Sexual Activity Research Articles

Leveraging A Digital Pill System to Understand Prevention-Effective Adherence to Oral Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men with Substance Use.

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, though efficacy depends on adherence. Digital pill systems (DPS) can enable direct, real-time adherence measurement. HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) with substance use (excluding alcohol) utilized a DPS over 90 days and completed weekly surveys reporting sexual activity, condom use, and substance use. Responses indicating (1) any sexual activity and substance use or (2) condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in the prior week were categorized as high risk for HIV acquisition. PrEP adherence data for the 7-day period preceding each response was dichotomized as ≤ 3 and ≥ 4 doses/week, indicating prevention-effective adherence, and compared by HIV risk level. Thirteen MSM were analyzed (median age: 32). Of 113 surveys, 48.7% indicated high HIV risk, with 12.4% reporting CAI alone, 16.8% any sexual activity and substance use, and 19.5% both CAI and substance use. Weekly mean PrEP adherence was 90.3% (6.3 of 7 doses/week), with ≥ 4 doses/week recorded during 92.0% of weeks. The proportion of participants with ≥ 4 recorded doses/week was 88.9% during weeks with CAI alone, 89.5% during weeks with any sexual activity and substance use, 92.0% during weeks with both CAI and substance use, and 92.8% during lower risk weeks. Participants ingested ≥ 4 doses/week during 89.1% of all high-risk weeks and 94.8% of low-risk weeks. Overall, participants maintained high levels of PrEP adherence while engaging in HIV risk behaviors. DPS can be deployed concurrently with data collection tools to assess ingestion patterns during periods of elevated risk.

Sexual life experiences after myocardial infarction: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies.

This study aims to systematically interpret and synthesize the data obtained from qualitative research about the sexual lives of individuals who have experienced myocardial infarction. A thorough literature review was conducted between November and December 2023 across five electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO, and Science Direct Embase. This article includes 12 studies published in English since 2000 that have examined the sexual experiences of individuals who have experienced myocardial infarction. This research adhered to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. We utilized the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for qualitative research to evaluate the quality of all the papers included. To synthesize the data, the deductive and interpretation technique according to Sandelowski and Barroso's approach has been used. The sexual experiences of individuals who have experienced myocardial infarction were summarized under four main themes: changes in sexual life, barriers to engaging in sexual ıntercourse, an unmet need: ınformation, and sexuality as a part of routine care. Patients' expectations from counseling services regarding sexuality after MI are oriented towards these services providing more comprehensive information and incorporating multidisciplinary approaches. This demand clearly indicates the complex and multidimensional changes in sexual life after MI and underscores the necessity for healthcare professionals to play a more active role in this area. PROSPERO CRD42023483112.

Sexual Function of Women with and without Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain and its Relationship with Physical Activity, Kinesiophobia and Body Image: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the sexual function of women with and without pregnancy-related PGP, and to investigate its relationship with physical activity (PA), kinesiophobia, and body image (BI). Demographic characteristics, sexual function (Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory), PA (Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire), kinesiophobia (Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale), and BI (Body Image in Pregnancy Scale) of 125 pregnant women were recorded. In the PGP group (n = 46), visual analogue scales were used to assess the pain intensity during resting and sexual activity, and Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire was used to evaluate the activity limitation. Although total sexual function and BI scores of the groups were similar (p > 0.05), dyspareunia during pregnancy and level of kinesiophobia were higher, and energy expenditure during moderate-intensity PA was lower in pregnant women with PGP (p < 0.05). The PGP group had moderate activity limitation and reported increased PGP intensity during sexual activities (p < 0.001). PA level was significantly correlated with sexual desire (r = 0.180), and overall sexual function was correlated with kinesiophobia (r = -0.344) and BI (r = -0.199) during pregnancy (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that pregnant women with PGP are more vulnerable to sexual dysfunctions, and there is a need to develop biopsychosocial framework-oriented management strategies which aim to improve PA level and to eliminate psychological factors such as kinesiophobia and negative BI.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05990361.

