Sexual Relationships Research Articles

“Much-Abused Luke”

Abstract This essay revisits a familiar but seldom discussed anecdote of same-sex sexual abuse in the archive of Atlantic slavery: the story of Luke in Harriet Jacobs’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (1861). Through a close reading of Luke’s story, the article advances three claims: (1) the history of slavery is also a history of same-sex sexual terror, (2) the sexual terror of slavery included reproductive sexual violence but was not limited to it, and (3) Incidents is ultimately a story about sexual terror and protest against it in the form of fugitivity. In making these arguments, the article intervenes into current conversations in the feminist historiography of slavery, capitalism, and reproduction and contributes to emerging work on same-sex sexual relations in the context of enslavement. It closes with a short reflection on the stakes of Luke’s story for historiography on sexuality.

Body satisfaction and sexuality in pregnant and postpartum women

IntroductionPregnancy and postpartum is an important life event associated with profound physiognomic and psychosocial changes affecting the female body in all its physiological, psychic and affective reality. It might influence the sexual function in expectant mothers.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between the body satisfaction and perception and the sexual function among pregnant and postpartum women.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study established over a period of 3 months from the June 1st, 2023 to August 31, 2023. This study focused on a population of pregnant and postpartum women recruited from outpatient consultations and inpatient of the obstetric gynecology department at the university hospital of Gabes. We used a pre-established sheet exploring socio-demographic data, medical and gyneco-obstetric history, the body mass index (BMI) and informations concerning the marital relationship and the woman’s sexual activity. We administered the validated Arabic version of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) to assess sexual functioning and we used the body satisfaction and global self-perception questionnaire (QSCPGS) to explore the body satisfaction and perception.ResultsFifty-eight women were included. The average age was 35.6±5.5 years; they were from an urban origin in 75%. They were pregnant in the first, second and third trimester in (15.6%, 15.6% and 25% respectively). They were in postpartum in 43.8% of cases with a cesarean delivery in 73.3% and breastfeeding in 56%. All women reported being on good terms with their spouses and satisfied with their sexuality. The usual frequency of sexual relations was (1/day: 22.6%, 1/week: 74.2%, 1/month: 3.2%) and 25% reported wanting to reduce the frequency. The mean ASEX score was 13 ± 4.3 and 47% of the sample had sexual dysfunction. For the total score of the QSCPGS, we observe a mean value of 33 ±28.3, which means that our sample has a good level of positive body satisfaction and self-perception. The mean value of the “body satisfaction” factor is higher (23.7 ± 10.4) than the mean value of the “self-perception” factor (11.4 ± 14.3). The mean value of BMI was 28.74 ± 4.4 wich means an overweigh. We found a significant association between the “body satisfaction” factor and the sexual dysfunction (p=0.03), insufficient lubrication (p=0.01) and difficulty reaching orgasm (p=0.001).ConclusionsWe found that body and physical changes among pregnant and postpartum women can negatively affects their body perception and it might deteriorate its global sexual function. Further researches are recommended to study other potential factors affecting sexual function during this period.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Fears, Beliefs and Practices of Pregnant Women in Saudi Arabia regarding their Sexual Health during Pregnancy and after Birth

Background: A woman’s sexual life during pregnancy is subject to many physiological and psychological changes. In this regard, there are inconsistencies in some aspects, while some are yet to be explored. This study aimed to obtain a detailed account of the fears, beliefs and practices of pregnant women and their associated factors in Saudi Arabia regarding their sexual life during pregnancy and after birth. Methods: A convenience sample of pregnant women (n=439) attending antenatal clinics at purposefully selected hospitals completed a self-report questionnaire of her fears, beliefs and practices regarding her sexual life during pregnancy. This was a cross-sectional study performed by a team of researchers at King Khalid University Hospital from August 2021 to August 2022. Results The majority of the pregnant women recorded • A decrease in libido • That Kegel exercises improved sexual function • That vaginoplasty is important after vaginal delivery • Fear of dyspareunia, vaginal laxity, and changes in the sexual relationship • Dependence on unverified sources for information regarding female sexual issues. A large proportion of the participants • Thought that delivery-related vaginal laxity needed medical consultation • Thought that vaginal laxity was associated with episiotomy • Relied on traditional herbs for managing sexual health issues. Among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia, sexual health-related fears, attitudes and practices were associated with age, marital status and educational level, and participants relied on past experience and social media for information. Conclusion: Decreased libido and painful intercourse are common among pregnant women regardless of parity. Sexual health concerns and education should be part of antenatal care visits.

