Sexual Desire Research Articles

Motivation needs cognition but is not just about cognition.

Murayama and Jach offer valuable suggestions for how to integrate computational processes into motivation theory, but these processes cannot do away with motivation altogether. Rewards are only rewarding because people want and like them - that is, because of motivation. Sexual desire is not primarily a quest for rewarding information. Elucidating the interface between motivation and cognition seems a promising way forward.

Multidimensional Perfectionism and Sexual Difficulties Among Adult Couples: A Dyadic Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT The multidimensional model of perfectionism includes three dimensions: Self-oriented perfectionism (SOP), other-oriented perfectionism (OOP), and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP). Although previous research has identified significant cross-sectional associations between perfectionism and sexual function, these studies predominantly focused on women without examining the links between the different dimensions of perfectionism and various indicators of sexual difficulties among both members of a couple. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the dyadic associations between perfectionism dimensions, sexual function, partner-focused sexual desire, and sexual distress, both cross-sectionally (T1) and longitudinally (T2) over one year. The secondary aim of the study was to explore the moderating role of gender on these associations. A sample of 308 cohabiting adult couples completed online questionnaires assessing participants’ three dimensions of perfectionism, partner-focused sexual desire, sexual function and sexual distress. Path analyses using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) revealed that SOP was positively associated with individuals’ own partner-focused sexual desire at T1 and T2. In contrast, SPP was negatively associated with individuals’ own sexual function at T1 and positively associated with their own sexual distress at T1 and T2. A moderation analysis revealed that men’s SPP was related to their partner’s higher sexual distress at T1. The results underscore the importance of considering perfectionism dimensions in clinical assessments and interventions for couples experiencing sexual difficulties and problematic perfectionist behaviors.

The Effect of Sexuality Education During Pregnancy on Female Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

Objective This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the effect of sexuality education during pregnancy on female sexual function. Although sexual dysfunction in pregnancy is a common problem, it is often overshadowed by other outcomes, such as pregnancy risks or birth complications. Therefore, understanding the impact of educational interventions on women’s sexual health is crucial to improving their overall well-being during this period. Method Studies were searched on the electronic databases Google Scholar, Web of Science, Journal Park, the Cochrane Library, EBSCO Medline, Pubmed, and Scopus without imposing any restrictions on the publication year. This meta-analysis used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analysis statement guidelines. Findings were analyzed using fixed- or random-effects models based on 95% confidence intervals, p values, and heterogeneity testing. Results This systematic review included 4 studies with 337 (training: 169 and control: 168) participants due to the limited number of studies on this topic. Interventions in the four studies using the Female Sexual Function Index showed that sexuality education provided to intervention groups had a statistically significant positive effect on the total female sexual function score compared to control groups (p < .001, range: 0.552–0.995). Conclusion This meta-analysis provides insights into the implementation of educational interventions considering their positive impact on female sexual function during pregnancy. Despite the limited number of studies (only 4 studies), the findings suggest that sex education leads to significant improvements in many aspects, such as sexual pleasure, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction. Furthermore, pregnancy provides an ideal opportunity to normalize and integrate this education into pregnancy care, as it is a time when women often attend antenatal checkups or childbirth classes.

Sexual dysfunction and quality of life across age groups in multiple sclerosis patients: a prospective cross-sectional analysis

IntroductionAs the most frequent chronic neurological disorder in young adults, Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly affects neurological function, particularly the autonomic nervous system. While the physical symptoms are visible, MS also causes hidden effects like sexual dysfunction. Research indicates that sexual disorders are more prevalent in MS patients compared to other neurological conditions and are approximately five times more common than in the general population. This study utilized the Sexual Intimacy and Desires in MS Patients Questionnaire (MSISQ-19) and the Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire to investigate the impact of sexual disorders on the quality of life in MS patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on MS patients attending the MS clinic in 2022 and 2023. Eighty patients were randomly selected, and data were collected using the MSISQ-19 and MSQOL-54 questionnaires. The results were analyzed to establish the impact of sexual disorders on quality of life.Results59 women and 21 men with MS were included. The Physical Health Scale (PHC) had a mean score of 51.6 (SD = 20.2), and the Mental Health Scale (MHC) had a mean score of 57.8 (SD = 20.5). Age appeared to influence physical health scores, with the youngest group (20–30 years) scoring highest and the oldest group (51–65 years) scoring lowest.Discussion and conclusionThe present study found that primary, secondary, and tertiary sexual disorders are common in MS patients across all age groups and genders. These findings highlight the need for increased attention, research, and treatment interventions for sexual dysfunction in MS patients.