Prevalence and risk factors of human papilloma virus infection among women living with HIV, Egypt, a cross sectional study.

HPV is considered the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is responsible of 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. HIV infection is associated with increased rates of HPV infection. Women Living With HIV (WLWH) are 6 times at greater risk of developing cervical cancer. The current study aimed to estimate prevalence and identify genotypes of HPV infection among WLWH in Egypt compared to women with negative HIV status and determine associated risk factors. The study conducted among 251 WLWH and 268 women with negative HIV status enrolled from gynecological clinics in primary health care centers from nine Egyptian governorates. Data was collected from participants using a structured interview questionnaire and cervical samples were collected for HPV DNA detection and genotyping. The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 13.5%, 3.4% among women with HIV negative status and 24.4% among WLWH. HR-HPVs other than genotype 16 and 18 were isolated from 71% of infected women. Woman's age, age at first marriage, number of lifetime marriages and drug addiction are significant predictors for HPV infection (odds 0.96, 0.91, 2.06, 2.01 respectively). HPV infection is more prevalent among WLWH. Infection with HR-HPV other than genotype 16 and 18 was the most prevalent among infected women in both groups. Young age, early life sexual activity, having more than one sexual partner during the life time, and drug addiction are independent predictors for HPV infection. Having a husband who has had other sexual partners is significantly associated with infection.

Update on cannabis in human sexuality.

Sexuality is a central aspect of being human that encompasses many facets. Cannabis, a widely used psychoactive substance, has been associated with various effects on sexuality. The relationship between cannabis and sexuality is complex and multifaceted, involving physiological, psychological, and social factors. This review aims to provide an overview of the current literature on the effects of cannabis on several sexual functions, including sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. It also discusses the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as the impact of dose and frequency of use. This review has revealed a complex relationship between cannabis dosage and its influence on sexuality. It appears that the frequency of cannabis use in humans has been associated with the frequency of sexual activities. Individuals who use cannabis more frequently tend to report higher levels of sexual activity. Moreover, there is a notable gender difference in how cannabis affects sexuality. In addition, we found lower doses of cannabis to be linked to heightened sexual desire and enjoyment, whereas higher doses may lead to a decrease in sexual desire and performance. Overall, the association between cannabis and sexuality is complex and warrants further research to better understand the psychological and neurological mechanisms that underlie the effect of cannabis on these sexuality functions and its implications for sexual health. To advance in this endeavor, a crucial step is establishing a precise measurement of dosage in human studies.

The roles of dating and victimization on adverse mental health among teens: Survey findings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The relationship between romantic involvement, dating violence, other victimizations, and mental health among adolescents in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is understudied. This study analyzed 2021 survey data collected from a representative sample of 9th-12th grade students (n = 10,792) from 24 high schools in a US Midwestern state. Most respondents identified as White, heterosexual, and US-born, with more than three-quarters aged 15-17 years. Guided by the poly-victimization framework, this study explored: (a) How do youth victimizations and mental health concerns differ by their experience of dating and dating violence? (b) What are the associations between youth mental health concerns, victimizations, and dating? Youths reported mental health concerns and victimizations at considerable rates during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person interactions were limited. Those who experienced dating violence were at a higher risk of reporting other victimizations (i.e., unwanted sexual comments, unwanted sexual contact, sexual photos/videos, sex trading for compensation, discrimination, and bullying). The number of victimizations demonstrated a cumulative effect on teen mental health. Most individual victimizations showed significant net associations with mental health concerns, even when controlling for other differing victimizations. Dating violence plays a critical role in the interconnectedness of victimizations, and the number of victimizations has a cumulative effect on teen mental health. The high prevalence of youth victimizations during the time when in-person interactions were limited suggests that victimizations may transfer from in-person forms to virtual forms and occur offline. Implications for individual and community prevention and interventions are discussed.

