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Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Apr 2024Sexual dysfunction in women is common yet often remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of adequate training and experience of the doctors to manage female sexual...
INTRODUCTION
Sexual dysfunction in women is common yet often remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of adequate training and experience of the doctors to manage female sexual dysfunctions. This study was done to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical professionals toward female sexual dysfunction and the various practices and barriers they encounter while managing women with sexual dysfunction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A web-based cross-sectional study was done using the snowball sampling method. A well-structured, self-administered, and pre-validated questionnaire containing 27 items was administered through social media. Data was collected and evaluated to assess their knowledge, practices they follow, and barriers encountered while managing female sexual dysfunction.
RESULTS
A total of 513 doctors participated in the study. Out of all, only 11.1% of the doctors were often seeing patients with sexual dysfunction. Loss of desire (44%), painful intercourse (33%), lack of lubrication (18%), and anorgasmia (5%) are common symptoms with which women present. The majority of doctors (78.9%) were comfortable in starting a conversation, over half (52.6%) were confident in making a diagnosis, and 51.3% were confident in providing sexual counseling. Yet, only 11.1% were routinely screening women for sexual dysfunctions, and 33.8% were providing counseling regarding sexual issues. Lack of time (31.6%), lack of adequate training (57.3%), unavailability of effective treatment (11.9%), patient discomfort (60.62%), and patient's reluctance to seek treatment (15.8%) were the barriers encountered by doctors. When assessed for knowledge, around 30.9% had excellent knowledge (≥75 percentile) about female sexual dysfunction.
CONCLUSION
Sexual dysfunction among women is an important health issue that significantly affects the social, mental, and physical well-being of those suffering from it. Screening for sexual dysfunction should be done routinely in day-to-day clinical practice to improve the overall quality of life of a couple.
PubMed: 38827699
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1013_23 -
BMC Psychiatry May 2024This study aims to conduct an exhaustive evaluation of Vilazodone's safety in clinical application and to unearth the potential adverse event (AE) risks associated with...
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to conduct an exhaustive evaluation of Vilazodone's safety in clinical application and to unearth the potential adverse event (AE) risks associated with its utilization based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.
METHODS
This research employed data spanning from the first quarter of 2011 to the third quarter of 2023 from the FAERS database. Various signal detection methodologies, including the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM), were utilized to ascertain the correlation between Vilazodone and specific AEs.
RESULTS
The study compiled a total of 17,439,268 reports of drug AEs, out of which 5,375 were related to Vilazodone. Through signal mining, 125 Preferred Terms (PTs) encompassing 27 System Organ Classes (SOCs) were identified. The findings indicated a higher prevalence among females and patients within the 45 to 65 age bracket. The principal categories of AEs included Psychiatric disorders, Nervous system disorders, and Gastrointestinal disorders, with prevalent incidents of Diarrhoea, Nausea, and Insomnia. Moreover, the study identified robust signals of novel potential AEs, notably in areas such as sleep disturbances (Sleep paralysis, Hypnagogic hallucination, Rapid eye movements sleep abnormal, Sleep terror, Terminal insomnia, Tachyphrenia), sexual dysfunctions (Female orgasmic disorder, Orgasm abnormal, Disturbance in sexual arousal, Spontaneous penile erection, Anorgasmia, Sexual dysfunction, Ejaculation delayed), and other symptoms and injuries (Electric shock sensation, Violence-related symptom, Gun shot wound).
CONCLUSION
Although Vilazodone presents a positive prospect in the management of MDD, the discovery of AEs linked to its use, particularly the newly identified potential risks such as sleep and sexual dysfunctions, necessitates heightened vigilance among clinicians.
Topics: Humans; Vilazodone Hydrochloride; Male; Female; Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; Middle Aged; United States; Adult; Aged; Databases, Factual; United States Food and Drug Administration; Young Adult; Adolescent; Bayes Theorem
PubMed: 38755677
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05813-0 -
World Journal of Urology May 2024Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are associated with high rates of nonadherence and sexual dysfunction, yet the correlation between these findings in young adult...
PURPOSE
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are associated with high rates of nonadherence and sexual dysfunction, yet the correlation between these findings in young adult men is poorly characterized. We aimed to evaluate if young adult men are less willing to adhere to antidepressant treatment due to intolerable side effects, such as sexual dysfunction.
METHODS
Deidentified, compensated survey that assessed baseline demographics, PHQ-8 and GAD-7 scores, attitudes towards antidepressant medication side effects, and perceptions of antidepressant medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, bupropion, and mirtazapine.
