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The Journal of Sexual Medicine Jun 2022Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is characterized by elevated discomfort associated with persistent genital arousal in the absence of sexual desire.
BACKGROUND
Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is characterized by elevated discomfort associated with persistent genital arousal in the absence of sexual desire.
AIM
To perform a scoping review of the proposed treatments for PGAD and their efficacy.
METHODS
A scoping review was carried out (PRISMA-Scr) that included articles on PGAD as the main disorder, only in women, which explained, in detail, the treatment and its efficacy, was empirical, was written in English and Spanish. No prior filtering by years was performed.
OUTCOMES
Three different effective treatments were found (Physical therapies, pharmacological therapies, and psychotherapeutics in combination with other therapies).
RESULTS
Thirty-eight articles were selected. From physical therapies, treatments using neuromodulation, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, Botox, surgery, electroconvulsive therapy, manual therapy, pelvic floor therapy, dietary changes, and transcranial magnetic stimulation showed effectiveness. Using the pharmacological approach, paroxetine, duloxetine, pramipexole, ropinirole, and clonazepam treatments were effective. Psychotherapy treatments showed effectiveness only in combination with other types of treatments, specifically a combination of cognitive-behavioral strategies with pharmacological treatment.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Pharmacological treatment, specifically SSRIs, have proven to be the therapy of choice for different subtypes of patients.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This study analyzed treatment effectiveness with different approaches and took into consideration those articles where psychotherapy was used as a combination treatment with pharmacological and physical therapy. The main limitation is that it was focused exclusively on women, and the results cannot be generalized to include men.
CONCLUSIONS
To date, a combination of pharmacological interventions with physical therapy and, in some occasions, with psychological therapy is main strategy followed to accomplish effective treatment of PGAD. Martín-Vivar M, Villena-Moya A, Mestre-Bach G, et al. Treatments for Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder in Women: A Scoping Review. J Sex Med 2022;19:961-974.
Topics: Arousal; Female; Genitalia; Humans; Libido; Male; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Urogenital Diseases
PubMed: 35396171
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.220 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Apr 2022The benefits of treatment with testosterone (T) in women with loss of desire suggest that low androgens may distinguish women with sexual dysfunction (SD) from others;... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The benefits of treatment with testosterone (T) in women with loss of desire suggest that low androgens may distinguish women with sexual dysfunction (SD) from others; however, evidence on this point is lacking.
AIM
To answer the question: is there an association between endogenous levels of androgens and sexual function in women?
METHODS
An extensive search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase and PsycInfo. Four separate meta-analyses were conducted for total T, free T, Free Androgen Index (FAI), and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). Cohort, cross-sectional, and prospective studies were included.
OUTCOMES
The main outcome was the association between endogenous androgens and sexual desire. Global sexual function was considered as a secondary outcome. The effect measure was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD).
RESULTS
The meta-analysis on total T included 34 studies involving 3,268 women, mean age 36.5 years. In 11 studies, a significant association was found between sexual desire, measured by validated psychometric instruments, and total T (SMD = 0.59 [0.29;0.88], P < 0.0001), with a moderate effect. The association with global sexual function (n = 12 studies) was also significant (SMD = 0.44 [0.21;0.67], P <0.0001). Overall, total T was associated with a better sexual function (SMD = 0.55 [0.28;0.82)], P < 0.0001), with similar results obtained when poor quality studies were removed. Age showed a negative relationship with the overall outcome. No differences were found when stratifying the studies according to menopausal status, type of menopause, age at menopause, use of hormonal replacement therapy, relationship status, method for T measurement, phase of the menstrual cycle or use of hormonal contraception. The meta-analysis of T derivatives (free T and FAI) also showed a significant, moderate association with sexual desire. In contrast, DHEAS seems not to exert any significant influence on desire, whilst showing a positive association with global sexual function.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Endogenous androgens show a moderate association with a better sexual function in women; however, the role of psychological, relational and other hormonal factors should not be overlooked.
STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS
This represents the first attempt at meta-analyzing data available on the topic. A significant publication bias was found for total T.
CONCLUSION
There appears to be a moderate association between total T and sexual desire/global sexual function, which is confirmed, although weak, in studies employing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Similar results on desire were obtained for free T and FAI. DHEAS only showed a positive association with global sexual function. More research is needed. Maseroli E and Vignozzi L. Are Endogenous Androgens Linked to Female Sexual Function? A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sex Med 2022;19:553-568.
