Sexual Activity Research Articles

Patients' Perception of the Impact of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis on Their Sexual Well-Being: Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment with Advanced Therapies.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly affects patients' quality of life (QoL). Limited data exists on the effects AD poses on sexual well-being. Objective: To evaluate the impact of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (MtS-AD) on sexual well-being and assess the efficacy of advanced therapies, specifically abrocitinib and dupilumab, in improving sexual health. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records and responses to an 8-item questionnaire assessing sexual well-being in patients with MtS-AD were reviewed at baseline and after 52 weeks of treatment with abrocitinib or dupilumab. Results: In total, 44 patients were included (mean age: 30.8, 43.2% female). Before treatment, 88.6% reported AD affected their sexual well-being, including feeling unattractive (79.5%), avoiding sexual activity (68.2%), feeling ashamed or embarrassed (68.2%), and experiencing rejection (56.8%). After 52 weeks of treatment with abrocitinib or dupilumab, these negative perceptions and behaviors significantly reduced. Conclusions: MtS-AD negatively impacts patients' sexual well-being; however, advanced therapies like abrocitinib and dupilumab can significantly improve the sexual lives of affected patients, highlighting the broader benefits of these treatments on QoL.

Urinary incontinence in elite female powerlifters aged 20-30: correlating musculoskeletal exam data with incontinence severity index and survey data.

Urinary incontinence (UI) in the powerlifting community has been a hot topic due to its noticeability during competition and the burden it places on female athletes who experience it. UI is even experienced in those we least expect: young, high-performing, females with no history of pregnancy. Current studies have utilized primarily survey methodology, thus there is a lack of clinical information on this topic. Furthermore, the top athletes are underrepresentedbecause previous surveys were open to anyone reporting themselves as a powerlifter, regardless of competition level. The objectives of this study were to determine whether UI in elite female powerlifters is correlated with any musculoskeletal diagnoses and to further evaluate potentially contributing factors for UI within this group. Subjects underwent an osteopathic structural examination and then completed two surveys: the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI/Sandvik Test for Urinary Incontinence) and the Study Questionnaire. In total, there were 31 female participants, all of whom were in the top 2 % of powerlifters in the world between the ages of 20 and 30 years old (as of May 21, 2023) and reside in the United States. The survey results displayed a moderately positive relationship between age (rho=0.449, where rho refers to Spearman's rho), history of pelvic floor examination (rho=0.413), and self-care practice with ISI (rho=0.340). Other survey information such as weight class, height, best total in competition, number of years training, average duration of training day, confidence in ability to contract pelvic floor muscles, history of abdominal or pelvic surgery, history of urinary tract infection (UTI), and sexual activity status all had rho values less than 0.300. With atlantoaxial (AA) rotation to the right, there was an increase in ISI score (p=0.009). Similarly, with AA rotation to the left, there was a decrease in ISI score (p=0.030). All patients with severe ISI had nonphysiologic sacral dysfunctions (p=0.051). Severe ISI-scored participants were more likely to yield a dysfunctional clavicle upon screening (p=0.027). There was a strong correlation between increasing severity of UI and findings of a restricted right clavicle and/or AA rotation to the right (p=0.010). In addition, there were only two individuals with both a restricted right clavicle and AA rotation to the right, and these two individuals both scored severe on the ISI (p=0.012). A pelvic diaphragm dysfunction was present in 74.2 % of the participants. Extension diagnoses of the lumbar spine were found in those with mild UI over those with severe UI (p=0.012). Most other diagnoses were largely unremarkable due to a wide distribution across all ISI scores. Our study revealed a relationship between UI and somatic dysfunctions in this population. These findings may help providers, especially in the fields of primary care, sports medicine, and urogynecology, to expand treatment options for UI in this group in the future. Survey results yielded a positive relationship of moderate strength between age, history of pelvic floor exination, and engaging in leakage prevention practices with ISI. No survey category was found to have a relationship of high strength with ISI. These findings contribute to our knowledge on factors that do (or do not) contribute to incontinence severity.