Quantifying Criminal Sexual Acts: The Illegal Sexual Exploitation Module of the Revised Sexual Experiences Survey-Victimization (SES-V) Measure

ABSTRACT Since the initial development of the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) four decades ago, the SES has been designed to measure a range of forms of sexual exploitation, including acts that are coercive but not legally sanctioned as well as acts that legally qualify as crimes. That feature was retained in the revised Sexual Experiences Survey-Victimization (SES-V) measure. This article reviews the theoretical and empirical literature that guided the development of the Illegal Sexual Exploitation module of the SES-V, which measures experiences of nonconsensual exploitation resulting in sexual contact and which is designed to correspond to legal definitions across multiple jurisdictions. This article addresses research and applied contexts in which the distinction between legal and illegal sexual exploitation is important and the challenges and limitations involved in writing survey items that correspond to legal definitions. It also discusses revisions made to the items that make up the Illegal Sexual Exploitation module of the SES-V as compared to the illegal items in prior versions of the SES, including a new operationalization of non-consent and an expansion of the sexual acts and exploitative tactics that are included. Finally, the article discusses directions for future research on the Illegal Sexual Exploitation module of the SES-V.

Preliminary Evidence of Validity for the Verbally Pressured and Illegal Sexual Exploitation Modules of the Sexual Experiences Survey-Victimization

ABSTRACT The Sexual Experiences Survey-Victimization (SES-V; see Koss et al., 2024) revises the prior 2007 Sexual Experiences Survey-Short Form Victimization (SES-SFV) in many ways, including expanded measurement of verbally pressured and illegal sexual exploitation, as well as the addition of items that assess being made to perform a sexual act or to penetrate another person sexually. The current article describes two initial validity studies of the SES-V. Study 1 compared rates of self-reported verbal pressure and illegal sexual exploitation (e.g. rape) on a preliminary version of the SES-V and the SES-SFV in a sample of higher education students who completed both questionnaires online in a randomized order (N = 460). As expected, the preliminary SES-V produced higher rates than the SES-SFV, and continuous scores were strongly correlated. Responses to the made-to-penetrate (MTP) items suggested that some cisgender men and women may have misunderstood those items. Study 2 explored responses to the MTP items further by randomly assigning participants to complete items with either the Study 1 MTP language (n = 269) or revised language (n = 245). The revised language produced fewer implausible responses and was adopted in the final version of the SES-V. These findings provide initial support for the validity of the SES-V and the value of expanding the conceptualization of victimization to include a wider range of sexual exploitation. A research agenda for future validity research is suggested.

“Laser vaporization of the prostate: A comparative study between ejaculatory preserving and non-ejaculatory preserving technique”

ABSTRACT Introduction and objectives Laser vaporization techniques have emerged as a prominent alternative to transurethral prostate resection in managing benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). This study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of the ejaculatory preserving laser vaporization of the prostate technique compared to the conventional non-ejaculatory approach in managing BPO. Patients and Methods Our study was performed between August 2022 and September 2023. The study included 120 patients with bladder outlet obstruction, due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the first underwent conventional non-ejaculatory preserving laser vaporization of the prostate (n = 80), while the second group underwent the innovative ejaculatory preserving laser vaporization technique using diode laser (n = 40). We assessed baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximal flow rate (Qmax), post voiding residual urine volume (PVRU), semen volume (semen analysis). Parameters were re-evaluated 3 months post-surgery and the change in sexual satisfaction was evaluated using a scale from 1 (much less satisfied) to 5 (much more satisfied) in response to a question. Results The mean age (±SD) of participants was 59.6 (±7.9) and 57.6 (±7.8) for the non-ejaculatory preserving and ejaculatory preserving groups, respectively, with no statistical difference between groups. Both groups showed significant reduction in IPSS (p < 0.001), improvement in Qmax (p < 0.001), and decline in PVRU (p < 0.001), postoperatively. However, the ejaculatory preserving technique led to a significant improvement in antegrade ejaculation, postoperative semen volume and sexual satisfaction compared to the non-ejaculatory preserving technique (p < 0.001). Conclusions The ejaculatory preserving technique effectively preserved antegrade ejaculation, semen volume and sexual satisfaction compared to the non-ejaculatory preserving technique. However, the later yielded better outcomes in terms of IPSS and urine flow. Both techniques demonstrated significant improvements across all parameters compared to baseline. Further research with extended follow-up periods is needed to fully understand the long-term postoperative effects with this technique.

