Understanding Of Sexual Dysfunction Research Articles

Correlates of Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction and alcohol dependence syndrome are complex issues that significantly impact the overall well-being and quality of life of affected individuals. Sexual dysfunction, encompassing various issues such as erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and orgasmic disorders, is a prevalent concern affecting a substantial proportion of the male population worldwide. Aim: To estimate prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients admitted for Alcohol dependence and to identify various Clinical and Socio demographic correlates for sexual dysfunction in this population. Materials and Methods: The study involved fifty-eight male participants who had sought deaddiction treatment at the Psychiatry Outpatient Department of Tertiary Care Centre, Maduranthakam for alcohol dependence syndrome, diagnosed according to the ICD‑10. Information on sociodemographic, alcohol-related, and sexual dysfunction-related variables was gathered. Sexual dysfunction was assessed for the past year, ignoring temporary and situational complaints. The relationship between sexual dysfunction and various study variables was explored using relevant statistical tools. Results: Out of the total sample size evaluated using SAD-Q score, 71% are moderately dependent and 29 % are severely dependent. Sexual Dysfunction was present for 64% of patients in the study. For the 58 patients in the study, the most common sexual dysfunction reported was an absence of sexual desire in 19 patients, followed by erectile dysfunction which was present in 18 patients. The ability to reach orgasm was difficult for 6 patients. Satisfaction from orgasm was absent for 4 patients. Conclusion: This research seeks to advance our understanding of sexual dysfunction in male patients with alcohol dependence syndrome by unravelling the intricate web of factors influencing their sexual health.

Exploring patients' needs and expectations for information on sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer treatment: A qualitative study.

Sexual dysfunction is an important, and often overlooked, sequela of rectal cancer treatment with significant implications for patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore patients' information needs regarding sexual health after rectal cancer treatment and their experiences accessing information on sexual dysfunction throughout the cancer care continuum. The secondary aim was to explore surgeons' perspectives on patients' information needs and gain insight into their experiences providing information on sexual health following rectal cancer surgery. A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with 10 rectal cancer survivors and six colorectal surgeons from a Canadian tertiary care institution. Transcribed interviews were coded independently by two researchers and thematic analysis was performed. Analysis of patient interviews revealed that patients had limited knowledge of sexual dysfunction symptoms following rectal cancer treatment and received inadequate information on sexual dysfunction from their treating medical team. Patients expressed the desire to receive information on sexual dysfunction in different formats, especially before the start of treatment. The surgeon interviews revealed that colorectal surgeons faced challenges when informing patients about sexual dysfunction. Surgeons did not routinely provide information on sexual dysfunction to all patients; however, they felt that patients should receive high-quality information on sexual dysfunction, both before and after treatment. Patients' information needs related to sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer treatment were inadequately met. High-quality informational resources are needed to facilitate communication between patients and physicians and improve patients' understanding of sexual dysfunction.

A Content Analysis of Reasons for Disclosing Sexual Fantasies and Partner Responses

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify some of the reasons held by participants for either disclosing or concealing a sexual fantasy. Participants were asked to describe either how their partner responded to a disclosure or (for those reporting on an undisclosed sexual fantasy) how they anticipated that their partner was likely to respond. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Two hundred and eighty-seven participants were surveyed about their reasons for disclosing/concealing fantasies and either their actual or anticipated disclosure experiences. The majority of participants (69.3%) indicated having disclosed a sexual fantasy at some point in their relationship. Five categories of reasons for disclosing/not disclosing a sexual fantasy were generated through descriptive content analysis. These categories were sexual gratification, relationship-motivated, partner traits or characteristics, communication patterns, and specific fantasy content. Participant descriptions of their partner’s response to the disclosure of their sexual fantasy were frequently coded as positive. For those describing how they believed their partner would be likely to respond to the disclosure of reported sexual fantasy, these anticipated responses were often coded as negative. The findings of the current study deepen our understanding of sexual fantasy disclosure and highlight some of the reasons held for either disclosing or concealing sexual fantasies. More widely, these findings may have implications for sex education, furthering our understanding of sexual dysfunction and sex/relationship therapy.

