Aphrodisiac Research Articles

Emotional and autonomic response to visual erotic stimulation in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a clinical condition associated with high levels of physiological and psychological stress ranging from weight loss to maladaptive behavior and coping skills. A reliable measure of the psychophysiological response to stress and the ability to cope with stimuli is heart rate variability (HRV). Through the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), the autonomic nervous system (ANS) promotes various changes in HRV that reflect the individual's psychophysiological response to stress. FHA patients are characterized by high levels of PNS activation during psychological load, suggesting that parasympathetic hyperactivation could be a pathology marker. In the present study, we examine changes in HRV during observation of erotic, neutral, and disgusting images in 10 patients with FHA [(mean ± S.D.) age: 26.8 ± 5.9] and in 9 controls (age: 25.4 ± 6.4; BMI: 22.47 ± 2.97) to assess the differential activation of PNS and SNS between FHA patients and controls matched for age and without other clinical conditions. Our results showed that FHA patients had significantly higher HRV activation while observing high emotional value images and not during the observation of neutral images confirming a parasympathetic hyperactivation. HRV and cognitive and psychological testing, could provide new insights into understanding such a clinically understudied condition and provide further tools for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

The Child Sex Scandal and Modern Irish Literature: Writing the Unspeakable, by Joseph Valente and Margot Gayle Backus

<i>The Child Sex Scandal and Modern Irish Literature: Writing the Unspeakable</i>, by Joseph Valente and Margot Gayle Backus

Observation of Masturbation After Visual Sexual Stimuli From Conspecifics in a Captive Male Bearded Capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus).

Masturbation is part of the natural behavioral repertoire of primates, with visual sexual stimuli known to trigger this behavior. Here, we report masturbation events triggered by visual sexual stimulus (VSS) in the South American primate Sapajus libidinosus. We observed a multi-male multi-female captive colony of 17 bearded capuchins between January and October 2014. Over this period, we registered 11 copulation events, 68 attempt copulations, and five masturbation events. The same low-ranking male (named Fu) performed all masturbation events. Fu directly looked at other individuals engaged in sexual displays while he masturbated in three events. The masturbation events associated with VSS lasted up to 2min and 40s. Our observations show that VSS can trigger masturbation in capuchin monkeys. The low hierarchy rank of the male, and the consequent lack of mating opportunities in the multi-male multi-female recently formed group in captivity, may have prompted the masturbation events.

THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS L. ON CELLULAR PARAMETERS AND STEROIDOGENESIS IN VITRO

Tribulus terrestris L. is an herbaceous plant native to India, widely used as a natural sexual stimulant by traditional medicine in China, India, and Greece, and also for the treatment of various diseases for example low blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, kidney, and skin diseases, etc. Tribulus extracts are rich in numerous biologically active compounds, such as steroidal saponins, alkaloids, lignan amides, and flavonoids, which are useful for the effective treatment of sexual performance, hormonal and sexual problems. The main goal of our in vitro study was to demonstrate the potential consequences of Tribulus terrestris L. extract on TM3 cell parameters such as cell viability, membrane integrity, lysosomal activity, and steroid hormone secretion. The extract was applied to mice Leydig cells at various concentrations (ranging from 37.5 µg/mL to 600 µg/mL) for 24 h. Based on the obtained data, we may claim statistically significant inhibition of cell viability at 300 µg/mL (P &lt; 0.0001) and 600 µg/mL (P &lt; 0.0001). At the same concentrations, there was a statistically significant decline in both cell membrane integrity (P &lt; 0.05; P &lt; 0,0001) and lysosomal activity (P &lt; 0.05; P &lt; 0.001). Hormone secretion was significantly increased at 200 µg/mL (P &lt; 0.05). To better understand how Tribulus terrestris L. affects the reproductive systems of animals or humans, further research must be done.

