Sexual Desire Research Articles

PLK3 weakens antioxidant defense and inhibits proliferation of porcine Leydig cells under oxidative stress

Aging is characterized by cellular degeneration and impaired physiological functions, leading to a decline in male sexual desire and reproductive capacity. Oxidative stress (OS) lead to testicular aging by impairing the male reproductive system, but the potential mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the functional status of testicular tissues from young and aged boars was compared, and the transcriptional responses of Leydig cells (LCs) to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced senescence were explored, revealing the role of OS in promoting aging of the male reproductive system. 601 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with OS, cell cycle regulation, and intracellular processes were identified. These DEGs were significantly enriched in critical aging pathways, including the p53 signaling pathway, autophagy, and cellular senescence. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis unveiled 15 key genes related to cell cycle and DNA replication, with polo-like kinase 3 (PLK3) exhibiting increased expression under OS. In vitro, PLK3 knockdown significantly enhanced the viability and antioxidant capacity of LCs under OS. This study deepens our understanding of how LCs respond to OS and provides new therapeutic targets for enhancing cellular resistance to oxidative damage and promoting tissue health.

Profiles of testosterone and pre-androgens and sexual function in premenopausal women.

There is inconsistent evidence as to the role of testosterone and pre-androgens in premenopausal female sexual function, and reported associations between blood concentrations of these hormones and female sexual function vary in strength. To examine the patterns of testosterone and pre-androgen concentrations and variations in sexual function in premenopausal eumenorrheic women. This was a secondary analysis of a sample of 588 premenopausal eumenorrheic women from the Grollo-Ruzzene Foundation Young Women's Health Study. Socio-demographics, health information, and questionnaire data were collected using online surveys. Eligible women were invited to provide a blood sample. We ran latent profile analysis (LPA) and subsequent analyses in R using RStudio. Indicator variables in the LPA included sexual arousal and desire domains of the Profile of Female Sexual Function and testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione, measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Analyses resulted in a pattern of 3 latent classes. Classes reporting relatively lower and higher sexual arousal (LPA-derived means and 95% CIs: -0.79 [-1.24; -0.34] and 0.62 [0.51; 0.72]) did not differ significantly in sex steroid concentrations (testosterone: -0.21 [-0.38; -0.03] and -0.33 [-0.47; -0.20]; DHEA: -0.47 [-0.57; -0.37] and -0.26 [-0.39; -0.13]; androstenedione: -0.36 [-0.50; -0.22] and -0.39 [-0.49; -0.29]), while the class reporting relatively medium arousal (-0.11 [-0.31; 0.08]) showed the highest testosterone, DHEA, and androstenedione concentrations (testosterone: 0.8 [0.60; 1.01]; DHEA: 0.99 [0.76; 1.23]; androstenedione: 1.08 [0.88; 1.29]). There were no significant differences in sexual desire between classes (-0.08 [-0.23; 0.06]; 0.00 [-0.13; 0.14]; 0.10 [-0.09; 0.30]) differing significantly in sex steroid concentrations (-0.69 [-0.80; -0.58], -0.04 [-0.15; 0.07], 0.94 [0.71; 1.16] for testosterone) nor associations between the sex steroid concentrations and degrees of sexual desire. These findings cast further doubt on the utility of measuring sex steroids for diagnosing female sexual dysfunction in premenopausal eumenorrheic women, even when considered in combination. We analyzed a large community sample and controlled for potentially biasing factors. We analyzed sex steroid concentrations determined with gold-standard methodology. Excluding women with early menopause and menstrual dysfunction might have resulted in finding 3, rather than more, latent classes. Testosterone and pre-androgen profiles do not clearly identify premenopausal eumenorrheic women with low sexual arousal and desire.

