Sexual Function In Women Research Articles

Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQoL-F): Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version in postpartum women.

Sexuality plays an important role in quality of life, and the postpartum period may negatively affect women's sexual function. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Sexual Quality of Life - Female (SQoL-F) for use for use in Brazilian women in the postpartum period. The original version of the SQoL-F was translated and back translated by four independent sworn translators. A sample of 125 women in the late postpartum phase participated in the cultural adaptation (n=30) and convergent validation (n=95) phases. For the latter, the instrument was compared with the Brazilian version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). To assess reproducibility, 25 of the 95 women who participated in the validation phase completed the SQoL-F twice, at different times (two interviewers administered the SQoL-F, 15 to 20 days apart). Cronbach's alpha was 0.905 (intraclass correlation=0.974; 95%CI: 0.943-0.988; p<0.001). Significant, moderate, positive correlations were observed between the SQoL-F score and the FSFI total score (r=0.572; p<0.001) and domains 'Desire' (r=0.502; p<0.001), 'Arousal' (r =0.576; p<0.001), and 'Satisfaction' (r=0.637; p<0.001). Excellent reproducibility was obtained for the SQoL-F score (intraclass correlation=0.974; 95%; CI: 0.943-0.988; p<0.001). The SQoL-F was adapted to the cultural context of Brazilian postpartum women, proved reproducible, and exhibited face, content, and construct validity.

Impaired Fertility and Sexual Function in Women With Hirschsprung Disease: Results From an International Multi-Centre Cross-Sectional Study.

Hirschsprung is a congenital disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. However, pelvic colorectal surgery in infancy has been hypothesised to impact gynaecological outcomes in later life. Describe sexual function and fertility outcomes in women with Hirschsprung disease compared to population controls. Assess factors associated with poor outcomes (sexual dysfunction and subfertility). International multicentre cross-sectional cohort study with comparison to controls from the general population. Status post-discharge from paediatric services. Female patients aged > 20 years. Validated questionnaire-based survey with linkage to patient medical records. Comparison with controls using univariate analyses. Sexual dysfunction (Female Sexual Function Index; FSFI ≤ 26), Subfertility at 1 and 2 years. Sexual dysfunction as per the FSFI was more common in patients and associated with poor functional outcomes; sexual abstinence seemed to associate even more so with poor bowel outcomes. Subfertility was higher in patients compared to controls (1 year: 21/45 (47%) vs. 38/178 (21%), p = 0.0008; 2 years: 12/45 (27%) vs. 17/178 (10%), p = 0.004). There was an increased proportion of patients who had accessed fertility services (20/45 (44%) vs. 43/178 (24%); p = 0.009), the proportion of successful pregnancies in patients attempting to conceive with IVF (11/17 (65%) vs. 27/43 (63%); p = 1.0) was similar. These novel data suggest that women with Hirschsprung disease who have undergone reconstructive surgery may be at risk for adverse sexual function and fertility outcomes.

Impact of Abdominoplasty with Diastasis Recti Correction on Female Sexual Function: A 1-Year Prospective Follow-Up Study.