Sexual-specific disgust sensitivity mechanisms in homonegativity and transnegativity; the mediating role of right-wing authoritarianism (RWA)

ABSTRACT Disgust specific to sexual stimuli has been thought to be an adaptation that serves purposes of pathogen-avoidance, partner selection and social dominance. While the link between disgust responses and homonegative and transnegative attitudes has been relatively established, it is not yet clear why. Literature using evolutionary psychology perspectives of these phenomena is scarce in areas with substantial LGBT-related violence like Colombia. This research aimed to study the interplay of predispositional (e.g. sociodemographic, reported contact), affective (e.g. disgust sensitivity) and cognitive (e.g. Right-Wing Authoritarian) variables in homonegative and transnegative attitudes of Colombian adults. Participants (N = 272) had a mean age of 26.38 (SD = 9.47), women comprised 72% of the sample and men 28%. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that increased sexual specific disgust sensitivity and greater RWA predicted stronger homonegativity and transnegativity. The relationship between sexual disgust and prejudice was partially mediated by RWA. Findings suggest that sexual disgust sensitivity adaptations in homonegativity and transnegativity may respond to selection pressures that differ from pathogen-avoidance perspectives, and that are associated with maintaining social hierarchy and social dominance. Anti-prejudice initiatives would benefit from targeting emotional responses of sexual disgust, especially within communities and institutions that have historically endorsed conservative and traditional values.

Seasonal Variation in Sexual Behaviour of Deoni (Bos indicus) Bulls

Background: Sexual behaviour is an intricate process, controlled by the endocrine constitution of an animal and influenced by the social environment, sensory capability and sexual stimuli. Variations in temperature associated with global warming are startling for fertility of animals. The objective of the present study was to assess the seasonal variation in sexual behaviour of Deoni (Bos indicus) breeding bulls. Methods: A total of six mature Deoni bulls, maintained for artificial insemination at Livestock Research Center, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-NDRI, Bengaluru, were monitored for sexual behavior during the semen collection at weekly intervals throughout the year using standard techniques. The period of study was divided into three seasons i.e., winter (November to February), summer (March to June) and rainy (July to October). Result: The season had a non-significant (P greater than 0.05) effect on sexual behavior except dismounting time in Deoni bulls. The libido score (0-10), reaction time (seconds) and the total time taken in mounting (seconds) were non-significantly (P greater than 0.05) higher during winter (7.50±0.23, 42.00±4.8, 44.00±4.8, respectively) as compared to the other seasons. The protrusion score (0-4) and the intensity of thrust (0-4) were non-significantly (P greater than 0.05) higher during summer (2.60±0.14 and 2.50±0.13) as compared to the other seasons. The dismounting time (seconds) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher during summer (2.90±0.16) as compared to the other seasons. It can be concluded that Deoni bulls had good sexual behavior throughout the year, however, bulls showed better sexual behavior except for dismounting time during winter as compared to the other seasons.

Conceptual Overview (Portrayals of Sexuality in Pornography)

Conceptual Overview (Portrayals of Sexuality in Pornography)

Neurosensory Re-education following Gender-affirming Phalloplasty: A Novel Treatment Protocol.

Background:Sensory nerve transfers are performed as part of phalloplasty surgery. Despite this, sensory re-education to rehabilitate these nerve transfers has not been employed. Additionally, little attention has been paid to the role of the central nervous system in experienced sensation following phalloplasty. The purpose of this article is to report on the development of a targeted rehabilitation protocol to integrate and optimize peripheral and central contributions to sensation following phalloplasty.Methods:This neurosensory re-education protocol was constructed over four phases by a multi-disciplinary team (phalloplasty/peripheral nerve surgeon, reconstructive urologist, pelvic floor physiotherapists, nerve therapist, sex therapist, sexual medicine physician) and individuals with lived phalloplasty experience. The final protocol was approved by all team members and is supported here by qualitative narratives from people with lived phalloplasty experience.Results:The protocol is built to follow each stage of phalloplasty surgery. In each stage, exercises are grouped into three core themes: visualization, tactile stimulation, and sexual/erogenous stimulation. Visualization exercises progress from static to dynamic. Tactile exercises start at simple touch and progress toward targeted sensory stimulation. Sexual stimulation focuses on developing erogenous sensation in the phallus that is separate from erogenous sensation in the natal clitoral tissue. By recommendation of individuals with phalloplasty, the protocol is now integrated into our center’s phalloplasty care pathway for all individuals undergoing phalloplasty surgery.Conclusion:We introduce a novel protocol targeting peripheral and central contributions to sensation to provide a tool to help optimize experienced sensation for transmasculine individuals undergoing phalloplasty.

Sex Acts (Portrayals of Sexuality in Pornography)

Sex Acts (Portrayals of Sexuality in Pornography)

The complexity of female orgasm and ejaculation.

