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Sexual Medicine Reviews Dec 2023Sexual health, an integral component of overall well-being, is frequently compromised by common yet underdiagnosed sexual dysfunctions. Traditional interventions...
INTRODUCTION
Sexual health, an integral component of overall well-being, is frequently compromised by common yet underdiagnosed sexual dysfunctions. Traditional interventions encompass pharmaceutical and psychological treatments. Unconventional therapies, like MDMA, offer hope for sexual dysfunction. This review delves into MDMA's effects on sexual responsiveness and its potential role in treating sexual dysfunction.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this review is to elucidate effects of MDMA on different domains of the female and male sexual response cycles.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review on the effects of MDMA on each domain of the female and male sexual response cycles. PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were queried, and results were screened using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Search terms utilized were "MDMA" or "ecstasy" in combination with "desire," "arousal," "lubrication," "orgasm," "pleasure," "libido," "erection," and "ejaculation." Inclusion criteria for this review were MDMA use by study subjects and sexual outcomes in at least 1 domain of the female and/or male sexual response cycles were described and measured. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies (both prospective and retrospective), surveys, and literature reviews published between January 2000 and June 2022 were included. Case reports and studies that did not address conditions of interest were excluded from analysis. Duplicated search results were screened out. The remaining studies were then read in full text to ensure they met inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis.
RESULTS
We identified 181 studies, of which 6 met criteria for assessment of the female sexual response cycle and 8 met criteria for assessment of the male sexual response cycle. Four of 6 studies reported increased sexual desire with MDMA use among women. Arousal and lubrication were improved with MDMA use in 3 of 4 studies, but they were not affected in 1 randomized control study. In men, 7 studies evaluated the effects of MDMA on desire and/or arousal, 5 studies measured impact on erection, 3 on orgasm, and 2 on ejaculation. Sixty percent of interview-based studies reported increased sexual desire in men, while 40% reported mixed or no effect. Two studies reported impairment of erection, 2 reported mixed effects, and 1 reported fear of erection impairment. In both men and women, all studies evaluating orgasm reported delay in achieving orgasm but increased intensity and pleasure if achieved. Primary outcome measures were variable and largely qualitative.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that MDMA generally increases sexual desire and intensifies orgasm when achieved. While producing conflicting evidence on sexual arousal in both sexes, MDMA may impair erectile and ejaculatory function in men.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 37888490
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead046 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Jan 2022Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) / Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD) impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of women and their partners,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) / Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD) impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of women and their partners, yet existing measures fail to adequately capture relevant concepts (ie, what is essential to measure including symptoms/impacts) important to women with HSDD/FSIAD.
OBJECTIVES
To identify HRQoL tools used to assess women with HSDD/FSIAD, and to evaluate their psychometric properties (ie, reliability, validity, and responsiveness).
METHODS
We conducted searches in PubMed, Embase and PsychINFO from June 5, 1989 to September 30, 2020 for studies in women with HSDD/FSIAD and psychometric analyses (English only). Principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses, the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments Risk of Bias Checklist and other psychometric criteria were applied. Based on this search, 56 papers were evaluated including 15 randomized-controlled trials, 11 observational/single arm/open label studies, and 30 psychometric studies.
RESULTS
Of the 18 measures identified, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) were included in most studies (> 50%). General HRQoL instruments were not used in any of the clinical trials; the SF-12, SF-36 and EQ-5D-5L were reported in two observational studies. No instruments achieved positive quality ratings across all psychometric criteria. The FSFI, FSDS-R, Sexual Event Diary (SED) and the Sexual Desire Relationship Distress Scale (SDRDS), were the only measures to receive a positive rating for content validity.
CONCLUSION
Reliable and valid HRQoL measures that include sexual desire and distress are needed to provide a more systematic and comprehensive assessment of HRQoL and treatment benefits in women with HSDD/FSIAD. While inferences about HRQoL are limited due to the lack of uniformity in concepts assessed and limited psychometric evaluation of these measures in women with HSDD/FSIAD, opportunities exist for the development of reliable and validated tools that comprehensively measure the most relevant and important concepts in women with HSDD/FSIAD. Lim-Watson MZ, Hays RD, Kingsberg S, et al. A systematic literature review of health-related quality of life measures for women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:23-41.
