Factors Of Sexual Dysfunction Research Articles

Concentrations of Bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, Mn) in Serum and Bone Tissue of Aging Men Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: Implications for Erectile Dysfunction.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) stands out as one of the most prevalent sexual disorders in men, with its incidence progressively escalating with age. As delineated by the International Consultation Committee for Sexual Medicine on Definitions/Epidemiology/Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction, the prevalence of ED among men under 40 years is estimated to be within the range of 1-10%. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentration of bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, and Mn) in the serum and bone tissue and the concentration of selected hormones in men with and without erectile dysfunction. Materials and methods: The retrospective cohort study included 152 men who underwent total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis at the Department of Orthopaedic Traumatology and Musculoskeletal Oncology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Certain exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the integrity of the study. These included individuals with diabetes, a history of cancer, alcohol abuse, liver or kidney failure, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure, and those taking medications that affect bone metabolism, such as mineral supplements, neuroleptics, chemotherapeutic agents, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or antidepressants. Patients with hypogonadism or infertility were excluded from the study. Results: The study showed an association between bioT concentrations and Cu concentrations in both patients with and without erectile dysfunction. A correlation between bioactive testosterone and Cr concentrations was also observed in both groups. Patients with erectile dysfunction showed a relationship between bioT concentration and Zn concentration, TT concentration and Mn concentration, FT concentration and Zn concentration, and E2 concentration and Cr concentration. An analysis of elemental concentrations in bone tissue showed an association between FT and Mg and Mn concentrations, but only in patients with erectile dysfunction. In patients without erectile dysfunction, a correlation was observed between FT and Cu concentrations. A correlation was also observed between bioT concentrations and Mg, Mn, and Zn concentrations, but only in patients with erectile dysfunction. In patients without erectile dysfunction, a correlation was observed between bioT and Cu concentrations. Conclusions: Studying the relationship between the concentration of bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, and Mn) in the serum and bone tissue and the concentration of selected hormones in men may be important in explaining the etiology of the problem. The study of the concentration of Zn and Cu in bone tissue and serum showed that these two elements, regardless of the place of accumulation, may be related to the concentration of androgens in men.

The effect of pelvic organ prolapse and various options for its correction on female sexual function: A review

The sexual activity of patients before and after the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) largely determines their quality of life and satisfaction with the intervention. This review analyzes current data on the nature of changes in sexual function in various pelvic organ prolapse correction methods. Particular attention is paid to a comparative assessment of the effect of available surgical techniques with abdominal and vaginal access on the risk of de novo dyspareunia. Based on the results of clinical studies and systematic reviews, the most optimal ways of correcting POP have been established; tools for assessing their effectiveness in routine clinical practice have been proposed; the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of POP with the involvement of medical psychologists has been noted due to the significant role of emotional and behavioral factors in sexual dysfunction.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women: a study from Iran

BackgroundFemale Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a distressing condition linked to menopause. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and contributing factors for FSD among postmenopausal women.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of postmenopausal women attending a gynecology clinic in a teaching hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences was enrolled into the study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function. In addition, demographic and psychosocial information were recorded. The association between sexual function and anxiety and depression were examined to explore the data.ResultsIn all 162 postmenopausal women were studied. We performed general linear regression analysis to assess the relationship between sexual function and anxiety while including demographic variables in the model. The results showed that the model could explain about 46% of the variance observed in sexual function (adjusted R2 = 0.467). The analysis indicated that among independent variables, age (p < 0.001), sexual frequency (p < 0.001), and anxiety (p = 0.003) were significant contributing factors associated with sexual function. A similar analysis evaluating the relationship between sexual function and depression in menopausal women found that age (p < 0.001), sexual frequency (p < 0.001), and depression (p = 0.003), were significant contributing factors associated with sexual function; explaining about 46% of the variance observed (adjusted R2 = 0.466).ConclusionThe findings showed that nearly half of menopausal women had sexual dysfunction in this convenience sample of women seeking gynecologic care. Women reporting sexual dysfunction also reported a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression. Indeed, recognition of such factors requires a holistic therapeutic approach to sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women.