Sexual dysfunction: a study on learning experience of Australian medical students.

Research has shown that clinicians are not comfortable managing sexual dysfunction (SD), and there are gaps in the SD-specific training of medical students in the US and the UK. However, there is little research into the extent of SD-specific training needs and learning experiences of Australian medical students. This study aims to explore the extent of students' learning experiences and training gaps in the postgraduate medical curriculum at one Australian university. The study was completed as part of the Doctor of Medicine program requirement, and due ethics approval was obtained. An anonymous 10-item online questionnaire, including one open-ended question was created and distributed to all final-year medical students at the University of Sydney. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistical measures, and a thematic analysis was used for the open-ended question. There are 252 final-year medical students at the University of Sydney, of which 31 students completed the questionnaire, giving a 12% response rate. Of the 31 respondents, the majority of students reported that they never (n=7; 23%) or rarely (n=16; 52%) had opportunities to interact with patients presenting with SD throughout their training. Erectile dysfunction was the topic that all students had some training, whereas female orgasmic disorder was the topic that students had the least training. Of all the students who reported receiving training in the medication/substance-induced SD (n=26), one in two (n=14, 54%) reported feeling unprepared. Only 55% of students (n=17) felt comfortable to initiate discussions around SD with patients, whereas 84% of students (n=26) felt comfortable to discuss SD when the patient initiated the conversation. Students expressed a need for training on how to address these sensitive topics with patients, with more emphasis on the management of SD. The data suggests that the current medical curriculum at the University of Sydney does offer some training in SD, but it is not adequate enough to confidently and comfortably manage SD. Considerations should be made to the curriculum to facilitate a broader recognition and understanding of SD and to prepare future clinicians to adequately address and manage SD.

Virtual Reality Could Help Assess Sexual Aversion Disorder

ABSTRACT Virtual reality (VR) may improve our understanding of sexual dysfunctions’ manifestations, although research in this area remains limited. This study assessed the potential use of a VR Behavior Avoidance Test (VR-BAT) as a tool for examining the clinical features of Sexual Aversion Disorder (SAD): the experience of fear, disgust, and avoidance when facing sexual cues/contexts. A sample of 55 adults (≥ 18y) with (n = 27) and without SAD (n = 28) completed a self-report measure of sexual avoidance. Their anxiety, disgust, electrodermal activity, heart rate, and visual and behavioral avoidance were then examined during two VR-BATs involving sexual or non-sexual stimuli. Mixed repeated measures ANOVAs, t-tests, and correlational analyses were performed. Results showed that individuals in the SAD group reported greater anxiety and disgust compared to their non-SAD counterparts during the sexual stimuli condition. Sexual avoidance scores were largely positively related to anxiety and disgust during the VR sexual condition, and moderately negatively related to the time spent touching the virtual character’s genitals. This study is important given the prevalence of sexual difficulties, such as SAD, and the new research avenues offered by emerging technologies, like VR.

Sexual and Bladder Dysfunction in Cauda Equina Syndrome: Correlation with Clinical and Urodynamic Studies.

Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.PurposeTo analyze the clinical and sphincteric outcomes and the extent of sexual dysfunction (SD) in subjects with cauda equina syndrome (CES) and to assess their correlation with patient-reported and clinical/urodynamic parameters.Overview of LiteratureDespite vast literature present for CES, extent of the problem of SD in CES patients has not received enough attention as reflected by the limited information in literature. Little is known about exact prevalence at presentation or about the recovery. A better understanding of SD and bladder dysfunction in CES secondary to lumbar disc herniation is essential as it commonly occurs in the sexually active age group.MethodsAll cases of cauda equine syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation were recruited. Biographical and clinical data, history, examination findings, operative variables, recovery, and SD were noted. Water cystometry and uroflowmetry were done pre- and postoperatively. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and Female Sexual Function Index were used to assess SD among the men and women, respectively.ResultsA total of 43 patients with up to 2.94-year follow-up were included. Urodynamic studies were found to correlate significantly with age, days of bladder involvement, perianal numbness, and motor weakness (p<0.01). In step-wise regression analysis, perianal sensation and overall motor weakness were bladder function determinants. Bladder function recovery was directly related to the number of delay days (t=2.30, p<0.05) and with unilateral leg pain (t=2.15, p<0.05). Significant correlation between SD with age and days of bladder involvement before surgery was found (p<0.01).ConclusionsSurgery timing is related to patient’s functional and sexual outcomes. Patients with unilateral leg pain and hypocontractile bladder have better outcomes. SD is a remarkable problem in CES.