Topics: Arousal; Female; Humans; Libido; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 34481749
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.07.003 -
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista... Jun 2020The brief psychotherapeutic intervention "relaxation, mental images and spirituality" (relaxamento, imagens mentais e espiritualidade, RIME) is a form of complementary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The brief psychotherapeutic intervention "relaxation, mental images and spirituality" (relaxamento, imagens mentais e espiritualidade, RIME) is a form of complementary and alternative health-related therapy. It is a pioneer in the matter of relating the elements of spirituality to relaxation and to visualization of mental images.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the history, use and benefits of RIME that have been reported in the scientific literature, within different health/disease contexts. The questions that guided this study were: In what contexts has the brief RIME psychotherapeutic intervention been used? What were its benefits?
DESIGN AND SETTING
Systematic review, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, in a public university.
METHODS
The BVSPsi, CINAHL, MEDLINE, SciELO, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were searched in September and October 2018.
RESULTS
The findings showed that RIME promoted resignification of the symbolic pain of the death of patients without the possibility of cure; improved quality of life within the process of dying; contributed to the quality of life of breast cancer patients with cure possibilities; contributed to the emotional wellbeing of ostomized patients; brought quality-of-life benefits for patients with head-and-neck cancer; promoted empowerment for women with breast cancer and strengthened their libido; and promoted resignification of the spiritual pain of bereaved youths, offering a satisfactory return from mourning preparation.
CONCLUSIONS
It was found that RIME has a construct history based on rigorous scientific methodology, covering quality of life and spiritual, emotional and subjective wellbeing. RIME has not been used internationally and new studies within this field, with different cases, should be encouraged.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO ID 164211.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Humans; Quality of Life; Spirituality
PubMed: 32267295
DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2019.030202102019 -
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2021This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of l-arginine alone or in combination for the treatment of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)... (Review)
Review
This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of l-arginine alone or in combination for the treatment of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or related conditions, such as female sexual interest/arousal disorder and female sexual arousal disorder. Medline, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Science Direct, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched using keywords "arginine", "Lady Prelox", "ArginMax", "Stronvivo", "Ristela", "hypoactive sexual desire disorder", "female sexual interest arousal disorder", "female sexual arousal disorder", "sexual dysfunction", "sexual behavior", "dyspareunia", "libido", and permutations thereof. Relevant records were retained if they were primary literature, conducted in women with HSDD or related conditions, and published as full text in English. Five randomized controlled trials and two nonrandomized studies met eligibility criteria. Six of the seven studies reported either an increase in the total mean Female Sexual Function Index score or significant increases in multiple domains therein. One study assessed vaginal pulse amplitude and found a statistically significant increase in a combination treatment group compared to placebo. No significant side effects were reported. Four of seven studies had potential risk-of-bias concerns per Cochrane assessments. This systematic review found that combination products containing l-arginine in the form of ArginMax or Lady Prelox may be considered for the treatment of HSDD and related conditions in women regardless of age.
PubMed: 33801678
DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9020071 -
BMC Women's Health Jul 2023To estimate the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with multiple sclerosis (MS).
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar and also gray literature up to October 2021. The search strategy includes: ("Multiple Sclerosis" OR "MS" OR "Disseminated Sclerosis" OR (Disseminated AND Sclerosis) OR (Sclerosis AND Multiple)) AND ("Sexual Dysfunction" OR (Sexual AND Dysfunction) OR (Sexual AND Dysfunctions) OR (Sexual AND Disorders) OR (Sexual AND Disorder) OR "Sexual Dysfunctions" OR "Sexual Disorders" OR "Sexual Disorder" OR "Psychosexual Dysfunctions" OR (Dysfunction AND Psychosexual) OR (Dysfunctions AND Psychosexual) OR "Psychosexual Dysfunction" OR "Psychosexual Disorders" OR (Disorder AND Psychosexual) OR (Disorders AND Psychosexual) OR "Psychosexual Disorder" OR "Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder" OR "Sexual Aversion Disorder" OR (Aversion Disorders AND Sexual) OR (Disorders AND Sexual Aversion) OR "Sexual Aversion Disorders" OR "Orgasmic Disorder" OR (Disorders AND Orgasmic) OR "Orgasmic Disorders" OR "Sexual Arousal Disorder" OR (Arousal Disorders AND Sexual) OR (Disorders AND Sexual Arousal) OR "Sexual Arousal Disorders" OR "Frigidity").