Sexual dysfunction in women with rheumatic diseases

Objective: to assess sexual function in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (FM) and to identify the main risk factors of sexual dysfunction (SD).Patients and methods. 60 patients with FM (mean age 44.2±10.1 years) – Group 1; 69 patients with RA (mean age 45.0±9.6 years) – Group 2; and 100 healthy women controls (mean age 45.1±11.8 years) – Group 3 were enrolled in the study. Medical history, severity of pain at rest and during movement by visual analog scale (VAS), and anxiety and depression symptoms by hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were assessed. Sexual function was evaluated by «Female Sexual Function index (FSFI)».Results and discussion. The overall sexual function score in Group 1 (12.7±9.0) was almost twice lower than in the control group (23.55±8.24, p&lt;0.001) and in Group 2 (20.9±11, p&lt;0.001). There was no difference between RA patients group and control group, where the average score for each of the scales was above 3 (with the exception of the «desire» scale). In FM patients all scales were below 3 points, which indicated significant SD, score on the «orgasm» scale was the lowest (1.8±0.9), and score on «absence of sexual pain» scale was the highest (2.6±1.8). SD in patients with FM was significantly driven by affective disorders presenting with anxiety and depression. Inflammatory activity and severity of pain by VAS were strongly associated with SD in RA group. The divorced person status was associated with the development of SD, regardless of nosological diagnosis.Conclusion. RA and FM have a negative impact on women's sexual function. The inflammatory disease activity is the main driver of SD in RA patients while affective disorders promote SD in FM patients.

P203 Sexual Dysfunction in Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Myth or Reality?

Abstract Background Sexual dysfunction is often associated with impaired body image and quality of life in patients. However, little data exists on sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in patients with IBD. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of all patients followed for IBD. Sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Index Function (FSIF) for women and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men. Sexual dysfunction was confirmed when the total FSIF score was less than 26, or the IIEF score less than 26. Crohn’s disease (CD) activity was assessed by the Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI), and that of ulcerative colitis (UC), by the clinical Mayo scores. Results We collected 100 patients, with a mean age of 42.18 ± 15.71 and a sex ratio (M / F) = 1.5. Sixty eight patients had CD and 32 patients had UC. Ano-perineal manifestations were present in 38.2% of cases. Severe disease activity was noted in 14 patients (20.6%) with CD and 10 patients (31.3%) with UC. Twelve patients had proctitis. 38% of patients had surgical treatment: 18.75% for patients with UC and 47.05% for those with CD. Total colectomy was performed in 12% of cases. At the time of the study, 20% of patients were on systemic corticosteroid therapy, 22% on Azathioprine, 4% on Salazopyrine, 8% on 5-ASA and 46% on Anti-TNFα. Sexual dysfunction was reported by 42.9% of women: 57.14% (UC) vs 38.46% (CD) (p = 0.042). On the other hand, sexual dysfunction was reported by 27.6% of men: 22.2% of men with UC and 28.57% with CD, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.78). A significant association was found between sexual dysfunction and the degree of disease activity (p &amp;lt;0.001 for CD, p = 0.003 for UC), as well as pancolitic involvement in women with UC (p = 0.002). However, the presence of anoperineal manifestations, rectal involvement and history of surgery were not significantly associated with the frequency of sexual disturbances. Conclusion Our study showed a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with IBD. Training gastroenterologists in the management of sexual dysfunction would make it possible to satisfy patient expectations.