Understanding Health Risk Assessment in Female Sex Workers (FSW) and Its Relationship With the Frequency of Sexual Transactions

Female sex workers carry out sexual transactions that pose a high risk to their health. They experience a high risk of health problems, especially transmission of sexually transmitted infections. There are various factors that female sex workers (FSW) carry out sexual transactions with frequent frequency, such as poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to productive assets. This study aims to determine the associated between the frequency of sex transactions and health risks. This research uses a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The population of this study was all female sexual workers (FSW), with a sample size of 162 taken by purposive sampling. The results of this study show that the majority of FSWs have had a sexual transaction frequency more than two times in the last week, amounting to 79.5%, with a prevalence of high health risks of 75.9%. Based on the multivariate test, it is known that the frequency of sexual transactions is associated with health risks after controlling for the variables age and length of time as a FSW with an Adjusted Odds Ratio of 3.467 (1.415-8.494). Health risks FSW who engage in sexual transactions more than two times have a risk of 3.467 (1.415-8.494) times experiencing high health risks compared to female sex workers who engage in sexual transactions less than two times after controlling for age and length of time as female sex workers. When carrying out work in sexual exploration, FSW should continue to use sexual protective equipment and carry out regular health checks, especially for sexually transmitted infections.

PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACCUSED AND VICTIM CASES ATTENDED IN ONE STOP CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER OF CENTRAL NEPAL

Background: Sexual violence is a global public health issue, drawing more concern compared to other forms of violence. Evidence indicates that adolescents face an increased risk of encountering both physical and sexual violence. Despite this, there is a scarcity of nationally representative research on sexual violence in Nepal, hindering the development of informed interventions. This paper seeks to determine the prevalence of sexual violence and relationship between accused and the victim cases attended in one stop crisis management center of central Nepal. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of Forensic Medicine of College of Medical Sciences in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal, from January, 2023 to January 2024. Ethical approval was taken from institutional review committee of College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Chitwan. Data was entered and analyzed by using descriptive statistical tools in SPSS-16. Results: The prevalence of sexual violence was 41.97% (with 95% CI as 36.31% to 47.62%). Out of 123 sexual violence cases majority (40.65%) of them were in the age group less than 14years followed by 38.21% in the age group 15-18 years. Majority of the victim were female (99.2%) by gender and Janajati (52.8%) by ethnicity. majority (78.9%) were victim of forcefully sexual intercourse. Most of the accused person (20.3%) were stranger followed by boyfriend (17.9%). Conclusions: The prevalence of sexual violence is almost half among all type of violence. Majority of the victim were Adolescence girls and they were from janajati. One out of ten victim had present of body injuries while two out of ten had genital injuries. Most of the accused person were known person (boyfriend, Neighbors, Uncle and cousin). The statistically significant variables were age and gender.

Understanding Health Risk Assessment in Female Sex Workers (FSW) and Its Relationship With the Frequency of Sexual Transactions

Understanding Health Risk Assessment in Female Sex Workers (FSW) and Its Relationship With the Frequency of Sexual Transactions

Forensic Emergencies In The Context Of Genital Injuries: A Case Report

Introduction
 A review of gynecological emergency cases shows that traumatic injuries observed in consensual sexual relations, sexual abuse victims or following an abortion, secondary infections, internal organ injuries, and massive bleeding are gynecological forensic cases that may require an emergency approach. In this case; it is aimed to discuss the case of a child who was diagnosed as sexual abuse and reported as a forensic case.
 Case report
 In the evaluation of the case of a 15-year-old girl who applied to the emergency service with a history of the foot of a stool entering her vaginal area, it was seen that she had a complaint of active vaginal bleeding but was referred to Child Monitoring Center(ÇİM) without taking a detailed anamnesis or performing any tests. During the forensic interviews at ÇİM, on account of the fact that the patient complained of dizziness, an emergency forensic vaginal examination and operation was performed. Active vaginal bleeding, 3 cm transverse laceration, and uterine artery injury were found in the area between the upper cervix and lower uterine segment.
 Conclusion
 Our study aims to contribute to raising awareness about the importance of medical evaluation and healthy anamnesis in the emergency department regarding these issues.