RESULTS
We found 2150 articles by literature search, after deleting duplicates 1760 remained. Fifty-six articles remained for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of SD in MS patients estimated as 61% (95%CI:56-67%) (I:95.7%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of Anorgasmia in MS patients estimated as 29% (95%CI:20-39%) (I:85.3%, P < 0.001). The pooled odds of developing SD in MS women estimated as 3.05(95%CI: 1.74-5.35) (I:78.3%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of decreased vaginal lubrication in MS patients estimated as 32%(95%CI:27-37%) (I = 94.2%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of reduced libido was 48%(95%CI:36-61%) (I:92.6%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of arousal problems was 40%(95%CI: 26-54%) (I:97.4%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of intercourse satisfaction was 27% (95%CI: 8-46%) (I:99%, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The result of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that the pooled prevalence of SD in women with MS is 61% and the odds of developing SD in comparison with controls is 3.05.
Topics: Female; Humans; Prevalence; Sclerosis; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Multiple Sclerosis; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 37403051
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02501-1 -
Progres En Urologie : Journal de... 2021The Francophone Society of Sexual Medicine (SFMS) and the Andrology and Sexual Medicine Committee (CAMS) of the French Association of Urology (AFU) have brought together...
OBJECTIVES
The Francophone Society of Sexual Medicine (SFMS) and the Andrology and Sexual Medicine Committee (CAMS) of the French Association of Urology (AFU) have brought together a panel of experts to develop French recommendations for the management of testosterone deficiency (TD).
METHODS
Systematic review of the literature between 01/2000 and 07/2019. Use of the method of recommendations for clinical practice (RPC) and the AGREE II grid.
RESULTS
TD is defined as the association of clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of TD with a decrease in testosterone levels or serum androgen activity. Diagnosis requires a T lower than the reference values in young men on 2 successive assays. Sexual disorders are often at the forefront, and concern the whole male sexual function (desire, arousal, pleasure and orgasm). The most evocative symptoms are: decrease in sexual desire, disappearance of nocturnal erections, fatigue, loss of muscle strength. Overweight, depressed mood, anxiety, irritability and malaise are also frequently found. TD is more common in cases of metabolic, cardiovascular, chronic, andrological diseases, and in cases of corticosteroid, opioid, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, antiretroviral, or cancer treatment. Since SHBG is frequently abnormal, we recommend that free or bioavailable T is preferred over total T. The treatment of TD requires a prior clinical (DRE, breast examination) and biological (PSA, CBC) assessment. Contraindications to T treatment are: progressive prostate or breast cancer, severe heart failure or recent cardiovascular event, polycytemia, complicated BPH, paternity project. It is possible in cases of sleep apnea syndrome, psychiatric history, stable heart disease, prostate cancer under active surveillance and after one year of complete remission of a low or intermediate risk localized prostate cancer treated in a curative manner. It includes long-term testosterone supplementation and life-style counseling. Treatment is monitored at 3, 6, 12 months and annually thereafter. It is clinical (annual DRE) and biological (total T, PSA, CBC), the most frequent side effect being polyglobulia.
CONCLUSION
These recommendations should help improve the management of TD.
Topics: Algorithms; Decision Trees; Deficiency Diseases; Humans; Male; Testosterone
PubMed: 34034926
DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2020.09.026 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Jan 2023Patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are treated with sphincter-preserving radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy, achieving excellent oncologic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are treated with sphincter-preserving radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy, achieving excellent oncologic outcomes. Patients, however, may experience treatment-related morbidity including sexual dysfunction. The objective of this systematic review was to review the literature on sexual dysfunction in female patients treated for anal cancer and to identify knowledge gaps.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO prior to initiation. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. There were no restrictions on the study time period. Studies were limited to English. All study designs were included except review articles, letters to the editor, and case reports with less than ten patients.
RESULTS
In total, 1801 studies were retrieved and 19 met the inclusion criteria, including: 13 cross-sectional surveys, 3 prospective studies, 1 longitudinal intervention study, 1 retrospective chart review, 1 case control study. Sexual function was assessed using the female sexual functioning index (FSFI), EORTC-QLQ-CR30 and -CR38; response rates were low (<50 % in most studies). Sexual dysfunction was reported by up to 85 % of women; the most common symptoms being dyspareunia (17-65 %), vaginal dryness (22-88 %), and loss of libido (38-95 %). Gastrointestinal issues, such as bowel problems, and body image concerns additionally affected sexual function and quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Sexual dysfunction is a common issue affecting most female patients treated for anal cancer and there is a paucity of evidence on the management of this important survivorship issue. There is additionally a lack of ethnic, economic, and educational diversity and there are no studies addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals - future studies should make a concerted effort to include a diverse patient population.