Prevalence and risk factors for self-reported sexual dysfunction in Hispanic female breast cancer survivors 0-3 years post-cancer treatment: Results of a single-center retrospective study.

e24039 Background: Improvements in breast cancer screening and treatment have improved survival for many women in the U.S. However, side-effects associated with cancer treatment remain a serious issue for survivors. It is estimated that up to half or more of female breast cancer survivors (BSC) report unwanted changes in sexual function following cancer treatment. Studies have also suggested that both younger BCS and Hispanic women may be at higher risk for developing sexual dysfunction following treatment. However, women of Hispanic origin remain highly underrepresented in research on sexual dysfunction, despite being one of the fastest growing racial/ethnic populations in the U.S. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence and risk factors for sexual dysfunction between Hispanic and non-Hispanic BCS during the first-three years post-cancer treatment. Methods: Data for this single-center, non-randomized, retrospective study came from a database of self-reported symptom data collected as part of routine clinical practice in our institution’s Survivorship Clinic. Results: Over a 2.8-year period between Apr. 2017 and Dec. 2019, a total 815 female BCS were evaluated for sexual dysfunction. Nearly two-thirds (63.0%) of BCS identified as Hispanic, and 37.0% (n = 302) of BCS identified as non-Hispanic. Mean age of the sample was 58.4 ± 11.7 (range: 24.2–91.8). Results found that approximately a quarter (25.8%) of BCS reported “vaginal dryness, discharge, or pain with intercourse” at their initial survivorship visit. Rates of sexual dysfunction were nearly identical between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic BCS (25.7% vs. 25.8%; p = 0.975). Consistent with previous studies, BCS who reported sexual dysfunction tended to be younger, on average (53.7±10.5 years vs. 60.0 ±11.6 years; p = 0.002) and more likely to have been diagnosed with Stage 2 or 3 cancer (p = 0.038) than BCS not reporting sexual dysfunction. Multivariate logistic regression models using age, race, stage of cancer, chemotherapy, radiation type, and hormone therapy as predictors confirmed this association between younger age and likelihood of sexual dysfunction, showing that for every one-year younger BCS were at their initial survivorship visit, the odds of reporting sexual dysfunction at the initial survivorship visit increased by approximately 6.5% (OR: 0.943, 95% CI: 0.927-0.96; p &lt; .0001). Conclusions: Results suggest that signs/symptoms such as vaginal dryness, discharge, or pain with intercourse are common for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic BCS following treatment, affecting as many as one in four BCS. Results also show that symptoms are prevalent among younger BCS. Together, results underscore the need for clinicians to be prepared to assess and manage sexual dysfunction, especially in younger BCS.

Erectile dysfunction pattern in patients with end stage renal disease on regular dialysis.

Evaluating the epidemiology, pattern, and contributing factors of sexual dysfunction in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is the cornerstone in understanding and enhancing these patients' quality of life. In this study, we aimed to identify the different patterns of erectile dysfunction (ED) among 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis. A single-center, cross-sectional, study was conducted on 100 patients with ESRD on hemodialysis. Patients were assessed using the International index of erectile dysfunction (IIEF) and Doppler assessment of the penis. A total of 100 patients were included in this study with a mean age of 48.77 ± 9.66 years old. The mean erectile index was 7.10 ± 4.62; while the mean free and total testosterone were 10.07 ± 7.69 and 2.93 ± 1.4 ng/dL, respectively. Overall, 67% of the patients had abnormal hormonal levels. Concerning the penile vasculature, 71% of the patients had arterogenic importance and 19% had venous impotence. The comparative analysis demonstrated that hypertensive patients had lower erectile index (p = 0.002). In addition, smokers had lower erectile index (p < 0.001). There was statistical significance between normal hormonal and abnormal hormone level according to erectile index, with lower index in patients with abnormal hormonal level (p = 0.03). In conclusion, our findings indicate that the most common causes of ED with renal failure were hormonal disturbance, including testosterone, and prolactin. Hypertension and smoking are major contributing factors that should be managed carefully to reduce the risk of ED and improve the quality of life.