The interplay between sexual desire and relationship functioning

The interplay between sexual desire and relationship functioning

Daily and Prospective Associations Between Responses to Sexual Rejection and Sexual Well-Being and Relationship Satisfaction in Couples Coping with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder.

Prior cross-sectional research established that four distinct responses to sexual rejection are associated with sexual and relationship well-being among couples affected by Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD). Examining these associations daily and prospectively will provide insight into within-person variations, temporality, and directionality. Women and gender-diverse individuals diagnosed with SIAD and their partners (N = 232 couples) completed a baseline survey, 56-day diary, and 6-month follow-up survey, assessing responses to sexual rejection, sexual satisfaction, dyadic sexual desire, sexual distress, and relationship satisfaction. Post hoc exploratory analyses controlled for non-physical sexual coercion and sexual rejection frequency. On days when individuals with SIAD perceived or their partners reported greater understanding responses than usual, they both reported higher relationship satisfaction, but also greater sexual distress. Daily perceived or reported greater resentful or insecure responses were associated with lower sexual and relationship satisfaction, and greater sexual distress. Enticing responses showed mixed results. For partners, all daily self-reported response types were positively associated with their own dyadic sexual desire. Prospectively for individuals with SIAD perceiving greater understanding and lower resentful and enticing responses at baseline predicted their own greater sexual and relationship satisfaction and perceiving greater insecure responses predicted their partners' greater sexual satisfaction, six months later. For partners, greater insecure responses at baseline predicted their own lower sexual satisfaction and greater sexual distress six months later. Results suggest that partner responses to sexual rejection may be useful intervention targets aimed at promoting the sexual well-being and relationship satisfaction of couples coping with SIAD.

Acceptance of sexual attraction and its link to psychological distress and sexual offending among pedohebephilic clients: results from a preliminary analysis

IntroductionPedohebephilic disorder is characterized by intense sexual urges or fantasies involving children, which can lead to distress or sexual behavior with children. While theoretical and qualitative accounts suggest that accepting one’s pedohebephilic sexual interests may help mitigate both distress and problematic behaviors, the only published quantitative study to date has linked acceptance with behavior but did not analyze its effect on distress.MethodsWe examined the relationship between acceptance of sexual interests and child sexual abuse (CSA), the use of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), and psychological distress in 238 pedohebephilic and teleiophilic men outside the judicial system (i.e., in the “Dunkelfeld”).ResultsCompared to teleiophilic individuals, pedohebephilic individuals showed lower acceptance of their sexual interests. No significant differences were found between groups regarding past sexual offending. In a subsample of 197 pedohebephilic individuals (n = 197), correlations with recent sexual behavior were minimal. In another subsample of pedohebephilic men (n = 84) with data on psychological distress, increased acceptance was associated with decreased psychological distress, although this association weakened among those reporting recent offenses.DiscussionAcceptance of one’s sexual interests is associated with reduced distress in pedohebephilic disorder among non-offending individuals. However, its role among offending individuals remains unclear. Efforts to improve measuring the acceptance of one’s sexual interests and further explore its role in pedohebephilic disorder are warranted.

‘She Is Like Your Favourite Aunt’

Abstract This article draws on accounts of how Ethiopian Orthodox Christian queer women relate to Saint Mary to foreground an aspect of intimacy that goes beyond the object of sexual desire. By studying relationships with nonhuman agents such as saints, the article demonstrates how queer subjects cultivate intimacies that go beyond and outside the dominant way of relating to the deities. In queer women’s praxis, intimacy’s formations and manifestations expose the lurking shades and shadows of intimacy and complicate what seems to be an accepted norm that dictates how to be close to Saint Mary. Further, by highlighting the spiritual life of queer women, this article joins the scholarship that problematises the assumption that religious and sexual identities are (or should be) mutually exclusive.

