Sexual Activity Research Articles

Impact of Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections on the Physical and Emo-tional Well-being of Women.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that can affect var-ious parts of the urinary system, with symptoms including frequent urination, painful urina-tion, and lower back pain. UTIs are more common in women due to their shorter urethra, and they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Vaginitis is an inflammation or in-fection of the vagina caused by factors like bacteria, fungi (Candida), or protozoa (Trichomo-nas). Symptoms include vaginal itching, abnormal discharge, and discomfort during urina-tion or sexual activity. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve antifun-gal or antimicrobial medications. Vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infec-tions, trichomoniasis, cervicitis, and atrophic vaginitis, can have various physical, emotional, sexual, and social impacts on the lives of women. These impacts may include discomfort, embarrassment, reduced sexual satisfaction, social isolation, and emotional distress. Support and resources for managing these infections include healthcare providers who can diagnose and prescribe treatment, pharmacies that provide medications and guidance, telemedicine for remote consultations and prescriptions, support groups for emotional and informational sup-port, and online resources for reliable information. They offer a sense of community, infor-mation sharing, and emotional support, making it easier for individuals to manage their vag-initis and related concerns. Utilizing these resources can contribute to a more informed and empowered approach to vaginal infection prevention and treatment.

Unlocking a taboo topic: the sexuality of institutionalized men within a forensic psychiatric facility

ABSTRACT Inpatients’ sexuality in forensic psychiatric facilities remains a neglected topic. Given these circumstances, it creates barriers that hinder inpatients’ ability to express their sexuality, leading to a poor integration of sexual concerns into inpatient treatments. Inpatients’ sexuality can influence recovery journeys negatively or positively, for example by affecting medication adherence due to sexual side effects, or through the positive effects of having romantic relationships. To better understand inpatients’ needs, this qualitative research explores inpatients’ sexuality in a forensic psychiatric facility. This study aims to describe how inpatients perceive and express their sexuality while also exploring the perceived positive impacts of sexual satisfaction, sexual well-being, and intimacy on their recovery. Nine men hospitalized in a high-security forensic facility took part in an individual interview. Thematic analysis was conducted. Themes, including sexual representations and perceived benefits of sexuality, were gathered from past, present, and future contexts. Findings reveal that inpatients adapt their sexual expression in the face of barriers. Participants, while specifying their sexual needs, indicated an interest in forming a relationship with an intimate partner, seeing potential benefits for themselves and their recovery. Results underscore the need to incorporate a positive form of sexuality in treatment plans considering its positive outcomes.

Contributions of the Community-Based Organization Program Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Linkage to HIV Medical Care.

Linkage to HIV medical care is important in the continuum of HIV care and health outcomes for people with HIV. The objective of this analysis was to identify how the community-based organization (CBO) program contributes to linkage to HIV medical care among people with newly diagnosed HIV in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) HIV testing program. We analyzed HIV linkage-to-care data submitted to CDC from 2019 through 2021. Linkage was defined as confirmation that an individual attended their first HIV medical care appointment within 30 days of their HIV test date. We included in the analysis data submitted from the health department (HD) program that included 61 state and local HDs in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands and the CBO program that included 150 CBOs. The CBO program linked a higher proportion of people to HIV medical care within 30 days of diagnosis (86.7%) than the HD program (73.7%). By population group, the proportion linked in the CBO program was higher than the proportion linked in the HD program among men who have sex with men (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.13; P < .001), men who have sex with men/people who inject drugs (PR = 1.29; P < .001), transgender people (PR = 1.28; P < .001), and those reporting no sexual contact or injection drug use (PR = 1.34; P < .001). In the Cox proportional hazards model, time to linkage in the CBO program was significantly shorter than in the HD program (hazard ratio = 0.63; P < .001). This analysis shows that the CBO program fills a vital need in linking newly diagnosed HIV-positive people to HIV medical care, which is important in the HIV care continuum and for viral suppression.