Pregnant Women’s Experiences of Sexual Activity During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

Background: Pregnancy is a sensitive time in women’s lives, as they experience numerous physical, psychological, and behavioral changes that can affect their sexual and marital relations. Due to the significance of this topic, the present study aimed to examine pregnant women’s experiences of sexual activity during pregnancy. Methods: The participants in this qualitative content analysis study were 23 pregnant women who visited hospitals in Babolsar, Iran (2019-2020) and were selected using purposive sampling. Following in-depth interviews, a semi-structured questionnaire guide was used to collect qualitative data. Data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. The MAXQDA 10 software was utilized for qualitative data analysis. Results: In the present study, pregnant women ranged in age from 19 to 35 years. The analysis of pregnant women’s experiences of sexual activity during pregnancy led to the identification of four categories including sexual changes perceived during pregnancy, strategies for coping with sexual changes during pregnancy, sexual changes leading to the couple’s development, and factors influencing sexual activity during pregnancy. Conclusion: During pregnancy, women observe various sexual changes in themselves and their partners, influenced by gestational age, medical disorders, physical changes, psychological and emotional factors, and underlying factors. Accordingly, it is recommended that couples be educated on sexual health during pregnancy which emphasizes the need for further research in this area.

The Nuances of Intimacy: Asexual Perspectives and Experiences with Dating and Relationships.

Asexuality studies are an emerging field in North America and Europe which lack large-scale, qualitative studies. Much existing research focuses on defining and categorizing asexuality, with researchers calling for more focus on the romantic and sexual relationships of asexual people. Drawing from an online survey with 349 participants, this paper describes the perceptions and experiences that asexual people have with dating and relationships. Participants answered 16 open-ended and 9 close-ended questions. After rounds of coding, three themes were selected for examination. These were dating, romantic and/or sexual relationships, and platonic relationships. These results showcase the challenges asexuals face with dating while also demonstrating how asexual people actively dismantle understandings of romantic, sexual, and platonic relationships through their own experiences and perspectives. Overall, this study provides greater legitimacy to the fluidity of asexuality and asexual relationships.

Prevalence and associated factors of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in young, single men who have sex with men in Lima, Peru.

While there is literature on erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in men, conclusive evidence regarding these sexual health issues and potential associated factors in the young, single men who have sex with men (MSM) population is lacking. The study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with PE and ED in young single MSM in the capital of Peru. This was an analytical cross-sectional study in MSM using an online questionnaire. The presence of ED and PE was assessed using the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function and 5-item Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool questionnaires, respectively. In addition, their association with personal, physical health, and sexual behavior variables was evaluated. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated through regression models. Premature ejaculation and Erectile dysfunction in MSM. Of 315 participants, most were between 20 to 29years of age (71.8%), 43.5% identified as homosexual, 59.1% had between 2 and 5 sexual partners, and 40.6% reported that the duration of their sexual relationship was between 1 and 12months. The prevalence of ED was 53.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.66%-58.95%), and PE was present in 8.3% (95% CI, 5.46%-11.86%). Factors associated with a higher prevalence of ED were having between 6 and 9 sexual partners (PR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.05-2.11) and having a sexual relationship lasting 13 to 24months (PR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.98). Furthermore, for each additional year from the onset of the first sexual encounter with another man, the prevalence of PE increased by 7% (PR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13). These findings suggest that there is a relationship between an increased number of sexual partners and a higher prevalence of ED. It also suggests that relationships that last for some time may have a protective effect against ED. Strengths include the use of validated instruments, adequate sample size, robust multivariate analysis, and being one of the few studies in Latin America assessing PE and ED in the MSM population. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, nonprobability sampling, and access to participants. Having more sexual partners is associated with increased ED, while relationships lasting 13 to 24months are associated with decreased ED. Each additional year from the onset of the first sexual relationship increases the prevalence of PE. These findings can guide the design of health policies and programs tailored to the MSM community to enhance their well-being and sexual quality of life.

