Sexual Activity Research Articles

A Prospective, Longitudinal Comparison of Sexual Distress Across Relationship Status During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Numerous studies have described declines in sexual well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, although experiences of sexual distress during this time appear to be mixed. Previous research has relied on cross-sectional methodology and focused on individuals in relationships. Furthermore, little is known about the frequency of "COVID-safe" sexual behaviors, such as online sexual activities. These gaps in the literature were addressed using a prospective, longitudinal online study examining sexual distress, predictors of sexual distress (i.e., perceived stress), and online sexual activities over time in single and partnered individuals. Participants were single (N = 64) and partnered (N = 60) individuals who completed surveys at three timepoints over a 6-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mean age across the two groups was 29years, and approximately half were women (51.6% and 50%, respectively). Results indicated that single individuals reported significantly higher sexual distress than partnered individuals at Times 1 and 2, but not at Time 3. Sexual distress significantly decreased over time for individuals in the single group but remained stable for partnered individuals. At each timepoint, there was a conditional effect of perceived stress on sexual distress depending on one's relationship status, and the nature of these conditional effects changed throughout the course of the study. Results suggested that single individuals demonstrated improvements in sexual distress over time. Perceived stress is an important predictor of sexual distress but may operate differently depending on relationship status. Results highlight the resiliency of both single and partnered individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does Near Miss Compromise Sexual Function in Reproductive-Aged Women? A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Ahvaz, Iran

Background: Maternal near miss (MNM) is defined as any life-threatening event during pregnancy, delivery, or within six weeks after the termination of pregnancy. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess sexual function in women with (n = 140) and without MNM (n = 246). Methods: Eligible participants were women with MNM and basic literacy who had given birth at least 8 - 12 weeks prior to the study. Participants were recruited from Imam Khomeini and Taleghani hospitals, while women without MNM were recruited from two public health centers in Ahvaz. Data collection commenced in December 2020 and concluded in March 2021. A demographic questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression. Results: The predominant mode of delivery among MNM women was cesarean section (70%, P < 0.05). The most common causes of MNM were preeclampsia (41.43%) and placenta accreta (24.29%), followed by hypertension and diabetes (17.86%). Women without MNM reported significantly higher scores in sexual satisfaction (β = 0.355, 95% CI: 0.019, 0.690, P = 0.035), lubrication (β = 0.707, 95% CI: 0.435, 0.980, P < 0.0001), sexual arousal (β = 0.394, 95% CI: 0.116, 0.522, P = 0.007), sexual desire (β = 0.319, 95% CI: 0.116, 0.522, p = 0.002), and total sexual function score (β = 1.768, 95% CI: 0.306, 3.230, P = 0.018). Women who had undergone cesarean section reported lower scores in sexual satisfaction (β = -0.646, 95% CI: -0.983, -0.309, P < 0.0001), orgasm (β = -0.620, 95% CI: -0.965, -0.275, P < 0.0001), sexual arousal (β = -0.473, 95% CI: 0.159, 0.439, P = 0.001), and total sexual function score (β = -3.181, 95% CI: -4.655, -1.707, P < 0.0001). Older women scored significantly lower in all components of sexual function except for pain. Conclusions: The study results indicated that all components of sexual function, except pain, were lower in women with MNM. A significantly higher number of women who had undergone cesarean section experienced MNM and sexual dysfunction. Health policymakers should focus not only on the causes of MNM, particularly cesarean sections, but also on assessing the sexual function of women affected by MNM.

Factors associated with voluntary HIV counseling and testing among young students engaging in casual sexual activity: a cross-sectional study from Eastern China

Factors associated with voluntary HIV counseling and testing among young students engaging in casual sexual activity: a cross-sectional study from Eastern China

Preventable Male Infertility: Identifying the Modifiable Risk Factors

Background: Infertility is a global health issue, with both genders having equal contribution. Approximately 15% of couples having difficulty to conceive after one year of consistent, unprotected sexual activity, infertility. Objectives: To identify the modifiable risk factors of male infertility in patients visiting a private hospital of Peshawar.Material and Methods: The study was a descriptive Cross-sectional of six months duration. A total sample size of 733 married male patients visiting private hospital were included and those who were reluctant to participate were excluded. Structured questionnaire were filled. Non probability convenience sampling technique was used and data was analyzed using SPSSversion 22Results: Out of 733 sample size 397(54%),336 (45.9%) had secondary and primary infertility, respectively. Risk factors, like obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, congenital anomalies and varicocele were linked to infertility with p valve < 0.05. The majority 568 (77.5%) had normal semen count, Oligospermia and Azoospermia were 11%.Conclusion: Our study concluded that smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, semen abnormalities and congenital anomalies were related to both primary and secondary infertility among men in Peshawar.Keywords: Male infertility, Obesity, Risk factors, Semen analysis, Semen abnormalities, Tobacco use.

