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Female sexual behaviour. A study in a random sample of 40-year-old women.

This is a sexological study of a random sample of 225 40-yr-old women representative of the Danish female population at the age of 40. These women were questioned by a female physician utilizing a structured interview; 94% of the women invited to participate in this study agreed to do so. The purpose of this research was to elucidate sexual behaviour, experience, knowledge and attitudes. Some of the findings were the following. Menstruation still seems to be a taboo subject; 36% of this population knew little about this topic. 96% of these women had experienced orgasm at least once in their lives and 67.6% had experienced spontaneous libido. Genuine homosexuality appears to be a rare phenomenon. A monogamous heterosexual life style is the norm, as reflected by low number of partners and low frequency of infidelity. Yet, 35% of these woman had sexual problems. There is a need for advice and treatment of sexual difficulties in this population, but these are at present, in Denmark, not generally available.

Adult↗

Changes in sexual behavior as a function of plasma sex steroid levels in post-menopausal women.

Eight women who had been maintained on a combined estrogen-androgen drug since hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy 2 yr previously were investigated for changes in sexual behavior during the course of 1 treatment cycle. Following intramuscular injection of both sex steroids, plasma estradiol levels were within the normal range of young, cycling women but plasma testosterone exceeded the upper limit of normal female values. Sexual motivational behaviors (desire, fantasies and arousal) covaried with plasma steroid levels. Rates of coitus and orgasm, however, were unrelated to the changing levels of circulating hormones. A differential effect of the sex steroids on various aspects of sexual functioning was thus confirmed.

Castration↗

Testosterone enhances estradiol's effects on postmenopausal bone density and sexuality.

To investigate the role of androgens in increasing bone density and improving low libido in postmenopausal women, we have studied the long-term effects of estradiol and testosterone implants on bone mineral density and sexuality in a prospective, 2 year, single-blind randomised trial. Thirty-four postmenopausal volunteers were randomised to treatment with either estradiol implants 50 mg alone (E) or estradiol 50 mg plus testosterone 50 mg (E&T), administered 3-monthly for 2 years. Cyclical oral progestins were taken by those women with an intact uterus. Thirty-two women completed the study. BMD (DEXA) of total body, lumbar vertebrae (L1-L4) and hip area increased significantly in both treatment groups. BMD increased more rapidly in the testosterone treated group at all sites. A substantially greater increase in BMD occurred in the E&T group for total body (P < 0.008), vertebral L1-L4 (P < 0.001) and trochanteric (P < 0.005) measurements. All sexual parameters (Sabbatsberg sexual self-rating scale) improved significantly in both groups. Addition of testosterone resulted in a significantly greater improvement compared to E for sexual activity (P < 0.03), satisfaction (P < 0.03), pleasure (P < 0.01), orgasm (P < 0.035) and relevancy (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol fell in both groups as did total body fat. Total body fat-free mass (DEXA, anthropometry, impedance) increased in the E&T group only. We concluded that in postmenopausal women, treatment with combined estradiol and testosterone implants was more effective in increasing bone mineral density in the hip and lumbar spine than estradiol implants alone. Significantly greater improvement in sexuality was observed with combined therapy, verifying the therapeutic value of testosterone implants for diminished libido in postmenopausal women. The favourable estrogenic effects on lipids were preserved in women treated with T, in association with beneficial changes in body composition.

Bone Density↗

The human sexual response and alcohol and drugs.

The effects of alcohol and drugs on sexual function are important to consider in clinical histories and medication prescribing practices. Virtually all aspects of the human sexual response are affected by alcohol and drugs: 1. Desire (libido) is reduced. 2. Performance. Impotency as defined by lack of erection and ejaculation occurs. 3. Dissatisfaction ensues. These effects of alcohol and drugs can be understood and illustrated by examining the phases of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution in the human sexual response. The important first step in the treatment of sexual dysfunction is to identify the alcohol/drug/medication use. The next is to recognize the profound effect it can have on the human sexual response. Furthermore, knowledge of the mechanism of action of the drugs and a basic conception of the physiology and psychology of sexual performance are necessary to predict the course of the sexual dysfunction. In many instances, the sexual dysfunction is reversible even after chronic alcohol/drug/medication use.