Theorizing checkpoints of desire: multilingualism, sexuality and (in)securitization in Israel/Palestine

ABSTRACT In this article, we explore how people in conflict-affected societies use language to navigate the affective constraints that political conflicts impose. Specifically, we consider the role of multilingualism in enabling sexual and romantic intimacy between Jewish and Palestinian Israelis in Israel/Palestine. Our data are drawn from a close examination of the speech of Fadi Daeem, one of the protagonists in the 2015 documentary Oriented. Building on studies of (in)securitization and everyday bordering, we show how the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Palestine serves to instantiate a regime of affective checkpoints, a space in which sexual and romantic relations between Jewish Israelis and Palestinians are discursively blocked. We describe how Fadi and his friends use strategic instances of code-switching between Arabic, Hebrew, and English to navigate this ideologically fraught terrain. Our primary goal is to demonstrate how multilingualism can be employed as a resource for managing affect and desire in a conflict-ridden context like Israel/Palestine. In doing so, we further highlight how the intimate domain of romantic desire is inevitably situated within a broader matrix of power and constraint.

(PM-01) SEXUAL SATISFACTION POST PENILE PROSTHESIS IMPLANTATION

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for a satisfactory sexual relationship. In some cases, it is refractory to pharmacological treatments, or these treatments are contraindicated, leading to the consideration of using a penile prosthesis as a definitive treatment. While reported patient and partner satisfaction rates are high (82 – 97%), dissatisfaction has been found to be attributed to various reasons, including prosthesis dysfunction and/or unmet patient expectations regarding the quality of the erection and sexual satisfaction. Methods An analytical observational bidirectional cohort study approved by the institutional ethics committee was conducted. Subsequently, patients who underwent penile prosthesis implantation between January 2017 and June 2021 at a single center were identified. Results A total of 47 cases were analyzed, with an average age of 64 years. Overall satisfaction with the penile prosthesis implantation was 100%. 94.1% felt that their treatment expectations were met, 88.2% reported continuing to use this method, and 100% were satisfied with the duration of the erection. Conclusions A 100% overall global satisfaction rate was observed. High rates of sexual satisfaction in patients were evident, reaffirming the penile prosthesis as a safe procedure that should be offered as a third-line treatment or when a permanent solution is desired. Financing No conflict.

(O-29) QUALITY OF LIFE AND SELF-ESTEEM IN SPANISH MEN WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Abstract Introduction Sexuality is an important aspect for men, so suffering from pathologies such as erectile dysfunction (ED) can affect different areas of their lives beyond sexual health. Aim To evaluate the degree of affectation and the factors associated with the self-esteem and quality of life of men with ED. Methods and patients Men over 18 years old with ED treated in different cities in Spain participated. The general quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, WHOQOL-BREF), quality of sexual life (Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire-SLQQ), and the degree of self-esteem (Self-Esteem and Relationship-SEAR) were evaluated, and identified factors associated with these constructs. How ED affects areas and quality of life was qualitatively explored with semi-structured interviews. Results 356 men participated in the quantitative phase and 21 in the qualitative phase. The average age was 58.2 years old (SD 12.2), 13.2% lived in Madrid, 55.6% worked, 59% lived with their partner, 98% were heterosexual, and 72.2% presented comorbidities related to ED. The mean IIEF was 11.4 (SD 6.6) and the mean time with ED was 5.9 years. In 17.4% the general quality of life was very bad or regular and in 55.3% quite good or very good, with no association found between this value and the quality of the erection or the degree of ED. The average score for the SLQQ questionnaire was 48.7 (SD 1.4) and for the SEAR questionnaire was 36.4 (SD 17.76), with an average score of 37.9 (SD 18.5) on the self-esteem subscale. Time with ED and frequency of sexual relations was associated with low self-esteem and confidence, and the severity of ED was associated with a low score in the social relationships domain (p<0.05). In the qualitative evaluation, few patients considered that ED affects other areas of their lives in addition to their sexual health. Conclusions ED can negatively affect the quality of sexual life and self-esteem in Spanish men, but other areas of their lives are not affected. Financing Boston Medical Group.