SOCIAL AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF THE USE OF TRADITIONAL APHRODISIACS (KAYAN MATA) AMONG MARRIED WOMEN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

People over time, have considered the possibility to arouse sexual desires with drugs and food. However, how this is largely attended to, based on the uniqueness of the different groups and cultures. Prior to the use of modern vaccines, traditional aphrodisiacs such as herbal or animal extracts were purported to boost erotic pleasure, induce sexual desire and stimulate genitalia. In recent years, the use of aphrodisiacs has become popular with the increased prevalence of sexual problems worldwide. Aphrodisiacs refer to any substance (food or drug) that stimulates sexual desire and enhance sexual desire and performance. In Northern Nigeria, traditional aphrodisiacs known as Kayan mata, are sold by the roadside and in herbal chemists, most of which are not certified fit for human consumption. Dispensers do not have any information on their manufacturing dates, expiry dates, batch number nor chemical compositions as well as the prescribed dosage. The acceptance and use of Kayan mata among women in Northern Nigeria is associated with the desire to have influence over decision-making and control partners in intimate relationship. However, many issues have been presented in different quarters with respect to the use and demand for traditional aphrodisiacs. Nevertheless, little is known about the social and health implications of the use of these substances. This, therefore requires further interrogation to broaden the horizon of the public on the increasing phenomenon. Secondary sources of data were employed for this work. Also, Social Exchange Theory provided theoretical orientation to issues related to the thrust of the paper. A large number of married women use traditional aphrodisiac which are mainly sold by traditional healers. Therefore, there is need to set up more orthodox care facilities for sexual dysfunction and community health education on female sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, there is the need for quality assurance, safety and standardization of these substances for the benefit of the consumers.

Investigation of the Effect of Counseling Given to Postpartum Women with the EX-PLISSIT Model on Sexual

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of counselling using the EX-PLISSIT model on sexual problems experienced by postpartum women. The study collected data from a sample of 1062 women who gave birth at a Public University Hospital in 2017, using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale and Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction Scale. The study was conducted in two stages, with 189 women in the first stage and 150 women in the second stage. Women in the intervention group received sexual counselling based on the EX-PLISSIT model. A statistically significant difference was found in the education level of the women and the age and education level of their spouses. Pain was reported by 14.7% of women during the pre-pregnancy period, 12.0% during pregnancy, and 26.7% during the third month after delivery. A statistical difference was found between the intervention and control groups in the sub-dimension scores of the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, including communication, satisfaction, avoidance, touch, vaginismus, and orgasm, as well as the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, including sexual desire, vaginal wetting/moisturizing, and satisfying orgasm. However, age, income status, marital age, marital type, marital adjustment, parity, and childbearing were not statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups. The study found that counselling with EX-PLISSIT had a positive effect on both sexual dysfunction and the quality of sexual intercourse.

When the queen of transvestites revealed it all? Performative politics of queer life writing in Turkey’s era of confession

ABSTRACT After the coup d’état of 1980, as a neoliberal regime was gradually established in Turkey, confession gained unprecedented power as a disciplinary technology. Several queer subjects created auto/biographical texts and performances as they negotiated the gendered and sexualised politics of confessional citizenship. Ümit Oğuztan’s documentary novel Kraliçe Sisi [Queen Sisi] (1991) was of exceptional significance. Oğuztan claimed to narrate the high-end trans sex worker Seyhan Soylu’s life and her sexual experiences with Turkey’s elite. The author employed archival and ethnographic research methods and performative writing techniques to create a truth effect while preventing trouble with the law. By queering iconic figures, Kraliçe Sisi proposed an alternative perspective on the past and explored the possibility of a different future. This example of liberal pornography queered its readers by providing an opportunity for identification and empathy, and by producing non-normative sexual desires in and through their bodies. The accounts of the book’s trans readers show how this notorious text performed a work of activism and changed lives. Rather than an unconditional investment in liberatory politics, however, Kraliçe Sisi harbours strong ambivalences and discriminatory discourses, revealing the diverse, at times unsettling forms queer literature and memory practices can take.

Predictors of Perceived Positive and Negative Consequences of Sexual Compliance

Sexual compliance (i.e., consenting to sex without initial sexual desire) can have both positive and negative consequences for well-being. This study explored predictors of perceived consequences of sexual compliance in cisgendered men and women from a population-based, Finnish sample (men n = 449, women n = 499, age M = 34.1, relationship duration M = 8.9). We drew upon existing literature and theoretical frameworks to select the following predictors; sexual approach and avoidance motives, sexual self-efficacy, avoidant and anxious attachment, sexual self-esteem, sexual assertiveness, symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, sexual distress, dyadic sexual communication, dyadic trust, and partner’s sexual coercion. The predictors explained 31–38% of the variance in perceived positive consequences and 33–43% of the variance in perceived negative consequences of sexual compliance. Approach motives for sex had the strongest association with perceived positive consequences and having been sexually coerced by one’s partner and sexual distress had the strongest associations with perceived negative consequences of sexual compliance. There were some variations in the predictors between genders, but the differing predictors had weak effects on the perceived consequences. Our findings can help clinicians identify focus areas when working with clients who experience a desire discrepancy in their intimate relationships.

