Sexual Interest Research Articles

Breast cancer symptom profile longitudinal changes: data mining study

ObjectivesIdentifying stable co-occurring symptoms in breast cancer (BC) patients during chemotherapy can improve symptom management and the treatment process. This study examines symptom cluster stability in Iranian BC patients receiving...

#Blessed

This article explores the creative use of allusion as a literary device in the description of transactional sex relationships in the following selected literary texts; The Blessed Girl by Angela Makholwa (2018), Bare: #The Blesser Game by Jackie Phamotse (2017) and The Y in yOUR Man is Silent: Book 1 by Yvonne Maphosa (2019). The discovery of the dearth of literature on the portrayal of transactional sex relationships in fiction catalysed this article. Thus this article sought to explore the diverse creative ways in which allusion is employed to describe the relatively new phenomenon of transactional sex relationships. In this article, a qualitative desktop literary analysis was the methodology of choice. The article employed the critical lens of Lipstick Feminism which advances the use of make-up and sexual appeal as an empowerment tool for women without regarding how it sustains the commodification of transactional sex relationships. The significant finding of the study was that the creative use of allusion was crucial as they exemplify the blessee's lifestyle. The brand names are significant in shaping the blessee's archetype and image. In conclusion, allusion was effectively used in the selected works of fiction to describe the new phenomenon of transactional sex relationships.

Explicit measures for emotional congruence with children are related to sexual interests in a male community sample, but not implicit measures.

This study sought to disentangle several phenotypic correlates of pedophilic sexual interests, such as emotional congruence with children and lack of empathy. We utilized Implicit Association Tests and self-report questionnaires for emotional congruence with children and analyzed the psychometric properties of these measures. Further, we analyzed the associations between these measures and self-reported pedophilic sexual interests and empathy. The sample consisted of 110 adult community males (prevalence of sexual interest in children at least to some extent: 5.5%) with or without child-related jobs (43.6% vs. 56.4%) recruited online in the general population. Overall, we found equivocal parameters for reliability of the implicit and explicit measures of emotional congruence with children (α = 0.29 to 0.76). The self-reported emotional congruence with children was only weakly linked to the implicit positive evaluations of children (r = 0.170, p = 0.039), not linked to empathy except for distress in social interactions (r = 0.199, p = 0.019), and moderately linked to deviant sexual interests in children (r = 0.321 to 0.404, p < 0.001), especially in men working with children (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.027). Further studies are warranted to expand the sample to the offender population and explore the more complex network of constructs related to pedophilia.

Sex and Sexual Orientation Differences in Dark Triad Traits, Sexual Excitation/Inhibition, and Sociosexuality.

The present study sought to investigate sex and sexual orientation differences in several traits related to sexuality and sexual behavior. Examining sexual orientation differences alongside basic sex differences to help identify correlates of sexual orientation diversity, and whether individuals with varying degrees of same-sex attraction show concurrent sex-atypical shifts in other domains. Males tend to score higher than females in the Dark Triad (DT) traits of sub-clinical narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. Similarly, females tend to be more cautious than males in their attitudes and desires toward casual sex activity (i.e., sociosexuality). These sex differences may be related to the propensity for individuals to become easily sexually excited, which is higher in males, or to instead inhibit sexual arousal, which is higher in females. In a large undergraduate sample (N = 2047), we replicated expected sex differences in DT traits, sociosexuality, and sexual excitation/inhibition. We found that non-heterosexual females were "male-shifted" in some of these traits, but these shifts tended to be strongest among mostly heterosexual and bisexual individuals. Furthermore, we found that within-sex variation in sociosexuality, sexual excitation, and sexual inhibition was not related to sexual orientation in a linear fashion. Instead, sociosexuality and sexual excitation were related to sexual orientation in a curvilinear (inverted-U) fashion, especially among females. The fact that traits correlated with bisexuality and homosexuality were somewhat distinct is consistent with the idea that different developmental pathways may lead to these discrete sexual attraction patterns.

