Sexual Quality Research Articles

Effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on romantic relationships and intimacy among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and a meta-analysis.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common yet often overlooked chronic sleep disorder with significant health implications globally. Bedpartners play a vital role in motivating individuals with obstructive sleep apnea to seek medical help, though their sleep quality may suffer, straining the couple's relationship. From September 2023 to January 2024, utilizing PubMed, Scopus, BioMed Central, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and www.clinicaltrials.gov databases, this systematic review meticulously examined data from 27 studies to investigate how continuous positive airway pressure therapy, recognized as the gold-standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea, may positively influence psychological dynamics within couples. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted on nine studies, to assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure on erectile function, which is often compromised in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The PRISMA checklist and specific quality assessments were followed to ensure methodological rigour and transparency. Findings reveal positive changes in conflict resolution for patients with obstructive sleep apnea post- continuous positive airway pressure adaptation (p < 0.05). Emotional functioning (p = 0.002) and social relationships (p < 0.001) also show improvements in bedpartners. While six subjective assessments indicate enhancements in sexual quality of life for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, challenges related to continuous positive airway pressure use as a barrier to intimacy are acknowledged. Focusing on male patients with obstructive sleep apnea, findings demonstrated a substantial improvement in erectile function post-continuous positive airway pressure utilization, with a Z-score of 4.84 (p < 0.00001). Female patients with obstructive sleep apnea using continuous positive airway pressure show no significant improvements in sexual functioning, while female bedpartners report positive changes. These insights emphasize the importance of holistic approaches in addressing the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on both individuals and their relationships.

Evaluating Sexual Health in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Study on the Interplay of Disability and Quality of Life.

In the context of evolving perceptions of sexuality, particularly within the realm of health and disability, this study investigates the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on female sexual function and quality of life. A quantitative study involving 130 female MS patients aged 35 to 50 was conducted, employing measures such as The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), and The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results indicate a significant association between greater sexual dysfunction and poorer quality of sex life, alongside the correlation of increased fatigue with diminished sexual satisfaction. Specifically, the mean FSFI score was 20.8 (SD = 9.36), with 83.8% of participants experiencing severe fatigue (FSS score ≥ 36). Sexual dysfunction demonstrated a strong, negative correlation with all FSFI subscales (p < 0.01). Factors such as education level (p = 0.016), time of diagnosis (p = 0.035), and treatment regimen (p = 0.041) also significantly influenced outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of supportive interventions, including counseling, to enhance the quality of sex life for women with disabilities, particularly those with MS.

The Effect of Sexual Counseling Based on PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT Models on Sexual Function, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the effect of sexual counseling based on PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy) and EX-PLISSIT models on sexual function, satisfaction, and quality of sexual life. We searched seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Scopus, and PubMed). Studies published between January 1, 2010, and August 16, 2022, were included in the search. Eighteen articles were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. There was a significant difference in the sexual function scores of the PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT groups and the comparison groups (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.677; 95% CI 0.668, 2.686; p < 0.05) and “sexual and communication satisfaction” sub-dimension of sexual life quality (SMD: 0.748; 95% CI 0.022, 1.475; p < 0.05). There was no difference in the sexual satisfaction (SMD: 0.425; 95% CI − 0.335, 1.184; p > 0.05) and quality of sexual life scores of the PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT groups and the comparison groups (SMD: − 0.09; 95% CI − 0.211, 0.032; p > 0.05). PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT models-based sexual counseling on sexual function was affected by the moderator variables of the time of evaluation of the results after the intervention, type of comparison group, the study population, and by whom the intervention was applied. Sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT models improved sexual function scores and “sexual and communication satisfaction” sub-dimension of sexual life quality.

Effect of body image on sexual quality of life in married women with physical disabilities

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of body image on the sexual quality of life in married women with physical disabilities. Methods: The present study was carried out at the physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics of a state hospital in the southeast region of Türkiye between October and December 2022. The population of the cross-sectional study contains 106 married women with physical disabilities. Descriptive Features Form (DFF), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQLQ-F) were utilized to collect data. Results: There was a positive and moderate correlation between BIS and SQLQ-F (r=0.632, p