The anatomy and physiology of the female orgasm are often neglected. The female orgasm is a normal psychophysiological function to all women, and some even can achieve ejaculation as part of the normal physiological response at the height of sexual arousal. The complexity of female sexuality requires a deep understanding of genital anatomy. The clitoris is the principal organ for female pleasure. The vaginal stimulation of the anterior vaginal wall led women to orgasm due to the stimulation of the clitourethrovaginal complex and not due to stimulation of a particular organ called the G spot in the anterior distal vaginal wall. Female ejaculation follows orgasm. It consists of the orgasmic expulsion of a smaller quantity of whitish fluid produced by the female prostate. Squirting can be differentiated from female ejaculation because it is the orgasmic transurethral expulsion of a substantial amount of diluted urine during sexual activity, and it is not considered pathological. The female orgasm is influenced by many aspects such as communication, emotional intimacy, long-standing relationship, adequate body image and self-esteem, proper touching and knowledge of the female body, regular masturbation, male sexual performance, male and female fertility, chronic pain, and capacity to engage in new sexual acts. Stronger orgasms could be achieved when clitoral stimulation, anterior vaginal wall stimulation, and oral sex is involved in the same sexual act.

The Relation Between the Paraphilias and Anxiety in Men: A Case-Control Study.

Despite a multitude of theoretical views, it is still unclear how individuals develop and sustain paraphilic interests (e.g., sexual attraction to children, interest in non-consensual violence). It is also not clear from these views why many paraphilic interests, and especially many paraphilias and paraphilic disorders, are much more common in men than in women. One possible factor affecting male's higher rate of paraphilias is anxiety, because anxiety can potentiate sexual arousal in men. We speculated that paraphilic interests could develop when feelings of anxiety are recurrently generated by atypical sexual stimuli, and when that anxiety repeatedly potentiates sexual arousal, reinforcing sexual response to atypical stimuli. It follows that men with paraphilic interests are susceptible to anxiety disorders, because an anxiety disorder would facilitate the hypothesized developmental process. We conducted a retrospective file review of 1048 consecutive patients (944 male patients retained for analysis) referred to an outpatient sexual behavior clinic at a psychiatric hospital to investigate the link between paraphilias and anxiety. Male patients with a paraphilia had 1.64 greater odds than male patients without a paraphilia of having been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, but they also had elevated rates of many other types of disorders. Therefore, there does not seem to be a specific link between paraphilias and anxiety in this sample. The discovery of a general link between the paraphilias and psychological disorders in men opens new avenues for studying the developmental origins and consequences of male paraphilic interests.

The influence of sexual arousal on subjective pain intensity during a cold pressor test in women.

Pain can be significantly lessened by sex/orgasm, likely due to the release of endorphins during sex, considered potent analgesics. The evidence suggests that endorphins are also present during sexual arousal (that is, prior to sex/orgasm). It follows then that pain can be modulated during sexual arousal, independent of sex/orgasm, too. Accordingly, sexual arousal induced by erotic slides has been demonstrated to lessen pain in men, but not in women. One explanation could be that for women, the erotic slides were not potent enough to elicit a lasting primed state of sexual arousal by the time pain was induced. Thus, the current study aims to optimize the means of inducing a potent state of sexual arousal and subsequently examine the potentially analgesic influence of sexual arousal on pain in women. As a subsidiary aim, the study also assesses whether the anticipated analgesic effect of sexual arousal would be stronger than that of distraction or generalized (non-sexual) arousal. Female participants (N = 151) were randomly distributed across four conditions: sexual arousal, generalized arousal, distraction, neutral. Mild pain was induced using a cold pressor while participants were concurrently exposed to film stimuli (pornographic, exciting, distracting, neutral) to induce the targeted emotional states. A visual analogue scale was utilized to measure the subjective level of pain perceived by the participants. Sexual arousal did not reduce subjective pain. Generalized arousal and distraction did not result in stronger analgesic effects than the neutral condition. The present findings do not support the hypothesis that sexual arousal alone modulates subjective pain in women. This might be due to the possibility that genital stimulation and/or orgasm are key in pain reduction, or, that feelings of disgust may inadvertently have been induced by the pornographic stimulus and interfered with sexual arousal in influencing pain.