N25 A qualitative study exploring health professionals’ experiences and understanding of the sexual health and associated care needs in men with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can negatively affect men’s sexual well-being and alter the way in which they engage in sexual activities (1). People with IBD in the UK have reported that health professionals are reticent to initiate discussions about their sexual health (1, 2). There is a paucity of research exploring men’s sexual health in IBD (3). This study aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) working in IBD within the UK to explore current practice in relation to the assessment of sexual health of men with IBD, understand the perceived barriers and facilitators to engaging with men about their sexual health and inform recommendations for clinical practice, education, and research. Methods A qualitative interpretive description design (4) using individual, online semi-structured interviews. Participants were UK health professionals purposively sampled and recruited through advertising the study through professional IBD organisations, conferences and online networks. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results 19 HCPs participated in the study: 10 nurses, 6 medical doctors, 2 clinical psychologists and 1 dietitian. Participants had worked with IBD patients for between 6 months and 22 years (mean 13 years, SD 9.66),14 were female, 5 were male. Participants’ experiences of sexual health discussions, assessment, and provision of care were apparent through two emergent themes. The first theme, ‘it’s difficult to discuss sex’ represented personal, professional, and societal barriers to discussing sexual health with male IBD patients. The second theme, ‘service transformation is needed’, encapsulated the service-related barriers faced by both patients and HCPs and the possible adjustments required to facilitate the identification and support of men’s sexual health and well-being needs within clinical practice. Several sub-themes reflected the perceived barriers faced by HCPs including: 'feeling ill-equipped', 'ask the IBD nurses, they’ll know', 'men tend to bravado', 'a fire-fighting service', and 'creating a safe environment'. Conclusion IBD healthcare practitioners working in the UK may face personal, professional, organisation, and societal barriers to providing assessment and support for the sexual health and care needs of men with IBD. It is likely that these barriers may be moderated by improving the availability of sexual healthcare resources and developing treatment pathways that promote cohesive multi-disciplinary working. Future research should focus on how HCPs can be supported to become comfortable and proficient at initiating sexual health conversations that are inclusive of psychosocial-sexual needs. References (1)Ma S, Knapp P, Galdas P. "My sexual desires, everything, my normal life just stops"; a qualitative study of male sexual health in inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2024. doi:10.1111/jocn.17292 (2)Fourie S, Norton C, Jackson D, Czuber-Dochan W. "These discussions aren’t happening". Experiences of people living with inflammatory bowel disease talking about sexual well-being with healthcare professionals. Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis. 2021;15(10):1641-1648. doi:10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjab043 (3)Ma S, Veysey M, Ersser S, Mason-Jones A, Galdas P. The impact of inflammatory bowel disease on sexual health in men: A scoping review. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2020:(19-20):3638-3652. doi:10.1111/jocn.15418 (4)Thorne S. Interpretive Description: Qualitative Research for Applied Practice. Routledge; 2016.

P0261 The hidden impact of surgery for inflammatory bowel disease: a qualitative exploration of sexual function and intimacy

Abstract Background Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often carries a hidden cost in terms of sexual function. Traditionally, when measuring outcomes, the focus has been on those easily measured, quantified, analysed and applied to health economics, such as mortality, morbidity and disease recurrence. Whilst research in this subject area is expanding, there are limited qualitative data specifically investigating patient experiences of sexual dysfunction post-surgery for IBD. This study aims to produce an in-depth exploration of patient perspectives of sexual dysfunction after surgery, and to assess the broader impact on relationships, intimacy and quality of life. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was performed following the ‘Standards for reporting qualitative research’ (SRQR) recommendations. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit a diverse group with differing ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions and relationship status. Participants were recruited from clinical settings, social media and national IBD charities. An interview guide was developed iteratively, with input from an expert patient, qualitative researchers, sexual function experts, gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams/Zoom and audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed. Thematic analysis was conducted using the Framework analysis method (open coding with an inductive approach). Results Qualitative interviews were conducted (n=10, 5 females, 5 males, median age 47, age range 24-69), including patients with Crohn’s disease (n=6) and ulcerative colitis (n=4). Participants were of varying sexualities: heterosexual (n=8), pansexual (n=1) and asexual (n=1). Surgeries included fistula surgery, stoma formation, proctectomy and ileo-anal pouch formation. Thematic analysis revealed physical dysfunction including loss of sensation, impaired pelvic muscle control, erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction, diminished orgasmic sensation and adjustments to sexual positions. Psychological impacts were prominent, including loss of desire, altered body image and a sense of shame/stigma. The impact on spontaneity, intimacy and the overall sexual experience was substantial. Crucially, this often led to relationship strain and breakdown, resulting in further isolation and frustration. Conclusion Patients who retain ‘normal’ sexual function after surgery can still experience psychological challenges that significantly impact their sexual desire, spontaneity, relationships, intimacy, and sexual experience. These interviews have revealed the often unspoken effects of surgery for inflammatory bowel disease, emphasising the need for healthcare professionals to address these issues in clinical practice.