Topics: Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Case-Control Studies; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Anus Neoplasms; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 36481383
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.109437 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety Apr 2022Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent worldwide. A specific form is persistent sexual dysfunction after SSRI withdrawal. We conducted a systematic literature review in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent worldwide. A specific form is persistent sexual dysfunction after SSRI withdrawal. We conducted a systematic literature review in order to characterize factors related to post SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) and analyzed spontaneous reports of persistent sexual dysfunction reported to the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Center Lareb.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. In addition, reports of PSSD submitted to the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Center Lareb between 1992 and 2021 were analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 237 articles were retrieved through the search and 33 articles were selected for inclusion in this review, in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Information regarding the characteristics of the condition, its clinical management, patient characteristics, and impact of PSSD is presented. A total of 86 reports of persistent sexual dysfunction were analyzed. The longest case being a patient with PSSD for 23 years. The main symptoms were: loss or decreased libido (n = 53), erectile dysfunction (n = 23) and anorgasmia (n = 5).
CONCLUSIONS
PSSD impact includes sexual, psychological, and social consequences. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying PSSD and no effective treatment exists. It is necessary to increase recognition of PSSD among prescribers and improve its management at the clinical level.
Topics: Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Netherlands; Pharmacovigilance; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 34791958
DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2007883 -
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia E... Oct 2022To explore the main sexuality complaints of gynecologic cancer survivors after treatment and to identify the care strategies provided.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the main sexuality complaints of gynecologic cancer survivors after treatment and to identify the care strategies provided.
DATA SOURCE
Searches were conducted in six electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and EMBASE.
STUDY SELECTION
Articles published between 2010 and 2020 were selected and the following descriptors were used in the English language: and . The methodological quality of the studies used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
DATA COLLECTION
The primary data extracted were: names of the authors, year of publication, country of origin, objective and type of study, data collection instrument, sample size and age range, types of cancer, and symptoms affected with the strategies adopted.
DATA SUMMARY
A total of 34 out of 2,536 screened articles were included. The main strategies found for patient care were patient-clinician communication, practices for sexuality care, individualized care plan, multiprofessional team support, and development of rehabilitation programs. For sexuality care, the most common practices are pelvic physiotherapy sessions and the use of vaginal gels and moisturizers.
CONCLUSION
The main complaints identified in the scientific literature were low libido and lack of interest in sexual activity, vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, and stenosis. Different care strategies may be adopted, such as follow-up with a multidisciplinary health team and sexual health rehabilitation programs, which could minimize these symptoms and ensure the quality of life of patients.
Topics: Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Sexuality; Sexual Behavior; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Survivors
PubMed: 36174653
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1756312 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Nov 2023The benefits of serotonin 3 receptor antagonists (5-HT3R-As) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to perform a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The benefits of serotonin 3 receptor antagonists (5-HT3R-As) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to perform a systematic review and a random-effects meta-analysis, including double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials (DBRPCTs). The outcomes include the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) total score (primary), Y-BOCS obsession subscale score, Y-BOCS compulsive subscale score, treatment response, remission rate, all-cause discontinuation, and incidence of individual adverse events (nervousness/restlessness/anxiety, insomnia, headache, dizziness/lightheadedness, decreased appetite, constipation, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, sweating/increased perspiration, itching/pruritus, tremor, and sexual dysfunction/decreased libido). The mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Our study included 10 DBRPCTs (n = 628). Pooled 5-HT3R-As outperformed placebo regarding Y-BOCS total score (MD = -5.08, 95% CI = -7.04, -3.12, N = 9, n = 560), Y-BOCS obsession subscale score, Y-BOCS compulsive subscale score, treatment response, and remission rate. Individually, all 5-HT3R-As outperformed placebo regarding Y-BOCS total score (granisetron: MD = -5.59, 95% CI = -8.79, -2.39, N = 3, n = 178, ondansetron: MD = -5.72, 95% CI = -8.06, -3.37, N = 6, n = 331, tropisetron: MD = -2.87, 95% CI = -5.19, -0.550, N = 1, n = 96). However, all-cause discontinuation and incidence of individual adverse events between pooled 5-HT3R-As and placebo were not significantly different. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggested 5-HT3R-As as efficacious for symptom improvement in individuals with OCD. However, the number of individuals included in each study was small; thus, a replication randomized trial of 5-HT3R-As should be conducted using a larger sample size.
Topics: Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 37866327
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.029