Autonomic Nervous System↗

Evaluation of the role of pudendal nerve integrity in female sexual function using noninvasive techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Using quantitative sensory testing and a validated questionnaire, we investigated the role of pudendal nerve integrity in sexual function among women. STUDY DESIGN: Participants completed the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ). Vibratory and pressure thresholds were measured at the S2 dermatome reflecting pudendal nerve distribution. RESULTS: A total of 56 women enrolled; 29 (51.8%) were asymptomatic and 27 (48.2%) had 1 or more forms of female sexual dysfunction (total sexual dysfunction) including: desire disorder 16.1%, arousal disorder 26.8%, orgasmic disorder 25%, and pain disorder 12.5%. Age, parity, menopausal status, and body mass index were similar between groups. PISQ scores were lower in symptomatic subjects compared with controls (P < .001). Decreased tactile sensation was found at the clitoris for women with total sexual dysfunction, desire disorder, and arousal disorder. Women with arousal disorder also had decreased tactile sensation at the perineum. CONCLUSION: Pudendal nerve integrity may play a role in female sexual dysfunction.

Adult↗

The effect of total hysterectomy on specific sexual sensations.

OBJECTIVE: Assess whether women note a change in aspects of arousal because of removal of the uterus and cervix. STUDY DESIGN: Between 1990 and 1992, 105 women were asked to report on their sexual function before and at 3, 8, and 18 months after undergoing a total hysterectomy. Results were analyzed by chi 2 . RESULTS: Hysterectomies were abdominal or vaginal, and 42% of subjects had ovaries removed and initiated estrogen replacement. Ease of arousal diminished in 24% and improved in 11%. Intensity of orgasms decreased in 15% and increased in 14%. Effects of nipple stimulation were usually preserved. Sexual satisfaction increased significantly. Seven women noted distinctly worse sexual function. CONCLUSION: An indicated total hysterectomy will likely increase sexual satisfaction and not change the effect of breast stimulation. The few women with disturbingly reduced sexual sensation deserve assessment and treatment.

Adult↗

First glimpse of the functional benefits of clitoral hood piercings.

In this exploratory study, we identify a positive relationship between vertical clitoral hood piercing and desire, frequency of intercourse and arousal. There were no dramatic differences in orgasmic functioning. Clinicians can play key roles in educating patients about potential outcomes and risks of genital piercing.

Arousal↗

Effect of valsartan and atenolol on sexual behavior in hypertensive postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of valsartan compared with atenolol on sexual behavior in hypertensive postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 120 postmenopausal women, aged 51 to 55 years, with mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic blood pressure [DBP] >/=95 and </=105 mm Hg) were enrolled. After a 4-week placebo period they were randomized to treatment with valsartan 80 mg (n = 60) or atenolol 50 mg (n = 60) once daily for 16 weeks, according to a parallel arm design. After 4 weeks of treatment the nonresponder patients (DBP >90 mm Hg) were given a double dose of each drug. Patients were checked at the end of the placebo period and every 4 weeks thereafter. At each visit, sitting blood pressure (BP) was measured by mercury sphygmomanometer (Korotkoff I and V). At baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment, patients were given a questionnaire that comprised 10 self-evaluations of various aspects of sexual desire, orgasmic response, and coital activity. The questions were presented in the form of a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Both drugs significantly lowered BP without any difference between the two treatments. In the valsartan-treated women, the scores for three of the items related to libido significantly improved: sexual desire (+38%, P <.01), changes in behavior (+45%, P <.001), and sexual fantasies (+51%, P <.001) In contrast, in the atenolol-treated group the scores for the items "sexual desire" and "sexual fantasies" significantly worsened (-18%, P <.01 and -23%, P <.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in postmenopausal, sexually active hypertensive women, valsartan treatment improved sexual function at least in some respects, whereas atenolol worsened it. This may be relevant for quality of life in these patients and their compliance with antihypertensive therapy.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Sexual function and pelvic floor disorders.

Sexual wellbeing is an important aspect of women's health. Female sexual dysfunction is multifactorial and involves physical, social and psychological dimensions. Dysfunction may result from lack of sexual desire, sexual pain or arousal, and orgasmic problems. Sexual dysfunction is common and increases with age and pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders has been poorly studied but has the potential to improve sexual satisfaction or to cause sexual difficulties. New instruments such as condition-specific sexual questionnaires have recently been developed and will help us to better evaluate the results of incontinence and prolapse surgery on sexual function.