Understanding the Lived Experiences of Women Underwent Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Bichena Town, North-Western Ethiopia

Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a widespread and harmful traditional practice, despite legislative measures to protect girls and women’s rights in Ethiopia. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of women who underwent Female genital mutilation (FGM). Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with purposefully selected participants in Bichena town. Thematic analysis was used, and yielded three major themes: Reasons for continuity; Living with FGM; Location and Circumcisers. Findings of the study showed that participants identified limiting female sexuality, deep-rooted cultural beliefs and religion as justification for the continuity of FGM. The study also revealed that participants experienced mixed feelings; the majority reported experiences of loss of sexual desires, painful intercourse, and conflicts of spousal relationship, while some felt no negative consequences from the practice. Participants further reported that the operation of circumcision is performed using traditional circumcisers at parents’ home. The FGM experiences of these participants highlight the critical need for community-based intervention to cease this harmful customary practice. Long-term ethnographic study is required to validate our conclusion that FGM is one of the manifestations of gender-based human rights violation to control women’s sexuality and autonomy. Our study has special implications for adding knowledge in the social service research and providing insight on how to integrate FGM into an intervention area in social change practice

Assessing the influence of recurrent urinary tract infections on sexual function: a case-control study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) significantly impact quality of life and can also lead to changes in sexual function. This study aims to assess the symptoms associated with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) and their influence on both quality of life and sexual activity. A case-control study was conducted, involving 383 patients with rUTIs and 161 healthy controls. The Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires were utilized, with all surveys completed online through Google Forms. The ACSS and FSFI were collected using online surveys designed through Google Forms. A higher prevalence of constipation was observed in the rUTI group compared to controls (37.6% vs 31.7%). rUTIs caused moderate to severe interference with work activities in 55.5% of cases, while 59% reported interference with social life. Sexual life assessment revealed that all FSFI domains were significantly affected in patients with rUTIs. Sexual desire was rated as low or very low in 61.9% of rUTI cases compared to 48.1% of controls (P< .001). Additionally, 35.3% of rUTI patients reported low or very low confidence in becoming sexually aroused, compared to 7.5% of controls (P< .001). Difficulty reaching orgasm was reported by 29.6% of rUTI patients versus 20.7% of controls (P< .001). Pain or discomfort following vaginal penetration was reported more than half the time by 43.9% of rUTI patients, compared to 19.6% of controls (P< .001). Dissatisfaction with sexual intercourse was noted in 53.6% of rUTI patients versus 15.8% of controls (P< .001). The assessment of sexual health should be integrated into the management of patients with rUTIs. Interventions targeting UTI management must also address strategies to improve sexual function and satisfaction. This study provides insight into the impact of rUTIs on sexual function across both pre- and post-menopausal women, allowing for an evaluation of how sexual perceptions evolve with age. However, the study's limitations include the lack of assessment of sexual practices, which may influence the risk of rUTIs and affect FSFI results. Women with rUTIs report significantly lower sexual satisfaction and higher rates of sexual dysfunction. It is essential to evaluate the sexual function of patients with rUTIs, and management strategies must consider ways to improve sexual health as part of the overall treatment plan.

The Desiring Girl in South African Young Adult Fiction

ABSTRACT Girls in South African young adult (YA) fiction typically represent a heteropatriarchal, sexually passive model of femininity that allows for neither sexual autonomy nor sexual desire. This article examines six prominent South African YA novels that are unusual in that the sexual desires of their teenage heroines play an important role in shaping plot or character: S. A. Partridge’s Dark Poppy’s Demise (2011); Adeline Radloff’s Sidekick (2010); Sonwabiso Ngcowa’s In Search of Happiness (2014); and Lily Herne’s Mall Rats series of three books. The study finds that even in these rare examples of South African texts that treat girls’ desires as significant, desire mostly remains ambivalent or is treated evasively, while violence, by contrast, is embedded in each novel’s social context and routinely described at length, in explicit detail. South African girls live in a violent world, but the article argues that reducing their lives to a single violent dimension only perpetuates that violence. And in correlating girls’ desire indissociably with violence, these texts normalize the violent punishment of girls whose femininity is not sexually passive.