Characteristics and risk factors for sibling incest.

Sibling sexual behaviour, despite historical and cross-cultural incest taboos and biologically driven incest avoidance, poses a persistent problem. We tested factors theorized to be associated with sibling incest in a cross-sectional online survey of 1,863 respondents with siblings mainly from North America and Germany. We found that 13% of participants reported engaging in sexual contact with a sibling, typically starting at the age of 10, and that step-siblings and half-siblings were more likely to engage in sibling incest than full siblings. Curiosity and games were the primary motivators; being coerced was more prevalent among female and younger participants. The study underscores both individual (e.g., impulsivity, concurrent childhood sexual behaviour problems) and family level factors (e.g., presence of step-sibling, positive attitudes toward nudity, sexual abuse by parent) influencing liability to engage in sexual behaviours with a sibling. Findings were robust across English- and German-speaking participants, suggesting our results are generalizable. Professionals addressing problematic child sexual behaviour should assess for concurrent sibling incest, and evaluate positive family attitudes towards nudity, sexual abuse by parents, and reduced disgust to sibling incest as potential risk factors for sibling incest. The findings stress the need for comprehensive sexual education in blended households, where age gaps and diminished genetic relatedness contribute to sibling sexual behaviour.

Employing machine learning models to predict pregnancy termination among adolescent and young women aged 15–24 years in East Africa

Pregnancy termination is still a sensitive and continuing public health issue due to several political, economic, religious, and social concerns. This study assesses the applications of machine learning models in the prediction of pregnancy termination using data from eleven national datasets in East Africa. Nine machine learning models, namely: Random Forests (RF), Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), AdaBoost, CatBoost, K-nearest neighbor, and feedforward neural network models were used to predict pregnancy termination, with six evaluation criteria utilized to compare their performance. The pooled prevalence of pregnancy termination in East Africa was found to be 4.56%. All machine learning models had an accuracy of at least 71.8% on average. The RF model provided accuracy, specificity, precision, and AUC of 92.9%, 0.87, 0.91, and 0.93, respectively. The most important variables for predicting pregnancy termination were marital status, age, parity, country of residence, age at first sexual activity, exposure to mass media, and educational attainment. These findings underscore the need for a tailored approach that considers socioeconomic and regional disparities in designing policy initiatives aimed at reducing the rate of pregnancy terminations among younger women in the region.

The Effect of Genital Aesthetic Surgery on Body Image Cathexis and Sexual Function in Women.

The emotions that women generally feel about the appearance of their bodies cause them to turn to aesthetics surgery. This study was conducted to determine the effect of genital aesthetic surgery on body image cathexis and sexual function in women. This descriptive-prospective study was conducted between November 1, 2022, and July 30, 2023, with 50 women who applied to the gynecology service in a training and research hospital. Sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics questionnaire, body image cathexis scale, and female sexual function index were filled out before surgery. The patients whose contact information was obtained were called by phone 2 months after surgery and the body image cathexis scale and the female sexual function index were administered again. Frequency analysis, t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used to evaluate the data. Significance was accepted as p<0.05. The average age of the women was 39.26±10.28 (22-68) and the mean body mass was 25.39±4.55 (17.6-39.8). The majority of women (44%) underwent perineoplasty. It was observed that the level of body cathexis after genital aesthetics surgery was significantly higher than the preoperative body cathexis, and the general level of sexual function, desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction level increased significantly after surgery. Female genital aesthetics surgery was found to improve body cathexis and increase sexual function in women. In order to reduce unnecessary female genital aesthetic surgery, education should be planned on this subject and public awareness about genital appearance should be increased. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

2024 Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Guidelines for cervical cancer prevention and screening.

