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Journal of Clinical Medicine Nov 2021Iatrogenic sexual dysfunction (SD) caused by antihypertensive (AH) compounds, provoking sexual desire, orgasm or arousal dysfunction, is a common clinical adverse event....
Iatrogenic sexual dysfunction (SD) caused by antihypertensive (AH) compounds, provoking sexual desire, orgasm or arousal dysfunction, is a common clinical adverse event. Unfortunately, it is often underestimated and underreported by clinicians and prescribers in clinical practice, deteriorating the adherence and patient quality of life. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of SD in patients treated with different antihypertensive compounds; a real-life naturalistic and cross-sectional study in patients receiving AH treatment was carried out. Method: A total of 256 patients were included in the study (188 males and 68 females who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria). The validated Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire (PRSexDQ-SALSEX) was transversally applied once at least every two months following the onset of the treatment in order to measure possible AH-related SD. Although the spontaneous reporting of SD was very low (6.81% females/24.8% males), 66.40% of the patients reported impaired sexual function through the SALSEX questionnaire after the treatment onset, as follows: decreased desire (55.8% females/54.2% males), delayed orgasm (42.6%/45.7%), anorgasmia (42.6%/43.6%) and arousal difficulties (53%/59.6%). The average frequency of moderate to severe iatrogenic SD was 66.4% with AH in monotherapy as follows: angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), 29.8%; calcium antagonists, 40%; diuretics, 42.9%; beta blockers, 43.8%; and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, 77.8%. Combined treatments showed a higher percentage of main SD (70.3%): diuretic + ACE inhibitor, 42.3%; ARB + calcium antagonist, 55.6%; diuretic + calcium antagonist, 68.8%; and diuretic + ARB, 74.2%. The greatest risk factors associated with SD were poor general health, age over 60 with a comorbid coronary or musculoskeletal disease, mood disorder and diuretic +ARB combined therapy. Conclusion: SD is common in patients treated with antihypertensive drugs, and it is still underreported. The most harmful treatment deteriorating sexual function was the combination of diuretic +ARB, while the least harmful was monotherapy with ARBs. More research is needed on the clinical management of this problem to preserve the quality of life of patients and their partners.
PubMed: 34830496
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225214 -
Cureus Sep 2022Multiple factors that impact the mental and hormonal condition of the person influence female sexual function. To our knowledge, however, hardly any research has...
BACKGROUND
Multiple factors that impact the mental and hormonal condition of the person influence female sexual function. To our knowledge, however, hardly any research has investigated the sexual function during the COVID-19 pandemic for women who were treated for vaginismus.
AIM
The purpose of this research is to examine how sexual function, frequency of sexual activity, and dyspareunia altered in women who had been treated for vaginismus before the pandemic.
METHODS
This observational study ultimately included 204 patients with completely treated vaginismus at the Women's Health Clinic . Before and during the pandemic, the following data was collected: age, education level, profession, frequency of sexual activity, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) scores, Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) scores, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores.
RESULTS
Before the pandemic, the mean ASEX score of women in the research group was 12.56±3.41 , and during the pandemic, ASEX average scores of the women significantly increased to 16.88±5.56 . The GRISS total scores were 28.7±10.1 (range, 14-50) following therapy and 23.9±14.8 (8-58) during the pandemic. After therapy, the HDRS score was 9.58±5.53 (1-19) , while it was 15.21±6.43 (5-26) during the pandemic. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, mental health declined significantly, indicating a mild state of depression unrelated to vaginismus. During the pandemic, the mean frequency of sexual activity was 2.9±1.4 per week, and the frequency of sexual encounters did not considerably vary.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Therapists should examine the pandemic's impacts on all sexual function symptom categories and modify their treatment plans appropriately. The findings indicate that lowering COVID-19-related stress may be especially useful in minimizing the negative impact of COVID-19 on symptoms. We noticed that vaginismus-treated women did not relapse during the pandemic.
LIMITATIONS
The study population was comprised of women attending a particular women health clinic. This can place a certain bias on the demography of the patient population.
CONCLUSION
The present research indicated that the frequency of sexual activity among women treated for vaginismus did not alter, and notwithstanding a rise in stress and depression ratings, the majority of sexual function scores, including pain, improved during the pandemic. Nonetheless, dissatisfaction and anorgasmia subscales deteriorated, while ASEX satisfaction did not improve to the same extent, suggesting deleterious consequences on sexual function.