Pengaruh Media Audiovisual terhadap Minat Ibu Usia Reproduktif Dalam Pemeriksaan Inspeksi Visual Asam Asetat (IVA)

Cervical cancer, which primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50, ranks as the second most lethal disease following breast cancer. This disease is correlated with engaging in unprotected sexual activity, individuals who smoke often, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The study revealed that a mere 30% of individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer are identified at an early stage. Individuals who have encountered cervical cancer typically present with an advanced stage of the disease. Efforts aimed at enhancing public awareness and engagement in IVA examinations are primarily facilitated by socialization and health education initiatives. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of audiovisual media on the level of interest among women of reproductive age in IVA screening. The research design employed for this study was a pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-post-test design. The study population consisted of women of reproductive age who had not undergone screening for IVA. A total of 50 moms were included in the study utilising a complete sampling technique. The study instrument employs a Likert scale for data collection. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was conducted to examine the hypothesis, with a resulting ρ-value of 0.000, which is less than the predetermined significance level α of 0.05. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a significant influence of audiovisual media on the interest of women of reproductive age in IVA screening. The incorporation of novel digital technologies, such as audiovisual media, can be regarded as a strategy for promoting health, particularly in the context of cervical cancer screening.

Quality of life in women with normal pregnancy

Pregnancy affects a woman’s physiological and psychological state. One of the most important aspects that requires attention is the quality of life of pregnant women. The quality of life of women during this period is influenced by a number of factors, such as back and pelvic pain, physiotherapy and physical activity, and also sexual satisfaction. Eighty-five women aged 21–40 years (30.80 ± 5.05) in pregnancy trimesters participated in the study: 17 women were in the first trimester, 32 women were in the second, and 36 women in the third trimester. The World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women SSS-W-R15 were used to answer the research hypotheses. Respondents also provided information on questions regarding physiotherapy treatments and physical activity. Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and disability due to back pain (ODI) showed a statistical association and relationship (p-value = 0.045, rho = − 0.22). Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) has an association with sexual satisfaction in pregnant women (SSS-W-R15) (p-value = 0.003, rho = 0.32). The trimester of pregnancy has an effect on ODI (p-value = 0.027). A significant effect occurred in a detailed comparison between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p-value = 0.026). The trimester also has an impact on quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) (p-value = 0.002). In a detailed analysis, a significant effect occurred between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p-value = 0.001). Moreover, the trimester of pregnancy has an impact on sexual satisfaction (SSS-W-R15) (p-value = 0.027). After detailed statistical analysis, a significant effect occurred between trimesters one and three of pregnancy (p-value = 0.046). On the other hand, the number of days of physical activity performed by pregnant women per month and the type of physical activity had no effect on the ODI (p-value = 0.071). The type of physical activity performed by pregnant women also has no effect on ODI (p-value = 0.023). The number of physiotherapy treatments used has no effect on the ODI (p-value = 0.156). Type of physiotherapy treatment has no effect on ODI (p-value = 0.620). Normal pregnancy quality of life (WHOQOL) is related to ODI and sexual satisfaction (SSS-W-R15), while the trimester of pregnancy also has an impact on quality of life, disability due to back pain and sexual satisfaction.

Association of childbirth experience with long–term psychological outcomes: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThere has been limited research on the lasting impact of giving birth on both mothers and infants. This study aimed to investigate women’s memories of their childbirth experience 4 months and 4 years after giving birth. Additionally, it aimed to examine how the childbirth experience is linked to women’s mental health, sexual satisfaction, exclusive breastfeeding, and the type of subsequent birth.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, a total of 580 women giving birth in Tabriz hospitals in 2018 were followed up for 4 years. The data were collected using a childbirth experience questionnaire, a mental health inventory, and a sexual satisfaction scale for women, and were analyzed by a Pearson correlation test, an independent samples t-test, and a general linear model.ResultsThe total scores of the childbirth experience in two short-term (4 months) and long-term (4 years) time points following the birth had a significant and strong correlation with each other (r = .51; p < .001). After adjusting for the effects of socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, sexual satisfaction had significant relationships with childbirth experience (p < .001) and postpartum complications (p < .001). In addition, mental health had significant relationships with childbirth experience (p < .001), postpartum complications (p < .001), and low income (p = .004).ConclusionsEven 4 years after giving birth, women have a clear recall of their childbirth experience. This experience has a significant association with long-term outcomes such as sexual satisfaction, mental health, exclusive breastfeeding, and subsequent birth type.