(111) PLATELET-RICH PLASMA FOR IMPROVEMENT OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract Introduction Platelet-rich plasma has been widely used in various field of medicine. Some studies have shown that PRP helps improving sexual function, but most studies were conducted on men. There are also studies showing that it helps women’s sexual function, but it is very limited. Objective This study conducted to determine whether PRP was effective for women complaining of sexual dysfunction. Methods This retrospective study included 34 women who underwent PRP for improving sexual function from December 2022 to September 2023. Patients underwent a total of three procedures on schedules 0, 1, and 4 months. Before performing each procedure, a survey was conducted on questionnaire related to sexual dysfunction. The results of a total of 22 questions were analyzed by dividing them into sexual desire or sexual interest, sexual excitement, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction with sexual life, pain during intercourse, and urinary incontinence. Results In the categories of sexual desire or sexual interest, sexual excitement, and satisfaction with sexual life scores showed a significant increase after PRP treatment (p &amp;lt; 0.001, p &amp;lt; 0.001, and p &amp;lt; 0.003, respectively). There was a significant increase in orgasm between the first and third treatments (p &amp;lt; 0.021), but it was not statistically significant overall. Symptoms related with lubrication, pain, and urinary incontinence all improved, but did not show statistical significance. Conclusions This study demonstrated that PRP improved some categories of sexual dysfunction. Disclosure No.

(017) FLIBANSERIN IMPROVES LIBIDO AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER ON ENDOCRINE THERAPY

Abstract Introduction Decreased libido is a distressful symptom during and after cancer treatment. This is the first prospective longitudinal study that investigates the use of flibanserin to treat decreased libido in breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy. Objective This study evaluates the efficacy of flibanserin as measured by change in desire, sexual function, and distress from sexual dysfunction. These outcomes are measured using the following validated instruments: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) both desire and total scores, Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function Instrument (PROMIS-SF) and patient distress via FSDS-R. Methods Forty-three women with stage 0-III ER+ breast cancer on endocrine therapy for at least 3 months who reported HSDD as defined by the DSM-IV and ISSWH consensus paper were enrolled on an IRB-approved prospective, longitudinal trial from both an academic center and an alliance community site. All patients took flibanserin 100mg nightly for 24 to 36 weeks. Patients were monitored closely for 52 weeks for adverse events, with medical exams and questionnaires at baseline, week 4, 8, 16, 24, 52 with optional week 36 appointments. Given the small sample size, descriptive, graphical, and nonparametric paired tests for pairwise comparisons of a measure were performed. Results Participants reported improved libido and sexual satisfaction as demonstrated by both the PROMIS-SF and FSFI data (see Table 1). 35/43 (83.3%) patients completed the FSFI and 25/43 (58.1%) completed the PROMIS-SF. The mean overall total FSFI score increased from 11 at baseline, to 17 at week 8 and 24 at week 36. The PROMIS data for interest in sexual activity improved from a baseline mean score of 43 to 51 at 8 weeks, to 54 at 24 weeks and 55 at 36 weeks. Similarly, the FSFI data in the domains of desire and arousal improved respectively from 1.90 and 1.56 at baseline to 3.03 and 3.05 at 8 weeks, 3.30 and 3.17 at week 16 and 3.53 and 4.01 at week 36. Satisfaction with sex life also improved from PROMIS baseline of 46 to 49 at week 8 and 55 at week 36. FSFI data for the domain of satisfaction indicate parallel trends with a baseline score of 2.36, increasing to 3.15 at week 8 and 4.45 at week 36. Furthermore, vaginal discomfort scores improved on both the PROMIS and FSFI. FSFI data on lubrication also showed improvement with a baseline mean score of 1.85 increasing to 2.84 by week 8, 3.24 at week 24 and 4.01 at week 36. However, the PROMIS suggests a decrease in lubrication from baseline to week 8. Patient distress also decreased throughout the study as measured on the FSDS-R and distress thermometer. There were no severe adverse events. The most common adverse events were nausea, somnolence and dizziness. Conclusions Flibanserin improves libido and overall sexual function as measured by the PROMIS-SF and FSFI in breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy. The exciting data from this pilot study is currently informing a larger randomized placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of flibanserin in women with breast cancer. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Sprout Pharmaceuticals Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Ms. Medicine, NanOlogy LLC, Paxman Cooling Ltd, Procter and Gamble, Rejoy, Revision Skincare, Sermonix, Shook, Hardy and Bacon, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Sprout Pharmaceuticals, TerSera.

