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Sexual Medicine Reviews Jun 2024Virtual reality (VR) technology contributes to greater approach of methodological safety to make ecological validity more feasible and a growing interest in sexuality... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Virtual reality (VR) technology contributes to greater approach of methodological safety to make ecological validity more feasible and a growing interest in sexuality behaviors.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to show VR in the sexuality area by a comprehensive review of outcomes, offer a synthesis of the studies, and make a methodological quality assessment of finding results. A secondary goal was to investigate the effect of immersion on diverse sexual responses outcomes.
METHODS
We designed a review based on a systematic review strategy describing types of studies, participants, data collection and outcomes; searched in 4 electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SciELO), and made a full-text screening process.
RESULTS
The study found 18 articles that met research criteria synthesized within 3 outcome groups: erection measures, level of immersion, and biomarker studies. Synthesis shows a lack of methodological aspects that impair results, such as description of methods from bias protection, randomization, or concealment. The literature still needs to improve its methodology, even though it already shows relevant data for intervention in sexual dysfunction, forensic psychiatry, sexual attraction, orientation, and use of pornography.
CONCLUSION
Current methodological issues need better design to highlight relevant issues in sexuality with stronger quality of design, opening boundaries to new diagnostic or interventional technologies to sexual health.
Topics: Humans; Virtual Reality; Sexuality; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 38705842
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae024 -
Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease Jul 2024We set out to identify the psychosocial factors associated with vulvodynia and the effects on sexuality, mental health, and quality of life. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
We set out to identify the psychosocial factors associated with vulvodynia and the effects on sexuality, mental health, and quality of life.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, LILACS, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched in August 2023. Two authors selected and extracted the data independently. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Observational Studies. To rank the strength of evidence, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group (GRADE) approach was utilized.
RESULTS
A total of 3,182 articles were identified. Twenty-two observational studies (8 cohorts and 14 case-controls) met the eligibility criteria and were included, comprising 2,624 patients. Vulvodynia has been associated with psychological factors (anxiety and depression) and social factors (childhood exposure to physical and sexual abuse, posttraumatic stress, and domestic abuse). Concerning sexual function, the most frequent outcomes were dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction. Only one study assessed quality of life, which showed that women with chronic vulvar pain had greater difficulty performing physical activities and experienced negative moods and feelings. The assessment of the risk of bias showed that the average quality of studies was good to excellent. However, the studies failed to select the nonexposed cohort or control group to describe the results, and often, the study population was rather small, which made it impossible to carry out a meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The certainty of evidence for the associations between anxiety and depression, vulvodynia, and sexual functioning suggests that combating these factors could improve overall quality of life in vulvodynia patients.
Topics: Humans; Vulvodynia; Female; Quality of Life; Adult; Middle Aged; Depression; Anxiety
PubMed: 38697126
DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000822 -
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden) Apr 2024The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore and evaluate the effect of psychosocial interventions in improving sexual health outcomes among... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore and evaluate the effect of psychosocial interventions in improving sexual health outcomes among post-treatment patients with pelvic cancer.
METHODS
Inclusion and exclusion criteria were pelvic cancer survivors; psychosocial interventions; studies with a control group and measures of sexual health. Five databases were searched for literature along with an inspection of the included studies' reference lists to extend the search. Risk of bias was assessed with the RoB2 tool. Standardised mean difference (SMD) with a random effects model was used to determine the effect size of psychosocial interventions for sexual health in patients with pelvic cancers.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were included, with a total number of 1,541 participants. There was a large heterogeneity regarding the type of psychosocial intervention used with the source found in a leave one out analysis. Six studies showed statistically significant improvements in sexual health, while three showed positive but non-significant effects. The summary effect size estimate was small SMD = 0.24 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05 to 0.42, p = 0.01).