PubMed: 36072785
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28736 -
International Urogynecology Journal May 2021Female sexual function is influenced by the emotional and hormonal state. COVID-19 has been the major global health crisis of our time with high psychosocial impact....
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Female sexual function is influenced by the emotional and hormonal state. COVID-19 has been the major global health crisis of our time with high psychosocial impact. Vaginismus is a form of female sexual dysfunction and a subset of genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder in which any form of vaginal penetration is painful or impossible. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual function of women treated for vaginismus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
All women treated using dilators between 2018-2019 were included. Data obtained 3 months after comfortable penetration and during the pandemic via telephone interview were compared. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to evaluate sexual function and depression. Frequency of sexual intercourse and pain was compared using a visual analogue scale.
RESULTS
Seventy-seven women were included. Mean duration of treatment and number of treatment sessions were 3.5 ± 2.6 months and 4.2 ± 2.6, respectively. There were significant improvements in the FSFI desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain subscales and total score and in the GRISS infrequency, noncommunication, avoidance, non-sensuality, and vaginismus subscales and total score during the pandemic. The GRISS dissatisfaction and anorgasmia subscales and BDI score significantly worsened. Mean frequency of sexual intercourse was 2.3 ± 1.8/week and did not change significantly. Pain scores decreased during the pandemic (2.7 ± 2.8) compared to post-treatment (6.2 ± 2.9).
CONCLUSION
Although frequency of sexual intercourse was not affected and pain scores and FSFI total and subscale scores improved, satisfaction and orgasm were adversely affected, which may be attributed to increased stress and anxiety during the pandemic.
Topics: COVID-19; Female; Humans; Pandemics; Pelvic Pain; Physical Distancing; SARS-CoV-2; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vaginismus
PubMed: 33606053
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04667-w -
Neurourology and Urodynamics Feb 2023Vaginoplasty is a relatively common gender-affirming surgery with approximately 200 Ontarians seeking this surgery annually. Although Ontario now offers vaginoplasty in...
IMPORTANCE
Vaginoplasty is a relatively common gender-affirming surgery with approximately 200 Ontarians seeking this surgery annually. Although Ontario now offers vaginoplasty in province, the capacity is not meeting demand; the majority of trans and gender-diverse patients continue to seek vaginoplasty out of province. Out-of-province surgery presents a barrier to accessing postsurgical follow-up care leaving most patients to seek support from their primary care providers or providers with little experience in gender-affirming surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an account of the common postoperative care needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who underwent penile inversion vaginoplasty out of province and presented for care at a gender-affirming surgery postoperative care clinic.
DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS
A retrospective chart review of the first 80 patients presenting to a gender-affirming surgery postoperative care clinic who had undergone vaginoplasty at an outside surgical center was performed. Descriptive analyses were performed for all variables.
RESULTS
The sample consisted of 80 individuals with the mean age of 39 years (19-73). Most patients had surgery at another surgical center in Canada (76.3%). Many patients (22.5%) accessed care in the first 3 months after surgery, with the majority (55%) seeking care within the first perioperative year. Most patients (61.3%) were seen for more than one visit and presented with more than two symptoms or concerns. Common patient-reported symptoms during clinical visit included pain (53.8%), dilation concerns (46.3%), and surgical site/vaginal bleeding (42.5%). Sexual function concerns were also common (33.8%) with anorgasmia (11.3%) and dyspareunia (11.3%) being the most frequent complications. The most common adverse outcomes identified by health care providers included hypergranulation (38.8%), urinary dysfunction (18.8%), and wound healing issues (12.5%).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Findings from chart review offer valuable insights into the postoperative needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who have had vaginoplasty out of province. This study demonstrates the need for routine postoperative care in patients undergoing vaginoplasty. Patients experience numerous symptoms and concerns that often correlate with clinical findings and require multiple follow-up appointments. Health care providers may benefit from further education on the more common nonsurgical issues identified in this study.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Postoperative Care; Transgender Persons; Vagina; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Ontario
PubMed: 36630152
DOI: 10.1002/nau.25132 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Sep 2022Clitoral adhesions are characterized by adherence of preputial tissue to the glans clitoris and can be managed using a non-surgical approach in order to relieve symptoms...
BACKGROUND
Clitoral adhesions are characterized by adherence of preputial tissue to the glans clitoris and can be managed using a non-surgical approach in order to relieve symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
AIM
To evaluate efficacy and patient satisfaction associated with the non-surgical lysis procedure in order to determine if it is an appropriate treatment for symptomatic clitoral adhesions.
