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The Journal of Sexual Medicine May 2023Criteria for the definition and diagnosis of delayed ejaculation (DE) are yet under consideration.
BACKGROUND
Criteria for the definition and diagnosis of delayed ejaculation (DE) are yet under consideration.
AIM
This study sought to determine an optimal ejaculation latency (EL) threshold for the diagnosis of men with DE by exploring the relationship between various ELs and independent characterizations of delayed ejaculation.
METHODS
In a multinational survey, 1660 men, with and without concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED) and meeting inclusion criteria, provided information on their estimated EL, measures of DE symptomology, and other covariates known to be associated with DE.
OUTCOMES
We determined an optimal diagnostic EL threshold for men with DE.
RESULTS
The strongest relationship between EL and orgasmic difficulty occurred when the latter was defined by a combination of items related to difficulty reaching orgasm and percent of successful episodes in reaching orgasm during partnered sex. An EL of ≥16 minutes provided the greatest balance between measures of sensitivity and specificity; a latency ≥11 minutes was the best threshold for tagging the highest number/percentage of men with the severest level of orgasmic difficulty, but this threshold also demonstrated lower specificity. These patterns persisted even when explanatory covariates known to affect orgasmic function/dysfunction were included in a multivariate model. Differences between samples of men with and without concomitant ED were negligible.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
In addition to assessing a man's difficulty reaching orgasm/ejaculation during partnered sex and the percent of episodes reaching orgasm, an algorithm for the diagnosis of DE should consider an EL threshold in order to control diagnostic errors.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This study is the first to specify an empirically supported procedure for diagnosing DE. Cautions include the use of social media for participant recruitment, relying on estimated rather than clocked EL, not testing for differences between DE men with lifelong vs acquired etiologies, and the lower specificity associated with using the 11-minute criterion that could increase the probability of including false positives.
CONCLUSION
In diagnosing men with DE, after establishing a man's difficulty reaching orgasm/ejaculation during partnered sex, using an EL of 10 to 11 minutes will help control type 2 (false negative) diagnostic errors when used in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria. Whether or not the man has concomitant ED does not appear to affect the utility of this procedure.
Topics: Male; Humans; Orgasm; Ejaculation; Sexual Partners; Erectile Dysfunction; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Premature Ejaculation
PubMed: 37132032
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad058 -
Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland :... Oct 2019Sexual disorders are very common problems in the psychiatric patients. Many factors induce sexual dysfunction, e.g. the effects of antidepressants and antipsychotics.... (Review)
Review
Sexual disorders are very common problems in the psychiatric patients. Many factors induce sexual dysfunction, e.g. the effects of antidepressants and antipsychotics. The article reviews literature on sexual disorders in psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders. Bipolar disorder significantly affects the quality of life and increases the risk of sexual dysfunction. In the manic phase there is an increase in libido, which is associated with the risky sexual behavior. Depressive disorders are associated with reduced libido and dissatisfaction with sexual activity. Panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are correlated with less frequent sexual contact. Decreased sexual desire and sexual aversion are strongly associated with anxiety disorders. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia is high among both those treated and untreated. Women suffering from schizophrenia have anorgasmia, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, vaginism, and dyspareunia. Men suffering from schizophrenia as the main complaints give lowering the drive of difficulty in maintaining an erection, delaying orgasm. In patients with eating disorders, libido decreases as well as sexual activity and the level of sexual satisfaction decreases. Satisfaction with sexual life is an important factor affecting the quality of life. Patients rarely deal with problems in sexual life, so questions about this area of life should not be overlooked during a medical interview.
Topics: Female; Humans; Libido; Male; Orgasm; Quality of Life; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 31982027
DOI: No ID Found -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Jan 2019Individually, thyroid disease and sexual dysfunction are common conditions that can have a detrimental effect on quality of life. Recent reports have documented an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Individually, thyroid disease and sexual dysfunction are common conditions that can have a detrimental effect on quality of life. Recent reports have documented an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients with thyroid disorders. As such, it is important for sexual medicine physicians to be primed on the presentation of patients with overlying sexual and thyroid dysfunction to allow for proper management.