(131) EFFECTIVENESS OF AN INTERACTIVE PATIENT LEARNING MODULE: INTIMACY IN PREGNANCY

Abstract Introduction Two-thirds of women experience negative sexual symptoms during their pregnancy. Women suffer with dyspareunia, arousal issues, decreased libido, and anorgasmia frequently throughout pregnancy, with a significant worsening of symptoms during the third trimester. Also, many women restrict their sexual activity due to fear and misconceptions of inducing preterm labor or harming the fetus and social parameters of sexual conduct during pregnancy. Due to the lack of readily available medical education regarding sexual function in pregnancy, many women of various religious backgrounds may feel lack of trusting asking family members or medical professionals regarding sexual wellness. Objective Patient education given during pregnancy will increase patient knowledge of intimacy during pregnancy as well as improve sexual satisfaction and relationship quality and mental health in pregnancy. Moreover, this module will address gaps in common misconceptions by introducing supportive literature findings regarding benefits of intercourse during pregnancy dispensing the social stigma. Methods This prospective study is a single group before and after pilot study. This study recruited 25 patients beyond 12 weeks’ gestation. We approached 34 of patients and 25 agreed to participate in review an educational module titled “Sexual Intimacy and Pregnancy” build from ACOG guidelines. This module was created at an 8th grade reading level. Patients completed a presurvey, used the module on an electronic device and then completed a post-module assessment. Results 68% of women currently experience sexual dysfunction as either one of more of the following: pain with sex, decreased libido, anorgasmia, or vaginal dryness. Compared to their pre-module response, more women correctly answered the items “What percentage of pregnant women experience sexual dysfunction?” (28.0% versus 76.0%; p = .001) and “Having sex will cause labor” (28.0% versus 4.0%; p = .03). Additionally, women were more comfortable asking their doctor about sex while pregnant following the module (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.06 – 4.83; p = .04). Through the recruitment process, we noticed that patients more likely to participate based on age, level of education received and most significant gravidity. The key for this recruitment was to create an environment in the exam room where both parents were able to see and engage with the module. During the module, partners spoke about current sexual dysfunction initially followed by confirmation by the pregnant patient. Prior to viewing this module, most participants predicted a much smaller percentage of women would be afflicted by sexual dysfunction in pregnancy which illustrating the broad deficits in sexual health education. Conclusions All participants would recommend this educational module to fellow pregnant women and all participants rated the completion and content of this module at easy or very easy to follow. This education module demonstrates baseline improvement in knowledge of sexual function in pregnancy and increases comfort level of discussing sexual function during prenatal care. Future direction of this study aims to target education in various socioeconomic cultures where intimacy education is not discussed in the clinical setting. Disclosure No.

The effect of stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse surgery on sexual function and quality of life.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sexual function and quality of life in female patients diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after undergoing transobturator tape (TOT) or TOT with POP surgery and perineoplasty. This prospective study population (n=86) consisted of sexually active women who had been diagnosed with SUI. Forty-six patients diagnosed with SUI with no POP (group 1) underwent TOT procedure only. Forty patients had a diagnosis of stage 2 and higher POP, based on POP quantification system with SUI (group 2). The second group was randomized as TOT-POP surgery (n=20) and TOT-POP surgery with perineoplasty (n=20). Prior to and six months after the surgical procedure, all female participants underwent assessment using the validated Urinary Distress Pre-Operative Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ). Post-operative IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scores were significantly lower for all three groups compared to the preoperative period, while a significant increase was observed in PISQ scores (p<0.01). The dissimilarity in preoperative and postoperative IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scores exhibited comparable results across the groups, whereas the variance in PISQ scores was notably greater in the TOT + POP surgery + perineoplasty group (p=0.03). Women with SUI or SUI with POP have better quality of life and sexual dysfunction after surgery. Perineoplasty may enhance sexual life in patients with perineal defect and vaginal enlargement.

Vaginal delivery and perineal trauma : it's time to repair

Perineal injuries can occur during vaginal delivery and they are harmful to anal function, sexuality, and overall quality of life of patients. Among the feared complications, anal incontinence, often difficult to address for both patients and caregivers, has a significant impact and must be looked for during the medical history. Clinical examination of the perineum and additional tests such as endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry confirm the diagnosis and guide the management. Treatment often relies on multiple modalities and depends on the interval between obstetric trauma and symptom onset. When indicated, perineal reconstruction surgery restores anatomy and function.

Randomized trial of a multimodal intervention to enhance sexual function and quality of life (QOL) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors.

Randomized trial of a multimodal intervention to enhance sexual function and quality of life (QOL) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors.