Primary prevention of cervical cancer is best achieved by vaccinating girls with a prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Despite the high efficacy of such vaccines, cervical cancer screening remains necessary because current vaccines do not offer full protection. Secondary prevention via cervical screening should target all women from age 25 years or at the onset of sexual activity, whichever occurs later, until age 64 years. Screening is recommended at 3-year intervals after two consecutive normal annual cytology results, or at 5-year intervals using HPV-based testing (either HPV co-test with cytology or HPV stand-alone). Women who have undergone hysterectomy with cervix removal for benign disease and have no prior history of cervical dysplasia can discontinue screening. Women with HPV-positive, cytology-negative co-test results should either undergo repeat co-testing in 12 months or immediate HPV16/18 genotyping. Immediate referral of women with positive stand-alone HPV test results for colposcopy without further triage is not recommended. A second triage test using cytology, genotyping for HPV16/18, or p16/Ki-67 dual-stain should be conducted to accurately identify women at high risk for high-grade lesions who thus require colposcopy referral. Women with HPV-positive, cytology-positive co-test results, or high-grade abnormal cytology results should be referred for colposcopy. Treatment with a loop electrosurgical excision procedure is recommended for women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). After HSIL treatment, long-term follow-up with HPV-based testing over 25 years is preferred. When cytology results show atypical glandular cells, colposcopy and sampling of the endocervix and endometrium are recommended.

Pelvic floor muscle pain is associated with higher symptom scores and bladder pain perception in women with interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a heterogeneous, multifactorial disease with a high prevalence of somatic symptoms. A high percentage of women with IC/BPS also experience pelvic floor muscle pain (PFMP). This study investigated he association between PFMP and clinical characteristics in patients with IC/BPS. This study evaluated the extent and severity of PFMP in women with IC and BPS. Demographics, sexual condition, IC symptom index (ICSI), IC problem index (ICPI), and Beck anxiety inventory and depression inventory were assessed. The objective assessment items included bladder wall thickness in computed tomography, urodynamic parameters, maximum bladder capacity (MBC) and glomerulation grade after cystoscopic hydrodistention, urine inflammatory proteins, and oxidative stress biomarkers. A total of 9 women with IC and 83 with BPS were enrolled. A total of 85.8% of patients had PFMP. Patients with PFMP had higher rates of dyspareunia (p = 0.005), lack of sexual activity (p < 0.001), more comorbidities (p = 0.039), pain-predominant IC/BPS phenotypes (p = 0.04), higher IC symptoms (ICSI, p = 0.003; ICPI, p < 0.001), and higher levels of urinary biomarker MIP-1β (p = 0.004) than patients without PFMP. However, no significant correlation was found between PFMP and the bladder wall thickness, urodynamic parameters, MBC, or glomerulation grade. PFMP is present in a high percentage of patients with IC and BPS and associated with higher IC/BPS symptom score and dyspareunia, but not with MBC or glomerulation grade in patients with BPS.

Sexual decision-making: an exploratory interview study of Cambodian adolescents

IntroductionThe rate of sexual activity among adolescents is very high, with serious repercussions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted diseases. Understanding the factors that influence adolescents’ engagement in sexual activity is crucial for promoting healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors in schools, sex education programs, communities, and families. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing sexual decision-making among Cambodian adolescents.MethodsIn accordance with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR), this study used a descriptive qualitative methodology with individual interviews. The participants in the study were 30 Cambodian adolescents (15 males and 15 females) who were all unmarried and sexually active. They were recruited using various methods, including social networking services, and interviewed to explore their sexual decision-making processes.ResultsThe analysis revealed that the decision-making process was influenced by both internal and external factors. Internal factors included sexually explicit Internet material and arousal from sexy outfits, while external factors included foreign vs. Khmer culture, the surrounding environment including community, peers, and family, and educational advice received at school. Gender differences were noted in responses to stimuli like sexy outfits and perceptions of cultural norms.ConclusionsThis study underscores the complexity of adolescent sexual decision-making in Cambodia. It highlights the need for sex education that is not only comprehensive but also culturally sensitive, addressing the diverse influences on these adolescents. Future research should include a broader demographic group, including rural adolescents, to gain more comprehensive insights.Implications for practiceThis study uncovers how cultural norms, peers, and the media impact sexual behaviors, emphasizing the significant gender differences in these aspects. The findings shed light on the necessity of culturally sensitive and comprehensive sex education and the urgent need for tailored approaches to health promotion and education.

