Female Sexual Function Scores Research Articles

Composite Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes in Adults Operated for Cloacal Malformation

IntroductionComposite long-term outcomes of cloacal malformations remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate bowel and bladder control, sexual function, reproductive health, and quality of life in adulthood. MethodsA Nordic multi-center cross-sectional observational study evaluating the outcome of adult patients with cloacal malformations was performed. Patient characteristics were retrieved from case records. Established questionnaires were sent to the patients to evaluate bowel- bladder- and sexual function and quality of life. ResultsThirty-four of 48 (70%) eligible patients with median age 28 years (18–45) responded. Eight (24%) patients had a common channel >3 cm. Imaging-confirmed spinal and sacral abnormalities were present in 4 and 17 patients respectively. 85% (n = 29/34, four patients with permanent urinary diversions after bladder neck closure excluded) reported no urinary leakage without physical activity or urge to urinate. Three patients had a permanent enterostomy. 42 % (n = 11/26) reported acceptable bowel function according to Bowel Function Score (with eventual ongoing bowel management). The median Profile of Female Sexual Function Score was below normative values. Quality of life was comparable to the reference population, but thirty percent scored within the distress domains. Eight patients (24%) had been pregnant (15 pregnancies), resulting in seven live births, but the need of assisted reproduction techniques (40%, n = 6/15) and miscarriage (40%, n = 6/15) was common. ConclusionsAdequate spontaneous bowel control was rare, while most patients were dry for urine without additional procedures. Cloacal malformation also have a negative impact on sexual function health related quality of life and reproductive health. Long-term follow-up is crucial, not only regarding bowel and bladder function, but also for sexual and reproductive function, which may be important negative factors for health-related quality of life. Level of EvidenceLevel IV.

Sexual Dysfunction in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A Cross-Sectional, Case-Control Study.

Background: We aimed to determine whether patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) have sexual dysfunction compared to age-matched healthy controls. Methods: Utilizing online COMPASS-31 to evaluate dysautonomia symptom severity, Beck's Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDII), Female Sexual Function (FSF), and International Index of Erection Function (IIEF) questionnaires, we compared sexual function scores in patients with POTS to scores obtained from sex- and age-matched healthy controls via a cross-sectional case-control study. Results: A total of 160 women with POTS, mean age 30.2 ± 7.9 (range 21-50 years), had lower FSF scores than 62 healthy age-matched female controls. IIEF scores in 29 male patients with POTS with a mean age of 30.1 ± 6.0 (range 21-47) were significantly lower than in 27 healthy age-matched male controls. Female POTS patients had significantly lower scores in the sub-domains of desire, arousal, and satisfaction, while male POTS patients had significantly lower scores in erectile and orgasmic function, desire, and satisfaction than healthy controls. Predictive factors of sexual dysfunction were depression in women and age in men. The severity of autonomic symptoms correlated with sexual dysfunction in women, but this effect disappeared after controlling for depression. Conclusions: Compared to healthy controls, women and men with POTS have significant sexual dysfunction, which needs to be considered in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as part of comprehensive patient care.

Genital self-image and sexual function in Iranian women from pregnancy to postpartum: a cohort study.

Genital self-image is among the factors affecting women's sexual function. The present study aimed to determine changes in the genital self-image and its relationship with women's sexual function in the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum. The participants of this prospective cohort study included 301 eligible pregnant women chosen through stratified random sampling with proportional allocation from comprehensive health centers in Gorgan, Iran. The Persian version of the 7-item Female Genital Self-Image Scale, the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index, and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 were filled in a self-report manner on 2 occasions: (1) 30 to 37weeks of pregnancy and (2) 12 to 16weeks (± 2weeks) postpartum. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software. Outcomes included Female Genital Self-Image Scale and Female Sexual Function Index changes from pregnancy to postpartum according to the childbirth mode. The mean age of participants was 29.66 ± 5.27 years. These values for the genital self-image scores of women during pregnancy (19.18 ± 3.25) and postpartum (19.43 ± 3.57) were not significantly different (P = .30). Also, this difference was not statistically significant regarding the mode of delivery in 2 groups of women with vaginal birth (P = .62) and cesarean section (P = .14). The mean Female Sexual Function Index scores during pregnancy (15.15 ± 6.73) and postpartum (17.52 ± 6.46) were significantly different (P = .001). In addition, this difference was significant in women with vaginal birth (P = .004) and cesarean section (P = .001). Clinicians should inform women/couples about changes in female sexual function and address genital self-image as a factor involved in female sexual function during pregnancy and postpartum.Strengths and Limitations: Because the participants of this study were women in the third trimester of pregnancy, the obtained results may not be generalized to pregnant women in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy or even to different postpartum periods (ie, midterm and long term). The results showed that the female genital self-image is not significantly different during pregnancy and postpartum, or with the mode of delivery. However, the female sexual function score in postpartum is higher than in pregnancy, regardless of the mode of delivery.