Lateralised courtship behaviour and its impact on mating success in Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Lateralisation is a well-established phenomenon observed in an increasing number of insect species. This study aims to obtain basic details on lateralisation in courtship and mating behaviour in Ostrinia furnacalis, the Asian corn borer. We conducted laboratory investigations to observe lateralisation in courtship and mating behaviours in adult O. furnacalis. Our goal was also to detect lateralised mating behaviour variations during sexual interactions and to elucidate how these variances might influence the mating success of males. Our findings reveal two distinct lateralised traits: male approaches from the right or left side of the female and the direction of male turning displays. Specifically, males approaching females from their right side predominantly exhibited left-biased 180° turning displays, while males approaching females from the left-side primarily displayed right-biased 180° turning displays. Notably, left-biased males, executing a 180° turn for end-to-end genital contact, initiated copulation with fewer attempts and began copulation earlier than their right-biased approaches with left-biased 180° turning displays. Furthermore, mating success was higher when males subsequently approached the right side of females during sexual encounters. Left-biased 180° turning males exhibited a higher number of successful mating interactions. These observations provide the first report on lateralisation in the reproductive behaviour of O. furnacalis under controlled laboratory conditions and hold promise for establishing reliable benchmarks for assessing and monitoring the quality of mass-produced individuals in pest control efforts.

Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Cross Section of Public Health.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by a number of microorganisms that vary greatly in size, life cycle, clinical manifestations, and sensitivity to available treatments. Transmission of STIs can occur during unprotected (or condomless) sexual contact and through the exchange of body fluids during any type of activity. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases remains high in the world, despite diagnostic and therapeutic improvements for these infectious diseases that rapidly eliminate the contagiousness of patients. Our study determines the prevalence of STI pathogens in adolescents and young adults in the population of the Province of Macerata (Italy). We will analyze data in correspondence to age and gender, and we will compare our results to international studies. We analyzed STI test results from the entire database of a Provincial Health Authority for the period 2021-2022. The samples came from the following age groups: 0-12, 13-18, 19-25, and 26-35 from 2021 to 2022. The results came from vaginal and cervical swabs (for females); urethral, rectal, and pharyngeal swabs (for males and females); and seminal fluid (for males) for the following infections: HPV, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasmas, Gardnerella, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum. The results also came from blood tests for HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and Treponema pallidum (TPHA, VDRL). In addition, we examined results from urine tests for chlamydia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, trichomonas, and Treponema pallidum. The literature for other countries reports the need for comprehensive, culturally and developmentally sensitive care to address sexuality-related issues in adolescents and young adults, a need that also applies to Italy. These data will be of great importance in adopting evidence-based STI control programs in Marche Region. This study could, indeed, represent a landmark for public health officials and professionals, with the aim of promoting adolescents' access to sexual health services to receive useful information, strengthening preventive measures in younger age groups, and designing sexual education programs.

Delays in sexual health care among patients attending New York City Sexual Health Clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic, March 2020 to February 2021.

Public health emergencies can lead to reduced or suspended services in sexual health clinics (SHCs), raising questions about optimal ways to maintain access to care. We examined changes in sexual behaviors, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, telehealth preference, and correlates of delayed sexual health care among patients attending New York City (NYC) publicly funded SHCs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 470 patients from four SHCs (July-September 2021) completed a self-administered survey that collected data on access to sexual health care, overall and over three distinct time periods [Spring 2020 (COVID-19 wave 1), Summer 2020, Fall 2020/Winter 2021 (COVID-19 wave 2)]. We used log-binomial models to examine factors associated with delayed sexual health care. Participants reporting multiple in-person sexual contacts increased from 28% to 57% (P < 0.0001) between the first and second wave. Almost half of participants (35/72) taking HIV PrEP cited decreased use. Over 90% (423/460) of participants preferred in-person clinic visits over telehealth. Overall, delays in routine and urgent sexual health care were reported by 34% (129/375) and 12% (46/373) of participants, respectively. More men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender/gender non-conforming/nonbinary (TGNCNB) individuals experienced delayed care compared with women [MSM: aPR 1.43 (95% CI, 1.00-2.03); TGNCNB: 1.67 (1.04-2.69)]. Compared with participants who primarily sought sexual health care from private providers, those who primarily used SHCs experienced significantly more delayed care [1.72 (1.14-2.59)]. Delays in sexual health care access can have serious implications for certain patient populations. Additional resources are needed to maintain access to sexual health clinic services.