AIM
To review the available literature exploring the relationship between thyroid disease and sexual dysfunction in men and women.
METHODS
A PubMed review of existing clinical and pre-clinical studies from 1978 through 2018 was performed.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The prevalence, symptomatology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of patients with sexual dysfunction in the setting of thyroid disease were reviewed.
RESULTS
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with hypothyroid (59-63% and 22-46% in men and women, respectively) and hyperthyroidism (48-77% and 44-60% in men and women, respectively) has been estimated in select populations. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were strongly associated with erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction: hypothyroidism with delayed ejaculation, hyperthyroidism with pre-mature ejaculation. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been reported to impair libido in men and women; however, evidence of hypothyroidism's impact on male libido is mixed. Hypothyroid and hyperthyroid women demonstrated impairments in desire, arousal/lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain during intercourse. Mechanistically, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism exert effects on circulating sex hormone levels through peripheral and central pathways and can indirectly provoke psychiatric and autonomic dysregulation that can impair sexual function. Correction to euthyroid state was associated with dramatic resolution of sexual dysfunction in both male and female patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
CONCLUSION
By improving awareness of the link between thyroid disease and sexual dysfunction, sexual medicine physicians may sooner identify patients whose sexual symptoms may be remedied by treating an underlying thyroid disorder. Gabrielson AT, Sartor RA, Hellstrom WJG. The Impact of Thyroid Disease on Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:57-70.
Topics: Female; Humans; Libido; Male; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Health; Thyroid Diseases; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyroid Hormones
PubMed: 30057137
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.05.002 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Jul 2024Male infertility (MI) and male sexual dysfunction (MSD) can often coexist together due to various interplay factors such as psychosexual, sociocultural and relationship... (Review)
Review
Management of Male Infertility with Coexisting Sexual Dysfunction: A Consensus Statement and Clinical Recommendations from the Asia-Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM) and the Asian Society of Men's Health and Aging (ASMHA).
Male infertility (MI) and male sexual dysfunction (MSD) can often coexist together due to various interplay factors such as psychosexual, sociocultural and relationship dynamics. The presence of each form of MSD can adversely impact male reproduction and treatment strategies will need to be individualized based on patients' factors, local expertise, and geographical socioeconomic status. The Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM) and the Asian Society of Men's Health and Aging (ASMHA) aim to provide a consensus statement and practical set of clinical recommendations based on current evidence to guide clinicians in the management of MI and MSD within the Asia-Pacific (AP) region. A comprehensive, narrative review of the literature was performed to identify the various forms of MSD and their association with MI. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for the following English language articles under the following terms: "low libido", "erectile dysfunction", "ejaculatory dysfunction", "premature ejaculation", "retrograde ejaculation", "delayed ejaculation", "anejaculation", and "orgasmic dysfunction" between January 2001 to June 2022 with emphasis on published guidelines endorsed by various organizations. This APSSM consensus committee panel evaluated and provided evidence-based recommendations on MI and clinically relevant MSD areas using a modified Delphi method by the panel and specific emphasis on locoregional socio-economic-cultural issues relevant to the AP region. While variations exist in treatment strategies for managing MI and MSD due to geographical expertise, locoregional resources, and sociocultural factors, the panel agreed that comprehensive fertility evaluation with a multidisciplinary management approach to each MSD domain is recommended. It is important to address individual MI issues with an emphasis on improving spermatogenesis and facilitating reproductive avenues while at the same time, managing various MSD conditions with evidence-based treatments. All therapeutic options should be discussed and implemented based on the patient's individual needs, beliefs and preferences while incorporating locoregional expertise and available resources.