Effect of a telephone-based perioperative nurse-led counselling programme on unmet needs, quality of life and sexual function in colorectal cancer patients: A non-randomised quasi-experimental study

PurposeTo investigate the effect of perioperative nurse-led counselling intervention on unmet needs, sexual function and quality of life in colorectal cancer patients. MethodThis quasi-experimental study included 82 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery (control n = 45, intervention n = 37). The telephone-based perioperative nurse-led counselling intervention, which contained implementation, follow-up, and assessment, was applied to start from pre-surgery to post-surgery 3rd month. Data were collected with the Unmet Needs of Cancer Survivors Scale, European Organisation for Treatment and Research of Cancer Quality of Life Scale-30, Colorectal-29, Female Sexual Function Index, and International Index of Erectile Function pre- and post-surgery 3rd-6th months. The control data was collected before the pandemic, and the intervention group throughout the pandemic. The Mann-Whitney-U, Wilcoxon rank test was used. ResultsCompared to the control group, intervention group patients reported lower unmet and total needs scores (p = 0.000); higher quality of life (p = 0.000), physical, emotional (p = 0.000), role (p = 0.001), and social functioning scores (p = 0.002); lower fatigue (p = 0.000), constipation (p = 0.034), pain (p = 0.018), nausea-vomiting (p = 0.004), and insomnia scores (p = 0.003); and higher body image, anxiety (p = 0.000) and weight scores (p = 0.003), lower urinary frequency buttock pain (p = 0.000), dysuria (p = 0.001), abdominal pain (p = 0.001), fluctuance (p = 0.000), stool frequency (p = 0.002), and faecal incontinence (p = 0.006) scores at the sixth month (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between male and female sexual function scores (p > 0.05). ConclusionsPerioperative nurse-led counselling reduced unmet needs and increased the overall quality of life by decreasing symptom levels but did not affect sexual health outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer surgery.

Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Young Women with Euthyroid Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Receiving Vitamin D, Selenomethionine and Myo-Inositol: A Pilot Study.

Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis receiving different treatments. The study included euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis, untreated or receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, or myo-inositol. Apart from measuring antibody titers and hormone levels, all participants completed questionnaires evaluating female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). In untreated women, the overall FSFI scores and domain scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction were lower than in women receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, and myo-inositol. In the vitamin D-treated women, the total FSFI scores and scores for desire and arousal were higher than in women receiving the remaining micronutrients. The BDI-II score was lowest in the vitamin D-treated women and highest in the untreated patients with thyroiditis. Vitamin D-treated women were also characterized by lower antibody titers and higher testosterone levels than the women receiving the remaining micronutrients. There were no differences in sexual functioning and depressive symptoms between the selenomethionine- and myo-inositol-treated women. The study results suggest that although all antibody-lowering treatments are associated with better sexual functioning and well-being in young women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, the greatest benefits are observed in patients receiving vitamin D.