(O-31) ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SEXUAL AGENCY AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION IN BRAZILIAN AND PORTUGUESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract Aim This study aimed to verify the association between sexual agency and sexual satisfaction in Portuguese and Brazilian university students. Method 322 university students, 161 Brazilian and 161 Portuguese, aged between 18 and 29, took part in this cross-sectional study by answering an online questionnaire. The measures used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Sexual Attitudes Scale, the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale and the Sexual Assertiveness Scale. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. Ethical procedures were met. Results The measures of individual sexual satisfaction (BR 0.446/PT 0.499), relational sexual satisfaction and in sexual satisfaction of sexual activity (BR 0.375/PT 0.363), and total sexual satisfaction (BR 0.454/PT 0.458), showed significant (p<0.01) moderate positive associations with the dimension of sexual assertiveness initiation, related to sexual agency to initiate sexual relations and communicate desires to the partner in both groups. This is a finding that contradicts the rules associated with traditional sexual scripts, which advocate that women tend to behave passively in relation to their partner's desires. Conclusion The association between initiative and sexual satisfaction demonstrates the need to go against traditional sexual scripts, encouraging women to recognize and communicate their desires, and to validate the right to pleasure and sexual satisfaction. Expanding communication and listening to desires, opening up to different ways of giving and receiving physical pleasure, can increase the feeling of desire and the possibility of feeling desired, favoring the possibility of individual and shared pleasure and satisfaction. Financing No conflict.

Why Don’t Heterosexual New Alternative Masculinities Choose Enchained Women for Either Sporadic or Long-Term Relationships?

Research on the reproduction of disdainful and toxic models of heterosexual relationships shows their negative effects on people’s health status. Contrarily, the preventive socialization process illustrates the development of alternative relationships, which are directly related to egalitarian, passionate and non-violent values and have been demonstrated to produce positive effects on health. The present study focuses on the socialization process, analyzing how men choose their affective and sexual relationships and examining the influence of the new alternative masculinities (NAM) approach on these choices. The defining characteristics of these men are self-confidence, solidarity, and strength to face violence and any discrimination. The investigation has used a qualitative methodology with a communicative orientation. Firstly, seven semi-structured interviews with men who follow the NAM’s approach have been conducted. Secondly, a content analysis has been conducted focused on discourses and messages shaped on internet forums and songs about how men explain their choices and interests in their relationships. The results reveal the existence of men who prefer women that get excited with egalitarian men and not with chauvinist and violent men. These kinds of choices show an improvement in heterosexual men’s affective and sexual relations as well as in their health status.

Proximal Motives of Sexual Arousal, Power, and Relationship for Sexual Aggression: Supporting the Millennial Shift

ABSTRACT We examined three proximal motives for sexual aggression (sexual persistence after a turn down): sexual arousal, power, and relationship. The MTurk sample consisted of 264 adults: 92 Millennial men (35%), 51 Millennial women (19%), 82 Gen X men (31%) and 39 Gen X women (15%). The motive data, measured by the Sexual Aggression Motive Assessment (SAMA), were unanalyzed data extracted from the authors’ previous study of the Millennial shift, a phenomenon in which Millennial women, as compared to older generation women, showed higher levels of sexual aggression, while Millennial men, in comparison to older generation men, demonstrated lower levels of sexual aggression. For all respondents combined, the most chosen motive category was sexual arousal (95%), followed by relationship (49%), and then by power (18%) with 50% choosing two or more motive categories. Providing conceptual support for the Millennial shift, significantly more Millennial women than Gen X women chose motives of sexual arousal and power as reasons for perpetrating sexual aggression. An important finding for the relationship motive is that substantial numbers of both men and women engaged in sexual aggression because they felt that having sex would make the person like them.

Maltreatment, resilience, and sexual relationship power in a sample of justice-involved women with opioid use disorder.

Justice-involved women frequently report maltreatment and intimate relationships characterized by violence and abuse throughout adulthood. The present study aimed to (a) investigate the association between victimization and sexual relationship power (SRP) among justice-involved women with opioid use disorder (OUD) and (b) explore resilience as a potential moderating factor of the association between victimization and SRP. Under the ongoing Kentucky Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) cooperative, justice-involved women (N = 700) were randomly selected from eight jails in Kentucky, screened for OUD, consented to participate, and interviewed by research staff. SRP was examined using the Sexual Relationship Power Scale, a validated instrument with two distinct subscales measuring decision-making dominance (DMD) and relationship control (RC); prior maltreatment was measured using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs General Victimization Scale, and resilience was assessed using the Brief Resilience Scale. Linear regression was used to examine the association between maltreatment and SRP, with three models constructed to account for SRP, DMD, and RC, controlled for demographic characteristics. Finally, we examined whether the association between victimization and SRP varied as a function of resilience.Significant negative associations between maltreatment and the SRP were observed, ps <.001. Resilience moderated the association between maltreatment and DMD, p =.005; however, resilience did not moderate the associations between maltreatment and SRP, p =.141, or RC, p =.735. These findings highlight the importance of increasing resilience in justice-involved women with OUD to reduce the impact of maltreatment on SRP. Prioritizing resilience may offer significant benefits for preventing and addressing maltreatment.