PubMed: 37853539
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230180 -
Biomedicines Oct 2023Hypericum species are widely acknowledged for their biological attributes, with notable attention being paid to , commonly known as St. John's wort (SJW) within the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Hypericum species are widely acknowledged for their biological attributes, with notable attention being paid to , commonly known as St. John's wort (SJW) within the Hypericum section of the Hypericaceae family. This species is among the most thoroughly investigated herbal medicines, particularly in terms of its application in the management of mild to moderate depression. SJW is used to treat depression, menopausal symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), somatic symptom disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and skin conditions, such as wounds and muscle pain. However, the usefulness and effectiveness of SJW for male sexual and reproductive health (SRH) are not well known.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the current evidence in the literature on the effect of SJW on male SRH.
METHODS
This narrative review followed a predetermined protocol and used MEDLINE and PubMed to identify articles published in English on the effects of SJW on male SRH. The search used various keywords, such as "", "St. John's Wort", and terms related to sexual and reproductive health issues. Articles published between the inception of the database and August 2023 were included.
RESULTS
We identified 12 articles published from 1999 to 2019, the majority of which were experimental and conducted on animals. These studies demonstrate variability in terms of design, sample size, type of SJW extract used, the dosage administered, and duration of treatment. Studies have indicated potential sexual dysfunction (SD) due to SJW, which includes reduced libido, delayed ejaculation, delayed orgasm, and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, reproductive toxicity has been suggested, as evidenced by spermicidal effects through the inhibition of sperm motility, abnormal spermatozoa, chromosomal aberrations, and DNA denaturation. Furthermore, some studies have reported potential adverse events during maternal exposure, inhibition of fertilization, and disruption of reproductive parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review suggests that the safety and efficacy of SJW in the treatment of human SRH remain unclear. Further comprehensive, well-designed studies with larger samples, longer exposure periods, and specific dosages are needed to clarify SJW's effects of SJW. Therefore, consultation with healthcare professionals before using herbal remedies or supplements is crucial.
PubMed: 37893173
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102800 -
Acta Clinica Croatica Mar 2018The aim of the review is to establish sexual and reproductive functions in men with spinal cord lesion (SCL). Many sexual and reproductive dysfunctions may be found in... (Review)
Review
The aim of the review is to establish sexual and reproductive functions in men with spinal cord lesion (SCL). Many sexual and reproductive dysfunctions may be found in these patients including individual's low self-esteem, delay of orgasm, erectile or ejaculatory disorder and abnormalities of semen, which are characterized by lower sperm motility or viability. Owing to improvements in physical medicine and rehabilitation, the focus has been shifted from keeping patients alive towards ensuring the quality of life and improvements of sexual dysfunctions and later reproduction. Erectile dysfunction can be treated by using phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injections, vacuum devices and penile prostheses. Semen can be retrieved from anejaculatory patients by medically assisted methods utilizing penile vibratory stimulation, electroejaculation, prostate mas-sage, or surgically. Although there is low chance for pregnancy in natural way in most of SCL pa-tients, fatherhood is possible through the introduction of assisted medical management. By use of various medical, technical and surgical procedures for sperm retrieval combined with assisted reproductive methods, high pregnancy rates have been reported comparable to those in able-bodied subfertile patients. Nevertheless, future studies are needed to improve semen quality and methods of assisted ejaculation in patients with SCL.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Pregnancy; Quality of Life; Semen Analysis; Sperm Motility; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 30256024
DOI: 10.20471/acc.2018.57.01.19 -
Psychiatria Polska Dec 2022An attempt to assess the impact of dual diagnosis - mental illness and addiction on the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions, and evaluation of problems with sexual...
OBJECTIVES
An attempt to assess the impact of dual diagnosis - mental illness and addiction on the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions, and evaluation of problems with sexual functioning in men treated in a psychiatric ward.
METHODS
140 psychiatrically hospitalized men (mean age 40.4 ± 12.7 years) with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, addiction and double diagnosis (schizophrenia and addiction) took part in the study. The Sexological Questionnaire, developed by Professor Andrzej Kokoszka, and the International Index of Erectile Function IIEF-5 were used in the study.