Female↗

The effects of state and trait self-focused attention on sexual arousal in sexually functional and dysfunctional women.

This study examined the effects of state self-focused attention on sexual arousal and trait self-consciousness on sexual arousal and function in sexually functional (n=16) and dysfunctional (n=16) women. Self-focused attention was induced using a 50% reflectant television screen in one of two counterbalanced sessions during which self-report and physiological sexual responses to erotic films were measured. Self-focused attention significantly decreased vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) responses among sexually functional but not dysfunctional women, and substantially decreased correlations between self-report and VPA measures of sexual arousal. Self-focused attention did not significantly impact subjective sexual arousal in sexually functional or dysfunctional women. Trait private self-consciousness was positively related to sexual desire, orgasm, compatibility, contentment and sexual satisfaction. Public self-consciousness was correlated with sexual pain. The findings are discussed in terms of Masters and Johnson's [Masters, W. H. & Johnson, V. E. (1970). Human sexual inadequacy. Boston: Little, Brown) concepts of "spectatoring" and "sensate focus."

Adult↗

Sexual behavior of women taking low-dose oral contraceptive containing 15 microg ethinylestradiol/60 microg gestodene.

The objective of this prospective study was to assess the effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) containing 15 microg ethinylestradiol and 60 microg gestodene on sexuality. Forty-eight healthy volunteers (age range, 18-35 years), having regular menstrual cycles with ovulation, participated in the study. Sexual behavior was assessed using the self-administered Personal Experience Questionnaire, at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 9 months of pill use. Women reported decreased sexual desire (p < 0.005) and sexual activity (p < 0.05) at the 9th month of pill use, and diminished sexual arousal at the 3rd month of pill intake (p < 0.05), with respect to baseline. The frequency of orgasm did not change during OC use (p = NS). Moreover, sexual enjoyment was worse at the 3rd, 6th and 9th month with respect to baseline (p < 0.001). The low dose of ethinylestradiol could cause decreased vaginal lubrication, and diminished sexual arousal could be due to hypoandrogenism. Women may expect increased sexual performance when they take the pill, as compared to before starting contraception. Consequently, they could have an unexpected effect with pill use, though sexuality may remain the same.

Adolescent↗

Prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in Japanese men with type 2 diabetes.

This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and clinical risk factors of erectile dysfunction (ED) in Japanese male diabetics. Questionnaires were administered to 82 male diabetics and 25 male non-diabetics (controls), to determine the international index of erectile function (IIEF). This index consists of five parts, with questions related to erectile function (EF), intercourse satisfaction (IS), orgasmic function (OF), sexual desire (SD), and overall satisfaction (OS). IIEF scores were compared between diabetics and controls, and were also analyzed in relation to clinical factors. Although EF, IS, and OF scores (physical factors) in diabetic men were significantly lower than those of age-matched controls, no significant differences were apparent in SD and OS scores (psychological factors). All patients with EF score > or = 18 reported being able to achieve sexual intercourse, we determined the criterion for ED as EF < 18. The prevalence of ED in diabetics and age-matched controls was 60% and 20%, respectively. EF score decreased with duration of diabetes and progression of retinopathy, proteinuria, ischemic heart disease, delayed nerve conduction, orthostatic intolerance, and attenuated heart rate variability. ED was found to be common in Japanese male diabetics. Possible influences of both microangiopathy and macroangiopathy on ED are suggested.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Altered sexual health and quality of life in women prior to hematopoietic cell transplantation.