Effects of an Animation-Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education Package: A 2-Year Repeated Intervention Study.

Preadolescents, who are in a transitional phase of development, may experience higher exposure to heterosexual interactions while facing higher risks regarding misinformation in sexual knowledge and unsafe engagement in sexual activities. There is a deficiency in the availability of qualified educators and age-appropriate teaching materials for sexuality education in China. We implemented an animation-based comprehensive sexuality education package among preadolescents aged 9 to 12 years from eight schools in Anhui, China. The first round of intervention included 1,835 participants, lasting 2 months from September to November 2020. A total of 374 participants, accounting for 52% of the intervention group, received a second round of intervention in September 2021. Participants completed immediate follow-up assessment and 1-year follow-up assessment to assess changes in their sexual knowledge, attitudes, and other outcomes. Propensity score matching and difference-in-difference analysis were performed to determine the short- and long-term impacts. Significant improvements were observed for both sexual knowledge and sexual attitudes in the immediate follow-up. There was no significant effect on pornography-seeking behavior or awareness of experiencing sexual abuse. After 1 year, the effect was sustained for sexual knowledge, but slightly declined for sexual attitudes. The second intervention significantly improved sexual knowledge; however, no significant change in sexual attitudes, pornography-seeking behavior, or awareness of experiencing sexual abuse was observed. Our comprehensive sexuality education package was effective in improving sexual knowledge both immediately and 1 year after the intervention. Repeated intervention can be an effective strategy for promoting preadolescent health development regarding comprehensive sexuality education.

Breaking the cycle: Mentalizing moderates and mediates the link between childhood sexual abuse and satisfaction with adult romantic relationships.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a significant risk factor with consistently demonstrated negative implications for satisfaction with adult romantic relationships. Yet, research on risk and protective factors in this context is scarce, particularly among well-functioning adults. Addressing this gap, the present study focused on the potential mediating and moderating roles of mentalizing or reflective functioning, i.e., the capacity to understand oneself and others in terms of intentional mental states. We investigated whether impairments in mentalizing underlie the association between CSA and relationship satisfaction and whether robust mentalizing can buffer the CSA-relationship satisfaction link. A sample of 667 individuals engaged in a meaningful romantic relationship was drawn from a larger sample obtained in an online convenience survey. A mediation and moderation model was examined using PROCESS. The results confirmed our integrative model-the association between CSA and satisfaction with romantic relationships was mediated by impairments in mentalizing (uncertainty about mental states) and was simultaneously moderated by robust mentalizing (certainty about mental states). These effects were shown even when controlling for age, gender, education, and psychopathological symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of mentalizing, a key transdiagnostic factor. Reduced mentalizing is a risk factor for harmful impact of CSA on romantic relationships, while greater mentalizing abilities can be a significant resilience factor protecting CSA survivors. This study supports the potential contribution of mentalization-based interventions with survivors of CSA at risk for dissatisfaction with romantic relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Valsalva Retinopathy Induced by Straining Due to Constipation

Valsalva retinopathy is as the rupture of superficial capillaries secondary to an increase in retinal venous pressure, following a sudden change in intrathoracic or intra-abdominal pressure. The Valsalva maneuver is quite common in daily life and typical activities such as coughing hard, vomiting, straining, constipation, and sexual activity can all lead to it. We reported a rare case of multi-level hemorrhages by the Valsalva maneuver in an elderly female with hypertension after heavy straining due to constipation.