METHODS
The non-surgical lysis procedure is performed by using a fine Jacobsen mosquito forceps to separate the plane between the prepuce and the glans of the clitoris, removing smegma and/or keratin pearls from underneath the adhesions and allowing for visualization of the entire glans. A chart review of 61 women that were treated for clitoral adhesions using the non-surgical lysis procedure at 1 sexual medicine practice was performed and an online survey was sent to these patients.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Encrypted survey responses were used to evaluate patient satisfaction as well as self-reported improvement in sexual functioning and pain before and after the procedure.
RESULTS
41 survey responses were received out of 61 eligible (67% response rate). A large majority reported improvement in pain (76%), sexual arousal (63%), and ability to achieve orgasm (64%) and no participants reported worsening in these symptoms. Of the 16 women that reported the inability to orgasm from external clitoral stimulation prior to the procedure, 6 (38%) were able to do so afterwards. Seventy-one percent of respondents reported improvement in their satisfaction with sex and 83% reported being satisfied with their decision to have the procedure. Ninety-three percent of participants reported that they would recommend this procedure to a friend with clitoral adhesions.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The results of this study will help clinicians to recognize the non-surgical lysis procedure as a treatment option for clitoral adhesions.
STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS
This study is the first of its kind assessing a cohort of patients undergoing the non-surgical lysis procedure for clitoral adhesions. Its limitations include a small sample size from 1 clinic and lack of validated instrument to evaluate sexual function and pain before and after the procedure.
CONCLUSION
Providers should regularly examine the clitoris of patients with symptoms of sexual dysfunction in order to determine if they have clitoral adhesions. The non-surgical lysis procedure may be a viable therapeutic option for these patients that has demonstrated both satisfaction and symptom relief. Myers MC, Romanello JP, Nico E, et al. A Retrospective Case Series on Patient Satisfaction and Efficacy of Non-Surgical Lysis of Clitoral Adhesions. J Sex Med 2022;19:1412-1420.
Topics: Clitoris; Female; Humans; Orgasm; Pain; Patient Satisfaction; Retrospective Studies; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 35869023
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.06.011 -
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 -
Oxford Medical Case Reports Mar 2022Irritation to the chest wall due to herpes zoster virus (HZV) infection is one of many potential underlying causes of hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia can lead to...
Irritation to the chest wall due to herpes zoster virus (HZV) infection is one of many potential underlying causes of hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia can lead to various different symptoms including anorgasmia. It is important to identify any sexual dysfunction, but also any other symptoms of hyperprolactinemia, in elderly patients during medical history taking and not to assume that elderly people are sexually inactive. Anorgasmia and any other sexual dysfunction in elderly can have an impact on their mental health and may even lead to depression and anxiety.
PubMed: 35316992
DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omac006 -
Pain Practice : the Official Journal of... Jul 2024Gabapentin, a widely prescribed medication for various neuropathic pain conditions, has demonstrated efficacy in managing diverse neurological disorders. While...
BACKGROUND
Gabapentin, a widely prescribed medication for various neuropathic pain conditions, has demonstrated efficacy in managing diverse neurological disorders. While conventional side effects are well-documented, a growing body of evidence suggests the existence of atypical side effects, necessitating comprehensive exploration. This paper aims to systematically review and summarize the literature on the atypical side effects of gabapentin, shedding light on manifestations beyond the conventional spectrum.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted, encompassing peer-reviewed articles published up to the knowledge cutoff date in November 2023. Databases, specifically PubMed, were searched for relevant studies, focusing on atypical side effects such as myoclonus, ataxia, pediatric aggression, respiratory depression, pneumonia, pregnancy complications, sleep interference, encephalopathy, peripheral edema, suicidal ideation, dyskinesia, anorgasmia, and myopathy. Inclusion criteria comprised studies with a focus on gabapentin-related atypical side effects, published in recognized journals and involving human subjects.
RESULTS
The review identified a spectrum of atypical side effects associated with gabapentin use, ranging from neurological manifestations like myoclonus and ataxia to behavioral changes such as pediatric aggression and suicidal ideation. Additionally, respiratory complications, pregnancy-related issues, sleep disturbances, and rare complications like encephalopathy and myopathy were observed. Literature synthesis provided insights into the incidence, clinical presentation, and potential mechanisms underlying these atypical side effects.
CONCLUSION
This comprehensive review highlights the diverse range of atypical side effects associated with gabapentin use, expanding beyond conventional knowledge. Healthcare practitioners must be cognizant of these manifestations, recognizing their potential impact on patient well-being. As clinical decision-making relies on a thorough understanding of a medication's side effect profile, this review contributes to enhancing awareness and fostering informed practices in the prescription and management of gabapentin. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and risk factors associated with these atypical side effects, refining our understanding of gabapentin's safety profile.
