Sexual Continence Research Articles

'Secret' Teachings of a Transnational Yoga and Tantra School

This article will present a pilot study on the Romanian school of yoga and tantra, MISA. MISA, or the Movement for Spiritual Integration into the Absolute, has gained reputation as a controversial organization through the last decades as its leader, Gregorian Bivolaru, has been accused of sexual misconduct and human trafficking on several occasions and is currently wanted by Interpol. Yet his influence is spreading through European yoga studios as people enter MISA (often unknowingly of the organization’s problematic past), expecting esoteric and authentic teachings on yoga and tantra. This article will use a textual analysis of the material handed out during two year-long MISA yoga and tantra-courses, to examine the foundational teachings of a transnational yoga school in constant expansion, and how they relate to a broader religious-historical context of modern yoga and tantra, taking into special consideration the use of secrecy, claims of authenticity and the construction of gender. The article shows that, on the surface, MISA resembles many other contemporary schools of yoga and tantra, while a closer look reveals an emphasis on sexual continence that stands out, assuring the continuous reputation of the organization as both provocative and tantalizing.

Violence on Reddit Support Forums Unique to r/NoFap

ABSTRACT Masturbation abstinence practices have returned to the USA in the form of semen retention communities. Followers on one of these male, anti-masturbation forums, “NoFap,” on Reddit (denoted “r/NoFap”), have engaged in homicidal behaviors that appear to be linked to these sexual beliefs and practices. This study uses a systematic search on r/NoFap and two control forums (r/pornfree, and r/stopdrinking) to define a corpus of violent content. The study's goals were to describe the nature of threats on r/NoFap and suggest whether the violence might be attributable to sexual deprivation or false beliefs that non-sexual targets caused their violent urges. Of the 421 violent posts identified from September 2011 to September 2022, r/NoFap contained the majority (94.3%). Violent threats on r/NoFap mostly targeted pornographers, women, scientists, specific persons, or any person (i.e. homicidal “rage”). Violent threats against r/NoFap’s own followers were growing most quickly. Violent posts were well-supported with upvotes by other followers in r/NoFap. These data are important because NoFap may represent a growing threat for real-world violence.

YAM-NIYAM ON PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

The ethical principles of Yam and Niyam, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, serve as foundational guidelines for personal and societal conduct in the practice of yoga. This article explores the significance of these principles within the broader context of yoga and their relevance to contemporary life. The five Yamas—Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (honesty), Brahmacharya (sexual continence), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)— emphasize moral and ethical behaviors that foster a harmonious existence. In parallel, the five Niyamas—Shauch (hygiene), Santosh (contentment), Tapa (austerity), Swadhyaya (self-study), and Ishwar Pranidhan (devotion to God)—encourage personal discipline and inner growth. Through an analysis of scriptural references and contemporary interpretations, this article highlights the transformative potential of adhering to these principles. The integration of Yam and Niyam into daily practice can cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness, emotional stability, and holistic well-being. Furthermore, the relevance of these ethical guidelines is examined within the context of modern challenges, including stress, mental health issues, and societal disconnection. By understanding and applying the teachings of Yam and Niyam, individuals can navigate the complexities of contemporary life with greater resilience and purpose. This exploration not only contributes to the field of Yoga Studies but also offers valuable insights for personal development and social harmony.

Online ejaculation training programs promote non-evidence-based treatment of male sexual dysfunction.

Purposefully reducing the frequency of ejaculation, coined "semen retention", and the similar practice of "NoFap", have been popularized on social media. They are frequently accompanied by unsubstantiated claims of health benefits. Their increasing popularity has led to the emergence of online courses claiming to teach these techniques. The goal was to characterize the landscape of courses offering ejaculatory training. A systematic Google search was performed using terms related to ejaculation training to identify training programs. Information regarding instructor credentialing, type and duration of courses, costs, and claims of medical benefits were extracted. Eleven ejaculation training courses were identified with 10 instructors (two courses named the same coach). Costs varied from $5 to $147 per week or a $20 to $199 one-time payment. None of the course instructors claimed standardized credentials in the fields of medicine or mental health. Seven instructors (70%) solely cited their own personal experience as their qualifying credentials. Courses claimed to improve erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, porn addiction, sexual performance anxiety, testosterone levels, and/or depression. Ejaculation training programs are costly, readily available online, and provided by instructors with no medical background. Despite no scientific evidence, these courses claim to improve various aspects of men's health and can be potentially damaging financially, physically, and mentally to participants.