Receptive Anal Intercourse: Impact on Colorectal and Urologic Diagnoses.

Purpose: We evaluated the relationship between lifetime receptive anal intercourse (RAI) and the risk of common colorectal and urologic diagnoses. Methods: We conducted an internet-based survey on sensations during RAI between July 2022 and March 2023. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the independent impact of lifetime RAI exposure on the diagnosis of common urologic and colorectal conditions. Participants completed a main survey and were invited to complete randomly assigned patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which measured pelvic symptoms, mental health symptoms, and sexual satisfaction. Results: In total, 1100 participants completed the main survey and 416 completed the PROMs. Participants of the main survey ranged from 18 to 78 years old and the median age of the sample was 32 years. There was no significant association between lifetime RAI exposure and any medical diagnosis, except for anal fissures, which increased linearly with additional RAI exposure. Both sexual satisfaction and mental health symptoms improved with RAI exposure. Conclusions: RAI was not associated with most of the colorectal and urologic diagnoses tested and was associated with fewer mental symptoms and increased sexual satisfaction. Development of anal fissures may be directly related to trauma of the anal canal from penetration.

Bacterial profiles, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of symptomatic urinary tract infections among symptomatic university students at Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a highly prevalent infection that can affect individuals of all ages, posing a significant risk to global health in terms of both morbidity and mortality. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria adds to the complexity of this public health issue. There is limited data on the current study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the bacterial profiles, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of UTIs among symptomatic university students at Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia from May 10 to June 15, 2021. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 281 Haramaya University students. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Ten to 15 mL of midstream urine samples were collected aseptically from patients. Standard microbiological techniques were used for bacterial identifications and drug susceptibility testing. The association between dependent and independent variables was determined by the logistics regression model. Variables with a P-value of <.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of UTI among university students was 18.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.5-23.1). The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (33.3%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (29.4%). Gram-negative bacteria demonstrated high resistance against ceftazidime (100%), penicillin (96%), ampicillin (92%), and tetracycline (71%). Similarly, gram-positive bacteria exhibited significant resistance to ceftazidime (100%) and ampicillin (81%). Multidrug-resistant isolates constituted an overall prevalence of 35 (68.6%) (95% CI: 63.6-73.6). Furthermore, year of study (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.23-5.76), history of UTI (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.10-6.00), and sexual activity (AOR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.39) were identified as factors. In this study, university students exhibited a higher prevalence of UTI compared to previous studies conducted in Africa. The most commonly identified bacteria causing UTIs were E coli, followed by S epidermidis. Factors such as the year of the study, presence of flank pain, history of previous UTIs, and frequency of sexual activity were found to be associated with UTIs. All the isolates have acquired resistance to the majority of commonly prescribed antibiotics. It is crucial to regularly monitor UTIs and the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among university students.

The role of sexual communication in the relationship between emotion regulation and sexual functioning in women: The impact of age and relationship status

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate sexual communication as a mechanism involved in the link between emotion regulation and sexual functioning in a sample of adult women, also testing the moderating role of relationship status and age in this association. Method1344 sexually active cisgender women (aged 18–57, M = 27.34; SD= 6.484) were recruited from March 30, 2021, to April 12, 2021, through an online survey. From the initial sample, 1280 women were retained and included in the analysis. Participants were asked to respond to three self-report questionnaires: the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Communication subscale of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). ResultsWe found that sexual communication mediated the link between emotion regulation abilities and female sexual functioning. Moreover, we found that age, but not relationship status, moderated the association between emotion regulation and sexual communication, so that older women with difficulties in emotion regulation processes showed worse sexual communication abilities as compared to younger women. ConclusionsAccording to this study's results, clinicians and sexual therapists should carefully consider emotion regulation abilities and sexual communication as crucial factors in promoting women's sexual well-being.