(531) Effect of COVID- 19 on Sexual Function and Activities Among Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract Introduction The novel SARS corona virus (SARS COV 2) causing the Corona Virus Disease (COVID--19) was first reported in Wuhan, China in 2019 and became a global pandemic in 2020 with severe health and economic consequences forcing nations to declare nationwide lockdown to limit the ragging pandemic. Different patterns of signs and symptoms as well as complications were reported to have followed COVID-19. Objective The objectives of the study were to describe the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and pattern of dysfunction and to determine the effect of COVID--19 infection pandemic and lockdown on sexual function and activities among women reproductive age. Methods This was a cross sectional study of women in the reproductive age-group evaluating the sexual health function before, during and after the COVID--19 infection pandemic and lockdown. This was assessed using a structured questionnaire and a modified Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was administered to 203 women participants and the information collected included socio-demographic and gynaecologic characteristics, COVID--19 experiences, sexual history and function before, during and after the COVID--19 pandemic lockdown. Results Most of the respondents were aged between 20 and 50 years (95%), married (77.7%) and were sexually active at the time of the study (92.6%) and 16.3% of the respondents had COVID-19 infection at least once. Only 43.6% of the sexually active respondents currently have normal overall female sexual function score with the mean FSFI score of 24.5. 71.4% had at least mild hyposexual desire, 54.2% with arousal disorder, 32.1% disorders of lubrication, 43.3% have orgasm related dysfunction, 37.8% have sexual satisfaction related dysfunction and 41.1% have disorders of sexual pain. COVID-19 lockdown may have had effect on sexual activities as 11.3% of respondents were not sexually active before the lockdown, 13.3% during the lockdown whereas only 7.4% after the lockdown suggesting abstinence as a result of the lockdown. Among the sexually active respondents during COVID-19 lockdown mean FSFI score of 23.76 and only 36.9% had normal overall FSFI score. Conclusions Female sexual dysfunction is still prevalent with the most common form being disorders of desire and arousal. COVID-19 lockdown resulted in abstinence from sexual intercourse in some women and sexual function also noted to be reduced among the sexually active women with higher incidence of female sexual dysfunction during the lockdown. Disclosure No

The effect of antenatal pelvic floor muscle exercise on sexual function and labour and birth outcomes: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundPelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) are recommended for treatment of urinary incontinence with less evidence available about the effect on female sexual function (FSF) and childbirth. AimTo investigate the effect of antenatal PFME on FSF during pregnancy and the first three months following birth as a primary outcome, and on labour and birth outcomes as a secondary outcome. Method200 nulliparous women were randomised to control (n = 100) and intervention (n = 100) groups. The women in the intervention group (IG) undertook PFME from 20 weeks gestation until birth and had routine antenatal care, while those in the control group (CG) received routine antenatal care only. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to measure FSF at 36 weeks gestation and three months postnatal. Baseline characteristics and childbirth data were also collected and analysed using SPSS. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of FSF scores during pregnancy and on childbirth outcomes. Sexual satisfaction was slightly higher in the CG [Mean ± SD, CG: 4.35 ± 1.45 vs. IG: 3.70 ± 1.50, (P = 0.03)] at three months after birth. However, 50% of women adhered to the PFME, and 40% of women did not resume sex by three months after the birth. ConclusionThough some trends were observed, the results showed no effect of PFME on sexual function or labour and birth outcomes. This needs to be interpreted considering the 50% adherence to PFME. More research is recommended.

Safety and efficacy of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (cBHT) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

More information is needed about the efficacy and safety of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy (cBHT) in the published literature. A thorough synthesis of existing data is not currently available. To provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing evidence related to the safety and efficacy of commonly prescribed cBHT preparations in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing cBHT with a placebo or FDA-approved products in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women were eligible. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary safety outcome was changes in lipid profile and glucose metabolism, and the primary efficacy outcome was the change of vaginal atrophy symptoms. The secondary outcomes included the change of endometrial thickness, risk of adverse events, vasomotor symptoms, change of serum hormone levels, and change of bone mineral density. A total of 29 RCTs reported in 40 articles containing 1,808 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were included. Two risk factors of cardiovascular disease, lipid profile, and glucose metabolism, were evaluated with cBHT. The results showed that compounded androgen was not associated with change of lipid profile or glucose metabolism. There was no change in endometrial thickness or serious adverse events. There were more androgenic side effects with compounded dehydroepiandrosterone compared with placebo as expected. Other safety measures including clinical cardiovascular events, endometrial biopsy, and risk of breast cancer were not studied. cBHT in the form of compounded vaginal androgen was found to significantly improve vaginal atrophy symptoms (SMD -0.66 [95% CI, -1.28 to -0.04]; I2 = 86.70%). This finding was supported by the association between compounded vaginal androgen and improved female sexual function scores. The changes of serum hormone levels were also evaluated. Despite the variations in absorption from different types of compounded hormones, routes, and strengths, the trends were consistent with published data from FDA-approved products. This review found that cBHT used in primarily short-term RCTs is not associated with adverse changes in lipid profile or glucose metabolism. cBHT in the form of vaginal androgens appears beneficial for vaginal atrophy symptoms. There are insufficient RCTs of cBHT to assess clinical risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or cardiovascular disease. Long-term studies with clinical endpoints are needed.