Exploration of Ion Channels in the Clitoris: a Review

This review investigates known research on ion channels expressed in the clitoris. Specifically, discussing the role these channels play in clitoral arousal, their contributions to sexual dysfunction, and their potential use as a pharmacological targeted treatment. In addition, we propose channels that should be considered as candidate proteins involved in female sexual dysfunction. Review of studies published from 1811–2017, found that only BKCa, SK, and TRPA1 channels have been explored in the clitoris. These studies have identified these channels in clitoral tissue and have suggested their involvement in the nitric oxide-cGMP mediated pathway of erection. However, these studies have not resulted in additional or improved treatment options for female patients with sexual dysfunction. Finally, we suggested the consideration of voltage-gated sodium channels as candidate proteins to explore in sexual dysfunction, due to the comorbid relationship with epilepsy. Based on these findings, further research is needed into these channels and their role in female sexual arousal. Investments into this area of research have the potential for improving our understanding of sexual dysfunction of arousal, improving pharmacological treatments, and ultimately improving quality of life for patients.

Sexual dysfunctions in marriage: a qualitative study of couples' perspectives in Hong Kong

This article aims to explore Chinese couples' perspectives on sexual dysfunctions in the socio-cultural context of Hong Kong. It enables us to expand our understanding of sexual dysfunction, from etiology to an understanding of human significance. In this qualitative study employed with in-depth interviews, eight couples with sexual dysfunctions were recruited to provide personal accounts of marital experience and perceived significance of sexual dysfunctions in marriage. According to the findings, the spouses reported diversified marital relationships and their views of sexual dysfunctions were inter-subjective in light of socioeconomic, relational and temporal context, more than as a biological given. They interpreted sexual dysfunction in a horizon of temporality stretching through past, present and future, from the sphere of coitus to the sphere beyond coitus. Besides, their reproductive plans were emphasized. Stress arising from their busy lives with household conditions and in socioeconomic context was prominent. In addition, the spouses also sought alternatives for satisfaction apart from coitus, e.g., masturbation, caressing, hugging, kissing and sweet words.

Sexual disorders in Asians: A review

Sex is an integral part of the basic needs of an individual. However, Asian populations have had a conservative attitude towards discussing and expressing their sexual concerns to the clinician. Consequently, very limited research on sexuality-related issues has been done on these populations. Many of the biological and socio-cultural factors are different for Asians and Asian migrants to the West, when compared to the native Western population, and this requires dedicated research. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition) has made the classification of sexual dysfunctions gender-specific and has introduced the concepts of ‘gender dysphoria’ and ‘paraphilic disorders’ (distinct from paraphilias); it has removed subtypes based on sexual orientation. These changes will have a definite impact on our understanding of sexual dysfunctions and related disorders in the Asian populations.

Sexual dysfunction and multiple sclerosis: part 2

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common but frequently overlooked symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is identified as one of the most distressing aspects of living with MS for both the individual and their partner and can have a negative impact on quality of life. Partners can find living with the physical and/or psychological effects of MS difficult, especially if it affects their intimate relationship. Therefore, intimacy is a particularly important area of sexual interaction that needs to be encouraged, and the patient's understanding of the link between this and sexual desire and sexual activity needs to be explored. Patients want to be provided with the opportunity to discuss their sexual difficulties. Some nurses will never feel entirely comfortable discussing these sensitive issues, although developing a strong therapeutic relationship with the patient helps. Nurses need to source the sexual assessment tools that are available and that they feel comfortable with, as these can help initiate and develop conversations with patients. There is also the need to ensure that the language used within these discussions is appropriate and acceptable to the patient. This is the second of two articles that aim to demystify SD as experienced by those with MS. It will explore methods of communicating with the patient who is experiencing these distressing symptoms before describing specific assessment techniques that nurses can utilise in their practice. It aims to increase nurses’ knowledge and understanding of SD and provide them with a range of tangible treatment options that can be suggested to the patient. Sexual difficulties are important to many people affected by MS and it is essential that nurses do what they can to recognise, assess, treat and then enable the patient to self-manage them effectively.