MP79-12 ONLINE EJACULATION TRAINING PROGRAMS PROMOTE NON-EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT OF MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP79-12 ONLINE EJACULATION TRAINING PROGRAMS PROMOTE NON-EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT OF MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION Erin Jesse, Nicholas Sellke, Lisa A. Paz, Joshua A. Halpern, Nicole Prause, and Justin M. Dubin Erin JesseErin Jesse More articles by this author , Nicholas SellkeNicholas Sellke More articles by this author , Lisa A. PazLisa A. Paz More articles by this author , Joshua A. HalpernJoshua A. Halpern More articles by this author , Nicole PrauseNicole Prause More articles by this author , and Justin M. DubinJustin M. Dubin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003356.12AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The male practice of purposefully reducing the frequency of ejaculation, coined “semen retention”, and the similar practice of “NoFap”, have been popularized on social media [1]. Discussions are frequently accompanied by claims of improvement in male sexual function despite contrary data [2]. Unfortunately, commitment to these interventions has been associated with increased anxiety and distress [3]. Despite this several online courses claiming to teach these techniques have emerged. We aimed to identify online courses offering ejaculatory training and to characterize their programs. METHODS: A systematic Google search was performed using 10 terms related to ejaculation training. For each term, the first two result pages were reviewed. Websites offering any training program to reduce ejaculation frequency or promote abstinence, in exchange for monetary payment were included. Information regarding the disclosed instructor credentialing, type and duration of courses, costs, and claims of medical benefits were extracted. RESULTS: Ten websites and 11 courses were identified (Table 1). Courses included ejaculation training in the form of semen retention (45%), NoFap (27%), “ejaculatory choice” (9%), and “ejaculation control” (9%). Six courses (55%) provided self-guided modules, 3 programs (27%) consisted of 1-on-1 instruction, and 2 programs (18%) involved group sessions. Costs varied from $5 to $147 per week or a $20 to $197 onetime payment. None of the 10 course instructors claimed standardized credentials in the fields of medicine or mental health, and seven instructors (70%) solely cited their own personal experience as their qualifying credentials. Many courses claimed to improve erectile dysfunction (73%), premature ejaculation (64%), porn addiction (82%), sexual performance anxiety (27%), testosterone levels (18%), and/or depression (18%). CONCLUSIONS: Ejaculation training programs appear to be led primarily by instructors with no recognized qualifications and promote non-evidence-based techniques to alter male sexual function. Claims to treat medical and/or mental health conditions are frequently made. Such programs are readily available online, costly to participants, and potentially damaging. Increased awareness by physicians of such programs is necessary and may assist in patient counseling. Source of Funding: NA © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1145 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Erin Jesse More articles by this author Nicholas Sellke More articles by this author Lisa A. Paz More articles by this author Joshua A. Halpern More articles by this author Nicole Prause More articles by this author Justin M. Dubin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Presbyters as Priests and Clerics: Terminology in the Letters of Innocent I

Abstract In the letters of Innocent I (402–17), presbyters are both priests (sacerdotes) and clerics (clerici), but usually only one of these dimensions is mentioned at a time. Presbyters shared priesthood with bishops, but only with regard to certain functions and responsibilities, like presiding over some of the sacraments. At other times it was their subservience to their bishops that saw them identified as clerics. An accurate picture comes from reading Innocent’s letters in their totality, rather than from any particular passage in isolation. The elasticity of terms is a reflection of a theology of ministry still in the early stages of its development. This is seen particularly in relation to marriage as an eligibility criterion and sexual continence and children as a cause for dismissal; these were priestly requirements that Innocent applied to everyone in official positions of authority and service, whether presbyters or not. This realization contributes to a better understanding of presbyters in late antiquity.

The broad reach and inaccuracy of men's health information on social media: analysis of TikTok and Instagram.

Social media (SoMe) offers great potential to expand access to health information, but a significant proportion of users consume its content instead of consulting a physician. We sought to quantify the volume and characterize the accuracy of men's health-related content on TikTok and Instagram. We searched TikTok and Instagram for the terms: testosterone, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, semen retention, Peyronie's disease, and vasectomy. The top 10 hashtags for each term were used to estimate the total impressions for each term on each platform, and posts were then characterized by creator type, content type, and accuracy (1 to 5 scale). TikTok had 2,312,407,100 impressions and Instagram had 3,107,300 posts across all topics. Semen retention had the most impressions on TikTok (1,216,074,000) and posts on Instagram (1,077,000). Physicians created only a small portion of total TikTok and Instagram posts (10.3% and 12.9%, respectively). Across all topics, the accuracy of content was poor (2.6 ± 1.7), however, physician posts were more accurate than non-physician posts (mean 4.2 ± 1.2 vs 2.3 ± 1.6, p < 0.001, respectively). Men's health content is popular on TikTok and Instagram but is not accurate. We recommend that physicians actively engage in SoMe to address misinformation.