Differences in Sexual Function Between Trimesters During Pregnancy: An Observational Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in sexual function between trimesters, and factors (in addition to pregnancy) that influence sexual function during pregnancy.STUDY DESIGN: This observational study was conducted at a tertiary referral center with 372 pregnant women. Seventy-two of the women did not complete the questionnaire (rejections or missing data) and the overall response rate was 80.6%. Among the remaining women, 43 of them excluded due to depression. Beck Depression Inventory was used to evaluate depression. Index of female sexual function questionnaire was used to assess sexual function. Index of female sexual function had a total and six sub-domain scores which assess the quality and frequency of sexual intercourse, desire, overall satisfaction, ability to achieve orgasm, and degree of clitoral sensation (c.sensation).RESULTS: Total index of female sexual function and quality, satisfaction, orgasm, and c.sensation sub-domain scores were lowest in the third trimester. Older age, lower level of education, and lower level of income negatively affected total index of female sexual function scores. Quality scores were lowest in older women and women with lower education. Frequency scores were highest during the second trimester. Desire scores were highest in women aged between 18 and 25 years, in women who were newly married (1-3 years), and during the second trimester. Satisfaction scores were lowest in women older than 35 years, and highest in newly married women. Orgasm scores were highest in women aged 18-25 years, in newly married women. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function in women during the third trimester of pregnancy is generally affected negatively.

The effect of soft oral capsule of rose oil on sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age: A randomised clinical trial

IntroductionSexual dysfunction is defined as a disorder occurring at any stage of the sexual cycle which results in distress or interpersonal disturbances. The aim of this trial was to determine the effect of oral rose oil on sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age. MethodsThis triple-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on 80 women referred to Tehran University of Medical Sciences clinics. Women with sexual dysfunction were randomly assigned to either the rose oil or the placebo group. In the rose oil group, women consumed two soft capsules containing 15 mg of rose oil daily for eight weeks. Women in the placebo group took a placebo containing sunflower oil, daily for eight weeks. Data collected included demographic information, and completion of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The FSFI questionnaire was completed before the beginning of the study, at the end of week four, and at the end of the study. Data were analysed using SPSS-16 software. ResultsThe average female sexual function score in the rose oil group was significantly improved within eight weeks after intervention (26.7 ± 5.13) compared to the beginning of the study (20.90 ± 3.34) (P < 0.001). The difference was not significant for the control group at any time (P = 0.320). The difference in the mean score of the female sexual function index between the intervention and the control group at the end of the study was statistically significant (P < 0.001). ConclusionThis study suggests that the daily consumption of soft capsules containing rose essential oil for eight weeks can improve female sexual function in women of reproductive age.This clinical trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (No.: IRCT2017051333951N1).

Effects of overactive bladder syndrome on female sexual function.

This study was to evaluate the impact of the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome on female sexual function. Seventy nine patients with OAB (OAB group) and 79 healthy women (control group) underwent physical examination at our center, and had their sexual function evaluated using the female sexual function index (FSFI). In accordance with the presence or absence of urge incontinence, the OAB group was further divided into the wet and dry groups. The sexual function was evaluated again after 3 months of pharmacotherapy. We investigate the difference of sexual function between OAB and control group. The effect of OAB severity and OAB pharmacotherapy on sexual function was also explored. There were no significant differences between OAB group and control group, including age, body mass index (BMI), education, occupation, fertility, parity, childbirth, and menopause. Compared with the control group, the OAB group had significantly lower FSFI scores. The respective mean ± standard error FSFI scores in the control group and the OAB group were 2.98 ± 1.07 and 2.27 ± 0.96 for desire, 3.48 ± 1.16 and 2.32 ± 1.44 for arousal, 4.60 ± 1.13 and 3.10 ± 1.95 for lubrication, 3.37 ± 0.87 and 2.63 ± 1.04 for orgasm, 3.58 ± 1.02 and 2.41 ± 1.35 for sexual satisfaction, 3.58 ± 1.02 and 2.41 ± 1.35 for sexual pain, and 22.24 ± 5.29 and 15.59 ± 7.47 for the total score (P < .05 for all comparisons). The scores for desire, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, pain, and total FSFI between the OAB-dry and OAB-wet subgroup were similar while score of arousal in OAB-wet subgroup was significantly increased compared with that of OAB-dry. OABSS score was commonly used in the assessment of OAB severity. The difference of the FSFI scores among mild OAB group, moderate OAB group, and severe OAB group was statistically significant (P < .05). Female FSFI sexual function scores were significantly improved after OAB pharmacotherapy (P < .05). Women with OAB syndrome have poorer sexual function than healthy women. Patients with more serious OAB experience more disturbing sexual dysfunction. Female sexual function scores were significantly improved after OAB pharmacotherapy.