Sexual function after treatment with non-invasive radiofrequency device for improvement of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A multi-arm randomized clinical trial.

Several anatomical and functional changes occur during menopause and lead to female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The use of energy-based devices to improve women's sexual health brings an innovative scenario. To evaluate the effect of non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) treatment compared to vaginal estrogen therapy (E) and vaginal moisturizer (M) in postmenopausal women with FSD. Thirty-two sexually active postmenopausal women aged 45-75years were enrolled in a single center randomized controlled trial with three intervention arms: non-invasive RF, vaginal estrogen (E), or vaginal moisturizer (M) treatment. Assessments at baseline, and 4months were conducted using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The primary outcome of this RCT was an assessment of the effect of RF on FSD compared to that of E and M. According to the total FSFI score, 100% of participants in the RF and E arms and 90% in the M arm had sexual problems at the baseline. The mean age of the participants was 58+/-5.3, 57.9+/-6.3, and 59.6+/-6.0years in the RF, E, and M arms, respectively (p=0.741). After 4months of follow-up, FSD had ameliorated by 146.1% in the RF arm (improvement of 17.32 points in the total FSFI score), with no significant improvement in the other arms (p=0.009). We observed improvements in sexual desire (1.32 points in the partial FSFI score), arousal (2.37 points in the partial FSFI score), and orgasm (2.8 points in the partial FSFI score) only in the RF arm (p=0.004, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The use of an energy-based device independently of hormonal therapy to improve female SF is very promising. Our findings may contribute to treatment decisions when there is failure of vaginal estrogen therapy, a need for a combination of treatments, or a patient preference for the use of energy-based devices, in postmenopausal women with FSD. Non-invasive RF treatment for FSD showed superior efficacy compared to vaginal estrogen therapy and vaginal moisturizer after 4months of follow-up. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to corroborate these findings and evaluate the long-term effects of non-invasive RF therapy on sexual function.

Horace Walpole, the Prince, and the Baron

Abstract The precise nature of Horace Walpole's sexuality remains elusive, in spite of the extent of his surviving correspondence — which is vast but with notable and possibly strategic gaps. Walpole's reactions to two queer men he encountered in Italy, Cardinal Prince Henry Benedict and Baron Philipp von Stosch, nevertheless reveal some of his preoccupations and anxieties in relation to male-male sexual desire.

A Combination of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts Enhances Sexual Function in Aging Males in a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study.

Introduction: LN18178 is a standardized, synergistic combination of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed extracts, which has been reported to increase serum testosterone levels in young and aging males. Methods: The present 84-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy of LN18178 on the sexual function of aging male volunteers (age: 40-70 years; serum total testosterone: ≥ 300 ng/dL). The subjects with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction [5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores 17-25] and low sexual desire (score < 3 on items 11 and 12 of IIEF) participated in this investigation. One hundred and twenty men were randomly allocated into either the LN18178 or placebo group (n=60); they took either 400 mg of LN18178 or a matched placebo capsule daily with breakfast. Results: Post-trial, the LN18178-supplemented participants reported significant (P < 0.05) improvements in total and domain scores of the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning-Self Reporting Male (DISF-SR-M) questionnaire, as well as substantial improvements in IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function-5) and erection hardness scores (EHS). Comparative analysis also revealed significant improvements in the multi-dimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) and general health survey (GHS) scores. LN18178 supplementation substantially (P < 0.05) increased the six-minute walk distance and hand-grip strength compared to placebo. The participants' hemato-biochemical parameters, urinalysis, and vitals were within the normal range. Conclusion: LN18178 enhances sexual function, libido and improves psychological well-being, as well as neuromotor function and general well-being in aging males. LN18178 supplementation is safe and well tolerated by the participants.