RESULTS
The occurrence of sexual dysfunctions in the study group was reported in 83.6% of patients. The most common was reduction in sexual needs (53.6%) and orgasm delay (40%). Depending on the research tool used, erectile dysfunction appeared in 38.6% of respondents (according to Kokoszka's Questionnaire) and 61.4% of patients (IIEF-5). Severe erectile dysfunction was more common in the group of patients without a partner (12.4% vs. 0; p = 0.000) compared to people in relationships and in the group with anxiety disorders (p = 0.028) compared to groups with other mental disorders. In the group of people with dual diagnosis (DD), sexual dysfunctions were observed more frequently in comparison to patients with schizophrenia (p = 0.034). Treatment lasting over 5 years was more often associated with sexual dysfunctions (p = 0.007). In the DD group, lack of orgasm and excessive sexual needs were more frequent in comparison to people with one diagnosis (p = 0.0145; p = 0.035).
CONCLUSIONS
Sexual dysfunctions are more common in patients with DD in comparison to patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Lack of a partner and the duration of psychiatric treatment over 5 years is associated with more frequent occurrence of sexual dysfunctions.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Anxiety Disorders; Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); Erectile Dysfunction; Mental Disorders; Mood Disorders; Premature Ejaculation; Psychiatric Department, Hospital; Schizophrenia; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Sociodemographic Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Quality of Life
PubMed: 37098195
DOI: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/136102 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Aug 2016The Sexual Tipping Point(®) (STP) model is an integrated approach to the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of men with delayed ejaculation (DE), including all subtypes... (Review)
Review
The Sexual Tipping Point(®) (STP) model is an integrated approach to the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of men with delayed ejaculation (DE), including all subtypes manifesting ejaculatory delay or absence [registered trademark owned by the MAP Educational Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity]. A single pathogenetic pathway does not exist for sexual disorders generally and that is also true for DE specifically. Men with DE have various bio-psychosocial-behavioral & cultural predisposing, precipitating, maintaining, and contextual factors which trigger, reinforce, or worsen the probability of DE occurring. Regardless of the degree of organic etiology present, DE is exacerbated by insufficient stimulation: an inadequate combination of "friction and fantasy". High frequency negative thoughts may neutralize erotic cognitions (fantasy) and subsequently delay, ameliorate, or inhibit ejaculation, while partner stimulation (friction) may prove unsatisfying. Assessment requires a thorough sexual history including inquiry into masturbatory methods. Many men with DE engage in an idiosyncratic masturbatory style, defined as a masturbation technique not easily duplicated by the partner's hand, mouth, or vagina. The clinician's most valuable diagnostic tool is a focused sex history (sex status). Differentiate DE from other sexual problems and review the conditions under which the man can ejaculate. Perceived partner attractiveness, the use of fantasy during sex, anxiety-surrounding coitus and masturbatory patterns require meticulous exploration. Identify important DE causes by juxtaposing an awareness of his cognitions and the sexual stimulation experienced during masturbation, versus a partnered experience. Assist the man in identifying behaviors that enhance immersion in excitation and minimize inhibiting thoughts, in order to reach ejaculation in his preferred manner. Discontinuing, reducing or altering masturbation is often required, which evokes patient resistance. Coaching tips are offered on how to ensure adherence to this suspension, manage resistance and facilitate success. Depending on motivation level, masturbation interruption may be compromised and negotiated. Encourage a man who continues to masturbate to alter style ("switch hands") and to approximate the stimulation likely to be experienced with his partner. Success will require most men to be taught to learn bodily movements and fantasies that approximate the thoughts and sensations experienced in masturbation. Fertility issues, as well as patient/partner anger are important causational factors, which often require individual and/or conjoint consultation. Drug treatment would benefit men particularly with severe DE, regardless of concomitant psychosocial-behavioral and cultural complications. When and if a safe effective medication for DE becomes available, this author's transdisciplinary perspective supports appropriate medication use when integrated with counseling. This approach emphasizes the utility of a biopsychosocial-cultural perspective combined with special attention to the patient's narrative. Treatment is patient-centered, holistic and integrates a variety of therapies as needed.