Sexual quality of life among Afghan immigrant and Iranian women: A comparative study

Sexual quality of life among Afghan immigrant and Iranian women: A comparative study

Preliminary results of sexual quality of life (QOL) outcome for intermediate-high risk prostate cancers treated by stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT): Clinical and dosimetric factors.

Preliminary results of sexual quality of life (QOL) outcome for intermediate-high risk prostate cancers treated by stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT): Clinical and dosimetric factors.

The relationship between sleep and quality of sexual life in pregnant women.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep quality and quality of sexual life in pregnant women. This cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 362 pregnant women. Data were collected using a "Sociodemographic Information Form", the "Cumhuriyet Subjective Sleep Quality Scale (CSSQS)", and the "Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQLQ-F)". Descriptive statistics, pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the mean scores of the pregnant women on CSSQS and its subscales and their mean scores on SQLQ-F (p<0.05). It was seen that the sleep quality of pregnant women had a significant negative effect on their quality of sexual life (p<0.001). In pregnant women, the level of sleep quality explained 30.4% of the quality of sexual life. It was concluded that their quality of sexual life was negatively affected as pregnant women sleep quality decreased.

Extratunical grafting for minimally invasive management of complex Peyronie's disease deformities.

Penile deformities due to Peyronie's Disease (PD) often significantly impair men's sexual health and quality of life. In this article we discuss the extratunical graft (ETG) procedure as a management strategy for PD patients with hourglass or indent penile deformities. We compiled descriptions of surgical techniques and performed a review of the literature regarding ETG for PD. The ETG procedure appears to have promising results in the management of indent/hourglass deformity of PD. The findings of this review of the literature demonstrate that ETG is a safe and effective reconstructive technique for penile deformity with minimal side effects. We recommend utilizing ETG with or without plication for PD patients with indent or hourglass deformities. Strengths of ETG are the improvement in patients with tunical indents and hourglass deformities secondary to PD. Additionally, patients who underwent ETG maintained sexual function given no significant change in penile length and intact erectile function. Limitations, however, are that the procedure is relatively new, and data are limited to small cohorts. The ETG procedure is a safe and effective for management of complex PD in the short- and intermediate-term follow-up cohort.

Sexual Health Education and Quality of Counseling in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis

BackgroundDisease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have revolutionized the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Many DMTs have a risk of teratogenic outcomes, which is notable as MS disproportionally affects women of reproductive age and the rates of unplanned pregnancies among persons with MS (PwMS) are as high as 34%. Prior research suggests that patients' culture may influence their perspectives surrounding family planning. Given our institution's patient population, we compared the spectrum of knowledge in Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients with pediatric-onset MS (POMS) regarding DMTs and their associated risks during pregnancy and possible disparities in their treatment and counseling. MethodsA small cohort of patients with POMS (n = 22) were surveyed on their knowledge and beliefs surrounding family planning and sexual health counseling. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the association between survey question responses and ethnicity. ResultsNo significant differences in beliefs or knowledge regarding sexual health between Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants were identified, but many valuable themes emerged. Internet access and social relationships heavily influence participants’ knowledge surrounding birth control and sexual health. Patients also desired continuous engagement in sexual health counseling. ConclusionsIn this small pilot cohort, cultural views did not significantly influence whether adolescent and young adult patients with POMS seek sexual health resources. Future studies should aim to identify effective interventions for providers to educate PwMS about sexual health and family planning to address the elevated unplanned pregnancy rate in this population and provide the education these patients have vocalized a desire to receive.

Randomized Trial of Single-Incision Midurethral Sling and Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension: Postoperative Surgical Outcomes and Complications