&lt;장끼전&gt;에 나타난 까투리의 애도 과정 연구 - ‘이중 과정 모형’을 중심으로 -

This study aims to analyze the grief process of Kkaturi, who loses her husband in Jangkkijeon, using the “Dual Process Model,” to explore the significance of her grief. The Dual Process Model is a methodological framework that captures the complexity and dynamic changes within the mourner, seeing grief as a process of coping with various stresses arising from bereavement. This model addresses not only the stress caused by bereavement itself but also the difficulties encountered in the process of recovery and rebuilding one’s life after bereavement. The Dual Process Model does not view grief as a linear progression from bereavement to restoration or simply a return to reality, but as a dynamic process involving coping with stress related to both bereavement and restoration. This process manifests as an oscillation between the two dimensions, allowing for a deeper understanding of the mourner's complex internal psychological state. Jangkkijeon is a work centered on the bereavement of a spouse and Kkaturi begins her grief from the moment her mate, Jangkki is caught in a trap. Initially, she falls into grief and despair, responding to the bereavement with by focusing on the bereavement itself. However, as she shifts to a restoration-oriented approach, she gradually begins to concentrate more on her remaining life rather than on her husband's death. The resilience she gains through this grief process plays a crucial role in helping her overcome sorrow and restore her daily life. Resilience helps Kkaturi navigate the crises and adapt to change, allowing her to return to her routine life. While the household is disrupted by Jangkki’s death, Kkaturi acquires resilience through the grief process, enabling her to overcome grief. Additionally, presence of suitors reminds her that she still possesses productive abilities and sexual desires. Through her interactions with them, she begins to change her self-awareness. Her rejection of the suitors' proposals demonstrates the confidence she gains from resilience, showing that she can choose the life she desires. This highlights how resilience has become a force that allows her to take control of her life. By choosing to remarry a widowed Jangkki, Kkaturi embraces a new life and fully restores her daily life. From the perspective of the grief process, her decision to remarry can be seen as resulting from resilience, a choice that reflects the direction she wishes to take in her life.

Aphrodisiac Activity of The n-Hexane Fraction of Clove Leaves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) on The Fertility of Male White Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Aphrodisiacs are stimulant that modulate the neuroendocrine system to enhance libido or sexual desire and affect reproductive activity. Hormonal or neurological imbalances, as well as disruptions in reproductive tissue, can affect male fertility. One plant known to stimulate sexual arousal is the clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), with its active compound, primarily eugenol, presumed to enhance testicular function and thereby potentially address male sexual dysfunction. This study aims to examine the aphrodisiac activity of the n-hexane fraction of clove leaves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) on the fertility of male white rats by assessing parameters such as the mating index, fertility index, libido index, pregnancy index, and live fetus index. This research used an experimental method with a post-test modified randomized control group design, involving 20 male and 40 female white rats divided into four treatment groups in a 1:2 ratio. Each group comprised 5 male and 10 female rats. The groups included a normal control (Na-CMC), a positive control (X-Gra 51.37 mg/kg BW), a clove leaf extract group (250 mg/kg BW), and an n-hexane fraction of clove leaves group (250 mg/kg BW). The findings indicate that the n-hexane fraction of clove leaves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) at a dose of 250 mg/kg BW contains secondary metabolite steroids and exhibits significant aphrodisiac activity that affect fertility which is characterized by a significant differences in the percentages of pregnancy and fertility indices.

ASSESSMENT OF SUBJECTIVE SEXUAL EXPERIENCES OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract There is extensive research focusing on sexual dysfunction, decreased frequency, and sexual effects of aging, however few studies explore older adults’ subjective sexual experiences. Consequently, ageist myths prevail that older adults are neither sexually active nor desirous and the quality of their sexual activity must be extremely poor due to dysfunction and older bodies. The aim of this study was to determine how older adults assess their sexual experiences, what aspects are important, and their sexual outlook through survey research with a sample of individuals age 60+ (N=556). The results found older adults are overwhelmingly positive about their sexual experiences along with a realistic recognition of aging effects. Almost all, 85%, are sexually active, partnered and/or solo sex. Satisfaction is high indicated by 45% extremely/very satisfied with both quality and frequency and by a majority rating recent sexual experiences above average on a 1 to 10 scale and a third ranking it as “great sex” (8+). Their positivity is further evidenced as 80% describe their recent sexual experiences as fun and 67% answered exciting, despite 60% also recognizing it is predictable and more challenging, and 72% admitting it’s not their best sex ever. Sexual desire remains high as the majority look forward to their next sexual experience and 70% anticipate an unlimited number of orgasms in their future. Consistent trends were found across all 4 age groups. This study’s findings are significant for reframing the myths and demonstrating that older adults are sexually interested and having overwhelmingly positive sexual experiences.