The landscape of physical sexual violence in Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria: A systematic review

The present study aimed to determine the trending country-specific common forms and patterns of sexual violence in Sub-Saharan African countries considering the multi-component nature of the menace. We systematically reviewed the population-based studies, obtained from PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar, that dealt with all-encompassing physical sexual violence in Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. The quality and significance of the data obtained were assessed, and similar events were grouped and reported found to have inspired policy recommendations for non-sexual violence initiatives and respect for sexual and reproductive health rights in Sub-Saharan Africa. This systematic review revealed that sexual violence is captured as sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, coercive sex, incest, child sexual abuse, and intimate partner sexual violence. Botswana ranked first in worldwide rape statistics, while Nigeria and Kenya ranked 135th and 103rd, respectively. Ethiopia&amp;rsquo;s global rape ranking was not available at the completion of writing this paper, and further statistical proof(s) on these ranks were also not established in this review. The historic record for Botswana on forced sex reads 10.3% while forced marriage for Ethiopia shows 58%. Across the four countries selected, intimate partner violence ranges between 9.0% and 58.6%. While completed rapes, attempted rapes, and forced sexual initiation were mentioned in a few studies, the lifetime sexual violence ranges between 45.4% and 56%. In addition, the generic sexual violence was between 9.6% and 61.2%. In summation, sexual violence is prevailing at the locations of study, regardless of age, gender, or community. However, since the actual or suspected dominant perpetrators of sexual violence are overrepresented in the male populations, enlightenment campaigns should be implemented for boys and men so that they grow more conscious of other gender&amp;rsquo;s sexual rights in the conduct or pursuit of their sexual satisfaction and behavior. Effective community engagement (with parents, workers, academics, and students) should be prioritized by various governments and other stakeholders toward the achievement of improved sexual health, and well-being among the populace.

Assessment of determinant factors responsible for divorce among divorcees in rural areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The study assessed factors responsible for divorce among divorcees in rural areas of Ibadan by specifically focusing on sexual satisfaction, ethnicity/culture, and educational disparities. Divorce is related to marriage and family, and it has been used as an instrument to expose failure through marriage. In Nigeria, the high rate of divorce is mostly associated with urbanization and industrialization. The study employed a multi-stage sampling procedure using a well-structured and closed-ended questionnaire. Three out of six rural local government areas were randomly selected, representing 50%. 354 divorcees were randomly selected out of 3,064 divorce cases heard in the last 4 years using the Taro Yamane formula. The collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (chi square). The study revealed that more than half of the respondents admitted that sexual intercourse brings peace to their family, while 52% disagreed that ethnicity has to do with divorce. Therefore, sexual activities between the couple must be set as a priority, with respect for one another's as well as unique cultural beliefs, customs, and communication preferences.

Patterns of Sexual Risk Behaviors and Sexuality-Related Risk Factors among Young Adults in Germany: Implications for Prevention and Therapy

Sexual risk behavior (SRB) includes behavioral (sex without contraception, sexualized substance use, sex work, sexual partner violence, other sexual activities that harm oneself or others) and affective subtypes (sexuality-related feelings of shame/guilt, relationship impairments) and leads to psychosocial and health-related consequences. Young adults comprise a vulnerable group regarding the development of SRB. The study aimed to identify SRB patterns among young adults and their relation to sexuality-related risk factors. A cross-sectional online survey measured behavioral and affective aspects of SRB with nine items. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify patterns of SRB. Gender, sexual orientation, age of first intercourse, number of sexual partners, hypersexuality, and sexual dysfunction were captured as risk factors via multinomial logistic regression. Within this convenience sample (n = 609; nfemale = 365; nmale = 245; Mage = 23.1 years), the SRB patterns unremarkable (67%; low values in all SRB subtypes), shame-ridden (17%; high values in sexual feelings of shame/guilt) and risky sexual behavior (16%; high values in all subtypes of SRB, especially sexualized drug use) were identified. The shame-ridden and risky patterns were strongly associated with higher hypersexuality values, the risky pattern moreover with being non-heterosexual, of younger age at first sexual experience, and a higher number of sexual partners. Male and sexual minority participants demonstrated SRB more often than females and heterosexuals. Within prevention and treatment of SRB, it seems beneficial to address sexuality-related feelings of shame/guilt and addictive patterns (concerning sexual behaviors/substances) via gender- and diversity-sensitive measurements.