Disfunção sexual no período gestacional e sua relação com variáveis obstétricas

Objetivo: analisar a relação entre o Índice de Função Sexual Feminina (IFSF) e variáveis obstétricas relacionadas ao período gestacional. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, unicêntrico, com coleta de dados primários realizada com 60 gestantes. Os instrumentos utilizados foram questionário sociodemográfico e IFSF. As gestantes foram agrupadas em dois grupos de acordo com o escore de função sexual feminina (normal ou com disfunção) conforme ponto de corte pré-estabelecido. Foram analisadas a idade materna, idade gestacional, índice de massa corporal e paridade, assim como as médias de cada domínio do IFSF. Resultados: A prevalência de disfunção sexual foi de 40%. No grupo com disfunção sexual, houve maiores médias de idade materna (22,9 ± 3,3 vs 25,5 ± 4,3 anos; p = 0,011), de idade gestacional (25 ± 7,2 vs 29,7 ± 7,8 semanas; p = 0,017) e índice de massa corpórea (26 ± 3,5 vs 29,9 ± 3,6 Kg/m2; p &lt; 0,001). Foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante para todos os domínios do IFSF entre os grupos com e sem disfunção. Conclusão: Houve relação de fatores obstétricos com a presença da disfunção sexual. A alta prevalência de disfunção sexual nesse período bem como a identificação dos fatores relacionados chama atenção para a necessidade de políticas púbicas de atenção voltadas para a saúde sexual feminina, enfatizando o período gestacional, a fim de garantir uma maior e melhor qualidade de vida para esse público. Descritores: Disfunção sexual fisiológica; Gravidez; Grávidas.

Sexual function and depressive symptoms in young women with hypoprolactinaemia

Dopamine agonist treatment may result in hypersexuality in men. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time female sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in women with very low prolactin levels. A prospective case-control study. The study population consisted of three age-matched groups of young women with normal, regular menstrual cycles: 15 subjects with cabergoline-induced hypoprolactinaemia (group A), 25 cabergoline-treated individuals with prolactin levels within the reference range (group B) and 30 dopamine agonist-naïve women with normoprolactinemia. Because of low prolactin levels, the dose of cabergoline in group A (but not in group B) was then reduced. Apart from measuring serum levels of prolactin, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, estradiol and gonadotropins, at the beginning of the study and 6months later, all included women filled in questionnaires evaluating femalesexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). At the beginning of the study, there were no differences between groups B and C in the mean total FSFI score, all domain scores and in the BDI-II score. In group A, the total FSFI score and domain scores for desire and arousal were lower, while the BDI-II score was higher than in the remaining study groups. Compared with groups of B and C, women with cabergoline-induced hypoprolactinaemia were also characterized by lower total testosterone levels and lower values of the free androgen index. Cabergoline dose reduction normalized the FSFI score, desire, arousal, the BDI-II score, as well as normalized prolactin, total testosterone and the free androgen index. The obtained results suggest that dopamine agonist-induced hypoprolactinaemia impairs sexual functioning and well-being in young women, as well as that these disturbances are secondary to low prolactin levels, not to specific properties of cabergoline.

Association of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Fertility: a cross sectional study