French Validation of the oMtFSFI Questionnaire for Assessing the Sexual Function of Transgender Women After Vulvo-vaginoplasty

Introduction: Le questionnaire Operated Male-to-Female Sexual Function Index (oMtFSFI) est le premier système de notation mis au point pour évaluer la fonction sexuelle après une vulvo-vaginoplastie d'affirmation du genre, et il a été initialement élaboré et validé en italien. L'objectif de cette étude était de fournir une validation linguistique du questionnaire en français à travers plusieurs étapes, y compris l'utilisation des questionnaires à travers une série de patientes ayant été opérée d’une vulvo-vaginoplastie d'affirmation de genre entre 2020 et 2022 dans deux centres académiques français.La méthode: La version française du questionnaire oMtFSFI a été obtenue par une double traduction (italien vers français) et une rétro-traduction (français vers italien), validée par un comité scientifique, et évaluée cognitivement par un panel de patients experts. Le questionnaire a ensuite été distribué à des patients transgenres hommes-femmes ayant eu une vulvo-vaginoplastie d'affirmation du genre dans deux centres universitaires français.Résultats: Le score oMtFSFI est composé de 18 questions explorant 7 domaines (perception de ses organes génitaux, désir, excitation, lubrification, orgasme, satisfaction, douleur). Parmi les 64 patientes qui ont répondu au questionnaire, 16 patientes (25 %) n’avait pas d’activité sexuelle impliquant une pénétration vaginale au moment de l'étude et ont été exclues.Le score total moyen était de 37, correspondant à une dysfonction sexuelle légère à modérée et 48,4% des patientes avaient une fonction sexuelle globale qualifiée de normale. La perception des organes génitaux était normale pour 42,2 % des patientes. La plupart des patientes (71,9 %) présentait une dyspareunie au moins légère et 15 % d'une dysfonction sexuelle sévère. La chirurgie améliorait la dysphorie de genre chez 96,7 % des patients.Il existait une forte corrélation entre le score global de l'oMtFSFI et l'échelle visuelle analogique (EVA) du bonheur (p<0,001) ainsi qu'avec l'EVA de la qualité de vie (p<0,001).Conclusion: La version française du questionnaire oMtFSFI est le seul score spécifiquement développé pour évaluer la fonction sexuelle après vulvo-vaginplastie chez les femmes trans validé linguistiquement en français. Sa validation en langue française permet d’en faire un outil intéressant pour les études et la pratique clinique.

Sexual activity, vaginal symptoms, maternal perineal hygiene behavior, and constipation on ano-vaginal colonization of group B streptococcus in near term pregnancy

BackgroundMaternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization is influenced by many factors but results are inconsistent. Consideration of antenatal risk factors may help inform decision making on GBS microbiological culture screening where universal screening is not standard of care. We sought to identify independent predictors of GBS colonization at 34–37 weeks gestation incorporating vaginal symptoms, perineal hygiene measures, sexual activity, and a potential novel factor, constipation.MethodsIn this prospective cross-sectional study, 573 women at 34–37 weeks gestation had an ano-vaginal swab taken and sent for selective culture for GBS. Women were asked about vaginal bleeding, discharge, irritation and candidiasis, antibiotic use during pregnancy, ano-vaginal hygiene practices such as douching and perineal cleansing after toileting, sexual intercourse related activities, and a potential novel factor for GBS carriage, constipation. Maternal basic demographics and obstetric-related characteristics were also collected. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify associates of GBS colonization. All variables with p < 0.05 found on bivariate analysis were then included into a model for multivariable binary logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for GBS colonization.ResultsGBS colonization was found in 235/573 (41.0%) of participants. Twenty six independent variables were considered for bivariate analysis. Eight were found to have p < 0.05. Following adjusted analysis, six independent predictors of GBS colonization were identified: ethnicity, previous neonatal GBS prophylaxis, antenatal vaginal irritation, antibiotic use, recent panty liner use, and frequency of sexual intercourse. Vaginal discharge and perineal cleansing were not associated after adjustment. Recent douching and constipation were not associated on bivariate analysis.ConclusionThe identification of independent predictors of GBS colonization in late pregnancy may inform the woman and care provider in their shared decision making for microbiological screening at 35–38 weeks gestation in locations where universal GBS screening is not standard of care.Ethics oversightThis study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) on August 9, 2022, reference number 2022328-11120.

Emotional interference and attentional bias in compulsive sexual behaviors disorder - An fMRI study on heterosexual males.

Despite the inclusion of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases, emotional and cognitive impairments related to CSBD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral and neuronal effects of emotional interference on cognition among CSBD patients. Thirty heterosexual males with CSBD and matched healthy controls (HC) were studied with the Emotional Stroop Task using 5 categories of emotionally arousing words (sex-related, positive, fear-related, negative, neutral) during functional magnetic imaging. At the behavioral level, we found the main effect of the condition: sex-related words evoked a stronger Stroop effect than other conditions. At the neural level, we found a significant group effect. Among CSBD patients processing of sex-related words was related to increased activity in the right putamen, right thalamus, hippocampi, and left pulvinar, when compared to HC. We also found a negative correlation between neuronal activation and time spent on sexual activity during the week preceding study and numerous group differences in brain regions connected to the emotional and motivational processing of sexually explicit material, correlating with CSBD symptoms. Behavioral results indicate a specific attentional bias toward sex-related stimuli in both groups, while neural data uncovered stronger reactivity to sex-related words in CSBD compared to HC. This reactivity is related to CSBD symptoms and provides evidence for the interference of sex-related stimuli with cognition. Such results are firmly in line with the Incentive Salience Theory and conceptualizing CSBD as a behavioral addiction.

Objective Neighborhood-Level Disorder Versus Subjective Safety as Predictors of HIV Transmission Risk and Momentary Well-Being.

Mental health and HIV risk behavior have been studied with ecological momentary assessment (EMA), but this approach has not been combined with tracking of activity space (where people go and what they encounter there) in people with HIV and their social relations, who may be HIV+ or HIV-. Activity space represents a modifiable risk or protective factor for behavior related to health status and quality of life, in both clinical and nonclinical populations. We conducted an observational study with 286 participants (243 HIV+ and 43 HIV-), roughly matched for socioeconomic status and neighborhood of residence via three waves of snowball sampling. Each participant carried a smartphone for up to 4weeks, making 5 randomly prompted entries and 1 end-of-day entry each day, plus self-initiated event-contingent entries for sexual activity and drug use. Responses to randomly prompted items provided subjective evaluations of the safety of the participant's current social and physical environment (the place they were and the people they were with). GPS-based location tracking-coupled with publicly available statistic indicating neighborhood-level physical disorder and socioeconomic disadvantage-provided an indicator of each participant's exposure to objective psychosocial hazard. We examined possible relationships of these objective and subjective environmental exposures with risky sexual and intravenous drug-use behavior, knowledge and utilization of antiretroviral treatment and prophylaxis, and momentary mental health (mood and stress, which relate to risky behavior and overall well-being). We found that both risky behavior and mental health were more related to participants' subjective evaluations of their activity space than to objective measures of neighborhood-level disorder, suggesting that, even within an objectively hazardous neighborhood, people who find a niche they perceive as socially and physically safe may engage in less risky behavior and have better well-being.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT01571752.