Cytokine profiles as predictors of HIV incidence using machine learning survival models and statistical interpretable techniques

HIV remains a critical global health issue, with an estimated 39.9 million people living with the virus worldwide by the end of 2023 (according to WHO). Although the epidemic’s impact varies significantly across regions, Africa remains the most affected. In the past decade, considerable efforts have focused on developing preventive measures, such as vaccines and pre-exposure prophylaxis, to combat sexually transmitted HIV. Recently, cytokine profiles have gained attention as potential predictors of HIV incidence due to their involvement in immune regulation and inflammation, presenting new opportunities to enhance preventative strategies. However, the high-dimensional, time-varying nature of cytokine data collected in clinical research, presents challenges for traditional statistical methods like the Cox proportional hazards (PH) model to effectively analyze survival data related to HIV. Machine learning (ML) survival models offer a robust alternative, especially for addressing the limitations of the PH model’s assumptions. In this study, we applied survival support vector machine (SSVM) and random survival forest (RSF) models using changes or means in cytokine levels as predictors to assess their association with HIV incidence, evaluate variable importance, measure predictive accuracy using the concordance index (C-index) and integrated Brier score (IBS) and interpret the model’s predictions using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) values. Our results indicated that RSFs models outperformed SSVMs models, with the difference covariate model performing better than the mean covariate model. The highest C-index for SSVM was 0.7180 under the difference covariate model, while for RSF, it reached 0.8801 under the difference covariate model using the log-rank split rule. Key cytokines identified as positive predictors of HIV incidence included TNF-A, BASIC-FGF, IL-5, MCP-3, and EOTAXIN, while 29 cytokines were negative predictors. Baseline factors such as condom use frequency, treatment status, number of partners, and sexual activity also emerged as significant predictors. This study underscored the potential of cytokine profiles for predicting HIV incidence and highlighted the advantages of RSFs models in analyzing high-dimensional, time-varying data over SSVMs. It further through ablation studies emphasized the importance of selecting key features within mean and difference based covariate models to achieve an optimal balance between model complexity and predictive accuracy.

Designing and immunomolecular analysis of a new broad-spectrum multiepitope vaccine against divergent human papillomavirus types.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual activity, is the primary cause of cervical cancer and the fourth most common type of cancer in women. In this study, an immunoinformatics approach was employed to predict immunodominant epitopes from a diverse array of antigens with the ultimate objective of designing a potent multiepitope vaccine against multiple HPV types. Immunodominant B cell, cytotoxic T cell (CTL), and helper T cell (HTL) epitopes were predicted using bioinformatics tools These epitopes were subsequently analyzed using various immunoinformatics tools, and those that exhibited high antigenicity, immunogenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, and excellent conservation were selected. The selected epitopes were linked with appropriate linkers and adjuvants to formulate a broad-spectrum multiepitope vaccine candidate against HPV. The stability of the multiepitope vaccine candidate was confirmed through structural analysis, and docking results indicated a high affinity for Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4). Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated a persistent interaction of TLR2 and TLR4 with the multiepitope vaccine candidate. In silico immunological simulations showed that three injections of the multiepitope vaccine candidate resulted in high levels of B- and T-cell immune responses. Moreover, the in silico cloning results indicated that the multiepitope vaccine candidate could be expressed in substantial amounts in E. coli. The results of this study imply that designing a broad-spectrum vaccine against various HPV types using computational methods is plausible; however, experimental validation and safety testing to confirm the findings is essential.