PubMed: 27652228
DOI: 10.21037/tau.2016.07.05 -
Sexual Medicine Jun 2023Difficulty reaching orgasm/ejaculation during partnered sex, a primary characteristic of delayed or absent ejaculation, affects about 5% to 10% of men, but the reasons...
BACKGROUND
Difficulty reaching orgasm/ejaculation during partnered sex, a primary characteristic of delayed or absent ejaculation, affects about 5% to 10% of men, but the reasons underlying this problem are poorly understood.
AIM
The study sought to gain insight into possible etiologies of delayed ejaculation by assessing men's self-perceptions as to why they experience difficulty reaching orgasm.
METHODS
We drew 351 men reporting moderately severe to severe difficulty reaching orgasm during partnered sex from a sample of over 3000 respondents obtained through an online survey. As part of the 55-item survey, participants responded to 2 questions asking about their self-perceived reasons for having difficulty reaching orgasm and selected from a list of 14 options derived from the research literature, a series of men's focus groups, and expert opinion. The first question allowed respondents to select all the reasons that they felt contributed to the problem, the second to select only the most important reason. In addition, both men with and without comorbid erectile dysfunction were investigated and compared.
OUTCOMES
Hierarchical ordering of men's self-pereceived reasons for having difficulty reaching orgasm, including typal reasons established through principal component analysis.
RESULTS
The major reasons for difficulty were related to anxiety/distress and lack of adequate stimulation, with relationship and other factors endorsed with lower frequency. Further exploration using principal components analysis identified 5 typal reasons, in descending order of frequency: anxiety/distress (41%), inadequate stimulation (23%), low arousal (18%), medical issues (9%), and partner issues (8%). Few differences emerged between men with and without comorbid ED other than ones related to erectile problems, such as higher level of endorsement of medical issues. Typal reasons showed correlations, albeit mostly weak, with a number of covariates, including sexual relationship satisfaction, frequency of partnered sex, and frequency of masturbation.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Until supplemental medical treatments for delayed ejaculation are developed and approved, a number of men's purported reasons for difficult or absent ejaculation/orgasm-anxiety/distress, inadequate stimulation, low arousal, relationship issues-fall into areas that can be addressed in couples counseling by a trained sex therapist.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This study is unique in scope and robust in sample size. Drawbacks include those associated with online surveys, including possible bias in sample selection, limitation to Western-based samples, and the lack of differentiation between men with lifelong and acquired difficulty.
CONCLUSION
Men who have difficulty reaching ejaculation/orgasm identify putative reasons for their problem, ranging from anxiety/stress, inadequate stimulation, and low arousal to partner issues and medical reasons.
PubMed: 37408873
DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfad030 -
Global Spine Journal May 2022Retrospective cohort.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective cohort.
OBJECTIVES
Delayed ejaculation (DE) is a distressing condition characterized by a notable delay in ejaculation or complete inability to achieve ejaculation, and there are no existing reports of DE following lumbar spine surgery. Inspired by our institutional experience, we sought to assess national rates of DE following surgery of the lumbar spine.
METHODS
We queried the Optum De-identified Clinformatics Database for adult men undergoing surgery of the lumbar spine between 2003 and 2017. The primary outcome was the development of DE within 2 years of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the development of DE.
RESULTS
We identified 117 918 men who underwent 162 646 lumbar spine surgeries, including anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), posterior lumbar fusion (PLF), and more. The overall incidence of DE was 0.09%, with the highest rate among ALIF surgeries at 0.13%. In multivariable analysis, the odds of developing DE did not vary between anterior/lateral lumbar interbody fusion, PLF, and other spine surgeries. A history of tobacco smoking (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.00-2.16, = .05) and obesity (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.00-2.44, = .05) were associated with development of DE.
CONCLUSIONS
DE is a rare but distressing complication of thoracolumbar spine surgery, and patients should be queried for relevant symptoms at postoperative visits when indicated.
PubMed: 33047620
DOI: 10.1177/2192568220962435