A New Approach to the Assessment of Erectile Dysfunction Based on Vasomotion Monitored by the Flow-Mediated Skin Fluorescence (FMSF) Technique-A Preliminary Study.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) most often has vascular etiology and usually is the earliest symptom of vascular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular dysfunction with the use of the Flow-Mediated Skin Fluorescence (FMSF) technique in men with and without ED. Methods: Included were 39 men (median age 53) with ED and 40 men (median age 41.5) without ED. Medical interview, physical examination, and anthropometrical measurements were performed for all participants. The serum total testosterone, LH, and SHBG determinations were performed in patients with ED, and the Free Testosterone Index (FTI) was calculated. The FMSF technique was used to measure the microcirculatory oscillations at the baseline and to determine the flowmotion (FM) and vasomotion (VM) parameters. The Normoxia Oscillatory Index (NOI) was calculated, which represents the contribution of the endothelial (ENDO) and neurogenic (NEURO) oscillations relative to all oscillations detected at low-frequency intervals (<0.15 Hz): NOI = (ENDO + NEURO)/(ENDO + NEURO + VM). Results: In men with ED were found significantly lower FM and VM parameters, but the NOI was significantly higher in comparison to men without ED. VM and FM correlated significantly positively with erectile function, orgasmic function, and general sexual satisfaction in the whole group and the FTI in the ED group. The thresholds of 53.5 FM (AUC = 0.7) and 8.4 VM (AUC = 0.7) were predictive values for discriminating men with ED. Conclusions: It was shown that the FMSF diagnostic technique may be helpful in the early diagnosis of microcirculation dysfunction due to impaired vasomotion caused by decreased testosterone activity.

The impact of positive psychology counseling on sexual and marital satisfaction and anxiety among reproductive-aged women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundSexual and marital satisfaction is considered one of the important factors in happiness and life satisfaction of couples. COVID-19 pandemic results in psychological effects, such as increased anxiety levels which can affect sexual and marital satisfaction. This study aimed to investigate the impact of positive psychology on women’s sexual and marital satisfaction.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted on 72 married women of reproductive age in Tabriz, Iran between February 2021 and May 2022. The participants were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups in terms of the socio-demographic characteristics (p < 0.05). The mean age of the participants in the intervention and control groups was 31.8 ± 6.92 and 30.97 ± 5.09 years, respectively. The intervention group attended seven 60–90 min counseling sessions at weekly intervals. The Spielberger anxiety, sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction questionnaires were completed before and four weeks after the intervention.ResultsThe results of this study indicated that after counseling, the average overall score of marital satisfaction [MD: 15.46, 95% CI: 7.47 to 23.41, p = 0.034] and sexual satisfaction [MD: 7.83, 95% CI: 6.25 to 9.41, p = 0.001] significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group. Also, the mean score of state anxiety [MD: -2.50, 95% CI: -4.19 to -0.80, p = 0.001] and trait anxiety [MD: -1.03, 95% CI: -2.46 to -0.09, p = 0.032] significantly decreased after counseling in the intervention group compared to the control group.ConclusionsUsing counseling based on a positive psychology approach can improve anxiety, sexual and marital satisfaction, and anxiety of women of reproductive age during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed before making a definitive conclusion.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20171007036615N8. Date of registration: 11/28/21. Date of first registration: 11/28/21. URL: https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/58680/view; Date of recruitment start date: 12/01/21.