In-situation safety behaviours as a factor in the maintenance and treatment of sexual dysfunctions

In recent years, safety behaviours have received a lot of attention in cognitive-behavioural accounts of anxiety disorders, especially their role as a maintenance factor in social phobia. The present paper aims at exploring the potential of safety behaviours for furthering the understanding of sexual dysfunctions. We argue that safety behaviours, in the context of other cognitive variables such as self-focused attention and negative expectations, increase negative sexual affect (e.g. fear of failure, shame, sadness), thus maintaining sexual dysfunctions in creating a vicious circle. Important implications for treatment, clinical implications and limitations are discussed.

Burden of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Breast Cancer.

Abstract Background: Sexual dysfunction is reported after chemotherapy and endocrine therapies, and causes a substantial burden on women with breast cancer. However, the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in women undergoing therapy for both local and metastatic disease is not well defined. Improved understanding of sexual dysfunction may facilitate enhanced treatment and interventions in patients with breast cancer undergoing active treatment, and in survivors of this disease.Methods: We developed a survey that includes a previously validated questionnaire, the female sexual function index (FSFI), as well as an established measure of health-related quality of life (the EuroQol EQ-5D), and disease-specific items to characterize sexual dysfunction and its causes based on literature review and expert consultations. Anonymous administration of the surveys was conducted in outpatient clinic waiting areas of the Breast Cancer Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and two community centers, under an IRB waiver of consent.Results: During November 2008 through May 2009, 509 women undergoing treatment for breast cancer of all stages were each queried once. The mean age was 51 (range 26-91). 87% reported current or past hormonal treatment, and 82% reported current or past chemotherapy (76% adjuvant; 24% for metastatic disease). Sexual dysfunction attributed to breast cancer or its treatment, defined as an FSFI score &amp;lt;26, was reported by 76% of respondents. Among these women, 316/386 (82%) patients considered their sexual symptoms to be bothersome, with 247/386 (64%) noting moderate or severe levels of bother (score &amp;gt;=5/10). Patients attributed their sexual dysfunction to chemotherapy in 318/373 (85%) of cases; to hormonal therapy in 221/298 (74%) of cases; and to surgery in 331/442 (66%) of cases. Other reported contributors to sexual dysfunction include a new diagnosis of breast cancer by 81% of respondents, anxiety by 82% of respondents, and change in relationship with a partner by 55% of respondents.Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in women treated for breast cancer and should be discussed with patients as a potential adverse effect of therapy. Assessment of sexual symptoms throughout treatment and beyond may facilitate the use of potential interventions such as lubricants, dilators, treatment modification, topical estrogens, and counseling. Future work includes a longitudinal prospective trial to further characterize the etiologies of these symptoms and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate interventions for sexual dysfunction. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1056.

Evolving techniques to evaluate ejaculatory function

Recent findings in the physiology and neurobiology of ejaculation have expanded our understanding of male sexual function and have allowed the development of new instruments to investigate ejaculatory and orgasmic disorders. The evidence-based definition of lifelong premature ejaculation has set a model in the evaluation and treatment outcome of sexual dysfunction. New instruments to objectively assess arousal, orgasm and the expulsion phase of ejaculation such as functional MRI, dynamic pelvic ultrasound, PET scans and validated questionnaires have lead to a better understanding of sexual dysfunction in men. Animal models, developments in neurobiology and clinical experience have transformed a purely psychoanalytical approach to ejaculatory and orgasmic function into a novel multidisciplinary, scientifically sound and evidence-based discipline of medicine. Ejaculation is an integral part of normal sexual function. Ejaculatory dysfunction is common and may cause substantial disruption to the quality of a patient's life. A better understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, neuroscience and genetics of ejaculatory and orgasmic function will eventually lead to the development of new, effective methods of treatment of disorders of ejaculation and orgasm in men.