The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study is to define sexual dysfunction and menopausal symptoms in women following cytotoxic or immunosuppressive medication for the treatment of malignant or life-threatening hematolymphoid diseases. These women were preparing to undergo hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) as the next step in their treatment plan. It is assumed that sexual dysfunction and symptoms of premature menopause are more pronounced post-HCT due to the intensity of the preparative regimen on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study included 48 pre-menopausal women and 28 spouses/partners. Data were collected using five self-report instruments (demographic and medical, the Female Sexual Function Index, the Menopause-specific Quality of Life, the Psychosocial Adaptation to Illness Scale, and a global quality of life score). The main research variables were female sexual functioning, symptoms of menopause, and quality of life. The findings indicate that 73% of women report decreased libido and 48% report dissatisfaction with their overall sex life. Hot flashes, the most common symptom of menopause are reported by 46% and 27% report the hot flashes moderate to severe in intensity. Vaginal dryness was reported by 35% with 23% reporting the vaginal dryness to be moderate to severe. The mean quality of life (QOL) score in women was 69+/-25 with a range of 2-100 (on a scale of 0-100 with 100 being an excellent QOL). The findings indicate that women treated with standard dose chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy for malignant and life-threatening hematolymphoid diseases experience alterations in sexual health and symptoms of premature menopause. The results show that the desire, arousal, and orgasm phase of the sexual response cycle are altered. Additionally, nearly half of the women are experiencing hot flashes, the most common symptom of menopause and over a third report vaginal dryness. There are statistically significant correlations between altered sexual health, menopausal symptoms, and QOL scores.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Early conceptual and linguistic development of a patient and partner treatment satisfaction scale (TSS) for erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the early development of a pluri-language self-report questionnaire to assess male patients and their female partners' satisfaction with drug treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: This first development phase proceeded in several parts. Item generation followed literature review, hypothesized characteristics of the drug and in-depth interviews with patients and their partners. Perceptions and feelings related to ED and patients' expectations of treatment were explored. Items were generated simultaneously in 5 languages (American English, Canadian French, English, French and German). Content and face validity were empirically assessed by interviews with a few patients and partners in each country. Conceptual equivalence between languages was ascertained. RESULTS: The final content domains included satisfaction with: sexual spontaneity, quality of erection, quality of ejaculation, sexual pleasure, orgasm, confidence, reliability of treatment, side effects, convenience, overall satisfaction, conformity to treatment expectations and intent to continue use of drug. Cognitive debriefing with patients and partners found few issues with comprehension, however some words were considered problematic. The simultaneous development for the different languages allowed adaptation of the content at this stage and ensured consistency of all language versions. The final questionnaire consisted of 4 modules: unmedicated patient, medicated patient, unmedicated partner, and medicated partner modules. The questionnaire was then linguistically validated into 15 additional languages for further psychometric validation. CONCLUSIONS: The Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) is a multi-facetted measure of patients' and partners' satisfaction with their sexual life relating to erectile dysfunction and intended for prospective use. Its simultaneous development for a variety of countries and languages has fostered true item equivalence across language versions. However, further work is needed to validate the TSS psychometrically, including identification of domains, test responsiveness and determination of appropriate scoring prior to its clinical use.

Erectile Dysfunction↗

Evaluation of male sexual function in patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treated with a phytotherapeutic agent (Permixon), Tamsulosin or Finasteride.

OBJECTIVES: Sexual function is one of the aspects in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that has gained increasing attention. We compared the influence on men's sexuality of Permixon, a lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa Repens, with Tamsulosin and Finasteride using a specific validated questionnaire exploring patient's sexual functions. METHODS: A database was created comprising patients from 3 main double-blind, randomized studies - Permixon vs. Finasteride, Permixon vs. Tamsulosin and Permixon 160 mg vs. 320 mg including a total of 2511 patients. Three hundred fifty four were on Tamsulosin, 545 on Finasteride and 1612 patients on Permixon. LUTS were assessed using the I-PSS questionnaire. Peak flow rates and prostate volume were recorded. The MSF-4 questionnaire, including 4 items that explore the patient's interest in sex, quality of erection, achievement of orgasm and ejaculation, was used across the studies. This questionnaire was demonstrated as highly reproducible and both psychometrically and clinically valid across different cultures. Correlation coefficients were given to assess the linear relationship between continuous variables. RESULTS: At 3 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the three treatment groups in terms of I-PSS or Qmax evolutions (all p values > 0.05). At 6 months, as compared to pretreatment data, there was a slight increase in sexual disorders in Tamsulosin (+0.3) and Finasteride (+0.8) treated patients while it slightly improved with Permixon therapy (-0.2). Ejaculation disorders were the most frequently reported side effects after Tamsulosin or Finasteride (both +0.2 on the specific MSF-4 question 4). There was no correlation between the evolution of the MSF-4 scores and the evolution in I-PSS neither in patients treated with Permixon, Finasteride or Tamsulosin. However, there was a slight correlation between the MSF-4 score at baseline and the I-PSS at baseline (r2 = 0.032). Although there was a correlation between the MSF-4 and age at baseline (r2 = 0.1452), there was no correlation between the evolution in MSF-4 during therapy and the age of the patients. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that Permixon therapy has no negative impact on male sexual function. Both Finasteride and Tamsulosin had a slight impact on sexual function, especially on ejaculation, although these effects were rare and in line with previous reports about these two drugs.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