An Overview of Oxytocin: Chemical Structure, Receptors, Physiological Functions, Measurement Techniques of oxytocin, and Metabolism

Background: Oxytocin is a peptide hormone comprising 9 amino acids. It is produced in the hypothalamus and stored and secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and synthesized in other organs such as the uterus, ovaries, placenta, heart, blood vessels, skin, kidneys, and testis. Receptors of oxytocin are present on myoepithelial cells, heart, blood vessels, macrophages, thymus, pancreas, kidneys, and adipocytes. Objectives: The current review aimed to give highlight the oxytocin structure, receptors, physiological functions, measurement techniques, and metabolism. Oxytocin is a small peptide that consists of nine amino acids in a six–amino acid ring formed by cysteine bonds and a three–amino acid tail with a terminal amine. It is synthesized in brain regions that are critical to behavioral and physiologic homeostasis. Oxytocin is involved in uterine contraction during labor and ejection of milk during breastfeeding and plays a role in social behavior, emotions love and affection, the period after childbirth, and metabolic functions. The action of oxytocin in facilitating human bonding and social relation is well known. The effects of Oxytocin on metabolism and food intake suggesting its potential effects in treating obesity. The half-life time of oxytocin in the brain is triple as long as its half-life time in the periphery. The sensitivity and density of oxytocin receptors increase during labor. After birth, the neonatal baby sucks on his mother's breast, causing the release of milk by stimulating hypothalamic neurons to produce oxytocin. Oxytocin neurons have been heavily implicated in mediating sexual behavior in both humans and animals. The social memory was enhanced by central oxytocin administration in male rats. The action of oxytocin affects social memory in multiple brain regions, including the ventral hippocampus, amygdala, olfactory bulb, and lateral septum. Oxytocin neurons may mediate MC4R-driven sexual behavior in male mice. MC4R signaling in oxytocin neurons permits ejaculation. A decreased latency to ejaculate in rabbits and rats after administration of oxytocin. The effect of oxytocin receptor ligands on the ejaculatory response may be due to the modulation of dopamine serotonin neurotransmission. Oxytocin lowers the threshold for the initiation of maternal behavior but is not involved in its maintenance. The oxytocin and the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) systems may interact to modulate maternal behavior. Oxytocin regulates maternal- or mating-regulated mood. Initial measurements of oxytocin by using radioimmunoassay and bioassays suggested that oxytocin concentration in blood is very low, 5 pg/ml, with small increases as pulses,15 pg/ml, during lactation and uterine contractions. Variations in oxytocin concentration, especially in rapid response to specific experiences, such as anticipation of breastfeeding, sexual stimulation, exercise, affiliative social contact, and psychologic stress. Oxytocin is rapidly removed from the plasma by the liver and kidney. Oxytocinase activity increases throughout pregnancy and peaks in the plasma, placenta, and uterus near term. It is also expressed in mammary glands, the heart, the kidney, and the small intestine. Lower levels of activity can be found in the brain, spleen, liver, skeletal muscle, testes, and colon. The plasma half-life of oxytocin ranges from 1 to 6 minutes. The half-life is decreased in late pregnancy and during lactation. Conclusion: It can be concluded that oxytocin is a peptide hormone that is synthesized in brain regions and other organs and posse's receptors in many organs. It plays a role in social behavior, emotions love, and affection, the period after childbirth, and metabolic functions. Its potential effects in treating obesity. The half-life time of oxytocin in the brain is triple as long as its half-life time in the periphery. Oxytocin neurons may mediate MC4R-driven sexual behavior. Variations in oxytocin concentration, especially in rapid response to specific experiences. Oxytocin is rapidly removed from the plasma by the liver and kidney. The plasma half-life of oxytocin ranges from 1-6 minutes. The half-life is decreased in late pregnancy and during lactation.

The nucleus accumbens dopamine increase, typically triggered by sexual stimuli in male rats, is no longer produced when animals are sexually inhibited due to sexual satiety.