Causal Relationships of Sexual Dysfunction Factors in Women Using S3C-Latent

Women with cancer are at risk for sexual dysfunction characterized by problems with sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain during sexual intercourse. The literature review shows that most studies have focused on correlation analysis between factors, and no studies have attempted to identify a causal relationship between factors of sexual dysfunction. This study aims to determine the causal mechanism between factors of sexual dysfunction in cancer patients using a causal algorithm called the Stablespec Specification Search for Cross-Sectional Data With Latent Variables (S3C-Latent). The causal algorithm has been implemented into the R software package called Stablespec. The computation of the model is done in parallel using the CPU server. The result of this study is that there are a causal relationship and association with a high-reliability score of sexual dysfunction factors. We hope that the causal model obtained can be a scientific reference for doctors and health workers in making decisions so that the quality of life of female cancer patients who experience sexual dysfunction can be improved.

Covid-19 and sexual function of women. A review

Along with sleep and meal, sexual function is one of the main human motivations and its impairment can drastically reduce the quality of life in women. This condition is often overlooked and untreated. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the female population of different countries ranges from 25 to 63%, being particularly high in Siberia (55.9-69.4%) and southern Russia (45.5%). The most significant risk factors of sexual dysfunction in Russian women are age, stress and menopause. Current data on the impact of the COVID-19 on women's sexual function are limited and contradictory. Here we discuss how COVID-19 pandemic, associated with significant changes in the lifestyle, self-isolation and reduction of income, affected reproductive and sexual health of women in various countries. Generally, sexual activity of women reduced by around 40%, and most studies showed a decrease in libido and sexual arousal. COVID-associated sexual dysfunction also had its features across different populations and social groups. However, none investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual health of the female population in the Russian Federation.

Risk factors for sexual dysfunction in Romanian women with type 1 diabetes mellitus and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundFemale sexual dysfunction (FSD) is one of the chronic complications of diabetes as is male sexual dysfunction, but the former is less studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess of the prevalence and risk factors associated with FSD in Romanian women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT).MethodsThe study sample included 104 Romanian women with both T1DM and CAT, and 101 Romanian matched controls with only T1DM. The presence of FSD was established using two validated tests: The Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-revised. The presence of depression was assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory-II.ResultsWe found that almost half of the women in the group with T1DM and CAT presented with sexual dysfunction (49 vs. 33.7% in the control group; p = 0.025): 27.9 vs. 8.9 (p < 0.001)—desire, 23.1 vs. 7.9% (p = 0.003)—orgasm, 21.2 vs. 5.9% (p = 0.002)—lubrication, 17.3 vs. 6.9% (p = 0.023)—arousal, 9.6 vs. 1% (p = 0.006)—pain, and 20.2 vs. 9.9% (p = 0.040)—satisfaction problems. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age was a significant risk factor for FSD, along with DM and body mass index. Coexisting CAT, polyneuropathy, depression, and the use of insulin pumps were significant risk factors for FSD.ConclusionsWomen with T1DM and CAT are more likely to present with FSD than those without. It is important for patients to address depression, if present, and exercise caution while using insulin pumps. Moreover, DM complications such as polyneuropathy are significant risk factors for FSD; thus, it is crucial to ensure satisfactory glycemic control and optimal DM management.

Sexual dysfunction and health condition in Chinese doctor: prevalence and risk factors

To our knowledge, little attention has been paid to the sexual function of health workers. The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of sexual dysfunction among Chinese doctors. In addition, the risk factors for sexual dysfunction were analyzed. This was a questionnaire-based multicenter cross-sectional survey performed in five large academic medical centers in China. A total of 539 male doctors, 547 female doctors were evaluated. We analyzed doctors' demographic characteristics, quality of life, sexual function and attitudes towards sexual problems. Chinese doctors are at high risk of sexual dysfunction and poor health. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction appears to increase with age, and is associated with various social and demographic factors including monthly income, physical exercise, working hours, night shift and health-related quality. The quality of life and sexual health of doctors deserves special attention as a significant public health concern. Alleviating work pressure, increasing income, improving quality of life and therapeutic sexual problems should be considered comprehensively.

