Decrease In Sexual Activity Research Articles

New masculinities in uro-oncology: A social theory that contributes to the mental health of patients with penile cancer.

Sociocultural, the penis has represented an essential element in the identity and masculinity of Western men. Therefore, its injury, damage, or loss leads to psychosocial problems affecting these people's health and well-being. Penile cancer is a rare malignancy (it represents 1.44% of the cases of genitourinary cancers) that has direct effects on the genitals, and its treatment consists of penectomy (removal of the penis). The loss of the penis due to this disease has a profound impact on the survivors. It is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and loss of male identity, some even feeling like "castrated animals" or fewer men, having not only biological but also social and psychological problems, leading to the loss or decrease of sexual activity, self-esteem, and ability to relate to others. The new masculinities (a social theory much discussed these days) is offered as an alternative to understanding the behavior of men concerning what represents the penis, and the construction of their identity, focusing on the need to reconstruct the idea of masculinity and unlink the identity of men outside their genitals, the discussion of such social elements can be offered alternatives to help improve the psychological condition of patients who have survived the penectomy and contribute significantly to their health and quality of life, especially in improving your mental health.

Perceptions of prostate cancer patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy on the impact of prostate cancer and radiation therapy on male sexuality.

Male sexual function is an important aspect of the life of prostate cancer patients and plays a significant role in the long-term quality of life of prostate cancer survivors. However, there is a paucity of published literature on the perceived impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on the sexual function of patients in Ghana and West Africa in general. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of prostate cancer patients on the effects of the disease and radiation therapy on male sexual function. The study also examined the changes in sexuality experienced by men with prostate cancer. This research was a descriptive longitudinal study conducted at the third largest hospital in Africa. The study included Ghanaian prostate cancer patients of all ages who were treated with definitive radiotherapy at the study site between October 2021 and May 2022. Quantitative data were collected and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 and Microsoft Excel 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to determine frequencies and percentages of the demographic characteristics. The mean age of the participants was 65.7 years (SD 6.7) ranging from 50 to 81 years. Patients had different ideas about the potential adverse effects of prostate cancer (86%) and radiotherapy (70%) on male sexual function. A decrease in sexual desire (54%) was the commonest perceived effect of prostate cancer on male sexual function followed by premature ejaculation (49%) and a decrease in sexual activity (48%). On the other hand, erectile dysfunction (49%) was the commonest perceived effect of radiotherapy for prostate cancer on male sexual function followed by a decrease in sexual desire (38%) and premature ejaculation (37%). Health professionals were the major source of information regarding the perceptions of the patients on the effects of both prostate cancer (46%) and radiation therapy (43%) on male sexual function. There should be enhancement of awareness measures to educate Ghanaian cancer patients on the side effects and implications of treatment on their sexuality. Comprehensive sexual health assessment should be incorporated in the routine care of patients with cancers that have the potential to impact the sexual function of patients.

Changes in Women’s Sexual Habits During Pregnancy in Hungary

Pregnant women experience various physiological and psychological changes, which affect several areas such as biorhythm, lifestyle, emotions, social relations, and especially sexuality. The main aim of the present study was to explore how pregnancy influences women’s sexual behavior and sexual activity. Data collection was carried out within the framework of a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive research, using a self-administered questionnaire and simple, nonrandom sampling, between July and September of 2019 in Hungary. Expectant women aged 16 to 53 years (n = 445) were involved in the study. The analysis of the data revealed that among pregnant women in the third trimester there was a significantly higher number of those who had sexual intercourse with their partners only on a monthly or less frequent basis (p = .03). Those who had various health complaints during pregnancy had significantly fewer intercourses with their partners than expectant women without complaints (p = .008). Among pregnant women who had concerns about the negative consequences of sexual intercourse, the decrease in sexual activity was considerably larger than among those who had no or only occasional fears (p < .001). The results of the research suggest that pregnancy negatively affects women’s sexual activity. In many cases, pregnant women struggle with uncertainty and fears, which calls attention to the need to put special emphasis on issues related to sexuality during prenatal care.