The treatment satisfaction scale: a multidimensional instrument for the assessment of treatment satisfaction for erectile dysfunction patients and their partners.

BACKGROUND: The development of the Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) was previously reported (Kubin et al., 2004). OBJECTIVE: This article describes the psychometric validation process and psychometric properties (e.g., reliability, validity, and responsiveness) of TSS. METHODS: Initial patient and partner questionnaires were administered in a multi-national clinical trial. On the basis of exploratory analyses, iterative psychometric testing, and consideration of face validity and interpretability, the number of items was reduced, and six scales were constructed: "Satisfaction with Medication," "Ease with Erection," "Satisfaction with Erectile Function," "Pleasure from Sexual Activity," "Satisfaction with Orgasm," and either "Sexual Confidence" (for patients) or "Confidence in Completion" (for partners). RESULTS: Multi-item scales had good internal consistency reliability and concurrent validity with the IIEF. All patient scales and most partner scales were valid in relation to clinical criteria, and all tested scales were responsive to change over time. CONCLUSION: The TSS is brief, culturally valid, and the most comprehensive multidimensional measure of satisfaction with ED treatment for patients and their partners, and addresses some of the shortcomings of existing measures.

Adult↗

Physiology of ejaculation: emphasis on serotonergic control.

Ejaculation is constituted by two distinct phases, emission and expulsion. Orgasm, a feature perhaps unique in humans, is a cerebral process that occurs, in normal conditions, concomitantly to expulsion of semen. Normal antegrade ejaculation is a highly coordinated physiological process with emission and expulsion phases being under the control of autonomic and somatic nervous systems respectively. The central command of ejaculation is located at the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral levels of the spinal cord and is activated by stimuli from genital, mainly penile, origin although cerebral descending pathways exert both inhibitory and excitatory regulatory roles. Cerebral structures specifically activated during ejaculation form a tightly interconnected network comprising hypothalamic, diencephalic and pontine areas. A rational neurobiological approach has led to identify several neurotransmitters contributing to the ejaculatory process. Amongst them, serotonin (5-HT) has received strong experimental evidences indicating its inhibitory role in the central control of ejaculation. In particular, 5-HT1A cerebral autoreceptors but also spinal 5-HT1B and, in a lesser extent, 5-HT2C receptors have been shown to mediate the effects of 5-HT on ejaculation. Pharmacological strategies, especially those targeting serotonergic system, for the treatment of ejaculatory disorders in human will undoubtedly benefit from the application of basic and clinical research findings. In this perspective, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which basically increase the amount of central 5-HT and delay ejaculation in humans seems promising.

Central Nervous System↗

Sexual pleasure in women with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

BACKGROUND: Although patients with OCD have reported sexual dissatisfaction frequently, controlled studies are sparse. This study compared subjective appreciation of sexuality and sexual functioning between OCD patients and healthy subjects and controlled for the influence of medication or OCD subtypes on sexual functioning and satisfaction. METHODS: Self-report questionnaires were sent to 350 female outpatients with OCD and 101 questionnaires were completed. RESULTS: OCD patients reported significantly more sexual disgust (t = 4.48, p < 0.001), less sexual desire (t = 5.52, p < 0.001), sexual arousal (t = 4.28, p < 0.001), and satisfying orgasms (t = 4.94, p < 0.001), than controls. Neither medication nor OCD phenotypes did affect outcome. LIMITATIONS: A self-report questionnaire and relatively low response-rate (29%) could have biased the results and the sample was limited to women so results might not be generalisable to men. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with OCD report low sexual pleasure, high sexual disgust and diminished sexual functioning, which are not only attributed to medication or contamination obsessions. In the future, clinicians should explicitly ask for sexual function in the assessment of patients with OCD.

Adult↗