Various retropubic and midurethral sling techniques have shown high cure rates in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This study aimed to compare single-incision midurethral sling (SIMS) and laparoscopic Burch colposuspension (LBC) procedures in patients with SUI in terms of the effectiveness, patient satisfaction, surgical complications and results. This is a prospective randomized study. A university tertiary hospital. Forty patients with clinically and/or urodynamically proven SUI who agreed to surgical treatment were randomized to the SIMS and LBC groups and included in the study. Patients were treated with SIMS and LBC operations. Demographic characteristics of patients, physical and pelvic examination, preoperative and postoperative clinical findings, Kings Health Questionnaire form, Female Sexual Function Index and Prolapse Quality of Life Questionnaire form, postoperative day 1 visual analog scale score, and postoperative complications were recorded. Objective and subjective success rates were recorded by re-evaluating the patients in the first and sixth months of the operation. Objective success was defined as having a negative stress test and subjective success was defined as the absence of stress-induced urine leakage after surgery in a validated questionnaire. The primary result of our study was considered to be objective success, whereas the secondary result was subjective success and life quality tests. Twenty patients each in the SIMS group and the LBC group were included in the study. No significant difference was found in objective success (90% vs 85%, p = .633) or subjective success (85% vs 75%, p = .695) between the 2 groups at 6-month follow-up. A significant improvement in life quality was observed in the postoperative period for both groups; however, the difference between the groups was not significant. There was an improvement in sexual function in both groups. Nonetheless, although this improvement was significant in the SIMS group, it was not significant in the LBC group. In addition, surgery time, catheterization time, and hospitalization time were shorter in the SIMS group than in the LBC group. The visual analog scale score on postoperative day 1 was lower in the SIMS group. Groups were not different in terms of preoperative and postoperative complications. This preliminary study is the first randomized study that compares the LBC and SIMS procedures in the literature. It shows that SIMS and LBC procedures have not different objective and subjective success rates in the short term. It was also observed that they increase both sexual and life quality results in a positive and similar way.

Self-Esteem, Depression and Sexual Quality of Life in Turkish Women with Gynecological Cancer

Self-Esteem, Depression and Sexual Quality of Life in Turkish Women with Gynecological Cancer

La sexualité et la qualité de vie des patientes opérées pour le syndrome de Rokitansky Mayer Kuster Hauser

Rokitansky syndrome or Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser (SRKMH) is a rare congenital malformation defined by uterovaginal aplasia. The aim of the treatment is to create a neovagina and restore sexual life. However, postoperative results in terms of sexual and overall quality of life of patients remain controversial. To evaluate the quality of life and sexuality of patients operated on for Rokitansky syndrome. This was a retrospective and comparative study between two groups of patients. The first group consisted of patients who had undergone vaginoplasty as part of SRKMH. The second group was that of the controls. Control in terms of sexual function by the Ar FSFI (Arab FemaleSexualFunction Index) and quality of life by the SF36 (Short Forms Health Survey) were used in both groups. The average age of patients operated on for SRKMH was 22.53 years. Eighteen of these patients (60%) were sexually active at the time of the study. Patients operated on for SRKMH had a significantly lower Ar FSFI score compared to the control group. The two areas most affected were lubrication and pain. Likewise, patients who underwent vaginoplasty had a significantly lower SF 36 score compared to the control group. The psychological component was the most affected of the different components of quality of life. Sexual function and quality of life after vaginoplasty in the context of Rokitansky syndrome remains unsatisfactory despite the anatomical result.

Sexual health of women using combined oral contraceptive containing estetrol and drospirenone: A prospective observational study

Aim. To evaluate the effect of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing estetrol and drospirenone on the sexual function of women using it. Materials and methods. A total of 251 women aged 21–35 years (mean age, 25.30±2.82 years) referred for contraceptive fitting were included in the study (ICD-10: Z30.0 General contraceptive advice and counseling, Z30.4 Contraceptive drug monitoring). Women in the study cohort used the original formulation containing 15 mg estetrol and 3 mg drospirenone in a 24+4 regimen for contraceptive purposes, according to the current instructions. All female participants (n=251) were assessed for sexual function at baseline, 6 and 12 months using FSFI (The Female Sexual Function Index), FSDS-R (The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised) and SQoL-F (The Sexual Quality of Life-Female) scales. Study design. An open, independent, prospective observational study. Results. Women taking COC containing estetrol 15 mg and drospirenone 3 mg maintained a baseline high level of sexual satisfaction (p0.05) throughout the study, as assessed by FSFI, SQoL-F and FSDS-R scales. Conclusion. The results obtained indicate that there is no negative effect of COC containing 15 mg estetrol and 3 mg drospirenonone on the sexual function of women. High contraceptive efficacy of the drug was confirmed.