Sexuality of Jung Bahadur Rana

The article focused on Jung Bahadur Rana, the Prime Minister of a period in the history of modern Nepal and his activities. Many activities of Janga Bahadur have become the subject of history. Some of Jung Bahadur's activities made him immortal, while others made him notorious. Among his activities, the main activity is his sexual attraction to heterosexuals. The presented article focuses on the theme of sexual activity of this Jung Bahadur. In particular, the purpose of this article is to expose what kind of sexual activities Jung Bahadur did during his lifetime. Jung Bahadur's bravery and courage earned him much respect, but his attachment to women had a negative effect on it. Although it is said that Jung Bahadur had infinite courage and determination, he could not control his sexual weakness. Jung Bahadur Rana's uncontrollable sexual activities became the subject of broadcast even in foreign media. Some of his sexual activities were outstanding. They used to bring many beautiful women in the palace and also appointed employees for their movement. Among his means of entertainment, sex was the most preferred subject. He wanted to show himself to be good at sex. It is the law of nature that sexual desire and sexual activity decrease as people get older due to increasing age, busyness of politics and other reasons. Unable to understand this matter, Junga Bahadur felt that he was weak in his sexual addiction even though he was an old man and started taking opium. The purpose of this article is to investigate the sexual desire of Junga Bahadur Rana by exposing the fact that from time to time he used to be self-condemned and sometimes he used to be very depressed.

Sexuality in Older Adults in A Primary Care Unit of Thailand during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Survey

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate sexuality in older Thai adults during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the associated factors. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted on older adults visiting a primary care unit (PCU) in Thailand. A hundred and ninety older adults were enrolled by convenience sampling. Multiple logistic regression analysis with a backward stepwise algorithm was used to analyze factors associated with sexual desire and activity in older Thai adults. Results The median age of participants was 67.99 (60.01–88.57) years, and 63.2% were women. Overall, 37.4% of participants had sexual desires, and 54.2% were sexually active during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, more than half reported a decrease in sexual activity, fearing COVID-19 transmission as the most common reason. Men had more sexual desire and activity than women (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 13.92 [4.76, 40.73] and 6.63 [2.59, 16.94], respectively). Conclusions Older Thai adults in the PCU displayed decreased sexual desire and activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sexual health is a lifestyle aspect that required investigation and care during the pandemic. Clinical Implications Older Thai adults should be educated in that sexual activities can be broader than sexual intercourse, and sexual health should be cared for during an eventual new pandemic disease.

Myocardial Infarction: Need for Sexual Counseling for Both Partners

ABSTRACT Introduction Data suggest that sexual function issues are not uniformly addressed in individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction (MI). Fewer sex counseling opportunities are offered to the spouse/sexual partner (who also may have health issues) regarding the stress they may experience in engaging in a sexual relation with a partner who underwent this event. The CDC reported that over a five-year period (2012-2016), there were more than 10 million MI/stroke admissions in the US. Many individuals develop sexual dysfunction after an MI. Not only is the MI survivor affected, but the marital dyad is negatively affected as well. These data suggest that sexual counseling should be routinely provided to both the individual who has had an MI and to their sexual partner. Objective This literature review aims to review and assess the consistency and adequacy of sexual counseling that is offered to MI survivors and their partners. It also aims to review the possible benefits of sexual counseling for MI survivors and their partners. Methods A literature review was conducted on sexual function of MI survivors with the specific focus on sexual counseling provided to these individuals and to their sexual partners. PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar were used with keyword combinations that included, “sexual function after MI/stroke,” “sexual satisfaction,” and “sexual counseling”. Results In the 12-month period after an MI, ∼36-48% of men and ∼46-59% of women reported a decrease in sexual activity. Reasons for diminished sexual activity included not only fear of triggering another MI that may be fatal, but also emotional issues, such as depression, and physical limitations. However, sexual relations after an MI do not appear to increase mortality to a significant degree. That is, maintaining or increasing sexual activity frequency after the first six months after MI is associated with improved survival, as shown by studies such as the Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients’ Health Status (TRIUMPH) registry. Despite these data, it appears that few clinicians include sexual health counseling for this population. Of even greater concern, MI survivors are often told to restrict sexual activity. Also of concern, there are no data that address the need for partners to have counseling as well in order to address their sexual needs and concerns. Partners also should be counseled, as many may be concerned about sexual activity triggering an MI recurrence in their partner. Conclusions With all the benefits of sexual activity, including emotional wellness, improved physical fitness, reduction of inflammation and cortisol response to stress, sexual health and wellness discussions should be included as part of the post-MI visits. Partners also should be offered sexual counseling by the clinician as well. Sexual wellness for both partners may positively impact a stronger relationship and decrease marital stress. Disclosure No