2274-PUB: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sexual Dysfunction in Romanian Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) represents one of the chronic complications of diabetes, as the male sexual dysfunction, but less studied. Objective: Assessment of the prevalence and risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction in Romanian women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT). Material and Methods: The study sample included 132 Romanian women with T2DM and CAT. The presence of sexual disfunction was established using two validated questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index, and Female Sexual Distress Scale-revised. CAT diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of antithyroid antibodies (antiperoxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies). Results: We found that 47% of women presented sexual dysfunctions: 25.8% loss of libido, 21.2% orgasm, 17.4% lubrication, 18.9% arousal, 8.3% pain, and 17.4% satisfaction problems. The analysis revealed that age was a significant risk factor for FSD, along with DM duration and CAT duration. The presence of dyslipidemia as well as a ponderal status of overweight or obese, and also the glycemic control parameters such as average glycemic level and HbA1c were significant risk factors for FSD. Conclusions: Women with T2DM and CAT are more likely to present FSD and should be aware of additional risk factors. Disclosure A. Gherbon: None. M. Frandes: None. R. Timar: None.

Trajectories of sexual dysfunction and its risk factors in women with gynecologic cancer across radiation therapy and healthy controls.

e24097 Background: Women with gynecological cancer (GynCa) reported an increased risk for acute and long-term sexual dysfunction across cancer treatments, especially radiation therapy (RT). However, limited data exist on the course of sexual dysfunction across RT and its risk factors are unknown. This study sought to characterize women’s sexual dysfunction trajectories and identified risk factors of persistent sexual dysfunction. Methods: Using a longitudinal study design, patient-reported sexual dysfunction, demographic and clinical data were collected. Women receiving RT for GynCa older than 18 years or age, race, and BMI matched healthy controls were enrolled. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess women’s sexual dysfunction. Patients completed all the questionnaires pre-RT, at the end of RT, 6- and 12-month post-RT. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify trajectories of sexual dysfunction and risk factors of persistent sexual dysfunction. Results: Eighty-two patients were analyzed, including 36 GynCa patients receiving RT and 46 healthy post-menopausal women, comprising of 33 Blacks, 44 Whites, and 5 others. Three trajectory groups of sexual dysfunction (total FSFI score) were identified: low risk (17.4%), moderate risk (12.3%), and high risk (70.4%). All three trajectory groups were significantly different from each other (p&lt;0.01). Similarly, three trajectories were identified for each of six FSFI domains: desire (low [6.3%], moderate [62.5%], high [31.2%], p&lt;0.01); arousal (low [38.1%], moderate [46.4%], high [15.4%], p&lt;0.01); lubrication (low [49.7%], moderate [44.6%], high [5.7%], p&lt;0.01); orgasm (low [43.8%], moderate [31.3%], high [24.9%], p&lt;0.01); pain (low [25.5%], moderate [64.2%], high [10.3%], p&lt;0.01); and satisfaction (low [8.3%], moderate [61.4%], high [30.3%], p&lt;0.01). Risk factors of sexual dysfunction were high pH (p=0.007) and without chemotherapy (p=0.019). Young women had more arousal (p=0.011); high education level was associated with high arousal (p=0.039); low pH was associated with high arousal (p=0.018) and orgasm (p=0.036). No risk factors were found for desire and satisfaction domains. BMI, surgery, and study cohort (cancer vs healthy) were not predictors of sexual dysfunction trajectories. Conclusions: This study identified three trajectories of sexual dysfunction. Low education, high pH, no chemotherapy, and elder women were risk factors of severe sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction interventions should address these risk factors.