Investigating the Relationship between Attitudes Towards Menopause and Sexual Function in Menopausal Women in War-Torn Afghanistan

Introduction: Menopause is one of the natural periods of women's life that due to the completion of a woman's egg, ovulation will no longer occur and as a result, menstruation will stop forever and they will no longer be able to have children Menopause usually begins between the ages of 49 and 52. But it can happen at any age. At this time, the ovaries secrete less female hormones, especially estrogen, and cause menopausal symptoms. Menstruation first becomes irregular and then stops altogether. Women who do not menstruate for a year are considered menopausal 35% of postmenopausal women are reported to suffer from decreased libido. Also in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany, 47%, 54%, 42% and 24% of postmenopausal women have reported decreased sexual activity. According to our study, 550% of postmenopausal women in Afghanistan suffer from decreased sexual desire. A long-running Melbourne-based population-based study reported a significant decrease in libido, arousal, orgasm, and sexual activity, and a significant increase in vaginal dryness / painful intercourse throughout menopause. The health values and beliefs of a society affect the perception of sexual desire during menopause and the will of individuals as well as the need for their treatment. After menopause, sexual desire decreases somewhat. On the other hand, due to the reduction of female secretions, vaginal dryness occurs and sometimes causes pain and discomfort during intercourse, and this issue can affect marital relations. Research findings; A total of 200 postmenopausal women aged 45-58 years were studied in this study. The mean age of these women was 7.93 ± 57.18 years. The highest age distribution was in the range of 51 to 55 years (53.7%). The mean duration of menopause was 7.00 ± 7.00 years. 176 (89%) were housewives and 167 (83.5%) had less than a diploma. Conclusion: Although no relationship was observed between sexual function and attitudes toward menopause, a large number of postmenopausal women still had a negative attitude towards this phenomenon, which was also impaired in terms of sexual function.

Qualitative Findings from a Pilot Trial of Mindfulness for Low Sexual Desire in Midlife and Older Women.

Low libido is a common and potentially distressing problem among midlife and older women. We recently reported results from a pilot randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness intervention for midlife and older cisgender women with low libido; the purpose of this qualitative investigation is to illustrate women's experiences with being recruited for, enrolling in, and participating in the trial. We conducted individual interviews with a subset of trial participants, some of whom attended a group-based mindfulness intervention and some attended an educational control group (N = 25). We also interviewed participants who were enrolled but did not attend any groups (N = 9). A semi-structured interview guide was developed by the study team. A co-investigator with qualitative research expertise and the primary investigator conducted interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed. We used a thematic analysis approach to analysis, co-coding a subset of interviews to develop and refine a codebook, then assigning codes to all data. Codes were grouped into subthemes and themes and key insights were extracted. Three key themes emerged from women who attended groups. First, women were interested in the intersection of sexuality and mindfulness. Second, women in both groups valued the sense of community they gained from participating; the interactive nature of sessions contributed to this. Third, experiences with attending groups over videoconferencing software were largely positive. Suggestions for improvement included a better explanation of the randomization process and more didactic information about sexuality and aging in both groups. Non-attendees listed time conflicts as their top reason for not attending. We recommend researchers consider utilizing a group format when designing behavioral interventions for midlife and older women, as this design offers many benefits for participants, but ensuring that a qualified professional is present can ensure information exchanges is evidence-based. In addition, healthcare systems can consider building in opportunities for midlife women to gather and exchange information regarding health.