Topics: Adult; Androgens; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Libido; Prospective Studies; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Testosterone
PubMed: 35227621
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.01.515 -
Current Neuropharmacology 2022Although few clinical trials examined the efficacy of bupropion to treat sexual dysfunction among female patients, a comprehensive and objective synthesis of the best... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Although few clinical trials examined the efficacy of bupropion to treat sexual dysfunction among female patients, a comprehensive and objective synthesis of the best available evidence is still lacking. To date, to the best of our knowledge, there are no published systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on the role of bupropion in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of bupropion in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, and we hypothesized that bupropion is efficient in treating female patients with sexual dysfunction. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search for published literature was performed using Ovid, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and PubMed databases. In our study, we found that bupropion was almost three-fold more favorable in improving problems with sexual desire (pool estimate 2.845, 95% CI: 0.215 to 5.475, I2= 95.6%, p=0.034). A meta-regression was performed to explore heterogeneity and we found that only the dosage of bupropion was statistically significant in explaining the variance, i.e., the lower the dosage (150 mg vs. 300 mg), the better the improvement in the sexual desire of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Based on the results of this systematic review and metaanalysis, there is a potential role of bupropion as an effective treatment for women with HSDD.
Topics: Bupropion; Female; Humans; Libido; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35193485
DOI: 10.2174/1570159X20666220222145735 -
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 -
Archives of Sexual Behavior May 2022Asexuality is a lack of sexual attraction to any gender. There is some evidence to suggest that many self-identified asexuals have a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum...
Asexuality is a lack of sexual attraction to any gender. There is some evidence to suggest that many self-identified asexuals have a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder which is characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as by restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors. Additionally, the literature shows that asexuality and lack of sexual attraction or low sexual interest is overrepresented in people with autism spectrum disorder compared with neurotypical samples. Nevertheless, no studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between autism and asexuality in depth. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine whether asexuality and autism spectrum disorder are connected. We conclude that asexuality and autism share various aspects, such as a possible role of prenatal factors, reference to romantic dimensions of sexual attraction and sexual orientation, and non-partner-oriented sexual desire, but future research should explore and clarify this link.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Communication; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Libido; Male; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 34779982
DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02177-4 -
Journal of Complementary & Integrative... Mar 2023Sexual dysfunction can adversely affect the quality of life and interpersonal relationships. nowadays, a lot of attention is paid to traditional Chinese medicine with... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Sexual dysfunction can adversely affect the quality of life and interpersonal relationships. nowadays, a lot of attention is paid to traditional Chinese medicine with better curative effects and less adverse events. Recent studies have implied the promising effect of acupuncture on sexual function. This systematic review evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treating female and male sexual dysfunction.
CONTENT
PubMed, Cochrane Central of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched up to 2021. No limitation to language and date. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
SUMMARY
Among 160 initially assessed papers, 13 articles were included. The findings showed that acupuncture improve sexual dysfunction in domains of desire, libido, erectile dysfunction and impotency. Most studies did not report any serious side effects from acupuncture, and only three studies reported minor adverse events.
OUTLOOK
The available evidence indicate that acupuncture has positive on improvement of sexual dysfunction with no serious side effects. Although acupuncture has gained increasing popularity for the management of sexual dysfunction, high methodological quality evidence regarding its efficacy is lacking.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Acupuncture Therapy; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Erectile Dysfunction
PubMed: 34704431
DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2021-0194 -
Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare :... Dec 2021In the time of transition to parenthood, many physical, psychological and social changes may affect the multidimensional theme of sexuality. This area plays a... (Review)
Review
In the time of transition to parenthood, many physical, psychological and social changes may affect the multidimensional theme of sexuality. This area plays a significant role in the overall well-being of the individual, the couple and the family. The aim of this systematic review is to consider current and emerging trends in the study of sexual function during pregnancy and after childbirth, evaluating the available evidence in the literature reported in specific reviews, and pulling together the suggestions that various authors have brought forward as being useful for daily clinical practice. A total of 4 databases were searched on EBSCOhost: MEDLINE, Cochrane reviews, CINAHAL, and PsychInfo. A systematic search strategy was formulated using the key terms Sexuality, Sexual, Pregnancy, Postpartum, Puerperium, Perinatal, and Review. Eleven articles were included. The results revealed a gradual decline in the frequency of sexual behaviour throughout pregnancy, sharper in the third trimester. Sexual activity started to be resumed around 6-8 weeks after childbirth, to fully recover only after 6 months. A simultaneous change in sexual function was also found, such as less orgasm, sexual desire and satisfaction, more dyspareunia. Many aspects are related to these changes: physical, psychological and social factors, fears about negative consequences of sexual intercourse, inadequate or absent professional counselling about sexuality, method of delivery and breastfeeding. Healthcare professionals need to adequately inform couples about the common fluctuations in sexual activity, interest, desire, and responsiveness over the course of the pregnancy and following childbirth. Joint counselling, if possible, is preferred.