The Relationship Between Object Relations and Relationship Satisfaction, Marital Adjustment, and Sexual Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Traits

The aim of this study was to elucidate the psychological dynamics of marital relationships, which are among the most significant structures of society. The purpose of research was to examine the mediating roles of borderline and narcissistic personality traits in the relationship between object relations and marital adjustment, relationship satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. The study group consisted of adult individuals aged 18 and older. Of the total 809 participants, 407 (50.3%) are female and 402 (49.7%) are male, all of whom are married. 320 participants are in the 18-30 age range, 318 are in the 31-45 age range, and 171 are 45 years old and above. Marriage Adjustment Scale, Relationship Satisfaction Scale (RSS), Golombok-Rust Sexual Satisfaction Scale (GRSS) Female-Male Form, Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI), Borderline Personality Inventory, and Narcissistic Personality Inventory were used as data collection instruments in the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27 program. Pearson Correlation Test and Process Macro 4.2 analysis methods were used. According to the research findings, a negative relationship was found between object relations and relationship satisfaction, marital adjustment, and sexual satisfaction. A positive relationship was identified between object relations and borderline and narcissistic personality traits. Furthermore, negative relationships were found between borderline and narcissistic personality traits and marital adjustment, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Finally, the mediation analyses conducted within the framework of the main purpose of the research, determined that object relations significantly predicted relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and marital adjustment, borderline and narcissistic personality traits partially mediated this relationship. Thus, the proposed model was supported.

On the Logic of the Unconscious Conception of Causation Part I: The Oedipal Meta-Wish and the Sexualization of Asymmetric Time.

The direction of time is often defined by describing asymmetries between past and future events, referred to as "time-arrows." Two important time-arrows are the mutability time-arrow, which specifies that the past is unalterable, while the future is not; and the causal time-arrow, which stipulates that past events may cause future events, but not vice versa. The author argues that the unconscious conception of causation expressed in both the oedipal myth and certain oedipal wishes negates the mutability and causal time-arrows. The author suggests, therefore, distinguishing between oedipal phantasies that undermine the ordinary conceptions of causation and time (such as the wish of being one's own parent), and classical content that is in line with our time perception (such as sexual and aggressive wishes toward parents). Analyzing clinical examples suggests that some patients' oedipal phantasies are combined with unconscious sexual satisfaction from the asymmetric conception of time. When this sexual satisfaction is analyzed, they might expose the oedipal phantasies founded on the symmetric conception of time.

Beyond Consent: Exploring Bi+ People’s Experiences of Negotiating Sex Through a Queer Phenomenological Framework

ABSTRACT This article explores sexual negotiation beyond dominant consent frameworks that have centered on heterosexuality, responding to and preventing sexual violence, and the pursuit of autonomous, free choice. Building on the work of feminist theorists, I challenge the prevailing emphasis on individual responsibility and autonomy in understanding sexual violence and consent and urge a deeper consideration of how bodies and choices are shaped by social, cultural, and historical contexts. Drawing on 32 in-depth interviews, I examine how bi+ individuals in Australia negotiate sexual encounters with partners of diverse genders. Using a queer phenomenological framework of comfort and discomfort, I focus on experiences where participants felt they have been able to negotiate sex well. This framework acknowledges the complex interplay between sexual negotiation, gendered norms and sexual scripts, and subjectivity. I argue that hetero and queer norms and scripts both constrain and give possibility to sexual negotiation, and I propose that queer bodies and queer sex can disrupt normative constraints in ways that positively impact sexual negotiation. I conclude by advocating for a deeper understanding of the nuanced ways our choices are shaped during sexual encounters and suggest that we must look beyond heterosexuality and violence prevention going forward.

Side effects of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) on female fertility: diagnostic and treatment strategies – a literature review

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have detrimental effects on overall health and can cause infertility in males and females. Untreated infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), causing damage and obstruction of the fallopian tubes. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, particularly high-risk strains, may progress to cervical cancer, requiring invasive treatments and may cause fertility loss. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks can disrupt sexual contact, affecting conception attempts. Syphilis, is another sexually transmitted disease, if left untreated, can lead to epididymitis and erectile dysfunction in males, indirectly influencing fertility. Early detection and treatment of these STIs are crucial to protect infertility in males and females.