P0489 The impact of inflammatory bowel disease and disease activity on patients’ sexuality

Abstract Background Sexuality is an integral part of general health and wellbeing. Chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have an impact on patients’ sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of intestinal disease and its activity on sexuality of individuals with IBD. Methods: Patients and Methods A prospective survey study on male and female individuals with IBD using an anonymous questionnaire including 60 inquiries concerning patients ‘intimate relationship and sexual functioning was performed. The following statistical tests were used: chi-square test of independence, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Wilcoxon and U Mann-Whitneyatests. The significance level of p = 0.05 was assumed as statistically significant. Results The survey involved 110 respondents with IBD (41% with Crohn’s disease and 57% with ulcerative colitis) - 52 women (47%) and 58 men (53%). Most of them were aged between 31 and 40 (45%). Before being diagnosed with IBD, the respondents rated their satisfaction with sex on an average of 4.1 on a 5-point scale; after the diagnosis, the rating was lower and amounted to 3.6. In 34% of respondents, the assessment of satisfaction with sex after diagnosis decreased, in 24% it increased, and in 42% it did not change. The difference between the assessments before and after diagnosis was statistically significant (p = 0.007). Statistically significant correlations were found between IBD clinical activity and the impact of the disease on the sexual desire (p &amp;lt; 0.001), the need for sex after diagnosis (p &amp;lt; 0.001), satisfaction with sex after diagnosis (p = 0.003), and the average number of intercourse (p = 0.004), average duration of intercourse after diagnosis (p = 0.001), feeling guilty in the sexual sphere due to the disease (p = 0.006), assessment of one’s attractiveness since diagnosis (p = 0.032), and change in the partner’s erotic perception after diagnosis ( p &amp;lt; 0.001). Respondents with disease exacerbation were less willing to engage in sexual activity, had less need for intercourse, rated their satisfaction with sex lower, had fewer intercourse, and their duration was shorter. They more often felt sexual guilt due to the disease and assessed their current attractiveness worse. Conclusion Inflammatory bowel disease has negative impact on patents’ sexuality and disease activity strongly affects their sexual functioning. The exacerbation of IBD causes in patients decrease in sexual needs, worse sexual experience and lower assessment of one’s attractiveness.

P0530 Relationships and sexuality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease – The perspective of healthcare professionals

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a negative impact on intimacy and sexuality related questions, and many IBD-patients experience that the disease impair the possibility of creating relationships. A recent Swedish study revealed that a large part of IBD-patients experience difficulties concerning relationships and sexuality, and many wish for a more active support from healthcare professionals. The aim of this Swedish follow up study was therefore to explore the current situation concerning intimacy and sexuality from the perspective of the healthcare professionals. Methods A digital, anonymous questionnaire was sent to healthcare professionals in Sweden through the different professional associations working with IBD-patients. The questionnaire contained 19 questions concerning problems that patients raise concerning intimacy and sexuality and how they are handled. Results A total of 118 respondents answered the questionnaire, the majority were women (73%), the mean age was 51 years. About half of the respondents (54%) were nurses, while 28% were gastroenterologists, 11% were surgeons, and 7% had another profession. The different professions were overall consistent in their answers why the results are presented for the whole group. Half answered that they raise questions concerning relationships and sexuality on single occasions, while 23% stated that they never raise the topic with their patients (Figure 1). A total of 56% indicated that their patients ask questions concerning intimacy on single occasions, while 19% stated that it never happens (Figure 1). About 16% of the respondents stated that they had access to sexologist and 42% answered that they had possibility to refer to a psychologist or psychotherapist. Many of the responders indicated that IBD-patients rarely raise questions concerning relationships and sexuality. Issues still being raised are mainly concerns about fertility in women, and erection problems in men. According to the healthcare professionals, both male and female patients report decreased sexual desire, a sense of not feeling attractive, and concerns about intestinal leakage. Women, also mentioned concerns regarding pain during intercourse, related to perianal fistulas and abdominal pain. Conclusion Healthcare professionals state that conversations concerning relationships and sexuality rarely happen. The conversations are mainly focused on fertility and erection problems. In our previous study, 78% of the patients stated problems concerning intimacy and 64% requested more active support from the healthcare professionals. Our results indicate a need for an increased knowledge and awareness about these questions among healthcare professionals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Predictors of Perceived Positive and Negative Consequences of Sexual Compliance

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

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

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

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

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