Young men's everyday life experiences with contraception and unintended pregnancy in Papua New Guinea.

Unintended adolescent pregnancy is a public health priority in Papua New Guinea (PNG), where national policies specify need for easier access to reliable modern contraceptives. To reduce young people's experiences of unintended pregnancy in PNG, improved understandings of use of modern and other forms of contraception within young people's relationships is required to support the development of new sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs and policies. The aim of this paper is to understand young men's use of modern and other contraceptives. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 35 sexually active young men aged 15-24 years, who were sampled purposively from the general population within community-based settings. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis techniques. Our analysis of young men's everyday experiences of using condoms and other contraceptives highlights clear drivers of unintended adolescent pregnancies. Across three settings, these included non-use of any modern method at first sex or during early sexual experiences; inconsistent use of condoms, often only after first pregnancy experiences; difficulties accessing condoms from health service providers, pharmacies and stores; a lack of understanding of other modern contraceptive strategies; inconsistent use of the withdrawal method; and inconsistent and incorrect use of calendar approaches due to misunderstandings about women's fertile period. Ten young men had never used any form of contraception. These occurred largely because young men's sexual agency is constrained within sexual and peer relationships, and community, school and health service settings, in ways that inhibit pregnancy prevention. It is important to engage meaningfully with young men to build sexual and reproductive health policies and programs that pay honest, respectful attention to young people's everyday sexual and social lives. Young men's everyday stories provide a unique lens through which we can identify mechanisms of change required to address the health and social inequities associated with unintended pregnancy among young men and young women in PNG and beyond.

Comparison of Women's Sexual Activity Before and After being Infected with COVID-19

Introduction: Sexual activity is one of the main aspects of sexual health, which has been less considered during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted to compare the sexual activity of women before and after being infected with COVID-19. Methods:: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 110 women diagnosed with COVID-19. The data were collected before and after one month of quarantine in a 24-hour clinic and a 24-hour referral center for COVID-19 in Pakdasht city, Tehran, Iran. The study was conducted from the spring of 2020 to the winter of 2022. Demographic characteristics questionnaire and FSFI questionnaire were used as data collection tools. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Results:: Based on the results, there was a significant difference in the total scores of the women's sexual activity before and after the infection (P˂0.0001). The scores showed a decrease following the infection, and the greater the severity of the infection, the more was the decrease. A significant difference was observed in all domains of the women's sexual activity before and after the infection, indicating that the pre-infection scores were higher (P˂0.05). Conclusion:: Given the decreased scores of women's sexual activity after being infected with the coronavirus, more attention should be paid to this area. Women and their spouses should be educated during such pandemics and appropriate planning should be done before similar incidences to avoid long-term negative effects.

Risk analysis of adolescent sexual activity in college Surabaya, Indonesia: cross-sectional study

Adolescence is characterized by active sexual hormones that can lead to sexual urges with the opposite sex. These urges, in turn, may trigger risky sexual behavior. College students, in a transitional period from adolescence to early adulthood, exhibit diversity in addressing sexual activity. This research aimed to analyze the risks associated with adolescent sexual activity in a college in Surabaya, Indonesia. The study utilizes a cross-sectional design with accidental sampling of active students aged 18-24 years. The total number of participants in this study was 221 people who filled out a questionnaire in the form of a Google Form, distributed through social media. The results show that, among all the factors identified, dating status has a significant relationship with PR 11.688 (95%CI 5.048-27.061) in engaging in risky sexual activities among adolescents. Reproductive health education at the university level is needed to reduce risky sexual activities among students.