Body dissatisfaction of women during postpartum period and copin strategies

ABSTRACT This descriptive, cross-sectional study examined body dissatisfaction and coping strategies of postpartum women. Women (n = 256) registered at a family health center in Turkey responded to a Participant Information Form and the Body Cathexis Scale between September 1 and December 31, 2020. The data were evaluated using the analyses of percentage, number, mean, standard deviation, Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U, Pearson correlation analysis, and Bonferroni tests. Women’s dissatisfaction related to body image perception were associated with loss of physical strength, weight gain, hair loss, insomnia, change of breast shape, waist/back pain, facial spots, shape change in genitals, decrease in sexual activity and sexual desire, cellulite in the legs, and constipation. Regarding coping strategies, 8.4% women rested during the day to cope with the decrease in physical strength/fatigue they experienced, 44.5% followed a diet to cope with weight gain, 14% used shampoos and creams to cope with hair loss, 25.2% rested during the day to cope with insomnia, 36.8% wore a compression bra for their breasts, 12.4% exercised for waist/back pain. Findings indicate that postpartum women’s average Body Cathexis Scale total score was low and that they experienced several issues regarding body image perception during this period.

Sexual Satisfaction and Associated Biopsychosocial Factors in Stroke Patients Admitted to Specialized Cognitive Rehabilitation.

IntroductionThe consequences of stroke on sexual life in stroke patients in need of specialized cognitive rehabilitation have been limited explored. A biopsychosocial perspective in post-stroke sexuality studies is warranted to capture the complex picture of stroke consequences and sexual life after stroke and sexual satisfaction is an important outcome measure when exploring such multifactorial associations.AimTo explore sexual satisfaction and associated biopsychosocial factors in stroke patients admitted to specialized cognitive rehabilitation.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed including 91 consecutive stroke patients admitted to specialized cognitive rehabilitation. Data were collected from medical records and by face-to-face interviews using a structured interview guide and questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied.Main outcome measuresA wide range of biopsychosocial variables including medical and sociodemographic characteristics, social support, sexual complaints, aspects of sexual life, psychological distress and life satisfaction were analyzed in relation to the main outcome “Satisfaction with sexual life.”ResultsOnly 33 % were satisfied with sexual life. Prevalence of sexual complaints was high, more frequent in women (84%) than in men (64%). Three-quarters were less sexually active than before stroke. Multivariable analyses showed that anxiety, sleep problems, manifested sexual complaint, decrease in sexual activity and fear of partner rejection were significantly associated with low odds of sexual satisfaction, while affectionate support and partnership satisfaction were significant for sexual satisfaction. When combined in a biopsychosocial multivariable model only fear of partner rejection (OR 0.07; 95 % CI: 0.01–0.42) and decrease in sexual activity (OR 0.11; 95 % CI: 0.02–0.58) showed significant contribution to sexual satisfaction.ConclusionThe variety of predictors for sexual satisfaction indicates that therapeutic actions need to be individualized and points towards a broad assessment and interventional approach to meet the sexual rehabilitation needs of stroke patients with cognitive impairments in need of specialized rehabilitation.Vikan JK, Snekkevik H, Nilsson MI, et al. Sexual Satisfaction and Associated Biopsychosocial Factors in Stroke Patients Admitted to Specialized Cognitive Rehabilitation. Sex Med 2021;9:100424.

PrEP Use and Persistence Among Young Sexual Minority Men 17-24 Years Old During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to health care access for sexual and gender minorities in the U.S. We sought to explore the impact of COVID-19 on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and sexual health services by assessing PrEP eligibility and use, changes in sexual behaviors, and HIV/STI testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 239 young sexual minority men (YSMM) 17–24 years old between April and September 2020 in the U.S. One-in-seven YSMM PrEP users discontinued use during the pandemic, and all those who discontinued PrEP reported a decrease in sexual activity. Twenty percent reported difficulty getting prescriptions and medications from their doctors or pharmacies, and more than 10% reported challenges accessing HIV/STI testing. Among those who met Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for PrEP (n = 104), 86.5% were not currently using PrEP. Among those surveyed 3 months or later after the start of major COVID-19 stay-at-home measures (n = 165), 35.8% reported CAS with a causal partner within the past 3 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking HIV testing was associated with reporting condomless anal sex in the previous 3 months, indicating the necessity for ensuring continuity of basic sexual health services for YSMM. Failure to adequately adjust HIV prevention services and intervention in the face of pandemic-related adversity undermines efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S.

