/daily (116) or placebo (116) for 12 weeks under double-blind conditions. Efficacy was assessed with the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W), the Personal Distress Scale (PDS), the global efficacy question (GEQ; 'Did the treatment you received during the 12-week improve meaningful your sexual desire?') and overall patient satisfaction question ('Are you satisfied with the efficacy of your treatment?'). The mean (sd) composite score on the BISF-W, increased from 15.8 (2.6) and 15.5 (2.2) at baseline to 33.9 (4.2) and 16.9 (2.6) in the bupropion and placebo groups, respectively (P= 0.001). The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for response in the bupropion group relative to placebo was 3.2 (2.1-6.3). The thoughts/desire score more than doubled in patients treated with bupropion (P= 0.001). At the 12-week evaluation the reduction in the PDS scale was 29.4% in bupropion and 4.7% in the placebo group (P= 0.01). In response to the GEQ, of patients in the bupropion and placebo groups, 65.3%, and 4.3%, respectively, responded 'Definitely yes' (P= 0.001). Of patients in the bupropion and placebo groups, 71.8%, and 3.7%, respectively, were definitely satisfied with the efficacy of their treatment, (P= 0.001). After 12 weeks of treatment, 82 women (78.1%) in the bupropion and five (4.9%) in the placebo group were willing to continue therapy (P= 0.001). The results from this study indicate that bupropion SR is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for HSDD in ovulating women. Further controlled trials are warranted.

P508 Comparison of normative and menopausal women by the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W)

P508 Comparison of normative and menopausal women by the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W)

Effects and mechanism of different operation methods on the sexual life quality of patients with uterine fibroid

Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of different surgical operation methods on the sexual life quality of patients with uterine fibroid. Methods 80 cases in uterine fibroid were randomly divided into four groups: talhysterectomy (TH) group (n=20), intrafascial hysterectomy (IH) group (n=20), subtotalhysterectomy (STH) group(n=20) and vaginalhysterectomy (VH) group (n=20). In the follow-up of one month and three months after operation, the levels of estradiol (E2), follicle stmiulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected, the sexual life quality of the patients with uterine fibroid. Results (1) The scores of BISF-W in to TH group, IH group, STH group, and VH group were (166±20),(178±35),(176±33) and (180±43) respectively, which were higher than (163±22),(166±40),(162±35) and (163±30) in the same group before the operation, there were significant difference (P<0.05); BISF-W scores in TH group were obviously lower than those in IH group, STH group and VH group (P<0.05).(2) The levels of E2, TSH and LH in one month after operation were obviously lower than those before operation (P<0.05). In the third month after operation, hormone level recovered to that before operation. Conclusion The sexual life quality is different in patients with uterine fibroid after different operations. The grade of brief index of sexual function for women (BISF-W) is related with the change of sex hormone level. Key words: Hysterectomy; Myoma; Gonadal steroid hormones; Quality of life; Sexual behavior

T01-O-13 The Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W): validation on an Italian sample

T01-O-13 The Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W): validation on an Italian sample

Sexual behavior of married young women: A preliminary study from north India

Background:There are significant gaps in the scientific literature concerning female sexual behavior and attitudes surrounding sexuality, which have definitive implications on public health and clinical work.Aim:To study the sexual behavior of young married Indian women.Materials and Methods:The study group comprised 100 consecutive women attending the Department of Pediatrics for the care of noncritical children in a multispecialty, tertiary care teaching hospital setting in North India. Current levels of sexual functioning and satisfaction were assessed by using the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W). All participants were also administered a translated and culturally adapted instrument called Sex Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire-II (SKAQ-II).Results:Peno-vaginal sex continues to be considered the most desired and actually performed sexual activity for arousal and orgasm, followed by kissing and foreplay. Difficulties while performing sexual activity, in the form of physical problems, were faced by 17% of the participants. The participants displayed adequate sexual knowledge and favorable attitude towards sexuality as measured by SKAQ-II.Conclusion:The present study is a preliminary effort to understand the contemporary female sexual behavior, knowledge and attitude by employing standard instruments. Still further studies are required in this area.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of testosterone cream on the sexual motivation of menopausal hysterectomized women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder

Objectives To assess the safety and efficacy of 10 mg topical testosterone therapy daily (2 cm Andro-Feme® cream) as a treatment for low sexual desire in postmenopausal hysterectomized women who were already on transdermal estrogen.Methods A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study (each period being of 3 months' duration) was performed in the research center of a tertiary referral women's hospital. Thirty-six menopausal healthy women were recruited who had undergone a hysterectomy, who were not depressed, were in a stable relationship and who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for low sexual desire, as measured by the Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women (BISF-W).Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure was improvement in the sexuality score as measured by a validated tool (BISF-W); secondary measures were sub-scores of the BISF-W, effect on mood and energy, lipids and testosterone levels.Results Testosterone cream significantly improved sexual desire, frequency of sex, receptivity and initiation as measured by the BISF-W score. It did not change mood, energy, lipids, blood pressure or weight over the study period.Conclusions Testosterone cream significantly improved sexual scores in menopausal women with low sexual desire. It was effective, easy to use and had no side-effects over the 3-month period of active treatment. It offers a novel and acceptable method of administering testosterone to menopausal women.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Dr. Segraves: We read with great interest the article by Burchardt et al. (2002) on sexual dysfunction in women with hypertension. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is prevalent, affecting up to 50% of women according to some studies (Laumann, Paik, & Rosen, 1999). Therefore, it is an important area in which to focus further research. Although a number of multidimensional instruments have been developed to assess sexual function, the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) was used in this study to assess sexual dysfunction in hypertensive women. This instrument, a 22-item selfreport questionnaire assessing levels of female sexual function, was meant to be used by both healthy women and those affected by medical or psychological conditions potentially impacting sexual function (Taylor, Rosen, & Leiblum, 1994). Although this instrument is appropriate to use in this setting, several problems exist with its use in Burchardt’s article.

The Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W): a new scoring algorithm and comparison of normative and surgically menopausal populations

To develop a new scoring algorithm for the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W) and to compare results from a normative population with those from a clinical sample of surgically menopausal women with impaired sexual function. The scoring algorithm provided an overall composite score and seven dimension scores: D1 (thoughts/desires), D2 (arousal), D3 (frequency of sexual activity), D4 (receptivity/initiation), D5 (pleasure/orgasm), D6 (relationship satisfaction), and D7 (problems affecting sexual function). The normative population consisted of 225 healthy women between the ages of 20 and 55 years; 187 had regular sexual partners and 38 did not. The clinical sample comprised 104 women in the same age range (with partners), who reported that their sex lives had become less active or less satisfying after surgery (bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy), despite standard estrogen replacement therapy. The BISF-W composite and dimension scores for healthy women with partners were significantly greater (p < 0.001) than for women without partners, except for D1, which was comparable in both groups. For healthy women with partners, the composite and dimension scores (D1, D3, and D5) decreased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.05). In comparison, surgically menopausal women had significantly lower composite and dimension scores (p < 0.001), with the exception of D7, which was significantly higher (more problems). As a percent of the normative means for healthy women with partners, the dimension scores for surgically menopausal women were lowest for D1--47.2%, D3--46.9%, and D5--46.1%. This research provides further validation of the BISF-W as an instrument for evaluating female sexual function and quantifies the nature and degree of impaired sexual function in surgically menopausal women.

Self-report assessment of female sexual function: Psychometric evaluation of the brief index of sexual functioning for women

Previous self-report measures of female sexual function have been either overly restrictive or inappropriate for use in large-scale clinical trials. Accordingly, we have developed the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W), a 22-item, self-report instrument for the assessment of current levels of female sexual functioning and satisfaction. The BISF-W was administered at monthly intervals to a standardization sample of 269 women, ages 20-73 years. A principal components analysis yielded a three-factor solution--interest/desire, sexual activity, and satisfaction--which accounted for 51.2% of the variance. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by means of a comparison with the Derogatis Sexual Function Inventory. In addition, the BISF-W was compared to the Brief Sexual Function Questionnaire, a similar self-report measure of sexual functioning for men. Major advantages of the BISF-W are its ease of administration and scoring, suitability for use in both clinical and nonclinical samples, and assessment of key dimensions of female sexuality. However, based on its moderate test-retest reliability and internal consistency, further development of the instrument is indicated.