The antidepressants and sexual dysfunction: a pharmacovigilance-pharmacodynamic study of the FDA adverse event reporting system

ABSTRACT Background Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a commonly occurring yet often underestimated adverse event associated with the use of antidepressants. This study aimed to analyze the reporting of SD associated with the use of antidepressants in comparison with one another, and to explore potential receptor mechanisms based on the real-world data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods Disproportionality analysis was conducted based on FAERS reports (2004 Q1 to 2024 Q2) using reporting odds ratios (ROR) and information components (IC) methods. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between ROR and the related receptor-binding properties. Results In total, 233 significant signals involving 9767 cases were included. The analysis confirmed that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors exhibited significant signals, consistent with previous research. Additionally, unexpected signals were detected for vortioxetine (ROR = 13.60), suggesting a potential risk despite its low reported incidence rates of SD. Spearman correlation analysis revealed potential effects for the binding affinities of serotonin transporter, 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptors on reduced sexual desire. Conclusions The present investigation has detected new and unexpected signals of antidepressant-related SDs. Further research is needed to validate and clarify the observed associations.

A study on anxiety and depression symptoms among menopausal women: a web based cross sectional survey.

An essential part of aging is menopause, which indicates the final phase of the female reproductive cycle. The objective of this research was to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms among menopausal women in Asir region, Saudi Arabia. The cross-sectional survey was carried out in February to June 2024, using a random sampling procedure, study participants were selected. All menopausal women including <50 and ≥60 years old, were included, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were collected using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) respectively. Of the 396 menopausal women, the majority 170 (42.9%) were <50 years old and 92 (23.2%) were between 50 and 54 years old. Two hundred eighty-one were married (71%) and 273 (68.9%) were literate. Most of them, 229 (57.8%) got married at <18 years and 196 (49.5%) have a parity of 3-5 and 189 (47.7%) women attained menopause at <50 years old. In terms of menopausal symptoms, 268 (67.7%) women experienced hot flushes; 252 (63.6%) had night sweats and were more irritable 256 (64.6%) followed by 244 (61.6%) had decreased sexual desire. In general, 258 (65.2%) and 206 (52.02%) menopausal women reported having depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Married (OR = 0.317; 95% CI = 0.182-0.551, p = 0.000) and literate (OR = 0.518; 95% CI = 0.309-0.868, p = 0.013) are less likely to be in depression compared to widowed/separated individuals. Literates (OR = 0.271; 95% CI = 0.165-0.443, p = 0.000), are less likely to have anxiety compared to illiterates. The study found that a significant percentage of menopausal women had depression and anxiety symptoms. These results emphasize the significance of screening and assessing women experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms throughout the menopausal transition. To alleviate menopausal symptoms, it is also suggested to conduct activities to educate menopausal women, such as a health awareness program in shopping centers and other public places, etc.

Legal Certainty, Justice, and Maqasid al-Shari'ah in Polygamy Permits: A Case Study of Kediri Religious Court

Polygamy has been a problem with pros and cons until now. This also includes permission for polygamy carried out by the husband for reason of high sexual desire or hypersexuality, which causes the husband to take permission for polygamy to the Religious Court. This is what happened in the Kediri Regency Religious Court Number 3826/Pdt.G/2023/PA.Kab.Kdr. This article is library research, qualitative in nature, and uses a conceptual and statutory approach. The results of this research show that the practice of polygamy permit is in accordance with aspects of legal justice, legal certainty and legal benefit. As for maqasid al-shari'ah, if it is related to the case of polygamy permit, it can be understood that, First, legal texts and rules are not separate from their purpose. In Islam, there is a rule that polygamy is limited to four wives, the purpose of which is to worship Allah and form a harmonious family and must fulfill the positive legal aspects, namely permission from the first wife. Second, combine universal principles with arguments used for specific cases. In this case, even though there is a text about polygamy, it still requires permission from the first wife, and is connected to the principle of hifz al-usrah which contains hifz al-din, hifz al-al-'aql, hifz al-nasl, and hifz al-mal. All these principles emphasize the teachings of Islam rahmatan lil 'alamin. Third, achieving benefits and preventing harm. Therefore, polygamy must be accompanied by permission from the first wife to realize the benefits and the building of the family must prioritize the benefits aspect and avoid harm. Fourth, consider the final result. In this case, the implication of the husband's actions, if the impact is that the family structure is not harmonious, it is better for the husband to marry only one wife. So that the goals of marriage can be achieved. This is in accordance with the purposefulness feature conveyed by Jasser Auda.