EXAMINING PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF THE STUDENT MIDWIVES' ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS ABOUT SEXUALITY DURING PREGNANCY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF SEXUAL COUNSELING

Pregnant women and their partners are especially vulnerable to the long-term decrease in sexual activity due to pregnancy-related symptoms and/or negative beliefs and attitudes affecting sexuality. In this regard, sexual consultation and attitudes of consultant about sexuality are an important point for especially midwives. This study aims to examine predictive factors of the student midwives' attitudes and beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy within the framework of sexual counseling role. The study was designed as a cross-sectional and descriptive web based survey. The study was conducted with 365 undergraduate midwifery students enrolled in a public university. Student midwives had medium-level negative attitudes and beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy. The presence of the attitudes and beliefs about sexuality during pregnancy was found to be associated with sexual counseling comfort (p&amp;lt;0.01). Regression models showed that having adequate knowledge about sexual counseling, experience of presenting this knowledge, cultural doctrines, sexual information topics and time of initiating counseling were effective predictors of the decrease in negative attitudes and beliefs in sexuality during pregnancy (R=0.196-0.361, p&amp;lt;0.01). Findings showed that individual attitudes and beliefs during pregnancy can affect counseling skills and content.

Сексуальная дисфункция у женщин в постменопаузе. Роль препаратов тестостерона в ее коррекции (литературный обзор)

Sexuality is one of the most important aspects of every person’s life, which depends on many factors, including: biological, psychological, social, cultural, ethnic, religious. Female sexuality is a very delicate and complex process; it is a balance between psycho-emotional reactions and cyclical fluctuations in the hormonal background. With the increase in life expectancy, modern women spend a significant part of it in the period of change pause and post menopause. The menopausal period is often accompanied by a decrease in sexual activity due to a number of hormonal, psychological and physical changes: vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes), urogenital changes (dryness, soreness, discomfort during intercourse, urinary incontinence), sleep disturbances, mood swings, decreased sex drive, decreased self-confidence. Often, women perceive this situation as something inevitable, something that you just need to put up with, so they rarely seek help from a doctor. Although it is obvious that sexual health greatly affects the self-esteem, quality of life, psychological and physical health of every woman. That is why, a very urgent issue in the modern world is the further study of the reasons for the decrease in sexuality in the menopausal period and the search for a solution to this problem.

Effects of COVID-19 on sexual life – a meta-analysis

ContextStarting with the end of 2019, humanity is fighting a new type of virus, SARS-COV-2, which has brought great changes in people's lives. The COVID-19 pandemic began at the end of 2019 and spread rapidly around the world, affecting the entire planet population.MethodsIn order to identify the studies on the topic for this meta-analysis, we performed an exclusively electronic search in the international databases for specialized literature: Google Scholar and ProQuest and other sources of specialty literature; and as a result of these searches, based on keywords, we found a number of 64 articles. The key words for this search were: pandemic, COVID-19, sexual life, sexual behavior, satisfaction, marital status, Coronavirus disease. Are represented by major conditions that stand at the basis of sexual disorders and of the sexual quality life during the COVID-19 period.ResultsOf the 64 articles resulting from the database search, 7 met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Of the remaining 7 studies, 3 were conducted in the United States, one in China, one in Turkey, one in Italy and one in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Most studies were conducted between March and April 2020 including a total of 6929 participants.ConclusionThe results showed there was a decrease in sexual activity during the period included in the analysis, which indicates the impact on the quality of sex life in individuals.

Digital generation

Sociological studies show that the Internet generation has become less rebellious and more tolerant. The book by Jean Twenge iGen: Why Todays Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy, and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood (Moscow: Ripol Classic) helps to understand why this happened, what it really means, and how it will affect the future of society. The article provides a brief review of observations by the American author and compares them with what is happening in Russia - to see if teenagers from two countries are different, and what is more important - globalization or national features. The review considers such important topics of the book as social isolation of iGeners, the changing attitude of teenagers to their rights and alcohol consumption, the decrease in sexual activity and social activity. The authors also mentions positive qualities of the new generation, for example, tolerance to differences, hard-working combined with smaller career and financial demands. Although the book focuses on behavior of teenagers and young people from the US middle class, most of its conclusions can be applied to the Russian realities and be useful to parents and teachers. Moreover, the book will be of interest for iGeners due to its style and convincing graphs, which will allow the teenager generation to know itself better.