An acupuncture protocol for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) - a Delphi-process.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a widespread disorder, and the worldwide incidence is rapidly increasing. Acupuncture, an intervention out of the spectrum of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long tradition as treatment for ED. Nonetheless, a best practice treatment protocol is currently missing. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed a huge diversity of acupuncture treatments for ED and concluded that there is an urgent need to standardize acupuncture treatment for ED. Consequently, the authors conducted a Delphi process with the aim to achieve an expert consensus as a basis for the development of a best practice protocol. The Delphi process consisted of four rounds of questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions. Eleven acupuncture experts participated. The therapeutic aim was defined as "to achieve an erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction". Consensus was achieved on 24 acupoints corresponding to 12 TCM syndromes. The syndromes were KI Yang xu, KI Yin xu, KI Qi xu, Ki and HT not harmonised, LR Qi Stagnation, LR Qi stagnation and Heat, Liver Blood xu, Liver Blood xu and Liver Qi stagnation, Damp-heat sinking to the lower Jiao5, HT and GB Qi xu, SP xu and HT Blood xu, Yin xu. The suggested optimal dose was between11-15 treatments given once or twice a week. An expert consensus-based, semi-standardized best practice treatment protocol for the treatment of ED was developed. Moreover, the Delphi process also revealed inconsistencies as to which signs and symptoms constitute a TCM syndrome. Further Delphi studies including a broader range of experts from various acupuncture traditions are needed to establish further agreement. Nonetheless, the best practice protocol introduced in this paper provides a first point of departure for the implementation of a more standardized treatment approach. Moreover, since a recent meta-analysis concluded that more high-quality clinical studies on the topic are needed, this paper provides a first standardized acupuncture treatment protocol for ED.

Effects of Religious Versus Non-religious Self-compassion Interventions on Anxiety and Quality of Life of Iranian Infertile Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Anxiety is one of the common psychological problems among infertile women, which affects their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of self-compassion intervention based on a religious and non-religious perspective regardingthe anxiety and quality of life of infertile women. A randomized clinical trial design with experimental and control groups was used. A total of 78 infertile women who lived in Yazd province, Iran, were referred to Yazd reproductive sciences institute, were selected by available sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and one control groups. The participants of the first experimental group received eight sessions of self-compassion-focused intervention based on religious instructions. The second experimental group received eight sessions of non-religious self-compassion intervention, while the control group was put on the waiting list. Data were collected using Quality of Life in Infertile Couples Questionnaire (QOLICQ) and Beck anxiety inventory (BDI) in the pretest, posttest and 2-month follow-up phases and then analyzed using repeated measures as well as one-way analysis of variance. The results showed as compared to control group at the posttest and follow-up phases, the quality of life (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001) of infertile women increased and decreased, respectively, across both experimental groups. Comparison of experimental groups showed that although the difference between the two groups in the subscales of social relationships and sexual satisfaction was not significant, the gain scores of quality of life and anxiety were significantly greater in the first experimental group. These findings indicate that given the religious background of infertile women, religious self-compassion intervention can be relatively more effective in improving the quality of life and anxiety of infertile women than non-religious intervention.

To mesh or not mesh "apical prolapse," that is the question!

Surgical approaches for pelvic organ prolapse have evolved over the last 30 years and is a popular topic for debate, particularly when discussing apical prolapse. Transvaginal native tissue repairs remain the mainstay of POP surgeries, however, transabdominal approaches continue to evolve. Use of interposition material, such as synthetic polypropylene mesh, is the standard when performing an abdominal sacrocolpopexy, however, use of autologous fascia can be considered. This debate article provides an overview of this subject and highlights the value of different approaches to apical prolapse. The authors were asked to support their approach in various scenarios including:extremes of age, prior hysterectomy and intact uterus, desire to avoid mesh, sexual activity, and presence of comorbidities. In discussing common patient scenarios, ultimate decision making on specific POP surgeries is determined by patient preference and goals.

Bacterial vaginosis after menopause: factors associated and women's experiences: a cross-sectional study of Australian postmenopausal women.

Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in reproductive age women; however, little is known about it after menopause. We aimed to learn more about BV in Australian postmenopausal women. Methods We conducted an online survey (July-September 2021). Participants were recruited via social media and professional networks and asked about demographic characteristics, sexual history and BV experiences. Outcomes of interest were the proportion who had heard of BV, had BV ever, or had BV after menopause. Factors associated with these outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. Results Of 906 participants, 83% were included in the analysis. Overall, 37.9% had heard of BV, 11.0% reported having a BV diagnosis ever, 6.3% reported having a BV diagnosis after menopause and 4.4% reported having a BV diagnosis only after menopause. Multivariable analysis found that among all women the odds of having a BV diagnosis after menopause were increased for those who had BV before menopause, had douched in the past 12months, or had a previous STI diagnosis. Among those in a sexual relationship, a BV diagnosis after menopause was associated with a BV diagnosis before menopause, or being in a sexual relationship of 5years or less in duration. About half who reported BV after menopause described recurrences, distress, and a detrimental effect on sexual relationships. Conclusions BV in postmenopausal women is associated with sexual activity, and impacts negatively on their lives. Research into BV should not be limited to reproductive age women.