(062) IMPLEMENTING A VALIDATED SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION SCREENING TOOL AT AN INNER-CITY WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC

Abstract Introduction The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports 43% of American women experience sexual health problems, including Female Sexual Interest and Arousal Disorder, Female Orgasmic Disorder, Genito–Pelvic Pain and Penetration Disorder, and Substance or Medication-Induced Sexual Dysfunction. Objective At Women’s Ambulatory Health Services (WAHS), an inner-city clinic associated with Hartford HealthCare, at which UConn Health ObGyn residents work, there is no routine screening in place for sexual dysfunction. This project aimed to implement the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for screening for sexual dysfunction at this clinic to identify patients who may benefit from treatment. Methods We implemented the FSFI-short version, a six-question screening tool for sexual dysfunction that has been validated in English and Spanish and utilized in many countries on July 1st, 2022. Patients presenting for a new gynecologic visit or an annual gynecologic exam were asked to complete the screening tool. Patients who scored equal to or less than 18 on the FSFI-short version were identified as at risk for female sexual dysfunction and were offered referral to a health psychologist specializing in sexual dysfunction. We utilized the RE-AIM framework for implementation science to guide the implementation evaluation. We collected data on patients from July 1 through December 1, 2022. We collected patient demographics and implementation outcomes, including rate of survey completion, candidacy for referral and referral completion. Results 196 surveys were reviewed between July 1st and December 1st of 2022. 44 surveys were excluded for various reasons, including not meeting study inclusion criteria or invalid responses. 152 screening forms were included and 45 patients screened positive. Subjective patient barriers were gathered from comments written directly onto the paper survey as well as quotes documented by their providers in the visit note. These subjective barriers included hesitancy to discuss sexual health and lacking knowledge that the gynecologist provider offers assessment and management for these disorders. Conclusions The introduction of the FSFI-sv at WAHS has both expanded the resources offered to patients, enhanced the environment surrounding topics of women’s health both between staff members as well as within the patient-provider relationship, and has unearthed multiple opportunities for improving the screening process, referral selection and work flow for sexual dysfunction amongst the patient population. Disclosure No.

Safety and efficacy of Testosterone in woman

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits and risks associated with testosterone treatment for postmenopausal women. Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life marked by a decline in the production of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. However, testosterone is also a hormone naturally produced by women, and it should be replenished when its production decreases. Although testosterone is not yet available for women due to lack of approval from the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration), both research and clinical work have indicated its efficacy in addressing various symptoms of testosterone deficiency, including a diminished interest in sexual activity and weight gain. The objective of this article is to assess the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women by reviewing research and clinical studies that explore its use, as well as the associated side effects and risks. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted, involving searches in databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, using filters related to the topic. Initially, 42 published works were identified. Additional criteria, such as "prospective cohort studies" and "randomized clinical trials," were then applied to refine the results. The search had no language restrictions or time limitations, yielding 9 potentially relevant articles for the review. Results: However, this analysis utilized eight articles of the clinical trial or randomized trial type, retrieved from PUBMED and Google Scholar databases, highlighting the safety and effectiveness of testosterone in women. Conclusions: Following the conducted search, it was concluded that testosterone proves to be an effective treatment for postmenopausal women experiencing decreased sexual activity. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that further research is imperative to validate its effectiveness in treating premenopausal women, as well as ensuring its safety in long-term treatment

Population Percentage and Population Size of Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States, 2017-2021: Meta-Analysis of 5 Population-Based Surveys.

Male-to-male sexual transmission continues to account for the greatest proportion of new HIV diagnoses in the United States. However, calculating population-specific surveillance metrics for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections requires regularly updated estimates of the number and proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States, which are not collected by census surveys. The purpose of this analysis was to estimate the number and percentage of MSM in the United States from population-based surveys. We used data from 5 population-based surveys to calculate weighted estimates of the proportion of MSM in the United States and pooled these estimates using meta-analytic procedures. We estimated the proportion of MSM using sexual behavior-based questions (encompassing anal or oral sex) for 3 recall periods-past 12 months, past 5 years, and lifetime. In addition, we estimated the proportion of MSM using self-reported identity and attraction survey responses. The total number of MSM and non-MSM in the United States were calculated from estimates of the percentage of MSM who reported sex with another man in the past 12 months. The percentage of MSM varied by recall period: 3.3% (95% CI 1.7%-4.9%) indicated sex with another male in the past 12 months, 4.7% (95% CI 0.0%-33.8%) in the past 5 years, and 6.2% (95% CI 2.9%-9.5%) in their lifetime. There were comparable percentages of men who identified as gay or bisexual (3.4%, 95% CI 2.2%-4.6%) or who indicated that they are attracted to other men (4.9%, 95% CI 3.1%-6.7%) based on pooled estimates. Our estimate of the total number of MSM in the United States is 4,230,000 (95% CI 2,179,000-6,281,000) based on the history of recent sexual behavior (sex with another man in the past 12 months). We calculated the pooled percentage and number of MSM in the United States from a meta-analysis of population-based surveys collected from 2017 to 2021. These estimates update and expand upon those derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012 by including estimates of the percentage of MSM based on sexual identity and sexual attraction. The percentage and number of MSM in the United States is an important indicator for calculating population-specific disease rates and eligibility for preventive interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Understanding asexuality: A sociological review