Conjugalidade e infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana

Objetivo: Este artigo analisa as mudanças conjugais ocorridas após diagnóstico de infecção pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV). Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza básica com abordagem qualitativa. Foram entrevistadas nove pessoas soropositivas que participam de um Grupo de Apoio para portadores de HIV em um município de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Os dados foram analisados segundo os pressupostos da análise de conteúdo temático-categorial. Resultados: Identificou-se diversidade de manifestações e alterações nos relacionamentos conjugais após o diagnóstico. Alguns entrevistados informaram que deixarem de ter relação sexual ou apresentaram uma diminuição da atividade sexual. Relataram também o medo de contaminar outras pessoas. Conclusão: Apesar de sentimentos negativos como ciúme, mágoa, revolta, raiva, decepção, distanciamento permearam os relatos, o apoio do cônjuge quanto à realização do tratamento não deixou de existir. Palavras-chave: HIV. Sistema de Apoio Psicossocial. Relações de casais

Cancer survivors referred to a long-term survivorship outpatient service within academic medical oncology: descriptive study.

Long-term cancer survivors (LTCS) are a vulnerable and continued growing population. To date, only few studies have been conducted in the Spanish population; none of them with a comprehensive analysis of the most common problems identified for cancer survivors in order to improve their care and quality of life. We conducted an observational descriptive study in 347 patients recruited between January 2015 and December 2016 from our newly created medical office for the specific care and follow-up of LTCS. Variables that describe the medical history were completed by the oncologist and measures on common problems previously reported for LTCS, related to cancer diagnosis and treatment, function, lifestyle, and emotional concerns, were collected from the patient. The mean age of our patients was 65.1 years at the time of the study and a median time without any antitumor treatment of 5.7 years. At the time of cancer diagnosis, 298 patients (85.9%) had at least one related chronic disease and 184 patients (53%) were retired. In addition, in 17.9% of those who continued working, income had been reduced. The incidence of health problems showed an increase during follow-up, even after 5 years, and required evaluation in an emergency department in 157 cases (45.3%). Regardless of age or sex, 239 patients (68.9%) had a significant decrease in sexual activity and 120 (34.6%) were diagnosed with clinical depression. LTCS are patients with significantly high socioeconomic, labor, sexual, health, and psychological problems, 5 years after completion of cancer treatment, especially in older survivors. Common concerns of LTCS were identified and are consistent across many countries. It is important to realize that even 5 or so years following treatment, both medical and non-medical problems can exist and may need attention by an expert.

The Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal System in Men with Ischemic Heart Disease

Purpose: This Research was to study the functional state of the hypothalamic-pituitary gland-gonadal system in males with Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), as well as the effect of hormonal correction of the revealed disorders on factors of pathogenesis and the course of IHD.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: We examined 120 males with IHD of different severity of disease, aged 20-50 years and 34 healthy males of the same age with normal body weight and with uncompromised history for diseases of the endocrine system. Among those surveyed were not included alcoholou anabolizant steroids abusers with severe somatic and inflammatory diseases of the genital organs (prostatitis, urethritis, orchitis). The body weight of patients fluctuated within ± 10% of the ideal. At the time of the examination, all the patients were married, 2 were divorced, and all had children.&#x0D; Depending on the age, the examinees were divided into 2 groups: the first - 44 patients in the age of 20-35 years, the second - 76 patients 36-50 years old.&#x0D; The patient was examined in Ashgabat city, Hospital with the Scientific- clinical Center of Cardiology (Turkmenistan).&#x0D; Results: In the I age group, 8 patients had post infarction cardiosclerosis, in which there was a slight decrease in sexual activity, in others - angina pectoris of different functional classes (there was no violation of sexual activity).&#x0D; The average content of Т in the fasting serum of males with IHD of I group was significantly lowered, were noted a statistically unreliable tendency to increase of FSH and a statistically significant increase in the LH/T ratio. The mean levels of LH, PRL and E2 did not differ from the corresponding indices in healthy individuals.&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients with IHD have decreased testosterone secretion, especially at a young age.