Changes of the Vagina After Concurrent Radiochemotherapy and Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer Anatomical and Physiological Changes

The objective of the study: The aim of our study was to highlight the anatomical and physiological changes of the vagina after external radiotherapy and brachytherapy in cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over a period of 6 months, from March to August 2022. A total of 123 women with cervical cancer, treated with concurrent radiochemotherapy and uterovaginal brachytherapy, who reported having had sexual intercourse in the six months prior, were included in the study. Patients were interviewed and examined during post-therapeutic follow-up consultations. Results and Statistical Analysis: The age of the patients (n=123) ranged from 33 to 67 years, with a mean of 49.35 ± 9.84 years. The post-therapeutic follow-up duration ranged from 6 months to 7 years. The most common histological type was squamous cell carcinoma, and the most common FIGO stage was stage II. Treatment consisted of concurrent radiochemotherapy and uterovaginal brachytherapy. Interviews revealed several changes related to the vagina after treatment. More than 65% of patients (n=81) reported the onset or worsening of vaginal dryness, over 50% (n=63) reported the onset or worsening of dyspareunia. Nearly 70% (n=83) reported a decrease in sexual desire frequency or dissatisfaction, and over 60% (n=78) became indifferent to sexual life. Gynecological examination revealed a vaginal length ranging from 2 to 10 cm with a mean of 5.66 ± 2.09 cm, the presence of synechiae and/or stenosis in nearly 43% (n=53), and bleeding in nearly 40% (n=47). In univariate analysis, vaginal dryness and dyspareunia significantly increased with age. Resumption of sexual activity was slower in younger and older women. Among patients followed for two years or less, there was a significant increase in synechiae or stenosis, as well as bleeding. Conversely, the prevalence of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia increased with follow-up duration, especially in those exceeding two years. In groups with vaginal dryness or dyspareunia, a large proportion of patients reported a decrease in sexual desire and indifference to their sexual life. Conclusion: This study revealed that patients with cervical cancer experienced significant anatomical and physiological changes in the vagina after treatment with concurrent radiochemotherapy and uterovaginal brachytherapy, leading to chronic sequelae and sexual disorders. It is therefore essential to implement measures to prevent or limit certain side effects associated with these treatments.

Improving predictive accuracy in primary biliary cholangitis: Anew genetic risk score.

Genetic variants influence primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) risk. We established and tested an accurate polygenic risk score (PRS) using these variants. Data from two Italian cohorts (OldIT 444 cases, 901 controls; NewIT 255 cases, 579 controls) were analysed. The latest international genome-wide meta-analysis provided effect size estimates. The PRS, together with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) status and sex, was included in an integrated risk model. Starting from 46 non-HLA genes, 22 variants were selected. PBC patients in the OldIT cohort showed a higher risk score than controls: -.014 (interquartile range, IQR, -.023, .005) versus -.022 (IQR -.030, -.013) (p < 2.2 × 10-16). For genetic-based prediction, the area under the curve (AUC) was .72; adding sex increased the AUC to .82. Validation in the NewIT cohort confirmed the model's accuracy (.71 without sex, .81 with sex). Individuals in the top group, representing the highest 25%, had a PBC risk approximately 14 times higher than that of the reference group (lowest 25%; p < 10-6). The combination of sex and a novel PRS accurately discriminated between PBC cases and controls. The model identified a subset of individuals at increased risk of PBC who might benefit from tailored monitoring.

From Zimbabwean Indigenous Knowledge: Scientific Substantiation of the Aphrodisiac Efficacy and Safety of Pittosporum viridiflorum in Male Rat Models