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a condition commonly affecting women postpartum, often leading to functional impairments, negative body image, and reduced quality of life. While abdominoplasty with DRA correction is known to improve core stability and aesthetic outcomes, its potential impact on female sexual function remains underexplored. This prospective study investigates the effects of conventional abdominoplasty with DRA correction on female sexual function using the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) over a 1-year follow-up period. A total of 37 female patients with postpartum DRA (inter-rectus distance >4cm) who underwent conventional abdominoplasty were included. Sexual function was assessed preoperatively and 12months postoperatively using the FSFI, encompassing six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant changes in FSFI scores and their correlation with patient satisfaction. Postoperative FSFI scores demonstrated a significant improvement in total score (mean increase: 7.1; p < 0.005) and in the domains of arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. Improvements in desire, lubrication, and pain were observed but not statistically significant. Higher patient satisfaction correlated with greater FSFI score improvement, although this was not statistically conclusive due to the small sample size. Notably, menopausal patients exhibited significant enhancements in overall FSFI scores (mean increase: 7.0; p < 0.005). One dissatisfied patient reported a decline in FSFI, highlighting individual variability. Conventional abdominoplasty with DRA correction significantly improves sexual function in women, particularly in domains of arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction, while enhancing overall quality of life. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing functional and psychological aspects in surgical outcomes. Further research, including larger controlled studies and longer follow-up, is necessary to confirm these results and explore predictive factors for optimal outcomes. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Function in Women with Vaginismus Disorders: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Vaginismus is characterized by involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles around the vagina and requires appropriate management. This review systematically evaluates the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating sexual dysfunction in patients with vaginismus. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were used to compile a systematic review. A search of the ScienceDirect, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases was conducted to find Englishlanguage studies published between 2002-2023 that examined the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy and its effects on the sexual function of women with vaginismus. The included studies were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools (MMAT), and data were analyzed narratively. Results: A total of 5 studies, including a total of 288 women with vaginismus, were included in the review. The majority of studies included women with vaginismus according to DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria. The duration of the treatment and outcome measurements varied. Discussion: Cognitive-behavioral therapy has an effect on sexual satisfaction, sexual functions, and marital adjustment, as well as reducing levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in women with vaginismus. CBT is a helpful, cost-effective, and non-invasive interventional therapy. Conclusion: The duration of therapy required for improvement, as well as its possible association with the severity of vaginismus, remains unclear.

Sexual Dysfunction in Iranian Women with Endometriosis: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects about 5-15% of women of reproductive age. Considering the extensive impact of this disease on women's sexual function, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Iranian women with endometriosis and the factors associated with it. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 300 women (150 women with endometriosis and 150 healthy women) at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran city, Iran, from April to December 2022. Data collection was done using a paper form. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24, employing descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 65.34% in women with endometriosis and 46% in healthy individuals. There was a significant relationship between age, menstrual status, stress, anxiety, and depression with sexual dysfunction in women with endometriosis (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, individuals with endometriosis were more susceptible to stress, anxiety, and depression compared to healthy individuals (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Iranian women with endometriosis, addressing sexual issues in individuals with endometriosis should be a consideration for healthcare providers, and systematic programs should be implemented to improve their sexual health.

Cannabis Use in Women and Sexual Dysfunction

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences in sexual functioning in women who used cannabis before sex and those who used cannabis but not before sex, among those with sexual dysfunction. The cross-sectional study, conducted from August 2019 to January 2020 at an academic sexual dysfunction clinic in the Midwest region of the United States, included 187 participants. Patients completed an anonymous questionnaire during their visit, which included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), cannabis use, and sociodemographic factors. The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationship between cannabis use and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The secondary objective was to examine the FSFI domains of sexual function with cannabis use over the past four weeks. Among the participants, 90% (n = 168) had sexual dysfunction based on the FSFI scores among those with FSD. Women with FSD who used cannabis before sex reported significantly higher lubrication scores and trends toward higher arousal and total FSFI scores than those who used cannabis but not before sex. However, no significant differences were observed in sexual desire, satisfaction, or pain. Quality of life was statistically significant across cannabis groups, with those who never used cannabis indicating “very good to excellent” health more often than those who used cannabis before sex. In addition, women with FSD who had never smoked cigarettes had a significantly higher proportion of never having used cannabis compared to those who used cannabis not before sex and those who used it before sex. These findings suggest that women with sexual dysfunction who use cannabis before sex may experience improvements in lubrication, arousal, and overall sexual function, highlighting the potential benefits of cannabis use in enhancing specific aspects of sexual health in this population.

Sexual functioning after vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: combined results of two randomized controlled trials.

To explore women's sexual functioning and associated quality of life after vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as an alternative to laparoscopy. Two parallel group, 1:1 randomized single-centre single-blinded trials comparing the effects of vNOTES and laparoscopy. Gynaecology unit of a Belgian teaching hospital. Women aged between 18 and 70years with a benign indication for hysterectomy or adnexectomy. After informed consent, women were randomized for vNOTES (experimental group) or laparoscopy (control group). Participants and outcome assessors were blinded. Paper and pencil questionnaires before surgery, as well as at 3 and 6months after surgery. The outcome of interest in this secondary analysis was sexual functioning at 3 and 6months after surgery. We additionally measured quality of life. We studied 68 women allocated to the vNOTES (experimental) condition and 67 women allocated to the laparoscopy (control) condition. No significant effects of time, type of surgery, and surgical technique were found on patients' sexual function. At 3 and 6months post-surgery, an increasing number of negative associations were found between quality of life and aspects of sexual functioning. vNOTES applied for hysterectomy and adnexectomy as compared to laparoscopy does not have a differential impact on women's sexual functioning. Sexual function has few links to patients' quality of life before surgery, but grows in relevance as a negative correlate of quality of life after surgery.