Effect of Cox’s Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior Combined with Huangqi and Dangshen Decoction on Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Huangqi and Dangshen have significant medicinal and medical value as natural bio-based materials, but there are few studies on female pelvic floor dysfunction. We aimed to explore the effect of the Cox’s interaction model of client health behavior (Cox-IMCHB) combined with Huangqi and Dangshen decoction on female pelvic floor dysfunction. 166 postpartum patients with Qi-deficiency syndrome of pelvic floor dysfunction were selected from Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University hospital and divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, each consisting of 83 cases. The allocation was done using the random number table method. Patients in Group A received routine nursing and biofeedback electrical stimulation treatment, while patients in Group B received Cox-IMCHB combined with Huangqi and Dangshen decoction based on Group A. We compared the clinical efficacy, syndrome efficacy, pelvic floor muscle strength scores, sexual life quality scores, VAS score, pelvic floor functional exercise compliance score, and the incidence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse between the two groups. The results showed that Group B had better clinical efficacy and syndrome efficacy, as well as a higher total effective rate (clinical efficacy: 91.57% vs. 72.29%; syndrome efficacy: 95.18% vs. 74.70%). Moreover, compared to Group A, Group B had higher scores of pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual life quality, a lower proportion of mild pain (85.54% vs. 71.08%), and higher scores of pelvic floor functional exercise compliance. The scores of pelvic floor functional exercise compliance in both groups tended to increase with time, and there was an interactive effect between groups and time (intergroup effect: F = 322.900, time effect: F = 186.200, interaction effect: F = 27.410). The incidence of urinary incontinence (2.41% vs. 14.46%, ϰ2 = 6.319) and pelvic organ prolapse (3.61% vs. 16.87%, ϰ2 = 9.608) in group B was lower (all P &gt; 0.05). The combination of Cox-IMCHB with Huangqi and Dangshen decoction can improve the pelvic function and exercise compliance of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, relieve pain, and have significant clinical effects, which are worthy of promotion and application.

Psycho-social Sequelae Following Spinal Cord Injury amongst Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract Psycho-social problems are consistently reported following spinal cord injury (SCI) and are highly prevalent, especially in the long-term post-injury in children. This review aims to comprehensively study psycho-social issues experienced by children with SCI and highlight their importance and inform management practices. A search strategy was designed to identify studies that evaluated psycho-social outcomes of SCI among children. Five electronic databases were searched. All articles written in English published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2020, and available in the public domain were considered as per the eligibility criteria. A total of nineteen studies were included for the review as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review has included studies focusing on various psycho-social issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, coping, quality of life, participation, sexuality, substance abuse, life satisfaction, suicide, family dynamics, and education. Children with Spinal Cord Injury (CwSCI) experience diverse psycho-social issues that cause significant morbidity in various domains of life. Understanding the unique nature of several psycho-social issues among children with spinal cord injury is crucial for clinicians and health care workers involved. We recommend a multi-disciplinary team approach for comprehensive management of children with spinal cord injury at trauma and rehabilitation centres for better psychosocial outcomes and overall quality of life.

Remission after CAR T-cell therapy: Do lymphoma patients recover a normal life?

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells) can induce prolonged remission in a substantial subset of patients with relapse/refractory lymphoma. However, little is known about patients' life after CAR T-cell therapy. We prospectively assessed the multidimensional recovery of lymphoma patients in remission, before leukapheresis, before CAR T-cell infusion, and 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. Validated tools were used to measure lymphoma-related and global health-related quality of life (HRQoL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lymphoma [FACT-Lym] and EQ-5D-5L), cognitive complaint (FACT-Cognition), fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue subscale), psychological status (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Post-Traumatic Check List Scale), and sexuality (Relationship and Sexuality Scale). Beyond 12 months of remission, we also surveyed physical, professional, sexual, and general life status. At 3, 6, and 12 months, 53, 35, and 23 patients were evaluable, respectively. Improvement in lymphoma-related HRQoL was clinically relevant at 3, 6, and 12 months with a mean change from baseline of 10.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.8; 16.1), 12.2 (95% CI: 4.2; 20.1), and 11.72 (95% CI: 2.06; 21.38), respectively. Improvement in global HRQoL, fatigue, and anxiety was clinically relevant, but 20%-40% of patients experienced persistent fatigue, psychological distress, and cognitive complaints over time. Beyond 12 months after CAR T cells, 81.8% of 22 evaluable patients were satisfied with their daily life. Physical activity, professional, sexual, and global well-being had returned to prediagnosis levels in nearly half of the patients. We found an improvement in HRQoL after CAR T-cell therapy including anxiety, depression, sexual satisfaction, and general well-being. However, not all patients recover a "normal life." Further research is needed to determine which patients are at risk of quality-of-life impairment to improve recovery after CAR T-cell infusion.