RESULTS
From 665 delivered surveys, 505 respondents completed their survey (response rate: 76%), of which 486 were included for final analysis. After seeing common side effect profiles, our sample's willingness to take sexual function-sparing agents, such as bupropion or mirtazapine, was significantly greater than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between bupropion and mirtazapine (p = 0.263). The negative influence of erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia scored significantly higher than other common antidepressant side effects like weight gain, nausea, and dry mouth (range: p < 0.001, p = 0.043). With the exception of insomnia, participants indicated that experiencing sexual dysfunction while taking an antidepressant medication would lead to nonadherence at a significantly higher frequency than any other side effect assessed (range: p < 0.001, p = 0.005).
CONCLUSION
The risk of experiencing sexual side effects when taking antidepressants could lead young adult men to become nonadherent to these medications. Strategies to augment the effectiveness of antidepressants, such as shared decision-making and the use of sexual function-sparing agents, are critical.
Topics: Humans; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Medication Adherence; Young Adult; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Adult; Antidepressive Agents; Mirtazapine; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Bupropion
PubMed: 38709300
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-05003-3 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Apr 2024Keratin pearls are foci of central keratinization within concentric layers of squamous cells that can form under the clitoral prepuce and cause pain (clitorodynia);...
BACKGROUND
Keratin pearls are foci of central keratinization within concentric layers of squamous cells that can form under the clitoral prepuce and cause pain (clitorodynia); in-office removal of keratin pearls may reduce clitoral pain and improve sexual function.
AIM
This study aims to investigate clitoral pain and sexual function in women with partial clitoral phimosis and keratin pearls before and after in-office lysis of clitoral adhesions with keratin pearl excision (LCA-KPE).
METHODS
A pre-post interventional study evaluated patients who underwent LCA-KPE between January 2017 and February 2023 in 2 metropolitan gynecology clinics specializing in vulvar pain. Patients presenting with keratin pearls and partial clitoral phimosis identified through retrospective chart review were asked to complete postprocedure questionnaires and provide subjective responses on clitoral discomfort, sexual function, sexual distress, and their experience with in-office LCA-KPE. Bivariate analyses with paired t tests were conducted to determine the effect of LCA-KPE. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic coding.
OUTCOMES
An 11-point pain visual analog scale was utilized to determine pre- and postprocedure clitoral discomfort and difficulty with orgasm. Female sexual dysfunction was measured with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised.
RESULTS
A total of 32 of 74 patients who met inclusion criteria completed postprocedure surveys (43% response rate). Mean clitoral pain for respondents was 6.91 at baseline and 2.50 after LCA-KPE (P < .001). Mean difficulty with orgasm was significantly decreased from 5.45 at baseline to 3.13 after LCA-KPE (P < .001). Participants had a mean FSFI total score of 17.68 after treatment compared with a mean total baseline FSFI of 12.12 (P = .017). The mean FSFI score for pain was 2.43 at follow-up compared with 1.37 at baseline (P = .049). There was no significant difference in the mean Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score before vs after the procedure (P = .27). Qualitative themes described the procedure as painful but worthwhile, with 77% of participants reporting the overall experience as positive. Recurrence rate overall was 28%, with a median of 2 repeat procedures.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Recognizing keratin pearls as a structural cause of clitoral pain and offering in-office treatment is an important tool in addressing clitorodynia and improving sexual function.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This is the largest study to date documenting the occurrence, identifying associated pain conditions, and evaluating procedural outcomes for clitoral keratin pearls. This study was limited by a relatively small sample size.
CONCLUSION
In-office LCA-KPE significantly reduced clitoral discomfort and difficulty with orgasm.
Topics: Humans; Female; Clitoris; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Keratins; Tissue Adhesions; Vulvodynia; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Surveys and Questionnaires; Dyspareunia; Treatment Outcome; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 38515327
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae034 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Jun 2024Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) consists of low libido, sexual arousal problems, anorgasmia, and dyspareunia. Sexual function is an important aspect of life for many... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) consists of low libido, sexual arousal problems, anorgasmia, and dyspareunia. Sexual function is an important aspect of life for many women and is closely correlated with overall well-being. FSD is often underrepresented in the academic space when compared with male sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction. As FSD spans many fields (eg, urology, gynecology, psychology), bibliometric analyses are an important resource to highlight landmark articles.
OBJECTIVES
To identify key articles about FSD by citation number and bibliometric analysis to facilitate future scholarly efforts into more FSD research.
METHODS
We searched for articles in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1900 and 2023 using terms specific to FSD. We identified relevant FSD articles and selected the top 50 most cited. A bibliometric analysis was performed to collect and analyze data about title, authorship, publication year, citation number, journal and impact factor, country and institution, study type, citation index, specialty, and conflict of interest.