BackgroundSexual function plays an essential role in the bio-psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life of women and disturbances in sexual functioning often result in significant distress. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and subfertility are common problems affecting approximately 43 and 20% of women respectively. However, despite the high prevalence of both conditions, little has been studied on the effects of subfertility on sexual functioning especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We set out to compare the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in patients on assessment for sub-fertility and those either seeking or already on fertility control services at a private tertiary teaching hospital in Kenya.MethodsThis was an analytical cross sectional study. Eligible women of reproductive age (18–49 years), attending the gynaecological clinics with complaints of subfertility and those seeking fertility control services were requested to fill a general demographic tool containing personal data and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire after informed consent. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction was calculated as a percentage of patients not achieving an overall FSFI score of 26.55. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done to compare clinical variables to delineate the potential association.ResultsThe prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 31.2% in the subfertile group and 22.6% in fertility control group. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.187). The mean domain and overall female sexual function scores were lower in the subfertile group than the fertility control group though this was not statistically significant. The most prevalent sexual domain dysfunctions in both the subfertility and fertility control groups were desire and arousal while the least in both groups was satisfaction dysfunction. Subfertility type was not associated with sexual dysfunction. Higher education attainment was protective of female sexual dysfunction in the subfertile group while use of hormonal contraception was associated with greater sexual impairment in the fertility control group. On logistic regression analysis, higher maternal age and alcohol use appeared to be protective against sexual dysfunction.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated no association between the fertility status and the prevalence female sexual dysfunction. Subfertility type was not associated with sexual dysfunction. Education level and hormonal contraception use were associated with female sexual dysfunction in the subfertile and fertility control groups respectively while alcohol use and higher maternal age appeared to be protective against sexual dysfunction.

Diet and Female Sexual Health.

Female sexual dysfunction is common, and there is growing interest in the relationship between everyday dietary habits and female sexuality. Most of the research at this point is focused on pathological states such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and eating disorders, which seem to exacerbate sexual dysfunction. To characterize sexual dysfunction in the presence of comorbidities including metabolic syndrome, obesity, and disordered eating states and to examine the effect of dietary patterns on female sexuality. A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed publications on the topic was performed through a PubMed search. Key search terms and phrases included female sexual dysfunction, diet, dietary patterns, metabolic syndrome, obesity, Mediterranean diet, and eating disorders. The main outcome measures were female sexual function scores as measured on the Female Sexual Function Index and domain-specific dysfunctions. Metabolic syndrome negatively affects sexual function in women, and this effect is most pronounced in younger, premenopausal women. Obesity may also detract from female sexuality, but the data on this comorbidity are more mixed. Endothelial dysfunction, which can result from excess inflammation seen in metabolic syndrome and obesity, can lead to poor blood flow to genitourinary organs, thus providing a pathophysiological link between these diseases and sexual dysfunction. Patients with disordered eating also suffer from sexual morbidity, which may be due to comorbid psychiatric illness and emaciation-induced hypogonadism. Promising data show that the Mediterranean diet helps alleviate sexual dysfunction in women, but other dietary patterns require more formal investigation. Incorporation of healthy dietary patterns into everyday life may positively influence female sexuality, but more substantial data are needed to confirm this idea. Towe M, La J, El-Khatib F, etal. Diet and Female Sexual Health. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:256-264.

The relationship between body mass index, body image, and sexual function: A survey on Iranian pregnant women.

BackgroundThe prevalence of sexual problems is high during pregnancy. Despite this, there are limited data about the impact of physical and psychological factors such as body weight and body image on sexual function in pregnant women.Objective To investigate the relationship between body mass index, body image, and sexual function among pregnant women.Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 206 Iranian pregnant women (106 with normal weight and 100 overweight women) in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy were surveyed. Survey instruments included the Female Sexual Function Index and Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of female sexual disorder was 72.3% in this survey. Diminished sexual desire/appetite was the most common problem reported by the participants (37.9%). The mean score of sexual problem and body image were not significantly different among overweight and normal weight women in the 2nd (p = 0.945 and p = 0.800, respectively) and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (p = 0.310 and p = 0.507, respectively). Further, there were no relationships between the body mass index plus body image and the total female sexual function score (p = 0.44 and p = 0.837, respectively). However, the relationship between the appearance evaluation with lubrication (p = 0.043) and subjective weight with two subscales of sexual satisfaction (p = 0.005) and orgasm (p = 0.019) were significant.ConclusionThe findings from this study revealed that there were no relationships between body mass index plus body image score and the sexual function in pregnancy. Therefore, a further research is recommended to study other potential factors affecting sexual function during pregnancy.