AbstractAsexuality, a sexual identity that refers to those who experience low/no sexual attraction, has garnered increasing attention in recent years, yet its sociological exploration remains relatively nascent. This review article examines the burgeoning interdisciplinary field of asexuality studies through a sociological lens, examining asexual studies' conceptualizations, theoretical frameworks, and empirical contributions. First, I review how asexuality is defined and conceptualized in existing literature, highlighting diverse understandings and complexities surrounding this sexual orientation. I analyze the various conceptualizations of asexuality, ranging from the absence of sexual attraction to conceptualizations that emphasize the fluidity and spectrum of asexual identities. Next, I identify the subfields in sociology where asexuality studies is making or has the potential to make theoretical and empirical interventions. I examine how asexuality intersects with broader sociological themes such as gender, sexuality, identity, the family, intimacy, relationships, stigma, and community. Drawing on existing research, I examine how asexuality challenges normative assumptions about sexuality and how it contributes to ongoing conversations within sociology. Finally, I offer recommendations for how sociologists can approach the study of asexuality. I advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological pluralism, and intersectional analyses to capture the complexity and diversity of asexual experiences. Moreover, I emphasize the importance of centering asexual voices and perspectives in research, while also acknowledging the ethical considerations and challenges inherent in studying a marginalized and often misunderstood sexual orientation. Overall, this review provides a scoping overview of the sociology of asexuality, offering insights into its conceptualizations, theoretical implications, and avenues for future research.

A latent class analysis of sexual identity, attraction, and behavior among young sexual-minority women.

A latent class analysis of sexual identity, attraction, and behavior among young sexual-minority women.

Islamic Law and Ethics: The Role and Obligations of Marriage for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

This article examines Islamic law and ethics used to analyze the position and ethics of persons with intellectual disabilities in marriage. They have the same right to marry without discrimination or stigma. Literary and descriptive methods were used in this study, as well as document comparison. The study found that Islamic scholars of various schools expressed their opinions about the marriages of people with intellectual disabilities and their legal responsibilities. Although the majority of madhhabs recognize that their marriages are valid, there are questions about their responsibilities after the marriage. This issue is addressed in several edicts of scholars; Some of them allow marriage if there is sexual attraction. However, the question of how they can take responsibility and consent in the context of sexuality is still the subject of discussion. To determine whether people with intellectual disabilities can fulfill their marital obligations, the concept of responsibility, both etymological and terminological, is discussed. Studies show that a person's ability to take responsibility is affected by their level of disability. This perspective discusses the impact of Islamic law and the daily lives of people with intellectual disabilities, such as the possibility of guardianship or representation in decisions about marriage and sexuality. According to this study, the personal responsibilities and rights of people with intellectual disabilities should be carefully considered.

Sexual Violence Victimization and Substance Use among Individuals Identifying on the Asexual Spectrum: Differences between Asexuality, Graysexuality, and Demisexuality

ABSTRACT Despite the growing visibility of the asexual community across the globe, little is known about how individuals on the asexual spectrum navigate their (a)sexual experiences. Asexual individuals may be highly vulnerable to sexual violence victimization due to prejudice against their lack of sexual attraction. Perpetrators may seek to pressure asexual individuals into sexual activities by invalidating their asexuality or manipulating their need for emotional intimacy. Such non-consensual sexual acts or behaviors may have a profound impact on asexual individuals. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of sexual violence victimization and its relationship with substance use among individuals identifying on the asexual spectrum. The data for this study were derived from a global sample of 8,752 individuals on the asexual spectrum from the Ace Community Survey. The results indicated that 67.4% of the participants had experienced at least one form of sexual violence victimization in their lifetime. Experiences of sexual violence were related to more frequent engagement in substance use over the past year. Additionally, the results showed that compared with asexual individuals, graysexual and demisexual individuals were more likely to experience sexual violence, which was linked to substance use. Given the widespread prevalence and detrimental effects of sexual violence victimization, it is important to integrate asexual perspectives into prevention and intervention efforts, while simultaneously raising public awareness about affirmative consent and boundaries. The study also offers significant implications for trauma-informed care, public education, and social policies that address the unique needs and experiences of this population.