Sexual History Documentation in Pediatric Patients with Technology Dependence.

Adolescent sexual health documentation reflects the depth of discussion physicians conduct with their patients. Limited studies exist on rates of sexual history documentation in technology-dependent patients. We sought to identify whether treatment gaps exist in a technology-dependent adolescent population. Well-child visits for patients with enterotomy or tracheostomy dependence, 12 to 19 years age, and seen in our urban clinic over a 3-year period (n = 14) were compared with a randomly selected peer group without technology dependence. Documentation of sexual activity, sexual orientation, safe sex and sexually transmitted infection (STI) guidance, and contraception or condom use were noted. Results demonstrate lower rates of documentation in sexual orientation, safe sex and STI guidance, and contraception or condom use in patients with technology dependence when compared with patients without technology dependence. Similar differences were noted in the 16- to 19-year group between the experimental and control groups. No differences were noted between gender and age groups.

Network analysis of comorbid aggressive behavior and testosterone among bipolar disorder patients: a cross-sectional study

Testosterone has complex effects on psychological traits and behavior; it is associated with social dominance and competition and is a potential human sex pheromone. This study aimed to investigate the associations between testosterone levels, aggressive behavior, and manic symptoms using a network analysis among bipolar disorder (BD) patients in psychiatric emergency departments (PED). Data from January 2021 and March 2022 BD patients in PED were analyzed. Manic symptoms were assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Aggression was assessed with subscale of the PANSS scale (PANSS-AG). The undirected network structures of testosterone levels, aggressive behavior, and manic symptoms were estimated, and centrality and bridge centrality indices were examined. Network stability was examined using the case-dropping procedure. The Network Comparison Test (NCT) was conducted to evaluate whether network characteristics differed by gender. We recruited a total of 898 BD patients, with the mean YMRS score as 13.30 ± 9.58. The prevalence of level II aggression was 35.6% (95%CI = 32.5%–38.7%), level III aggression was 29.5% (95%CI = 26.3%–32.6%), and level VI aggression was 7.0% (95%CI = 5.4%–8.8%). The male participants had a mean testosterone level of 391.71 (Standard Deviation (SD):223.39) compared to 36.90 (SD:30.50) for female participants in the whole sample. Through network analysis, “Increased motor activity-energy” emerged as the central symptom, with the highest centrality expected influence, followed by “Emotional Instability” and “Disruptive/aggression behavior”. Notably, “Emotional Instability” appeared to be the bridge symptom linking manic symptoms to aggressive behavior. Within the flow network model, “Speech rate and amount” exhibited the strongest positive correlation with testosterone levels, followed closely by “Disruptive/aggression behavior”. The constructed network model demonstrated robust stability, with gender showing no significant impact on the structure. In this study, “Increased motor activity-energy” stood out as the most influential symptom, and “Speech rate and amount” acted as the main bridge symptom linking testosterone levels, aggressive behavior, and manic symptoms. Targeting the central and bridge symptoms may improve the outcomes of aggression interventions implemented among BD patients in psychiatric emergency care.

Sexual satisfaction and its predictors in patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers in six European countries: Baseline data from the DIAdIC study.