Etiological Factors of Psychological Nature in Sexual Dysfunctions

Through this paper, we aimed to better understand the psychological factors that influence the development and evolution of sexuality. This work that can be beneficial in the evaluation stage of clients who come to the office with sexual dysfunctions of a psychogenic nature and in that of conceptualization of the case as well as in following essential steps in establishing the therapeutic objectives and strategy and, of course, in the evolution of the case. At the same time, we wanted to draw attention to the multitude, variety, complexity and interactions between personal, social, biological, relationship factors, etc. which influences and enhances the appearance, maintenance and, why not, amelioration of sexual dysfunctions, each of which can be a significant node in the therapeutic approach to sexual dysfunctions. We also aimed to review, from a cognitive perspective, the psychogenesis factors of sexual dysfunction, cognitive structures, the transformation of an irrational / dysfunctional thinking style into a rational, adaptive, healthy one, (but not the only one) among the aspects that contribute to the success of any therapy.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Heart failure is a major public health problem in sub Saharan Africa, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Sexual dysfunction contributes a lot to the burden of the disease. This complication is linked to the side effects of drugs, physical and psychological factors, and the coexistence of shared risk factors between heart failure and sexual dysfunction. Although patients with heart failure frequently report sexual disorders, few data are available in our context. This research seeks to determine the prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure in three reference hospitals of Cameroon. We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study over a period of four months (January to April 2018). All consenting patient with chronic heart failure aged 18 years and above were selected. Baseline socio-demographical and clinical characteristics were collected. The assessment of sexual function was made using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using the software IBM SPSS 23.0; the level of statistical significance was set at p 60 years (p=0.001), hypertension (p=0.0017), use of beta blockers (p=0.0081) and fear of heart attack (p<0,001). Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with chronic heart failure in our context. Indeed, it affects more than half of our study population (57.7%) and is influenced by many factors.

Sexuelle Funktionsstörungen in der medizinischen Grundversorgung

A sample of HP patients was asked about their sexuality, psychosocial situation and lifestyle, using validated questionnaires. The sample consisted of 30 women and 37 men. Of these, about two thirds have never spoken to a physician about their sex life and more than four fifths have never been asked about it by a phyisican. In 75 % of the sample there was no evidence of sexual dysfunction. Men with questionnaire values indicating sexual dysfunction showed significantly higher psychological stress than those with inconspicuous values. Despite an inconspicuous anamnesis regarding risk factors of sexual dysfunction, about a quarter of the sample found evidence of sexual dysfunction. An inconspicuous anamnesis in the areas of alcohol/tobacco consumption and depression does not make a targeted questioning about sexual dysfunction superfluous. Particularly for men, acute psychological stress should be a sufficient reason to address the topic of sexuality and to deepen it if necessary.

Sexual Beliefs and Sexual Functioning: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Distraction

ABSTRACTDysfunctional sexual beliefs are vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction. This cross-sectional study aimed to test the mediating role of cognitive distraction on the relationship between dysfunctional sexual beliefs about sexual functioning shared by men and women and sexual function. The authors used a sample of 421 cisgender heterosexual participants involved in a monogamous relationship. The hypothesized mediation model was tested using a bootstrapped cross product of coefficients approach. Results showed a significant negative, indirect effect between dysfunctional sexual beliefs and women's sexual function through cognitive distraction. The discussion of this study highlights the importance of cognitive factors in sexual functioning.

The Activation of Incompetence Schemas in Response to Negative Sexual Events in Heterosexual and Lesbian Women: The Moderator Role of Personality Traits and Dysfunctional Sexual Beliefs

Personality traits and dysfunctional sexual beliefs have been described as vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction in women, and have also been proposed as dispositional variables for the activation of incompetence schemas in response to negative sexual events. However, no study has tested the role of personality traits and dysfunctional sexual beliefs in the activation of incompetence schemas. The current study aimed to assess the moderator role of neuroticism, extraversion, and dysfunctional sexual beliefs in the association between frequency of unsuccessful sexual episodes and activation of incompetence schemas in heterosexual and lesbian women. An online survey was completed by 1,121 women (831 heterosexual; 290 lesbian). Participants completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire—Female Version (SDBQ), and the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schemas Activated in Sexual Context (QCSASC). Findings indicate that neuroticism moderates the association between frequency of negative sexual events and activation of incompetence schemas in heterosexual women. Moreover, several sexual beliefs also act as moderators of the relationship between negative sexual episodes and the activation of cognitive schemas in both heterosexual and lesbian women. Overall, findings support the cognitive-emotional model of sexual dysfunctions, emphasizing the role of personality traits and dysfunctional sexual beliefs as facilitators of the activation of incompetence schemas in response to negative events in women.