To the distribution of the genus Negotinthia O. Gorbunov, 2001 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in the Crimea

Based on the analysis of quite extensive material collected in 57 habitats, data on the distribution of two species of the genus Negotinthia O. Gorbunov, 2001 in the Crimea are provided. It is shown that N. cingulata is widespread in the Mountain region of the Crimea and on the Hilly Kerch’ Peninsula, while Crimean endemic species N. efetovi turned out to be a representative of the fauna of the Plain region of the Crimea (with typical steppe vegetation), including the Tarkhankut Peninsula. The positive role of artificial sex attractants for the practice of clarifying the details of the distribution of individual species has been confirmed once again.

Ecological immunology: do sexual attraction and immunity trade-off through a desaturase?

Given the limited availability of resources in nature, sexual attractiveness may trade off with immunocompetence, as the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (ICHH) posits. In invertebrates, a direct link between trade-offs through hormonal/molecular effectors in sexual signals and immunity has not been found so far. Here, we assessed how variation in sexual signals affected parasite infection in two sex pheromone selected lines of the moth Chloridea virescens: an attractive line with a low ratio of 16:Ald/Z11-16:Ald and an unattractive line with a high ratio. When infecting these lines with an apicomplexan parasite, we found that the attractive Low line was significantly more susceptible to the parasite infection than the unattractive High line. Since the ratio difference between these two lines is determined by a delta-11-desturase, we hypothesized that this desaturase may have a dual role, i.e., in the quality of the sexual signal as well as an involvement in immune response, comparable to testosterone in vertebrates. However, when we used CRISPR/cas9 to knockout delta-11-desturase in the attractive Low line, we found that the pheromonal phenotype did change to that of the High line, but the infection susceptibility did not. Notably, when checking the genomic location of delta-11-desaturase in the C. virescens, we found that mucin is adjacent to delta-11-desaturase. When comparing the mucin sequences in both lines, we found four nonsynonymous SNPs in the coding sequence, as well as intronic variation between the two lines. These differences suggest that genetic hitchhiking may explain the variation in susceptibility to parasitic infection.

Quality of life in permanent ostomates - what really matters to them?

The impact of a permanent stoma, such as post-abdominoperineal resection (APR), on quality of life (QoL) is well-documented. While stoma-related QoL tools exist, their relationship with stoma satisfaction is unclear. This study aimed to identify which aspects of QoL were most associated with stoma satisfaction. A cross-sectional study of consecutive patients who had an APR for rectal cancer at an Australian tertiary hospital (2012-2021), identified from a prospectively maintained database, was conducted. The Stoma-QoL questionnaire was used. Overall patient satisfaction with stoma function, and whether healthcare advice was sought for stoma dysfunction, were explored. Linear regression assessed the association between individual issues examined in the Stoma-QoL questionnaire and overall patient satisfaction with stoma function. Overall, 64 patients (62.5% male, mean 68.1 years) participated. Stoma-QoL score was associated with stoma satisfaction (P < 0.05). QoL items impacting satisfaction were: needing to know nearest toilet location (P = 0.04), pouch smell concerns (P = 0.008), needing daytime rest (P = 0.02), clothing limitations (P = 0.02), sexual attractiveness concerns (P < 0.05), embarrassment (P < 0.05), difficulty hiding the pouch (P = 0.02), concerns about being burdensome (P = 0.04) and difficulty with interpersonal interaction (P = 0.03). Only 11 (17.2%) patients sought healthcare advice for stoma dysfunction. While stoma-specific QoL is associated with stoma satisfaction, individual QoL aspects impact differently on satisfaction in permanent colostomy patients. These findings may help identify focus areas for peri-operative counselling for clinicians and stomal therapists, highlight the importance of tailored multidisciplinary care in ostomates and suggests that a stoma type-specific Stoma-QoL questionnaire is required.