To identify predictors of sexual satisfaction in patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. Cross-sectional study using baseline survey data from a randomized controlled trial in six European countries. Patients with advanced cancer and their family caregiver completed measures on sexual satisfaction (one item from Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General questionnaire for patients and Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer scale for family caregivers) and health-related characteristics. Multivariable linear regressions were performed for all predictors (identified based on literature) with sexual satisfaction as dependent variable. The sample comprised 431 patient-family caregiver dyads. Patients with prostate or gynecological cancer reported lower sexual satisfaction (respectively B=-0.267 95% CI: -1.674, -0.594 and B=-0.196, 95% CI -2.103, -0.452). Higher emotional (B=0.278, 95% CI 0.024, 0.057) physical (B=0.305, 95% CI 0.012, 0.025) and social functioning (B=0.151, 95% CI 0.001, 0.013), global health (B=0.356, 95% CI 0.007, 0.013) and social wellbeing (B=0.161, 95% CI 0.013, 0.082) among patients were associated with higher sexual satisfaction. Among family caregivers, sexual satisfaction was lower with increased age (B=-0.142, 95% CI -0.022, -0.004). Higher emotional functioning (B=0.027, 95% CI 0.011, 0.043) and quality of life (B=0.165, 95% CI -0.165, 0.716) were associated with higher sexual satisfaction in family caregivers. The results underscore that sexual wellbeing of patients and family caregivers is related to health related factors in physical, emotional, and social domains. Patients and family caregivers could benefit from a dyadic approach to address sexual wellbeing.

Endocrine effect of phthalate metabolites and a butterfly effect of prenatal exposure to androgens on qualitative aspects of female sexual response- an initial survey.

There is growing evidence that endocrine disruptive chemicals have deleterious effects on sexual and reproductive function. To examine subjective sexual functions in human females and their relationship to postnatal phthalate exposure and perinatal androgenization, a Sexuality Score (SS) was established from a first-stage survey questionnaire of subjective sexual function filled out by female university students (n = 68; average age 25.23 ± 5.17 years; rural 25.51 ± 6.74 vs. urban 25.85 ± 1.43 years). Seventeen phthalate metabolites in urine samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Females were also assessed for the 2D:4D digit ratio as an index of perinatal androgenization. The mean age of menarche was 12.82 ± 1.35 years (rural 12.59 ± 1.39 vs. urban 13.18 ± 1.27; p = 0.01). The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 14.88 ± 6.89 years (rural 14.62 ± 7.20 vs. urban 15.24 ± 6.55), and as the age of first sexual intercourse increases, the SS score tends to increase as well, albeit moderately (r = 0.25, p = 0.037). Mono-iso-butyl phthalate, mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, mono(hydroxy-n-butyl) phthalate, mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (p ≤ 0.05) and mono(2-carboxymethylhexyl) phthalate (p ≤ 0.01) were negatively associated with SS. A compounding butterfly effect of prenatal exposure to androgens was observed with disruptive effects of mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate on sexual function. Exposure to phthalates in adult females may lead to disruption of subjective sexual function, especially concerning sexual desire and sexual satisfaction, and perinatal androgenization could augment these effects.

Female sexual function in long-term cervical cancer survivors compared with healthy women and women affected by benign gynecological disorders

ObjectiveTo compare the female sexual function between cervical cancer survivors and healthy women or with benign gynecological diseases. Study designFrom January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2019, a case-control study was conducted to compare the female sexual function of 106 cervical cancer survivors from a tertiary hospital and 185 women admitted to a gynecological outpatient clinic from the same health area for a routine gynecological examination (n=46) or for a benign gynecological disorder (symptomatic, n=113; asymptomatic, n=26).We prospectively assessed the female sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). For the contrastive analysis hypothesis, we employed R statistical software. ResultsCervical cancer survivors reported lower sexual activity rates than controls, in general, did (47.12% vs. 88.65%, p=0.0001), and, particularly, compared with healthy and symptomatic controls (47.12% vs. 82.61%, p=0.003; 47.12% vs. 87.61%, p=0.0001, respectively).Sixty and fifty-eight hundredths percent of the cervical cancer survivors experienced female sexual dysfunction, mainly due to hypoactive sexual desire (93.27%). Female sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 64.32% of the controls, with sexual arousal disorders being the most common diagnosis (44.86%).Compared with controls, cervical cancer survivors exhibited considerably lower FSFI total scores and in sexual desire and lubrication domains (p <0.000; p <0.0001; p=0.023). ConclusionsCervical cancer survivors had worse female sexual function and less sexual activity than controls did, although scores in both groups were in range of FSD. Rates of female sexual dysfunction were similar across cervical cancer survivors and controls, with hypoactive sexual desire and sexual arousal disorders as the most common diagnoses, respectively.