FACETS OF JAIN PHILOSOPHY – AN OVERVIEW

Jainism is an ancient religion that is rooted in the philosophy that teaches the way to liberation and a path to spiritual purity and enlightment through disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures.It came into prominence in sixth century BCE, when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion. The main religious premises of the jain dharma are Ahimsa (nonviolence), Anekantavada (many-sidedness), Aparigraha (non-attachment) and asceticism (abstinence from sensual pleasure). Devout Jains take five main vows: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (sexual continence) and Aparigraha (non- possessiveness). These principles have affected Jain culture in many ways, such as leading to a predominantly vegetarian lifestyle. Parasparopagraho jivanam (the function of souls is to help one another) is its motto and the Namokara mantra is its most common and basic prayer.

Immortality and Longevity through Yoga in the Tirumantiram

Abstract Tirumūlar yoga reveals the practices through which one may achieve longevity and immortality. Prolonging life aids the yogi to accomplish yoga’s final transcendent state of consciousness, samadhi, in which the yogi’s consciousness is absorbed into the god Śiva. Although a person’s lifespan is determined by the time of their conception, birth, and actions, life expectancy can be prolonged by certain yogic techniques. This is attested to in Tirumūlar’s seminal text Tirumantiram, in which he claims to have reached samadhi and to have lived for thousands of years. Tirumūlar details four yoga systems – Aṣṭāṅgayoga, Khecarīyoga, Candrayoga, and Paryaṅgayoga – that are meant to preserve life energy. These systems include practices designed to retain vital energies such as breath and semen retention, awaken and elevate the life force, and lead to immortality. The yoga’s final immortal state of samadhi resembles a deathlike state, which is said to be the ultimate blissful state of living.

Interpreting the Functions of the Roman Clergy in the Early Fifth Century

Examining the information we have about deacons and presbyters in Rome during the first two decades of the fifth century contributes to the larger picture of their role and function and is instructive for several reasons. While there has been scholarly attention drawn to the prescriptive decrees of the Roman bishops regulating the life of their clergy, particularly regarding the clerical cursus honorum and lifestyle (marriage and sexual continence), less has been given to descriptive information about how deacons and presbyters operated. Although far from complete, this information is valuable. From the letters of Innocent I (402–417) we discover much about the liturgical functions of such clerics (through the invaluable letter to Decentius of Gubbio) as well as the role they played in being episcopal letter-bearers and negotiators. From Boniface I (418–422) we are reminded of another role of deacons and presbyters, that of electors and candidates for episcopal office. This information is filtered through the imperial correspondence concerning the electoral dispute between Boniface and Eulalius. We only gain insight into this process of episcopal election in practice when something went wrong. In this case, the undercurrent of tension between deacons and presbyters in Rome overflowed into open rivalry that required imperial intervention. This dispute is linked with the tensions that characterized the last months of Zosimus’s episcopacy of 417–418, where complaints about the bishop reached the imperial court in Ravenna and seem to have flowed from reactions to Zosimus’s changing responses to the Pelagian controversy. Such tension between deacons and presbyters existed in the time of Damasus (366–384), as revealed through Ambrosiaster and Jerome. It would be reasonable to conclude that such tension was present throughout this fifty-year period, ignited by different issues and most visible at the time of the election of a new bishop. Why then do we not find evidence of this tension under Innocent I? Perhaps he was a successful enough manager of his personnel that there were no significant outbreaks, or whatever problems there were did not require him to write about them to anyone else, thereby eliminating any trace of them from recorded memory. Most of our information comes filtered through the bishop’s perspective, and it is only with a letter sent from the presbyters of Rome to Ravenna in 419 in support of Boniface that we hear anything from the clergy themselves during this period. The evidence for the liturgical function of presbyters in the letter to Decentius perhaps unwittingly helps us understand the tension. Presbyters were closely tied to the populace, while, as we know from elsewhere, deacons were more closely tied to the bishop. It was the priestly or sacramental function of presbyters in controlling the boundaries of church membership that contributed to the collision course between them and the financially and administratively powerful deacons.