DISCUSSION
There is limited research on psychosocial interventions for sexual health in pelvic cancer patients. There are also limitations in the different pelvic cancer diagnoses examined. Commonly, the included articles examined physical function rather than the whole sexual health spectrum. The small effect sizes may in part be due to evaluation of psychosocial interventions by measuring physical dysfunction. Future research should broaden sexual health assessment tools and expand investigations to more cancer types.
Topics: Humans; Sexual Health; Pelvic Neoplasms; Psychosocial Intervention; Cancer Survivors; Female; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38682457
DOI: 10.2340/1651-226X.2024.24204 -
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024This systematic review investigates the intersection of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), sexual functioning, and associated quality of life (QoL), aiming to... (Review)
Review
This systematic review investigates the intersection of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), sexual functioning, and associated quality of life (QoL), aiming to understand the comprehensive impact of EOCRC on these critical dimensions. Through an extensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up until November 2023, this study synthesized evidence from the literature while adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The studies included EOCRC patients under 50 years, which examined sexual functioning and QoL using validated instruments, and were published in English. After a rigorous screening process, five relevant studies were identified from an initial pool of 2184 articles. This review includes data from five studies involving 2031 EOCRC patients. The key findings revealed a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with up to 50% of men experiencing impotence and 58% reporting sexual dysfunction, alongside 36% of women in some studies. Pain was described by 12% to 31% of patients. Anxiety and depression were notably prevalent, affecting up to 69% of participants. EOCRC profoundly impacts sexual functioning and QoL, with a significant prevalence of sexual dysfunction and psychological distress among affected individuals. These findings suggest the need for oncological management strategies that include not only medical treatment but also psychological support and sexual health interventions. This systematic review emphasizes the importance of holistic patient care approaches, advocating for further research and clinical attention to address the complex needs of younger EOCRC patients.
PubMed: 38667524
DOI: 10.3390/diseases12040066 -
[Non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty for strictures of the bulbar urethra. Systematic review].Urologiia (Moscow, Russia : 1999) Mar 2024The results of using non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty in men with bulbous urethral strictures are presented in the review. A total of 25 original publications... (Review)
Review
The results of using non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty in men with bulbous urethral strictures are presented in the review. A total of 25 original publications were found, including 20 foreign and 5 Russian articles. The studies included from 1 to 358 patients who underwent anastomotic urethroplasty without transection of the corpus spongiosum (average number of patients in a study was 54). Etiological factors were indicated in 17 articles. Most studies (10 out of 17) indicated idiopathic etiology as the predominant one. There was no correlation between the results of the procedure and the etiology of urethral stricture. The mean length of urethral stricture in the vast majority of studies was less than 2 cm, and only in a few studies it was larger, with a maximum mean value of 3.9 cm. Postoperative complication rates were reported in 20 studies and ranged from 0% to 23.9% within one study (median 8.4%). In general, mild complications occurred, corresponding to category I-II according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The incidence of erectile dysfunction was evaluated in 18 studies and ranged from 0% to 23% (average value of 6.5%). The success of non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty averaged 94.7% (82-100%) with a median postoperative follow-up of 24.5 months (3-150 months). In 9 out of 25 studies, an additional comparison with transecting technique was done. In 6 studies, the superiority of the non-transecting technique in terms of treatment success and preservation of sexual function was found. The obtained results showed the high efficiency and safety of non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty in case of short strictures of the bulbous urethra.
Topics: Humans; Urethral Stricture; Male; Anastomosis, Surgical; Urethra; Postoperative Complications; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male
PubMed: 38650419
DOI: No ID Found -
Maturitas Jun 2024Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a rare condition characterized by loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. POI seems associated with mood disorders and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a rare condition characterized by loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. POI seems associated with mood disorders and sexual dysfunction. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence relating to the impact of POI on sexual function. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate sexual function in women with POI compared to women without the condition. The following online databases were systematically searched up to January 2023: EMBASE, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, Cochrane, PsychInfo, and Google Scholar. Random effects models were used for analyses, with data reported as Hedges' g and 95 % confidence interval, and the risk of heterogeneity was evaluated. The protocol of this study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023437203). A total of 10 studies were included in the systematic review and 5 studies involving 352 women with POI were included in the meta-analysis. Eight of the ten studies concluded that women with POI have reduced sexual function. An overall medium Hedges' g effect size of -0.72 was found (ranging between -0.20 and -1.29) in favor of control women, with moderate heterogeneity (I = 64 %). Stratified studies of women on systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) showed an even higher Hedges' g effect size, of -0.82 (95 % CI -1.18, -0.47). In conclusion, sexual function in women with POI is reduced compared with control women. Sexual function should be discussed with women with POI and they should be offered psychosexual counseling.