Understanding and addressing gender-based violence in Eswatini

The high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the kingdom of Eswatini is quiet saddening. Women and girl children become victims of GBV to the extent of losing their lives. Therefore, this article sought to find the causes of GBV, collaborative majors and guidelines to help reduce GBV. The paper employed a qualitative research design underpinned by a transformative paradigm as a framework for promoting preventive action toward social justice for marginalized populations. Participatory Action Learning Action Research (PALAR) was employed. A purposeful sample of traditional leaders, religious leaders, law enforcers, NGOs and public were selected. Data was obtained through individual interviews, focus group interviews and analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. Findings obtained revealed various causes of GBV: unequal power relations, socio-economic factors, weak legal and support systems. Study recommends that government in collaboration with stakeholders must establish educational programs and guidelines to fight GBV, improve psycho-social support, strengthen recreational systems, implement programs that focus on poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, decolonization of patriarchal cultural practices and develop awareness programs about issues faced by GBV survivors. Sexual offences domestic violence act (SODV) must be enforced by the law.

Mpox as an emerging health threat for survivors of sex trafficking

AbstractThe resurgence of mpox, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization in 2024, highlights gaps in global preparedness, particularly for marginalised populations. While much of the focus has been on men who have sex with men, survivors of sex trafficking remain overlooked, despite being highly vulnerable to mpox transmission. These individuals face significant health disparities, including limited access to healthcare, exposure to violence and forced sexual encounters in unsafe conditions, which amplify their risk of infection. The clandestine nature of trafficking further complicates public health interventions like contact tracing and vaccination efforts, leaving survivors at heightened risk of infection and limited access to critical health resources. Addressing these inequities requires targeted interventions, such as confidential testing, outreach, culturally sensitive healthcare and integrating mpox awareness into existing survivor support programmes. Additionally, public health systems must ensure equitable vaccine distribution, enhance surveillance and collaborate with anti‐trafficking organisations to improve prevention and care. A holistic approach that includes mental health support is crucial to address the unique challenges faced by trafficking survivors, ensuring they receive the protection and care needed during this global outbreak.

Challenges of transition to adolescence among children with autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory qualitative study of parents’ and teachers’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Evidence about the transition experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into adolescence is lacking in low-income country settings, even though most children with ASD live in these countries. This study explored the challenges of transitioning to adolescence among children with ASD based on data from purposely selected samples of 11 parents and six teachers. The findings showed that children with ASD experienced various maturation-related sexual, behavioural, and menarche challenges in their transition to adolescence. Children with ASD also have high support needs for understanding and managing their sexual feelings, may engage in socio-culturally inappropriate sexual activities, and are faced with a range of behavioural challenges. The findings further showed that girls with ASD have hygiene and sanitation management challenges. We suggest awareness-raising and skills-training for parents and teachers and psychosocial intervention for children with ASD. We also strongly recommend future studies and interventions use strengths-based perspectives.

Impact of Treatment Technique on Testicular Dose and Sexual Activity in Rectal Cancer Patients

Abstract Objective To estimate the incidental radiation dose delivered to the testicles in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in rectal cancer patients and its impact on sexual activity using a quality-of-life questionnaire. Materials and Methods The present study included 40 male patients, aged between 25 and 50 years. with locally-advanced rectal cancer, who would undergo neoadjuvant radiotherapy at a dose of 45 Gray (Gy) in 25 fractions (fr) in the supine position. Planning was performed for three techniques: 3DCRT, IMRT, and VMAT. The testicular dose, testicular volume, planning target volume (PTV), the distance of the tumor from the anal verge, and tumor thickness and length in each plan were recorded. A quality-of-life questionnaire pertaining only to sexual activity by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer–Quality of Life in Colorectal (EORTC QLQ-CR29) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Colorectal (FACT-C) were used to assess the posttreatment effect on sexual life. Results The mean values for tumor length, thickness, and PTV were of 8.9 cm, 1.77 cm and 1,352 cm3 respectively. The mean dose to the right and left testicles (in centigray, cGy) were as follows: 3DCRT – 336.23 and 206.65; IMRT – 165.15 and 140.25; and VMAT – 209.2 and 229.2 respectively. A significant correlation was observed involving the PTV and testicular volume and the incidental testicular dose received. The questionnaire-based analysis of sexual activity included 31 patients who were alive, of whom 27 had resumed their normal sexual life 3 months after the treatment without difficulty (score 4). Conclusion The IMRT showed a significant reduction in the testicular dose when compared to 3DCRT and VMAT. The PTV and testicular volume presented a statistically significant impact on the testicular dose, and the main reason for abstinence was nervousness about disease recurrence.