Influencer Marketing and Consumer Engagement: The Role of Food Experts in Shaping Attitudes Towards Organic Products

The Covid-19 pandemic has spurred a consumer trend toward embracing healthier lifestyles and diets. Leveraging primary studies centered on influencer marketing and its influence on consumer behavior, this study aims to scrutinize and evaluate the effect of Food Expert Influencers on consumers' attitudes towards organic products. Our conceptual model, utilizing the theory of social comparison, contributes to formulating hypotheses based on which specific characteristics of Food Expert Influencers are capable of influencing and impacting consumer behavior towards organic foods. On the basis of survey data collected from 306 respondents, structural equation modeling was employed to test our hypotheses and measure the proposed conceptual model. The results indicated that influencers' sexual orientation, appealing lifestyle, specialized knowledge in a particular domain, personal traits like beauty or sex appeal, and their follower count exert a considerable influence on consumer behavior, notably fostering positive attitudes towards organic products. These findings hold substantial theoretical implications, offering crucial insights for marketing strategies in the organic food products sector, as well as for corporate social responsibility. They underscore the importance of carefully selecting influencers who resonate with the target demographics and can forge authentic connections with them. Moreover, the results suggest that harnessing the credibility of Food Experts of Influence (FEIs) can influence consumer behavior and potentially bolster the sales of organic products.

Sex Pheromone of the Saturniid Moth Hemileuca nevadensis from Southern California.

The major and possibly only component of the sex attractant pheromone of the moth Hemileuca nevadensis (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) from southern California was determined to be (E10,Z12)-hexadecadienal (E10,Z12-16:Ald). Detectable quantities of the analogs (E10,Z12)-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate (E10,Z12-16:Ac) and (E10,Z12)-hexadecadien-1-ol (E10,Z12-16:OH) were also present in solvent extracts of sex pheromone glands, and stimulated male antennae in coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detector (GC-EAD) assays. GC-EAD traces from solid phase microextraction (SPME) wipe samples of sex pheromone glands of calling females confirmed the presence of E10,Z12-16:Ald and traces of E10,Z12-16:OH on the gland surface, but E10,Z12-16:Ac was not detected. Despite evidence for the presence of all three compounds in extracts, behavioral responses to synthetic compounds in the field suggested that only E10,Z12-16:Ald is required for optimal attraction.

A review of published studies on virtual reality in sexuality research.

Virtual reality (VR) technology contributes to greater approach of methodological safety to make ecological validity more feasible and a growing interest in sexuality behaviors. The aim of this study was to show VR in the sexuality area by a comprehensive review of outcomes, offer a synthesis of the studies, and make a methodological quality assessment of finding results. A secondary goal was to investigate the effect of immersion on diverse sexual responses outcomes. We designed a review based on a systematic review strategy describing types of studies, participants, data collection and outcomes; searched in 4 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SciELO), and made a full-text screening process. The study found 18 articles that met research criteria synthesized within 3 outcome groups: erection measures, level of immersion, and biomarker studies. Synthesis shows a lack of methodological aspects that impair results, such as description of methods from bias protection, randomization, or concealment. The literature still needs to improve its methodology, even though it already shows relevant data for intervention in sexual dysfunction, forensic psychiatry, sexual attraction, orientation, and use of pornography. Current methodological issues need better design to highlight relevant issues in sexuality with stronger quality of design, opening boundaries to new diagnostic or interventional technologies to sexual health.

Exploring the association between isotretinoin and sexual dysfunction: a comprehensive scoping review.

A potential link between isotretinoin and sexual dysfunction has been reported in various studies. However, such an association has not been explored within the context of a literature review until now. To evaluate the methodology and quality of studies investigating this association, and to examine the definitions of sexual dysfunction used. A scoping review approach was used to identify peer-reviewed research articles. The search terms used were 'isotretinoin', 'sexual dysfunction', 'erectile dysfunction', 'ejaculatory disorders', 'decreased libido', 'female sexual interest', 'female arousal disorder', 'libido', 'pelvic pain', 'dyspareunia', 'orgasmic disorder', 'impotence', 'ovaries', 'fertility' and 'menstrual irregularity'. In total, 55 peer-reviewed manuscripts were included, consisting of 8 animal studies and 46 human studies with 2420 patients. Of the studies in humans, there were 18 case reports or case series, 2 case-control studies, 4 cross-sectional studies, 6 longitudinal studies, 3 pharmacovigilance reports and 13 cohort studies. The most frequently observed dose range of isotretinoin was 0.5-1.0 mg kg-1 per day, usually for a duration of 1-6 months. More than half of the studies (54%, n = 25) reported a beneficial or neutral effect of isotretinoin on sexual function. The majority of studies (89%, n = 41) were categorized as Oxford Evidenced-Based Medicine level 4. This scoping review revealed very weak evidence supporting a link between isotretinoin and sexual dysfunction. Notably, the diverse definitions of sexual dysfunction pose a significant challenge for comparative analysis. The authors advocate for a standardized definition of sexual dysfunction and a framework for determining causality in order to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between isotretinoin and sexual dysfunction.