Introduction: Pittosporum viridiflorum, the multi habitat thriving plant species is widely believed to have been the source of sexual prowess for the polygamous kings and elites of the mighty medieval empire known as ‘Great Zimbabwe’. Despite the lack of systematic scientific validation, the macerated roots fractions continue to be the aphrodisiacs of choice among Zimbabweans.&#x0D; Aims: To scientifically validate the aphrodisiac claims using male rats’ sexual performance investigation protocols. To evaluate the toxicity profile and to identify the pharmacologically active metabolites present in the lyophilized hydro-ethanolic crude extracts.&#x0D; Methodology: Four concentrations of prepared Pittosporum viridiflorum root extract doses of 200, 400, 800 and 2000mg/kg as well as a commercial 5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate (standard) and distilled water (control) dosages were gavaged to male rats (n = 5 animals per group) for 21 days. The crude extract was subjected to screening protocols for various secondary metabolites of pharmacological relevance as well as acute oral toxicity profiling using OECD 425 TG. The sexual behaviour, mating parameters and hormonal changes in the male rats were evaluated accordingly.&#x0D; Observation and Results: Compared with the control, a significant increase in mating behaviour, mating performance and the serum hormonal levels were observed in test animals which showed a dose‑dependent bias. The phytoscreening evaluation confirmed the presence of saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, di-terpenoids, tannins, and polyphenols. The Extract was toxicological safe with an LD50 above 2000mg/kg body weight.&#x0D; Conclusion: Pittosporum viridiflorum has excellent aphrodisiac activity on rats and is toxicologically safe for oral use. The abundant phytochemicals found are known to be pharmacologically active with regards to modulation of sexual hormones as well as sexual enhancement. It was further concluded that the traditional belief is valid, the plant can indeed be used as an alternative to modern medicines for various sexual dysfunctions and sexual performance enhancement.

Remote Versus In-Person Group Therapy for Couples Distressed by Low/No Sexual Desire/Frequency or Sexual Desire Discrepancy: A Response to COVID-19

Sexual desire problems are among the most common in sex therapists’ offices and considered among the most difficult to treat. Prior to COVID-19, we had developed an 8-week, 16-h group couples sex therapy approach to help couples distressed by sexual desire discrepancy, by targeting the couple rather than the identified patient with low desire. Because of the pandemic, we tailored our approach to offer it remotely. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of a group therapy for couples via teletherapy. In total, 141 couples completed the therapy, 75 prior to COVID-19 and 66 during, including 23 sexual, gender and relationship minority couples. Participants completed the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale at four time-points and provided written feedback. Results suggested that this therapy is effective in person and online at post-test (p < .001) and at 6-month follow-up (p < .001). Participants described positive changes in authenticity, vulnerability, trust, playfulness, embodiment and empathic communication, especially during times of conflict. This brief, affordable and accessible intervention can be used to deal with sexual desire problems. This approach enhances sexual fulfillment and enables clients to revision sexuality itself, thereby freeing them to create sex worth wanting and enduring desire.

Examining within-person associations between alcohol and cannabis use and hooking up among adolescents and young adults in the United States

ObjectiveThis study examined daily associations between alcohol use, cannabis use, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis/marijuana (SAM) use with the likelihood of hooking up (uncommitted sexual encounter that may or may not include intercourse). MethodWe used a longitudinal measurement burst ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design with 3-week EMA bursts with daily measurements repeated quarterly across 12 months. 1,009 (57 % female, Mean age = 20.00 [SD = 3.21]) Texan adolescents and young adults ages 15–25 participated in the study. Mixed effects logistic regression models were estimated using maximum likelihood estimation to evaluate the associations between substance use and hooking up. ResultsWithin-person results indicated that participants were more likely to hook up on days with alcohol use and on days with cannabis use, but not on days with SAM use. Participants were also more likely to hook up on drinking days with higher-than-usual alcohol use. Between-person results indicated that participants who used alcohol more often or cannabis more often on average were more likely to hook up, and participants who tended to drink more on drinking days were more likely to hook up. ConclusionsGiven the significant daily-level associations between alcohol and cannabis use and hooking up behavior, public health initiatives should focus on developing interventions to reduce alcohol and cannabis use and promote safer hooking up behavior among adolescents and young adults.

Regularities of Growth and Development of Buffaloes

Based on the research, an analysis of the biological characteristics of the growth and development of buffaloes in certain periods and stages was carried out. The growth rate of animals of all ages depends on feeding conditions, time of year and other environmental factors. The stage of onset of sexual activity in animals differs sharply from all periods of growth and development. It has been revealed that timely mating of animals, on the contrary, naturally lengthens the maturation period and makes it possible to breed larger animals and obtain greater productivity in the future. For normal processes of growth and development in the body of animals, it is necessary to improve the external environmental conditions and, above all, the conditions of feeding, housing and care. It is necessary to build a breeding business in an exemplary manner and thus increase the weight and milk and meat productivity of livestock.