Sexual satisfaction in pregnancy: a cross section study in Japan

Sexuality is one of the most important quality of life issues for both men and women. Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent women's sexual response is characterized as highly variable and influenced by a wide range of determinants, including physiologic, psychosocial, and contextual factors. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual satisfaction in pregnant women. This was a cross-sectional study involving 685 Japanese pregnant women aging between17-43 years, who were recruited from January 01, 2012 – January 01, 2014 at the antenatal clinic of Jichi Medical University Hospital. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to assess sexual function. Overall, 284/685, 41.45% of the 685 pregnant women were at risk for sexual dysfunction symptoms (FSFI scores ≤26); this rate was significantly higher among pregnant women in 3rd trimester (187/254, 73%; P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, our present study showed that the 3rd trimester of pregnancy had lower mean scores in sexual satisfaction, desire, lubrication, orgasm, arousal and dyspareunia than 1st and 2nd trimester. According to these results, pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy have lower female sexual function scores than 2nd and 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Evaluation of the effect of an antenatal pelvic floor muscle exercise programme on female sexual function during pregnancy and the first 3 months following birth: study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial

BackgroundSexual dysfunction can have a negative impact on women’s quality of life and relationships. There is limited information about female sexual function and treatment, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) on sexual function (SF) has not been studied adequately. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of antenatal PFME on female SF during pregnancy and the first 3 months following birth.Methods/designThis is a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial which will compare a structured antenatal PFME programme combined with standard antenatal care to standard antenatal care alone. Eligible women who are less than 22 weeks’ gestation will be recruited from the antenatal clinics of one hospital located in Western Sydney, Australia. A sample of 200 primiparous pregnant women who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomised to either control or intervention groups. This sample size will allow for detecting a minimum difference of 9% in the female SF score between the two groups. The duration of the PFME programme is from approximately 20 weeks’ gestation until birth. Female SF will be measured via questionnaires at < 22 weeks’ gestation, at 36 weeks’ gestation and at 3 months following birth. Baseline characteristics, such as partner relationship and mental health, will be collected using surveys and questionnaires. Data collected for secondary outcomes include the effect of PFME on childbirth outcomes, urinary and faecal incontinence symptoms and quality of life.DiscussionThe findings of this study will provide more information on whether a hospital-based antenatal PFME has any effect on female SF, urinary and faecal incontinence during pregnancy and the first 3 months following birth. The study will also provide information on the effectiveness of antenatal PFME on childbirth outcomes.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry, ACTRN12617001030369. Registered on 17 July 2017.

Sexual function and depressive symptoms in young women with overt hyperthyroidism

ObjectiveDespite high prevalence in a female population, surprisingly little is known about sexual functioning of women with thyroid hyperfunction. This study was aimed at assessing female sexual function and depressive symptoms in women with overt hyperthyroidism of autoimmune and non-autoimmune origin. Study designThe study included three age-matched groups of young women inhabiting the Upper Silesia (a selenium-deficient and iodine-sufficient area): individuals with overt hyperthyroidism induced by Graves’ disease (group A, n = 31), women with overt hyperthyroidism caused by toxic multinodular goiter or toxic adenoma (group B, n = 30) and women with normal thyroid function (group C, n = 34). Apart from measuring serum hormone levels, serum antibody titers and determining calculated parameters of thyroid homeostasis, all women completed questionnaires evaluating femalesexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). ResultsThe mean total FSFI score and all domain scores were lower while the overall BDI-II score was higher in both groups of women with overt hyperthyroidism than in the control group, and correlated with thyrotropin and free thyroid hormone levels, as well as with the SPINA-GT index. The FSFI score as well as domain scores for desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction were lower, while the BDI-II score was higher in group A than in group B. In group A, the total FSFI score, desire, arousal, sexual satisfaction and severity of depressive symptoms correlated with TRAb and TPOAb titers. ConclusionThe obtained results suggest that excessive thyroid hormone production and thyroid autoimmunity have an additive effect on sexual functioning and mood.

Modified laparoscopic pectopexy: short-term follow-up and its effects on sexual function and quality of life.

This study examined the early outcomes of laparoscopic (LS) pectopexy and evaluated its effects on female sexual function and quality of life (QoL). Twenty-two patients with apical prolapse who underwent LS pectopexy were included. Outcomes of the procedure were noted; the Female Sexual Function (FSFI) and Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL) questionnaires were completed preoperatively and 6months postoperatively. There was no evidence of recurrent prolapse or constipation; the percentages of exacerbation of cystocele, rectocele, de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and de novo urgency (UUI) were 4.5%, 9.0%, 4.5%, and 4.5%, respectively (mean follow-up 10.41months). FSFI and P-QOL scores improved significantly (p < 0.05) postoperatively. LS pectopexy shows promising results for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery with comparable outcomes. It also improved the FSFI and P-QOL scores in POP patients.