P-454 The effects of PLISSIT model based sexual counseling on sexual function and satisfaction in infertile couples

Abstract Study question Does a sexual counseling program based on the PLISSIT model improve the sexual function and satisfaction in infertile men and women? Summary answer PLISSIT model based sexual counseling for infertile couples with sexual dysfunction and low sexual satisfaction, positively affected the sexual function and satisfaction of the couples. What is known already Studies indicate that infertile couples experience more sexual problems than fertile couples due to the physical, psychological, and marital challenges of assisted reproductive technology treatments. Several sexual counseling models are recommended for discussing sexual problems with patients. PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy) have been demonstrated to be effective in improving sexual function. However the effects of PLISSIT model has not been evaluated in infertile couples with sexual problems. Study design, size, duration This randomized-controlled study was conducted between August 2019 - February 2020 in a fertility clinic of a university hospital in Istanbul. With a pre-study screening, 60 infertile couples with sexual dysfunction (women with a total score of ≤ 26.55 on the Female Sexual Function Index-FSFI and men with a score of ≥ 11 on the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-ASEX were included in the study. Participants were randomized for the counselling (30 couples) and control (30 couples) groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods Couples in counselling group were interviewed in 6 sessions (first assessment, 3 counseling sessions one week apart, 1 phone call in the second month and last assessment in the third month), and couples in control group were interviewed in 3 sessions (first assessment - 1 phone call in the second month and last assessment in the third month). FSFI, ASEX, Beck Depression Inventory-BDI, New Sexual Satisfaction Inventory-NSSI, Fertility Problem Stress Scale-FPSS were used for evaluation. Main results and the role of chance BDI total mean scores of women and men in the first asessments were similar in the counselling and control groups. In the final evaluations of the groups, women who received sexual counseling had better total scale scores and sub-dimension scores of FSFI and NSSI than the control group, and the ISS total scale scores and sub-dimension scores of women were lower than the control group. In the final evaluations of men in counselling group, mean ASEX score was positively lower, the total scale and sub-dimension scores of the NSSI were higher and the ISS total scale and sub-dimension scores were lower than the control group. Limitations, reasons for caution The long-term results of sexual counseling were not followed and the long term intensive therapy phase could not be carried out in this study. Results are limited to primary infertile couples with sexual problems in the setting of this reserch. Wider implications of the findings In order to comprehensively evaluate couples while providing sexual education and counseling with a planned and systematic approach, using counselling models for sexual function such as the PLISSIT model is recommended. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials Protocol ID: 13022260-300-108795

Development and psychometric evaluation of the sexual satisfaction questionnaire for postmenopausal women (PWSSQ): an exploratory mixed method study protocol

BackgroundThe concept of sexual satisfaction in menopausal women is very different from that in premenopausal women, and this difference is due to aging and physical, hormonal, cultural, and psychological changes. Therefore, the first step in discovering methods for assessing sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women is to develop a measurement instrument. This study was conducted to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a sexual satisfaction instrument for postmenopausal women.MethodsThe current study is an exploratory-sequential mixed-methods research project that will be divided into two parts: qualitative and quantitative. Aligned with the primary objective of the research, which is to elucidate the concept of sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women, the hybrid concept analysis model developed by Schwartz and Kim will be employed. This model comprises three key phases: the theoretical phase, the fieldwork phase, and the final analytical phase. Those who met the inclusion criteria and exhibited maximum variance in terms of age, educational level, employment status, and menopausal duration were recruited. The conventional content analysis will be carried out following the steps proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Second, in the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties of the instrument were evaluated, including the content, face and construct validity and reliability via internal consistency and stability. The psychometric properties described in the COSMIN checklist will be utilized for designing the instrument.DiscussionA valid and reliable scale for evaluating the sexual satisfaction of postmenopausal women should be developed, and educational content should be designed to improve the sexual satisfaction of this group of women.