Topics: Humans; Female; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Adult
PubMed: 38644091
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.107994 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Previous studies have established that diabetes mellitus (DM) markedly raises the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite extensive investigations, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have established that diabetes mellitus (DM) markedly raises the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite extensive investigations, the risk factors associated with ED in diabetic men have yet to be unequivocally determined, owing to incongruent and inconclusive results reported in various studies.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the risk factors for ED in men with DM.
METHODS
A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, encompassing studies published in the PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases up to August 24th, 2023. All studies examining the risk factors of ED in patients with DM were included in the analysis. To identify significant variations among the risk factors, odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS) for longitudinal studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale(AHRQ) for cross-sectional studies.
RESULTS
A total of 58 studies, including a substantial participant pool of 66,925 individuals diagnosed with DM, both with or without ED, were included in the meta-analysis. Mean age (OR: 1.31, 95% CI=1.24-1.37), smoking status (OR: 1.32, 95% CI=1.18-1.47), HbA1C (OR: 1.44, 95% CI=1.28-1.62), duration of DM (OR: 1.39, 95% CI=1.29-1.50), diabetic neuropathy (OR: 3.47, 95% CI=2.16-5.56), diabetic retinopathy (OR: 3.01, 95% CI=2.02-4.48), diabetic foot (OR: 3.96, 95% CI=2.87-5.47), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.92, 95% CI=1.71-2.16), hypertension (OR: 1.74, 95% CI=1.52-2.00), microvascular disease (OR: 2.14, 95% CI=1.61-2.85), vascular disease (OR: 2.75, 95% CI=2.35-3.21), nephropathy (OR: 2.67, 95% CI=2.06-3.46), depression (OR: 1.82, 95% CI=1.04-3.20), metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.22, 95% CI=1.98-2.49), and diuretic treatment (OR: 2.42, 95% CI=1.38-4.22) were associated with increased risk factors of ED in men with DM.
CONCLUSION
Our study indicates that in men with DM, several risk factors for ED have been identified, including mean age, HbA1C, duration of DM, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, microvascular disease, vascular disease, nephropathy, depression, metabolic syndrome, and diuretic treatment. By clarifying the connection between these risk factors and ED, clinicians and scientific experts can intervene and address these risk factors, ultimately reducing the occurrence of ED and improving patient management.
Topics: Humans; Male; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Foot; Diabetic Neuropathies; Diabetic Retinopathy; Diuretics; Erectile Dysfunction; Glycated Hemoglobin; Hypertension; Metabolic Syndrome; Risk Factors; United States
PubMed: 38638136
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1368079 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Apr 2024Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rich in factors that play a role in stem cell recruitment, inflammation modulation, and angiogenesis. With numerous preclinical and...
INTRODUCTION
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rich in factors that play a role in stem cell recruitment, inflammation modulation, and angiogenesis. With numerous preclinical and clinical studies exploring PRP as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), this study focused on assessing the effectiveness of intracorporeal PRP injection for ED patients based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
OBJECTIVES
The study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracorporeal injection of PRP in treating ED through a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.
METHODS
This study adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted on online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) to identify RCTs comparing PRP with a placebo for ED treatment. The primary outcomes assessed were the proportion of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) domain and the change in the IIEF domain from baseline. The results were combined as a standardized mean difference between the PRP and placebo groups.