Modified completely intrafascial radical cysprostatectomy for bladder cancer: a single-center, blinded, controlled study

BackgroundWe have proposed a modified, completely intrafascial radical cysprostatectomy (RC) to treat bladder cancer patients with the aim of preserving the patients’ post-surgical urinary control and erectile function. This study aimed to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of this innovation relatively to that with the conventional technique.MethodsA retrospective, single-center, blinded, and controlled study was conducted using the medical data of patients since the past 5 years from the hospital database. A total of 44 patients were included, including 20 who received complete intrafascial cysprostatectomy and 24 who received conventional interfascial surgeries. The patients’ continent and sexual information of 1-year follow-up after the surgery were extracted. The oncological and functional outcomes of the 2 groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsThe demographics parameters of the 2 groups showed no significant difference. The results of follow-up of the oncological outcomes did not reveal any significant difference between the completely intrafascial group and the conventional interfascial group in terms of the positive surgical margins, local recurrences, and distant metastasis. Patients following neobladder diversion in the intrafascial group showed a faster recovery of the urinary control, with a 76.9% (10/13) daytime continent rate at 3-month, as well as 46.2% (6/13) and 58.3% (7/12) nighttime continent rates at 3-month and 6-month, respectively. Regarding the sexual functions, our results revealed significant advantages in favor of completely intrafascial technique on the post-surgical International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 score at 3-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up relative to that with the conventional interfascial process. Thus, the IIEF score of patients in the intrafascial group was 11.4 ± 3.5 at 3-month, 14.1 ± 3.6 at 9-month, and 15.2 ± 3.8 at 12-month follow-up after the cystectomy, which was significantly greater than that of the patients in the control group.ConclusionsOur novel data illustrated that the modified completely intrafascial technique could result in a better sexual function and faster continence recovery for patients following RC, without any compromise in the cancer control. Thus, this technique could be considered as an alternative extirpative technique for bladder cancer treatment in a clinical setting.

Can cover sheath model influence semen retention in AI-gun trials and pregnancy rates of cows inseminated at a fixed-time?

The achievement of satisfactory results in fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols depends on several factors, such as the quality of the materials used to perform the artificial insemination (AI). In this context, three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the cover sheath model on the residual retention of semen during AI and the pregnancy rates of cows submitted to FTAI. In Experiment 1, 400 straws of cryopreserved bovine semen were thawed and repacked in samples with similar weight and volume characteristics. Each new dose of semen (n = 300) was mounted using one of three AI cover sheath models (n = 100 semen/sheath doses): the main brand in the global market (G1), the main model in the Brazilian market (G2), and a model marketed as having a low residual semen retention rate (G3), to determine the percentages of seminal elimination (PSEs) during AI. In Experiment 2, 464 Nelore cows were synchronized through intravaginal progesterone implants and inseminated using the same cover sheaths as those tested in Experiment 1, which were grouped into classes (conventional: G1 and G2 [n = 225]; and low reflux: G3 [n = 239]). In Experiment 3, 859 Nelore cows were synchronized and inseminated as described above, using the same cover sheaths previously tested. After each AI, cover sheaths were visually inspected for the presence of residual semen and pregnancy diagnosis was performed 35 days after FTAI (Experiments 2 and 3). The PSEs in Experiment 1 were 91.7%, 90.6% and 96.5% for groups G1, G2 and G3, respectively (P = 0.05). The pregnancy rates in Experiment 2 were 53.33% and 58.16% for the conventional and low reflux model, respectively (P > 0.05), but there were differences (P = 0.05) among the cover sheath models employed for AI (G1 - 57.72% [71/123]; G2 - 48.04% [49/102]; G3 - 58.16% [139/239]). Additionally, a lower semen reflux incidence (P < 0.05) was observed in the low residual sperm retention model (0.72%) in Experiment 3, compared to the main international (10.42%) and national (22.99%) market models. In conclusion, residual semen retention occurs regardless of the cover sheath model used for AI. However, the PSE is influenced by the model and quality of cover sheath used. According to the results, the cover sheath represents a factor that may compromise the pregnancy rates of synchronized cows for FTAI.

Sexual Function and Continence in A Urinary Diversion-Undiversion Case

The case report present the case of a young men with bladder cancer that previously underwent radical cistectomy with orthotopic neobladder...