The Angry Echo Chamber: A Study of Extremist and Emotional Language Changes in Incel Communities Over Time.

Involuntary celibates, or incels, are part of a growing online subculture. Incels are men who are unable to engage in a sexual relationship with a woman and who experience significant distress and anger as a result. In recent years, high-profile incidents of violence perpetrated by incels or those who share incel ideology have increased research attention. Incels communicate online and share several characteristics with other online extremist groups. While only a fraction of incels engage in such violence, a broader spectrum of violence should be considered, including online harassment or general violence against women. This study sought to examine how ongoing engagement on an online incel forum affects changes in incel comments in terms of expressed anger and sadness and use of incel violent extremist language. We collected comments made on an incel forum over a 3-month period. We then identified prolific users and included their comments in our analysis. To assess how their language changed, we used a text-processing program (LIWC: Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count) to assess the extent to which anger, sadness, and incel violent extremist language were expressed in the comments. Our findings indicated that incels express more anger in their comments than users on other platforms such as Reddit, Facebook, and Twitter. However, they did not express greater sadness. Further, we found that incels are already quite angry and sad when they join the forum, and they already use a fair amount of incel vocabulary. Initially, these aspects of their language increase, but they flatten over time. This pattern suggests that introduction to and embracing of incel ideology occurs elsewhere on the Internet, and prior to people joining an incel forum. Implications in terms of prevention of online radicalization and future directions are discussed.

Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives and female sexuality: an updated review.

Sexual side effects of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have not been fully understood, but increasing evidence prompts broader risk/benefit evaluation and merits inclusion in counseling on contraceptive options. The study sought to explore the impact of combined estrogens-progestin oral contraceptives on components of female sexuality, including sexual desire, anatomic genitourinary changes, lubrication, orgasm, provoked vestibulodynia, well-being, body image, partner preference, and relationship stability. A literature review was performed between April 2023 and January 2024 exploring the association between combined oral contraceptive pills and sexual health. Although COCs decrease free testosterone, it is unclear if COCs affect sexual function, including desire. Antiandrogenic COCs do seem to have a negative effect on sexual arousal, lubrication, and orgasm. Provoked vestibulodynia may be related to early onset of COC use, low-estrogen pills, and antiandrogenic progestins. Emotional and sexual side effects are strong predictors of COC discontinuation. Longitudinal data indicate that using COCs when meeting and selecting a partner has implications on sexual satisfaction and relationship length. Analysis of data is complicated by various doses and forms of estrogen and progestin in COCs, which have changed over time. Lack of randomized placebo-controlled studies and heterogenicity in study design hampers generalized statements about the effects of COCs on sexual function. Despite these challenges, consideration of sexual dysfunction when presenting and prescribing hormonal contraception is essential for informed consent, shared decision making, and ensuring reliable contraceptive choices.

Predictors of psychosocial adjustment and its subdomains in young adults with hematologic malignancy: A cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study aims to identify the factors influencing psychosocial adjustment and its subdomains. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 176 young adults (men 55.7%, 30.5 ± 5.9 years) diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy in South Korea. Psychological adjustment, symptom experience, and type D personality were assessed using self-report questionnaires. Clinical characteristics were extracted from the medical record. Stepwise multiple regression was conducted to identify the factors influencing psychosocial adjustment. ResultsThe predictors of difficulties in psychosocial adjustment were high symptom experience, type D personality, being unemployed, low functional status, and short time since the last chemotherapy. By subdomain of psychosocial adjustment, predictors of low healthcare orientation were high symptom experience, woman, and type D personality, and predictors of low vocational environment were high symptom experience, being unemployed, short duration of disease, low functional status, and diagnosis. The factors influencing low domestic environment were high symptom experience, being unemployed, and low functional status, and the factor influencing low sexual relationships was high symptom experience. The predictor of low extended family relationships was high symptom experience; predictors of low social environment were high symptom experience and short duration of disease; and predictors of low psychological distress were high symptom experience, type D personality, and being unemployed. ConclusionAs young adults with higher symptom experiences, type D personality, low functional status, and shorter time since the last chemotherapy, and who are unemployed experience difficulties in psychosocial adjustment, healthcare professionals should evaluate their psychosocial adjustment and develop strategies to improve the same.