Female Sexual Function After Labiaplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Labiaplasty often motivated by aesthetic and/or sexual and/or functional concerns, but with contradictory outcomes. The documentation regarding the safety and efficacy of these elective procedures is limited, primarily consisting of clinical case reports and retrospective studies. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of labiaplasty on sexual function. An electronic search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2000 to 2024 was performed. Articles that focused on labia minora surgeries performed for cosmetic, and/or sexual, and/or psychological, and/or functional reasons (excluding medical indications like reversing female genital cutting, straddle injuries, or other genital injuries) were considered. Additionally, selected articles were required to evaluate post-operative sexual function using a quantitative tool. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to derive weighted pooled estimates of sexual function after labiaplasty. The authors identified a total of 11 articles (with 671 participants) that evaluated sexual function after labiaplasty. Based on the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (EPHPP), out of the 11 articles reviewed, 7 were categorized as weak, 4 as moderate, and none as strong. Of the studies reviewed, 6 studies used Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A meta-analysis of these six studies (with eight groups) revealed that labiaplasty was associated with an 18.8% improvement in the FSFI score, P < 0.001. Labiaplasty appears to have a positive impact on women's sexual function, at least in the short term. However, inconsistencies in procedures, study design, and scales have limited this conclusion. In pre-surgery counseling, patients must be informed about the limited knowledge on labiaplasty's impact on sexual function. Evidence obtained from well-designed analytic studies. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Glycometabolic Control Does Not Affect Sexual Function in a Cohort of Women with Type 1 Diabetes: Results of an Observational Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: The association between sexual dysfunction and diabetes is well known, but few studies have investigated its prevalence in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in a group of women with T1D, regardless of their age, and to compare its different prevalences in women treated with different insulin regimens. Methods: The population included 77 women affected by T1D, of which 16 were on Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) and 61 on Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (45 on Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop System with catheter and 16 on patch pump). All participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a questionnaire that evaluates several aspects of sexual function. Another questionnaire that evaluated general features, diabetes-specific features and sexual-specific features was proposed to every participant. Results: The overall prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 49.3%. A correlation was demonstrated between the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and age; another correlation was found between the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and dyadic status. No correlation between glycemic control and sexual dysfunction was found. Conclusions: Women with T1D presented a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, independently from glycometabolic disease control and insulin regimens; on the other hand, a significant correlation was demonstrated with age and dyadic status. Evaluation of sexual function in women with T1D appears to be important in clinical settings independently from disease control.

Add-on effect of curcumin to dienogest in patients with endometriosis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Add-on effect of curcumin to dienogest in patients with endometriosis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

The Impact of Sleep Quality on Sexual Function in Women with Hypothyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Hypothyroidism can lead both to sleep disturbances and sexual problems. This study aimed to determine the relationship between sexual dysfunction and sleep problems and the factors affecting these in women with clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism. The study, which had a descriptive and correlational design, was conducted between July 2021 and March 2022 at an education and research hospital in Kırklareli, Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 157 married women with clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, the Post-Sleep Inventory (PSI), the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The mean age of the participants was 45.24 ± 10.01 years. The average duration of the disease was 10.28 ± 6.73 years. Of the participants, 51.6% were being followed up for clinical hypothyroidism, while 58% were receiving pharmacological treatment for hypothyroidism. The women with sexual dysfunction had significantly higher PSI mean scores. There was a negative and significant correlation between the participants’ FSFI and PSI average scores, as well as age and disease duration. Additionally, the sexual function of the women with hypothyroidism was explained by sleep quality and duration of the disease at a rate of 20%. The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between sleep problems and sexual function and that the women with sexual dysfunction had worse sleep quality. Health professionals should evaluate sleep problems and sexual function together in women with hypothyroidism. Providing sleep hygiene education to patients will help to relieve their sleep problems.

Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Women with Sexually Transmitted Infections/Reproductive Tract Infections: A Hospital-Based Study

Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the quality of life (QOL) and the sexual function in women with sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Materials and Methods: A total of 60, females aged 18-45 years with symptoms of STIs/RTIs of more than 1-month duration were enrolled over a period of 1 year along with 60 healthy controls. The world health organization quality of life brief version (WHO)-QOL-BREF questionnaire and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire were used to assess the QOL and sexual function in all the subjects. Results: Majority of the patients were diagnosed as candidal vulvovaginitis (n = 20, 33.33%), followed by bacterial vaginosis (16.67%). The mean scores (both WHO-QOL-BREF and FSFI scores) for all the domains as well as overall scores were higher in the control group as compared to the cases (P = 0.001). Both WHO-QOL-BREF scores and FSFI scores were lowest in mixed infection group (genital molluscum contagiosum and herpes genitalis). Conclusion: As both QOL and sexual function are adversely affected in women having STIs/RTIs, it should be an important part of patient management. A larger community-based study is required to confirm our findings so as to use QOL and female sexual function measures, in addition to other measures, in studies conducted to evaluate various treatment modalities in chronic and recurrent STIs/RTIs.

The Attachment Type, Relationship Characteristics, and Sexual Function of Women: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Research has underscored that the attachment type could explain the association between sexual behavior and relational satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between attachment type, sexual function, and relationship characteristics of adult women. This cross-sectional study included an a priori calculated sample of 304 women, who completed the Female Sexual Function Index, the Relationship Assessment Scale, and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Scale. Women with anxious attachment types reported higher levels of sexual arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction compared to other types, suggesting that emotional insecurity may intensify sexual intimacy within relationships. Overall, relational satisfaction was positively associated with various aspects of sexual function, particularly arousal and orgasmic function. Specifically, anxious attachment was associated with higher levels of sexual arousal, orgasm, and overall satisfaction, emphasizing the impact of relational dynamics on sexual well-being. The findings of this study highlight the significant role of attachment patterns and relational satisfaction in shaping women's sexual function and experiences. The results suggest that therapeutic interventions aiming at the improvement of women's sexual health should consider both attachment type and relational satisfaction as these factors are integral to the quality of sexual experience.

Female Sexual Function Index Outcome After Posterior Vaginal Tightening Approach and Anterior Cervical Ring Repair when Indicated.

Female sexual dysfunction is believed to be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction in most cases. However, correcting prolapse does not always necessarily correct sexual function. The reason for this might be secondary to disregarding anatomically relevant structures during surgical interventions. We aimed to demonstrate that posterior vaginal tightening approach avoiding anteriorly located structures, such as clitoral complex, would yield better results in terms of sexual function. Fifty-seven postmenopausal women with primary complaints of vaginal laxity and Grade I and II prolapse were operated. All patients received posterior vaginal tightening operation, and a cervical ring repair was utilized when indicated (n:25). Perineal repair was done if there was any defect (n:13). Levator plication is not done in any patients. FSFI (Turkish Version) was applied to each patient prior to surgery and at 6th month postoperatively. A Likert-type scale is also utilized to assess the patient satisfaction from the procedures. All the domains and the total score of FSFI were observed to be improved. Only the improvement in the pain domain scores was not statistically significant. Satisfaction of the patients from the surgery on a Likert scale was so as to: very satisfied 27 (47.4%), satisfied 12 (21.1%), neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 8 (14%), dissatisfied 5 (8.8%), very dissatisfied 1(1.7%). Sexual function of women with vaginal laxity can be improved when vulvovaginal erotogenic complex is not disrupted. This can be achieved via a posterior approach while maintaining successful anatomic correction of both posterior and anterior compartments. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Menstrual management and the impact of primary dysmenorrhea intensity on quality of life: A cross-sectional study in Chilean women.

Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as pain during the menstrual cycle, recurrent cramping type in the absence of an identifiable cause. It can negatively affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it. The objective is to determine the association between pain intensity in primary dysmenorrhea and the impact on quality of life related to menstrual health, presenteeism, and sexual function in adult Chilean women. Cross-sectional observational study. A sample of 392 women with painful menstruation in the last six months. A self-reported survey was distributed on social media between January and June 2024, consisting of sociodemographic questions, pain intensity and perception, the EQ5D-3L quality of life questionnaire, the Stanford Presenteeism Scale, and the Women's Sexual Function Questionnaire adapted to the study. The mean age was 29.2 +/- 8.2 years, and the mean pain intensity was 6.7 +/- 2.04 points. High pain intensity was associated with greater impairment. Those with severe or extreme pain experienced a significant impact on their quality of life related to menstrual health. Among the compromised aspects, the most notable were the performance of usual activities (OR 9.99), lower work performance (lack of concentration), and decreased social activities. The most common mitigation measures used were local heat (96.7%), herbal teas (63.5%), and medication (90%). Dysmenorrhea impacts different dimensions of quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, it is often underestimated, and women often normalize pain by employing various methods to mitigate it. The concept of menstrual health is a subjective and multidimensional experience. The results suggest the importance of comprehensively updating the management of dysmenorrhea and incorporating new studies on economic evaluation, prevalence, and self-image to delve deeper into the subject.

Association between lower urinary tract symptoms and female sexual function: results from the GENitourinary syndrome of menopause in JApanese women (GENJA) study.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is highly prevalent in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS); however, few studies have assessed the association between specific LUTS and FSD. To identify which specific LUTS are associated with which domains of female sexual function in Japanese women. Data from 1337 sexually active women aged 40-79years who participated in the GENitourinary syndrome of menopause in JApanese women (GENJA) study were analyzed. All participants answered web-based questionnaires including the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire. We used multivariable regression to assess the association between LUTS and FSFI domain scores, adjusted for age, menstrual status, hormone therapy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and depression. FSFI domain and total scores associated with LUTS. The mean age of participants was 54.0 ± 10.7years. Women with LUTS were more likely to have lower total FSFI scores than those without, except for increased daytime urinary frequency. The multivariate analysis revealed that nocturia was associated with lower orgasm scores (coefficient: -0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.45 to -0.01; P = .044), urgency with lower pain scores (coefficient: -0.62; CI: -1.09 to -0.14; P = .011), stress urinary incontinence (coefficient: -0.51; CI: -0.90 to -0.12; P = .011), and vaginal bulge/lump sensations (coefficient: -0.42; CI: -0.81 to -0.04; P = .031) with lower satisfaction scores. This study highlights the need to include routine assessments of sexual function in women with LUTS. This is the first study to comprehensively examine the association between specific LUTS and FSFI domain scores using validated questionnaires in a nationwide epidemiological survey among sexually active Japanese women. Limitations include non-random participant selection and reliance on self-reported data, which represent subjective symptoms. LUTS, including nocturia, urgency, stress urinary incontinence, as well as vaginal bulge/lump sensations, were associated with FSD regardless of age, menstrual status, lifestyle-related diseases, or depression.

IMPACT OF PREVIOUS OR CHRONIC DISEASES ON SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN

Abstract Objectives A previous or chronic disease may negatively affect sexual function. Most earlier studies focused on erectile dysfunction after prostate pathology or cardiovascular disease in men. Sexual problems in women with previous/chronic disease(s) are rarely addressed. This study aimed to assess associations between previous/chronic diseases and sexual function in women. Methods A total of 41 213 randomly selected Norwegian women 18 years or older were invited to answer a digital questionnaire regarding demographic information, and previous/chronic diseases including hypertension, stroke, venous thromboembolism, diabetes, pulmonary diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression, other psychiatric diseases, and skin diseases. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Sexual dysfunction was defined as a total score &amp;lt; 26.55, and assessed in sexually active women who completed the FSFI. Differences between groups were calculated by chi-square test, and logistic regression was performed for age-adjustments. Results A total of 7355 (18%) women were included. The mean age was 46 years (standard deviation 16), 75% were in a paired relation, 63% had higher education, and 65% reported one or more previous/chronic disease(s). Among sexually inactive women (n = 1610 (22%)), the most common reasons of sexual inactivity were not having a partner (52%), lack of sexual interest (20%), and partner with a physical problem (7%). In total 5595 women (76%) were sexually active. Sexual dysfunction was reported in the following proportions of sexually active women with chronic diseases: Hypertension 46%, stroke 59%, venous thromboembolism 56%, diabetes 46%, pulmonary diseases 42%, musculoskeletal disease 48%, cancer 58%, osteoporosis 52%, anxiety 54%, depression 55%, other psychiatric diseases 49% and skin disease 46%. After age-adjustment, sexual dysfunction was statistically significantly more frequent in sexually active women with thromboembolism, musculoskeletal disease, cancer, anxiety, depression, other psychiatric diseases, and skin disease compared to sexually active healthy women (34%). Conclusions The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was notably higher in women with a previous/chronic diseases compared to healthy women. In several disease groups, more than half of sexually active women had sexual dysfunction. Sexual issues should be addressed in consultations within all relevant specialties. Conflicts of Interest No.