Menopause-related brain activation patterns during visual sexual arousal in menopausal women: An fMRI pilot study using time-course analysis

The aging process and menopausal transition are important factors in sexual dysfunction of menopausal women. No neuroimaging study has assessed the age- and menopause-related changes on brain activation areas associated with sexual arousal in menopausal women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time course of regional brain activity associated with sexual arousal evoked by visual stimulation in premenopausal and menopausal women, and further to assess the effect of menopause on the brain areas associated with sexual arousal in menopausal women using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Thirty volunteers consisting of 15 premenopausal and 15 menopausal women underwent the fMRI. For the activation condition, volunteers viewed sexually arousing visual stimulation. The brain areas with significantly higher activation in premenopausal women compared with menopausal women included the thalamus, amygdala, and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) using analysis of covariance adjusting for age (p<0.005). Blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal changes in the amygdala while viewing erotic video were positively correlated with estrogen levels in the two groups. Our findings suggest that reduced brain activity of the thalamus, amygdala, and ACC in menopausal women may be associated with menopause-related decrease in sexual arousal. These findings might help elucidate the neural mechanisms associated with sexual dysfunction in menopausal women.

The connection of diabetic dyslipidemia and erectile dysfunction

Background Diabetes is an established risk factor for sexual dysfunction in men; a threefold increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) was documented in diabetic compared with non-diabetic men. Diabetic vasculopathy concerns macroangiopathy, microangiopathy and endothelial dysfunction. Macrovascular disease in diabetes corresponds to the atherosclerotic damage in the blood vessels, which limits blood flow to the penis. Aim Value the connection of dyslipidemia and erectile dysfunction in men patients who are ill with diabetes. Materials and methods In the research, 180 patients at the age of 33–67 with type 2 diabetes mellitus were participated. According to the duration of diabetes, the patients were divided into three groups and revealed the erectile dysfunction. The lipid metabolism was revealed and HbA1c was determined in all the patients. Results The patients who are ill with diabetes within 1–5 years ( n =41, 22,78%), the erectile dysfunction is met in 34.15% of patients (in this group n =14), those who are ill with diabetes within 5–10 years, the erectile dysfunction is met in 57.53% (in this group n =43), who are ill with diabetes within 10 years and more the erectile dysfunction is met in 69.7% of patients ( n =46). The result of lipid metabolism value showed that hypercholesterolemia was met in 42.22% ( n =76) of the patients, hypertriglyceridemia was met in 21.11% ( n =38), combined disorder was met in 24.44% ( n =44). Thus, 87.77% of the examined patients have lipid metabolism disorder. The result of the research showed that erectile dysfunction was usual in case of dyslipidemia. It should be noted that 60.52% of the patients ( n =23) who had isolated hypertriglyceridemia had erectile dysfunction, 63.16% of the patients ( n =48) who had hypercholesterolemia had erectile dysfunction and 72.73% ( n =32) of the patients with combined disorder had erectile dysfunction. Conclusion Surely, the erectile dysfunction in diabetes mellitus has a multifactorial nature such as duration of diabetes, level of compensation, complications especially neuropathy availability and harmful habits. According to our findings, we have a lot of patients with erectile dysfunction and hypertriglyceridemia. The findings remind us once more that medical practitioners have to pay attention especially to lipid metabolism condition, triglyceridemia level in diabetic patients. So, dyslipidemia is the reason of increasing cardiovascular risks and decreasing quality of life.