PubMed: 38949515
DOI: 10.1111/papr.13400 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jan 2024Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD) is one of the most frequent and persistent adverse effects of antidepressant medication. Sexual dysfunction (SD) secondary...
UNLABELLED
Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD) is one of the most frequent and persistent adverse effects of antidepressant medication. Sexual dysfunction (SD) secondary to SSRIs occurs in >60% of sexually active patients and >80% of healthy volunteers, with this causing treatment discontinuation in >35% of patients. However, this factor is rarely addressed in routine examinations, and only 15-30% of these events are spontaneously reported. A strategy of switching to a different non-serotonergic antidepressant could involve a risk of relapse or clinical worsening due to a lack of serotonergic activity. Vortioxetine appears to have less impact on sexual function due to its multimodal mechanism of action. No studies have been published on the effectiveness of switching to vortioxetine in patients with poorly tolerated long-term antidepressant-related SD in naturalistic settings.
STUDY OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness of switching to vortioxetine due to SD in a routine clinical practice setting.
METHODOLOGY
observational pragmatic and naturalistic study to determine the effectiveness of the switch to vortioxetine (mean dosage 13.11 ± 4.03) in 74 patients aged 43.1 ± 12.65 (54% males) at risk of discontinuing treatment due to sexual dysfunction. The PRSexDQ*- SALSEX scale ( Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire) was applied at two moments: baseline visit and after 3 months of follow-up.
RESULTS
global Sexual Dysfunction (SD) measured with the SALSEX scale decreased significantly between the baseline visit (10.32; SD 2.73) and the follow-up visit (3.78; SD 3.68), < 0.001. There was a significant improvement ( < 0.001) at the endpoint including decreased libido, delay of orgasm, anorgasmia and arousal difficulties in both sexes. After switching to vortioxetine, 83.81% of patients experienced an improvement in sexual function (43.2% felt greatly improved). Most patients (83.3%) who switched to vortioxetine continued treatment after the follow-up visit. A total of 58.1% of patients showed an improvement in depressive symptoms from the baseline visit.
CONCLUSION
switching to vortioxetine is an effective and reliable strategy to treat patients with poorly tolerated previous antidepressant-related sexual dysfunction in real-life clinical settings.
PubMed: 38256680
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020546 -
International Journal of Impotence... May 2023Assigned female at birth with anorgasmia possess a smaller clitoral glans and clitoral components farther from the vagina lumen than women with normal orgasmic function....
Assigned female at birth with anorgasmia possess a smaller clitoral glans and clitoral components farther from the vagina lumen than women with normal orgasmic function. There are no studies evaluating this correlation in operated transgender women. We evaluated whether differences in MRI measurements of neoclitoris volume and distance between the neoclitoris and the neovagina were correlated with differences in sexual function. We recruited for a prospective survey study 40 operated male to female patients (oMtF) who had undergone genital gender affirming surgery and postoperative pelvic MRI. Individual pelvic MRIs were reviewed by two blinded investigators, the three axes of the neoclitoris were measured and the volume was calculated using the ellipsoid formula. The distance between the neoclitoris and the neovagina was also measured. Sexual functioning was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the operated Male to Female Sexual Function Index (oMtFSFI). Mean scores differences in FSFI, oMtFSFI were examined; associations with clitoral size, location, sexual functioning and demographical variables were investigated as well. The response rate was 55%, 11 MtFs operated with pubic neoclitoris technique (PNT) and 11 with neo-urethroclitoroplasty according to Petrović (NCP). The NCP group presented a neoclitoris mean volume of 1.04 (SD 0.39) cc vs 1.31 (SD 0.78) cc of the other group (p = 0.55). The mean distance between neoclitoris and neovagina was 4.20 (SD 0.57) cm in the PNT group and 2.55 (SD 0.45) in the NCP group (p < 0.001). Patients who had undergone NCP achieved a higher FSFI and oMtFSFI mean Total Score than those operated with the previous technique (FSFI 25.81 SD 3.02 vs 18.62 SD 9.92 p = 0.08; oMtFSFI 37.63 SD 8.28 vs 43.36 SD 13.02 p = 0.23). According to pelvic MRI measurements, this study suggests a correlation between neoclitoral location and oMtF sexual satisfaction.
PubMed: 37179422
DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00716-2