Non-pharmacological interventions for female sexual dysfunction in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.

Sexual function is a multidimensional phenomenon affected by many different physical, physiological, and mental factors. Sexual dysfunction (SD) can affect the different aspects of personal and familial health. Non-pharmacological interventions for SD management have received great attention in recent years, though SD is still mostly managed using pharmacological interventions. In this scoping review, we searched the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to find relevant studies published between January 2014 and February 2024. Twenty articles were included in the review. Non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, sexual education and counseling based on theories and models, mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral sex therapy, phytotherapy and vaginal electrical stimulation, multimedia applications, and sexual health education programs can improve women's sexual function. Given the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions and the heavy costs of pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological interventions can be used for SD management in low- and middle-income countries.

Impact of Vaginal Hysterectomy on Quality of Life, Body Image, and Sexual Function in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Study of Rural Women in a Low-Resource Setting.

This study examines the repercussions of vaginal hysterectomy and apical suspension for prolapse, when used as a surgical remedy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), with regard to sexual function, body image, and the overarching quality of life (QoL) in women living in low- to middle-income rural areas. We conducted a longitudinal assessment involving 108 sexually active women with a diagnosis of stage 3 or higher POP undergoing vaginal hysterectomy and apical suspension for prolapse. Evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Participants underwent qualitative in-depth interviews and completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). We calculated aggregate and domain-specific scores from these instruments and utilized the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to discern pre- to post-surgical changes. Data from a total of 108 women were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 56.65 ± 10.03years. Post-hysterectomy outcomes showed a statistically significant enhancement in sexual function, evidenced by increased scores on the FSFI from 13.42 ± 4.87 preoperatively to 27.99 ± 4.88 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Notable improvements were similarly recorded on the BIS and SF-36 subscales (p < 0.001). Qualitative analyses suggested that these positive changes in sexual function might be directly attributable to the alleviation of POP-related symptoms. Pelvic floor dysfunction presents a multifaceted health concern with both functional and anatomical repercussions for affected individuals. This investigation highlights the association between pelvic reconstructive procedures and improvement in women's QoL in an understudied population.

Effect of deep infiltrative endometriosis surgery and surgical method on sexual function in females

Sexual function and quality of life are significantly reduced in endometriosis patients, particularly those with deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of endometriosis excision and excision techniques on sexual function among individuals with DIE to those of healthy females in an objective manner. Our study included 140 individuals who were diagnosed as having DIE and reported dyspareunia in our clinic between January 2018 and 2024, and 70 patients who presented to our family planning clinic. The preoperative and 6-month post-surgery scores of the female sexual function index (FSFI), quality of sexual experience scale (QSES), and visual analog scale (VAS) values of all patients who described preoperative dyspareunia were examined retrospectively from the patient files. In our study, the FSFI score of healthy groups was seen to be significantly greater than the pre-surgery and post-surgery groups (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The QSES scores of the healthy group were found to be significantly higher than the pre-surgery and post-surgery groups (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The VAS dyspareunia values of the healthy group were discovered to be significantly lower than the pre-surgery and post-surgery groups (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The FSFI and QSES scores of the post-surgery group were significantly higher than those of the pre-surgery group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The VAS dyspareunia score of the post-surgery group was seen to be significantly lower than that of the pre-surgery group (p<0.001). The FSFI and QSES scores of patients who underwent laparotomy were discovered to be significantly greater than that of individuals who underwent laparoscopic surgery (p<0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). The surgical approach may have a positive effect on both organ dysfunction and sexual function in women with DIE; this issue should be considered carefully.