Topics: Female; Humans; Libido; Parturition; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality
PubMed: 34563859
DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2021.100668 -
Health Communication Apr 2023The quest for a Viagra equivalent for women has both reignited concerns over female oppression and rekindled hope for gender equality. Communication about decreased...
The quest for a Viagra equivalent for women has both reignited concerns over female oppression and rekindled hope for gender equality. Communication about decreased desire in women has come under intense scrutiny, especially in terms of the ways in which it may legitimize one view or the other. We present a systematic review of academic research on public communication about low libido in women and drugs/devices designed to increase it. A total of 1,309 records were screened, with 20 studies identified for final analysis (6 monographs, 11 articles, and 3 book chapters). Existing research found that the frame predominated, according to which women sought to increase their libido of their own accord to enhance their individual sexual pleasure. The frame was described as somewhat less common; here, women resorted to treatment to save their relationships as they feared that inability to fulfill their "wifely duty" could alienate their partners. Importantly, scholars often reported that the empowered and handmaid frames co-occurred. The frame, which suggested fluctuations in libido were normal and should not be medically treated, was described in existing work as least common. These results seem to suggest that low libido in women was constructed as a problem in need of a solution more often than not. As this may prompt women to think of their bodies as malfunctioning machines, it is possible that the framing of low libido in public communication can exacerbate existing trends toward pathologizing the waning of desire.
Topics: Female; Humans; Libido; Communication; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners
PubMed: 34493138
DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1971356 -
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 -
Erectile and Ejaculatory Dysfunction Associated with Use of Psychotropic Drugs: A Systematic Review.The Journal of Sexual Medicine Aug 2021Sexual dysfunction may be a side effect of treatment with antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other psychotropic drugs. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sexual dysfunction may be a side effect of treatment with antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other psychotropic drugs.
AIM
To review the evidence concerning male sexual dysfunctions in patients taking psychotropic drugs to provide specific information to nonpsychiatric physicians for the management of these dysfunctions.
METHODS
A systematic search of Medline and Embase databases was performed up to October 15, 2020. We included randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of psychotropic drugs versus placebo or versus another drug of the same class, for at least 5 weeks.
OUTCOMES
We considered studies whose male population could be evaluated separately from the female population and with a separate analysis of the different phases of the male sex cycle.
RESULTS
We included 41 studies in the final review. There was a significant association between sexual dysfunction and antidepressant drug therapy, compared to placebo (decreased libido OR 1.89, 95% CI:1.40 to 2.56, 22 series, 11 trials, 7706 participants; erectile dysfunction OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.31 to 3.97; 11 trials, 3008 participants; ejaculatory dysfunction OR = 7.31, 95% CI: 4.38 to 12.20,19 trials, 3973 participants). When the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were evaluated separately from those of serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), the use of SNRIs but not that of SSRIs was characterized by significantly higher odds of erectile dysfunction compared to placebo. Only limited data were found regarding the effects of antipsychotics on the phases of the male sexual cycle, as it was shown that aripiprazole and risperidone showed lower and higher odds for erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, respectively, compared to other atypical antipsychotics.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Treatment of male sexual dysfunction in patients taking psychotropics requires a basic knowledge of the different drugs that affect sexual function with different mechanisms.
STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS
The effects of psychotropic drugs on erectile function and ejaculation were evaluated separately. The great variability of the mechanisms of action makes it difficult to make comparisons between the effects of the different classes of psychotropic drugs.
CONCLUSIONS
Administration of antipsychotics affects male sexual function with different mechanisms, although the increase in prolactin values associated with the administration of first-generation antipsychotics and some atypical, such as risperidone, seems to play a primary role in determining male sexual dysfunction. Most antidepressants cause decreased libido, ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction, however the administration of SNRIs appears to be possibly associated with a specific risk of erectile dysfunction. Trinchieri M, Trinchieri M, Perletti G, et al. Erectile and Ejaculatory Dysfunction Associated with Use of Psychotropic Drugs: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2021;18:1354-1363.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Female; Humans; Male; Psychotropic Drugs; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 34247952
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.016