Exposure of male rats to an inaccessible receptive female and copulation increases dopamine (DA) levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Males copulating to satiety become sexually inhibited and most of them do not display sexual activity when presented with a sexually receptive female 24h later. This inhibitory state can be pharmacologically reversed. There are no studies exploring NAcc DA levels during this sexual inhibitory state. To characterize changes in NAcc DA and its metabolites' levels during sexual satiety development, during the well-established sexual inhibitory state 24h later, and during its pharmacological reversal. Changes in NAcc DA and its metabolites were measured in sexually experienced male rats, using in vivo microdialysis, during copulation to satiety, when presented to a new sexually receptive female 24h later, and during the pharmacological reversal of the sexual inhibition by anandamide. NAcc DA levels remained increased during copulation to satiety. DA basal levels were significantly reduced 24h after copulation to satiety, as compared to the initial basal levels. Presenting a receptive female behind a barrier 24h after satiety did not induce the typical NAcc DA elevation in the sexually satiated males but there was a decrease that persisted when they got access to the female, with which they did not copulate. Anandamide injection slightly increased NAcc DA levels coinciding with sexual satiety reversal. Reduced NAcc DA concentrations coincide with the inhibition of an instinctive, natural rewarding behavior suggesting that there might be a DA concentration threshold needed to be responsive to a rewarding stimulus.

Testosterone and Sexual Desire: A Review of the Evidence

Sexual desire is driven by complex interactions between various biopsychosocial factors including neuroendocrine regulation, mental state, and cultural values. Herein we perform a narrative review to describe the underlying physiology of sexual desire and summarize the current literature linking testosterone to sexual function. The following search terms were used to identify articles on the Medline and PubMed databases: “libido,” “testosterone replacement therapy,” “androgen receptor,” and “sexual desire.” Only articles in English were included. Several animal and human studies have implicated the pivotal role of testosterone (T) in regulating the physiological pathways underlying sexual desire. Functional imaging studies have identified several regions in the brain that are activated by sexual stimuli and these androgenic pathways. A strong correlation between serum T levels and libido in men has been reliably and repeatedly demonstrated. An important clinical application of this association is the improvement of sexual desire secondary to testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men. We summarize the current literature on the neuroendocrine role of testosterone in sexual desire and its dose-dependent relationship with libido.

Orgasm and Related Disorders Depend on Neural Inhibition Combined With Neural Excitation.

Prevalent models of sexual desire, arousal and orgasm postulate that they result from an excitatory process, whereas disorders of sexual desire, arousal and orgasm result from an inhibitory process based on psychosocial, pharmacological, medical, and other factors. But neuronal excitation and active neuronal inhibition normally interact at variable intensities, concurrently and continuously. We propose herein that in conjunction with neuronal excitation, neuronal inhibition enables the generation of the intense, non-aversive pleasure of orgasm. When this interaction breaks down, pathology can result, as in disorders of sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm, and in anhedonia and pain. For perspective, we review some fundamental behavioral and (neuro-) physiological functions of neuronal excitation and inhibition in normal and pathological processes. To review evidence that the variable balance between neuronal excitation and active neuronal inhibition at different intensities can account for orgasm and its disorders. We selected studies from searches on PubMed, Google Scholar, Dialnet, and SciELO for terms including orgasm, neuronal development, Wallerian degeneration, prenatal stress, parental behavior, sensorimotor, neuronal excitation, neuronal inhibition, sensory deprivation, anhedonia, orgasmic disorder, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, persistent genital arousal disorder, sexual pain. We provide evidence that the intensity of neuronal inhibition dynamically covaries concurrently with the intensity of neuronal excitation. Differences in these relative intensities can facilitate the understanding of orgasm and disorders of orgasm. Neuronal excitation and neuronal inhibition are normal, continuously active processes of the nervous system that are necessary for survival of neurons and the organism. The ability of genital sensory stimulation to induce concurrent neuronal inhibition enables the stimulation to attain the pleasurable, non-aversive, high intensity of excitation characteristic of orgasm. Excessive or deficient levels of neuronal inhibition relative to neuronal excitation may account for disorders of sexual desire, arousal and orgasm.

Pornography's Ubiquitous External Ejaculation: Predictors of Perceptions.

One of the most contentious topics in the sexual arena is that of pornography. While some researchers focus on the costs and benefits of consumption, others focus on questions surrounding the objectification or degradation of women, with relatively little focus on the men involved, and the appeal of visual sexual stimuli more generally, including what that may tell us about the sexual interests of the consumers. In this study, we focus on what factors influence men's and women's perceptions of sexually explicit images, in particular the ubiquitous external ejaculation. Sex differences in perceptions of the images are examined as well as the influence of the emotional affect of the recipient of the ejaculation, the sexual orientation of the participant (are they looking at an image of their preferred sex or not), and a number of individual difference factors, including religiosity, Dark Triad personality traits, mate value, short-term mating strategy, and disgust sensitivity. Overall, the largest influences on perceptions were the direct effects of target emotional affect and sex, sex of viewer, sexual orientation of viewer, short-term mating orientation, and level of sexual disgust. In addition, substantial variation in perceptions was explained by the interaction between sex, sexual orientation, and target sex. The importance of positive affect in the images as well as the lack of association with psychopathy again suggests that the appeal (or at least the ubiquity of the images in pornographic material) is not rooted in degradation, but in some other aspect of short-term sexual psychology.