P-372 Reproductive ability in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult testicular tumors

Abstract Study question There is little comprehensive fertility evaluation in testicular tumors. Summary answer Our study provides evidence that sexual dysfunction and infertility represent the major persisting side effects with testicular tumor patients. What is known already Testicular cancer, although accounting for 1% of all cancers, is the most common cancer in men of reproductive potential with a peak incidence in men between the ages of 15-35, with more than 95% of the patients being cured.There are many researches on semen quality in testicular cancer. Study design, size, duration We performed a retrospective study by collecting 126 records of testicular cancer patients who attempted sperm banking in the Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University between 2011 and 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen samples were collected by masturbation after 2–7 days of sexual abstinence. While a few of the patients had a longer period of sexual abstinence than one week, due to emergency treatment (data not shown). All samples were allowed to liquefy at 37 °C for 60 min and were then assessed according to World Health Organization protocols (WHO, 1999, 2010). Main results and the role of chance Semen quality and hormone levels before chemotherapy/radiotherapy In our study, we compare semen samples before and after orchiectomy, no differences in semen analysis were observed between pre-and post-orchiectomy groups. Semen quality after cancer treatment: type of treatment Total sperm number worsened significantly at T3(T6, 6 months after the end of treatment), T6 compared to baseline (T0, before beginning cancer treatment) and returned to near-baseline values at T24 in Carboplatin 2 cycles and EP/BEP 2-4 cycles groups. Moreover, Serum LH and FSH was increased at T3, T6 compared at T0. Sexual Functioning The BFSI (Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory) is a validated self-report measure of sexual functioning. We compared BSFI scores before and after orchiectomy, no differences were observed in sexual drive, sexual erection, sexual ejaculation, DEE (drive, erection, ejaculation) problems and sexual satisfaction between pre-and post-orchiectomy groups. Chemotherapy/radiation group significantly fewer sexual satisfaction problems compared with untreatment/surgery group. Fertility outcome Fertility data were available for 88 patients. 65 (73.9%) had no children, for various reasons (young age, financial reasons, marital status), 6 (6.8%) already had at least one child prior to their cancer diagnosis. Seventeen patients (19.3%) wanted children, but only 11 of these succeeded in achieving fatherhood, through natural fertility (8 patients) or ART (3 patients). Limitations, reasons for caution Small sample size, and the follow-up was not long enough. Wider implications of the findings We analyzed semen parameters, hormone levels, sexual functioning, fertility outcome for testicular cancer patient, both before diagnosis and after treatment, with the aim to provide practical recommendations. Trial registration number not applicable’

The Impact of Vaginoplasty on Female and Male Sexual Function and Satisfaction.

An important factor which underlines the clinical significance of vaginal laxity presence is the association of the latter with the female sexual function. Male sexuality can also be affected by vaginal laxity. We aimed to investigate the effect of vaginoplasty on a cohort of women, who underwent the respective procedure under the indication of vaginal laxity/impaired sexual function. At the same time, it is very important to evaluate the sexual satisfaction of partners after vaginal tightening. Fifty women who underwent vaginoplasty and their male partners (n=50) were included in the study. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were performed to female patients three months before and after the treatment. Also, male partners were asked for their sexual functions by International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) three months before and after the treatment. A 5-question questionnaire inquiring about pleasure status was administered to the male partners using a four-point Likert scale. Post-treatment STAI THE STATE and STAI THE TRAIT scores of the female patients were statistically significantly lower than their pre-treatment scores (52.5 vs 32, p<0.001; 56 vs 44, p<0.001, respectively). The post-treatment FSFI score of the female patients was significantly higher than their pre-treatment score (19.2 vs 29.7, p<0.001). Our results demonstrated significant improvement in the sexual function of males and females and additionally, a significant decrease in the indices of the temporary anxiety levels and the inherent predisposition for anxiety disorders after vaginoplasty.