Effect of dietary inclusion of almond fruit on sexual behavior, arginase activity, pro-inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in diabetic male rats.

This study was designed to examine the effect of almond-included diets on sexual behavior, arginase activity, and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Forty-two male rats were divided into seven groups (n=6). Diabetes was triggered via a single dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed 72hr after STZ induction, and animals with blood glucose≥250mg/dl were considered diabetic and used for the experiment. The effects of almond-supplemented diets on glucose level, sexual function, NF-κB and TNF-α levels, arginase and purinergic enzyme activities, and levels of oxidative stress markers were assessed. A significant decrease in sexual activities with a simultaneous increase in pro-inflammatory markers, arginase and purinergic enzyme activities as well as TBARS and ROS levels was observed in diabetic rats. Interestingly, treatment with supplemented diets ameliorated the effects. Conclusively, intake of almonds could prevent the risk of erectile dysfunction in diabetic subjects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Intake of diets rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables has been reported to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of almond fruit on sexual behavior, arginase activity, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Interestingly, data generated from this work reveal that the supplemented diets enhanced sexual activities, and reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Thus, consumption of almond (drupe and seed) could prevent/reduce the erectile dysfunction in individual with diabetes.

Инновационные способы физического воздействия в лечебно-профилактических и реабилитационных целях

The article reveals personal experience of using innovative physical impact technologies and, first of all, reflexology for therapeutic and preventive purposes. A series of works carried out in several regions of the country found a significant decrease in sexual activity in more than a third of the examined conditionally healthy men. Disclosure of the mechanisms underlying the observed shifts allowed to justify and implement an effective method of spectral phototherapy - stimulation of reflex zones by light sources with spectrums emitting certain chemical elements.

Associations between maternal serum and urinary metal concentrations and birthweight

Subjective measures of success after urethroplasty have become increasingly valuable in postoperative monitoring. We examined patient reported satisfaction following anterior urethroplasty using objective measures as a proxy for success.Men 18 years old or older with urethral strictures undergoing urethroplasty were prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal, multi-institutional urethroplasty outcomes database. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included questionnaires to assess lower urinary tract symptoms, pain, satisfaction and sexual health. Analyses controlling for stricture recurrence (defined as the inability to traverse the reconstructed urethra with a flexible cystoscope) were performed to determine independent predictors of dissatisfaction.At a mean followup of 14 months we found a high 89.4% rate of overall postoperative satisfaction in 433 patients and a high 82.8% rate in those who would have chosen the operation again. Men with cystoscopic recurrence were more likely to report dissatisfaction (OR 4.96, 95% CI 2.07–11.90) and men reporting dissatisfaction had significantly worse uroflowmetry measures (each p <0.02). When controlling for recurrence, multivariate analysis revealed that urethra and bladder pain (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.05–2.77 and OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.12–6.69, respectively), a postoperative decrease in sexual activity (OR 4.36, 95% CI 2.07–11.90) and persistent lower urinary tract symptoms (eg straining to urinate OR 3.23, 1.74-6.01) were independent predictors of dissatisfaction.Overall satisfaction after anterior urethroplasty is high and traditional measures of surgical success strongly correlate with satisfaction. However, independently of the anatomical appearance of the reconstructed urethra, postoperative pain, sexual dysfunction and persistent lower urinary tract symptoms were predictors of patient dissatisfaction.

Sexual Changes During Pregnancy in a Middle-Eastern Population

Several studies reported a progressive decrease in sexual activity, interest and enjoyment throughout pregnancy. These changes in sexual life are influenced by changes in body image, alterations in the neurological, vascular, endocrine and other systems, as well as psychological and emotional disturbances that may affect the couple’s sexual relationship. The aim of our study is to understand the effect of pregnancy on sexual activity in a Middle-Eastern population, and to understand, as healthcare providers, the patient’s perception of sexual activity during pregnancy. A modified Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory questionnaire was filled by 60 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic or the pre-admission unit in one public and two private Lebanese hospitals. The results showed decreased levels of sexual activity, sexual desire, frequency of orgasm in women and decreased level of partnered sexual activity of the spouse during pregnancy as compared to prior to pregnancy. Pain during sexual intercourse was unchanged prior to and during pregnancy. Our study highlighted the many concerns pregnant women had about their sexual life during pregnancy. Those concerns should not be ignored by the obstetricians who should discuss sexual health matters during the antenatal visits.