Increasing Sexual Dysfunction in Society and Management with Psychotherapy, Rasayanam or Vajikaran

Abstract: The world's oldest medical system is called Ayurveda. The two main goals of Ayurveda are to treat ailments and to enhance life and health. To increase memory, immunity to illness, complexion, lustrous perfection, supreme strength, sense organ, intelligence, and physical strength and brilliance, is known as Rasayana. To enhance potency health and reproductive health known as vajikarana in ayurveda. Acharya Charaka mentions that rasayana and vajikaran have qualities that are used to prevent diseases or restore health, and also have advantages for sexual health. Vajikarana means to enhance ejaculation, semen quality, or both virilities. The increasing occurrence of sexual dysfunction in modern society has emerged as a significant public health concern, impacting individuals' quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Factors contributing to this rise include stress, anxiety, lifestyle changes, and societal pressures that influence sexual health. This article explores the multifaceted causes of sexual dysfunction, examining its psychological, physiological, and sociocultural dimensions. This article emphasizes the crucial role of psychological counseling as a management strategy, improving communication between partners, and fostering a supportive environment for sexual health. This article approaches the combination of psychological interventions with medical treatments to enhance overall well-being and sexual satisfaction. By raising awareness and promoting friendly counseling services.

Exploring Crystal Methamphetamine Use Among School-Going Learners: A Qualitative Case Study in South African Schools

The increasing prevalence of drug use in schools poses significant challenges for educational environments and society at large. Persistent substance abuse among students is linked to various negative outcomes, including poor academic performance, strained relationships, physical injuries, violence, heightened sexual activity, and suicidal ideation. This qualitative study employed a multiple case study design to investigate crystal methamphetamine use among community members and learners in selected schools in Polokwane, South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which provided rich insights into the experiences of school-going learners regarding crystal meth use. The findings reveal that learners who engage in crystal meth use experience considerable declines in both physical and mental health. Many participants reported noticeable physical changes, such as significant weight loss. Additionally, the study identified adverse behavioural changes among these learners; they often exhibited disruptive behaviour and a lack of respect towards teachers, further complicating classroom dynamics. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address substance abuse in educational settings and promote healthier behaviours among students.

Sexual Well-Being in Old Age: Effectiveness of an Intervention Program to Promote Sexual Well-Being in Older Community-Dwelling Adults

Objectives: While many people strive for a fulfilling sexual life as they age, the inevitable changes that come with aging can present significant challenges concerning their sexual well-being (SWB). This study aims to present a comparative analysis of the scores in the variables of sexual satisfaction, adjustment to aging (AtA), and satisfaction with life (SwL) before and after the implementation of an intervention program to promote SWB among older adults. Methods: A convenience sample of 117 older community-dwelling adults (M = 72.31; SD = 5.752) were included in this study, and an ex post facto longitudinal design was applied. A six-week intervention program aimed at improving older adults’ understanding and exchanging their experiences of SWB was performed. The following measures were utilized: (1) a sociodemographic, health and lifestyle questionnaire; (2) Adjustment to Aging Scale (AtAS); (3) Satisfaction with Life Scale (SwLS); (4) New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS-S); and (5) Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE). The specified assessment time points in this study were as follows: baseline and after intervention. A follow-up assessment was conducted 6 months and 12 months after the baseline measurement. Results: The results indicated an increase in the scores in sexual satisfaction, AtA, and SwL from before to after the intervention among the intervention group. Conclusions: The development of intervention programs in older communities is necessary to contribute to the enhancing older adults’ SWB and to explore the best practices for implementing tailored interventions within community settings.