Pair-bonding and social experience modulate new neurons survival in adult male and female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).

Prairie voles are a socially monogamous species that, after cohabitation with mating, form enduring pair bonds. The plastic mechanisms involved in this social behavior are not well-understood. Neurogenesis in adult rodents is a plastic neural process induced in specific brain areas like the olfactory bulbs (OB) and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. However, it is unknown how cell survival is modulated by social or sexual experience in prairie voles. This study aimed to evaluate if cohabitation with mating and/or social exposure to a vole of the opposite sex increased the survival of the new cells in the main and accessory OB and DG. To identify the new cells and evaluate their survival, voles were injected with the DNA synthesis marker 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and were randomly distributed into one of the following groups: (A) Control (C), voles that did not receive any sexual stimulation and were placed alone during the behavioral test. (B) Social exposure (SE), voles were individually placed in a cage equally divided into two compartments by an acrylic screen with small holes. One male and one female were placed in opposite compartments. (C) Social cohabitation with mating (SCM), animals mated freely. Our findings demonstrated that SCM females had increases in the number of new cells (BrdU-positive cells) in the main olfactory bulb and new mature neurons (BrdU/NeuN-positive cells) in the glomerular layer (GlL). In contrast, these new cells decrease in males in the SE and SCM conditions. In the granular cell layer (GrL), SCM females had more new cells and neurons than the SE group. In the accessory olfactory bulb, in the anterior GlL, SCM decreased the number of new cells and neurons in females. On the other hand, in the DG, SCM and SE increase the number of new cells in the suprapyramidal blade in female voles. Males from SCM express more new cells and neurons in the infrapyramidal blade compared with SE group. Comparison between male and females showed that new cells/neurons survival was sex dependent. These results suggest that social interaction and sexual behavior modulate cell survival and influence the neuronal fate in a sex-dependent manner, in the OB and DG. This study will contribute to understand neural mechanisms of complex social and pair bond behaviors in the prairie voles; supporting adult neurogenesis as a plastic mechanism potentially involved in social monogamous strategy.

Post-Operative Priapism: Often Overlooked after Spinal Anaesthesia in Orthopaedic Surgery

Priapism is defined as an abnormal persistent erection of the penis or clitoris. It is unrelated to sexual stimulation and unrelieved by ejaculation. Overall incidence of priapism is 1.5 to 2.9 per 100000 person-year. Defining the etiology of a case of postoperative priapism following orthopedic surgery can be difficult, and many times cannot be determined. We present a rare case report of priapism following an elective open reduction and internal fixation with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for right lower leg bone fracture performed under spinal anaesthesia in a 21-year-old man and reviewed some literatures and potential etiologies of this rare complication. We also highlighted the problems in delayed recognition of the complication and a good functional outcome despite delayed management.

Post-priapism erectile dysfunction rates and associated factors in adult patients at a national referral hospital

Background: Priapism is prolonged penile tumescence that goes on for 4 hours unassociated with sexual stimulation, and can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: Using a cross-sectional study, 78 adult male patients managed with priapism at a national referral hospital were interviewed. Data were analyzed using Stata 16. Results: Seventy-seven (98.7%) participants had ischemic priapism, while only one had a non- ischemic type. The median duration of symptoms before presentation was 72 hours, [mean 112 hours (range 12– 720)]. The prevalence of ED after priapism was 100% compared with 74.4% before priapism. Forty-six patients (59%) developed severe ED. Longer duration of presentation (p = 0.001) and treatment method used, including T shunt (p = 0.014), Winter (p = 0.003), and Burnett (p = 0.048), were significantly associated with ED. Conclusion: Priapism contributes to significant sexual morbidity with patients presenting late for treatment, worsening the ED after priapism. Some medical conditions and surgical treatment methods are associated with ED. Public health awareness is needed to promote early presentation and training of clinicians on effective early management of priapism.