Long-Term Follow-Up of Sexual Dysfunction in Women Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Chronic graft-versus-host disease is the most common late complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The aim of this study was to present the outcomes of two successful vaginal reconstructions. Patient 1 received chemotherapy for leukemia and underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The patient was sexually inactive for 9 years. In 2012, she was diagnosed with complete vaginal obliteration and underwent vaginal reconstruction. Patient 2 underwent chemotherapy (myeloablative therapy), was sexually inactive for 3 years and was then diagnosed with complete vaginal obliteration. In January 2013, she had vaginal reconstruction with cervical dilatation. Hormonal replacement therapy was administered to both patients. The results of dedicated questionnaires revealed decent quality-of-life and normal sexual functioning and continence status after surgery. Obliteration of the vagina after BMT can be prevented, but if it occurs, vaginal reconstruction surgery should be offered to any patients suffering from obliteration. Our results show that this therapy enables patients to have normal sexual lives without compromising their continence status.

El cáncer colorrectal en la mujer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common tumour in the world. Epidemiological data demonstrate that both the incidence and mortality of CRC is lower in women than in men. In fact, several observational and experimental studies suggest that oestrogens, both endogenous and exogenous, could play a relevant protective role. In this article, we discuss the epidemiological and sociological differences regarding gender in CRC, some particularities and specific barriers for the prevention and early diagnosis of CRC in women, as well as particular aspects of gender regarding the impact of the various antineoplastic therapies, such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, sexual function, sphincter continence and quality of life in women.

P045 The quality of nerve-sparing during radical prostatectomy affects sexual function and urinary continence recovery

P045 The quality of nerve-sparing during radical prostatectomy affects sexual function and urinary continence recovery

“Hair!”: Remnants of Ascetic Exegesis in Augustine of Hippo’s De Opere Monachorum

Augustine of Hippo’s De opere monachorum directs itself against itinerant ascetics who, in emulation of the apostolic ideal, sought to support themselves by begging rather than manual labor. The treatise attests to a struggle not only over the legitimacy of different forms of ascetic practice, but over matters of exegesis. The latter is evident particularly in Augustine’s emphatic assertion that the wandering monks’ long hair, intended to identify its bearers as having embraced sexual continence, reflected misguided scriptural reading practices. This essay explores Augustine’s and his opponents’ approaches to biblical interpretation, its deployment to construct and deconstruct different visions of ascetic formation, and the conflicting theories of sexuality and eschatology reflected therein.

PRELIMINARY REPORT: LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY IN JAKARTA

Objective: To report initial experience of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in Jakarta and evaluate the functional and oncology outcome. Material &amp; Method: Between June 2007 until September 2008, we had done 9 times LRP surgery. All data is retrospectively taken and divided in three groups, i.e. pre-operative data (patient demography, pre-operative PSA, prostate volume, Gleason Score, clinical and functional staging), intra-operative data (intra-operative complication, conversion to open surgery, bleeding volume, and operating time), and post-operative data (post-operative complication, duration of urine catheter usage, duration of hospitalization, functional and oncology status). Results: Among nine subjects who underwent LRP, five subjects (55,55%) did not converted into open surgery. There are 2 subjects who gain their sexual potency and urine continence in one year post op. Only one subject is proven without biochemical failure in 1 year. Conclusion: We confirmed that radical prostatectomy can be performed with transperitoneal laparoscopic technique by a team that has been experienced in laparoscopic.&#x0D; Keywords: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, functional result, oncological result.

“Drowned in Blood”:

“Drowned in Blood”:

El delito contra el Sexto Mandamiento del decálogo cometido por un religioso con un menor

The sixth command's violation of the Decalogue, by a clergy or a member of a religious institute or society of apostolic life, apart from being always a sin, is also a canonical offense. The object of our study refers exclusively to the crime committed by a religious member of a clerical religious institute of political right, whether clergy or not, that does not fulfill its obligation of sexual continence, made as a vow of chastity, with a minor. The superiors of these institutes have their own competences, so they have power of governance, and, for this reason, they are ordinary. In this article we are going to delineate what is a sexual abuse, as a canonical and civil crime, to determine which one must be the superior's actuation of these characteristics when a religious under its jurisdiction commits a crime of this kind or is simply denounced. These are fact very painful that cannot be avoided. The entire Church in general and the institutes of consecrated life in particular, are called to face this theme with clarity and seriousness needed which deserve so many people who have put their confidence in Christ throughout it.