RESULTS
Three RCTs comprising 230 patients were included. The overall effect favored PRP over placebo: total patients attaining minimal clinically important difference in the IIEF domain (odds ratio [OR], 5.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05 to 15.55; P = .0008), IIEF change from baseline (mean difference [MD], 2.99; 95% CI, 1.74 to 4.24; P = .00001), PSV (MD, 9.34; 95% CI, 0.84 to 17.84; P = .03), end-diastolic volume (standardized MD, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.83; P = .003), Sexual Encounter Profile question 3 (standardized MD, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.12; P = .00001), and visual analog scale score (MD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.53 to -0.08; P = .008).
CONCLUSION
PRP appears to be a safe and effective treatment for mild-to-moderate ED. However, further support from high-quality RCTs is needed to strengthen these findings.
PubMed: 38590115
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae018 -
Sexual Medicine Apr 2024There may be a higher risk of sexual dysfunction in the schizophrenia population. China has made significant contributions to the global community of patients with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There may be a higher risk of sexual dysfunction in the schizophrenia population. China has made significant contributions to the global community of patients with schizophrenia. Currently, there is no estimation of the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
AIM
We conducted a meta-analysis to pool the evaluated prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Medical Network, and Huayi Academic Literature Database from inception to September 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted with R version 4.3.1.
OUTCOMES
To examine the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
RESULTS
In our meta-analysis, we included 16 studies with 5417 participants, among whom 1727 experienced sexual dysfunction. The results of the meta-analysis reveal that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese patients with schizophrenia is 50.43% (95% CI, 37.86%-62.95%). Subgroup analysis results indicate that various factors-including the specific type of dysfunction, duration of illness, assessment tools, mean ages, study region, gender, research setting, marital status, publication years, and type of antipsychotics-all have a particular impact on the occurrence rate of sexual dysfunction in Chinese patients with schizophrenia. Female patients had a slightly higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction than male patients (65.22% vs 54.84%).
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The findings of this study can be used in high-quality nursing care for the schizophrenia population, particularly for the care of specific sexual dysfunction nursing.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in China among patients with schizophrenia. The limited number of studies is the most important limitation.
CONCLUSIONS
The pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese patients with schizophrenia is relatively high, and the prevention and intervention of individual sexual dysfunctions in schizophrenia are advised.
PubMed: 38562621
DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae009 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Jun 2024The effect of Crocus sativus on several disorders has been discussed or even confirmed, but the efficacy of this herb on the female reproductive system has not been well... (Review)
Review
The effect of Crocus sativus on several disorders has been discussed or even confirmed, but the efficacy of this herb on the female reproductive system has not been well presented. In this regard, this systematic review comprehensively discussed the efficacy of C. sativus and its main phytochemical compounds on the female reproductive system and its disorders for the first time. In this systematic review, scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database, were explored profoundly. In vivo, in vitro, and human studies published until the end of July 2023, which had investigated the pharmacological properties of C. sativus, crocin, crocetin, safranal, or picrocrocin on the female reproductive system, were selected. A total of 50 studies conducted on the effect of C. sativus on the female reproductive system were acquired. These studies confirmed the efficacy of C. sativus or its main phytochemical ingredients in several aspects of the female reproductive system, including regulation of sex hormones, folliculogenesis, ovulation, and protection of the ovary and uterus against several oxidative stress. Several retrieved studies indicated that this herb also can alleviate the symptoms of patients suffering from dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, it is a promising candidate for future studies or even trials regarding ovarian and cervical cancers. This review concluded that C. sativus can improve the symptoms of several female reproductive system disorders, which is particularly due to the presence of phytochemical ingredients, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal.
Topics: Crocus; Humans; Female; Plant Extracts; Premenstrual Syndrome; Animals; Carotenoids; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Menopause; Dysmenorrhea; Phytochemicals; Vitamin A; Cyclohexenes; Glucosides; Terpenes
PubMed: 38558480
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8186