RESULTS
An overall 6858 results were identified. The top 50 most cited articles were published between 1997 and 2014 in 12 countries, across 32 institutions, and in 20 journals. The United States produced the most articles. The Journal of Sexual Medicine published the most articles. The mean number of citations per article was 351.64. Observational studies were most common. More than half were sponsored. Of all the specialties, most articles were categorized as urology and nephrology. Research about FSD has been much less impactful than research about male sexual dysfunction, possibly owing to stigma and decreased clinical training.
CONCLUSION
As FSD covers many fields, bibliometric analyses are invaluable to understand the vast body of knowledge. We hope that this research emphasizes the lack of attention that FSD has had and that it provides health care professionals with a valuable tool to understand the trajectory of FSD to guide future education efforts.
Topics: Humans; Bibliometrics; Female; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 38490968
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae013 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2024Breast cancer accounts for one in three new cancer cases in women each year. Despite having a higher survival rate than other cancers, it is associated with various side... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer accounts for one in three new cancer cases in women each year. Despite having a higher survival rate than other cancers, it is associated with various side effects, including anorgasmia, vaginismus, hair loss, and decreased libido. This review aims to explore trends in the incidence of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors, the etiology of sexual dysfunction, and the role of factors such as family history, age, duration of marriage, and depression in predisposing patients. We summarize the limitations of the treatment modalities already used to cater to sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors and patients. The authors conducted searches on databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant search terms: sexual dysfunction, breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, chemotherapy, dyspareunia, vaginismus, and anorgasmia from 1997-2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed all types of articles with abstracts or titles indicating research on sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors in Asia. A total of 64 articles were included out of which 10 were systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The literature search yielded results showing high incidence rates of breast cancer in Asia (45.4%), with 31.6%-91.2% of breast cancer survivors likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Regional differences were noted, as female sexual dysfunction occurred in 74.1% of Asian breast cancer women. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of treatment modalities. Personalized approaches should be tailored to address beliefs, such as the potential impact of sexual activity on disease recovery. Utilizing a family history of breast cancer as a preemptive tool can help reduce the risk of developing female sexual dysfunction in survivors, and factors such as age and depression should be considered when formulating solutions.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer Survivors; Vaginismus; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Behavior; Survivors
PubMed: 38481086
DOI: 10.1177/17455057241237687 -
Ceska Gynekologie 2024A deficit or problematic achievement of female orgasm is often classified as a sexual disorder that creates complications in the sex life of couples. This assumption is...
A deficit or problematic achievement of female orgasm is often classified as a sexual disorder that creates complications in the sex life of couples. This assumption is generally accepted, even though vaginal anorgasmia is an accepted statistical norm and non-coital methods of generating female orgasm are not as easy as they are for men. Female orgasms manifest themselves in different ways; they are variable and can be dependent on a number of variable factors. Some theories suggest a high degree of correlation between the capacity for orgasmic experience, sexual attitudes and behaviour, but also with reproductive potential or the stability of the given couple's relationship. Female orgasm is often seen as a discriminatory mechanism influencing attitudes towards sexuality or even as a kind of fertility catalyst. There is no consensus on the importance of female orgasm. The results of some relevant studies refute theories about the female orgasm's positive influence on adaptive functions of the couple's relationship, as well as its influence on fertility. The orgasm in women is most likely an evolutionary by-product of its male variant, since the clitoris and penis have an identical embryonic basis of development. Female anorgasmia should not be considered an unquestioned diagnosis, let alone a psychiatric construct leading to a paradigm in which anorgasmia is categorically the cause of frustration or other problems.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Orgasm; Sexual Behavior; Coitus; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 38418254
DOI: 10.48095/cccg202452 -
Cureus Dec 2023Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, necessitating lifelong medication management. One common side effect of these...
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, necessitating lifelong medication management. One common side effect of these medications is sexual dysfunction. In this case report, a 37-year-old male epilepsy patient who was an office clerk by occupation presented at the outpatient department (OPD) of occupational therapy with the chief complaints of anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction primarily reporting of anorgasmia, which required longer foreplay to reach an effective erection leading to delayed ejaculation. The patient reported a nine-year history of complicated, partial, and generalized seizures for which he consulted the physician who prescribed him AED (antiepileptic drug) carbamazepine twice a day; however, the symptoms persisted, and the medication was changed to pregabalin. In addition to this, the patient was advised for occupational therapy intervention by the physician. In the occupational therapy department, the patient was assessed for various parameters that involved sexual functioning using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-Male (CSFQ-M), for anxiety using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and quality of life (QOL) using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory - 31 (QOLIE-31) questionnaire. As part of the intervention, occupational therapy was provided to the patient for four months, which mainly focused on three major areas: health promotion, remediation, and modification. Each of these methods was used at all levels of the intervention, as outlined by the EX-Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy model (P-LI-SS-IT), which reflected positive results, as there was enhanced sexual functioning, reduced symptoms of depression, and anxiety, and improved quality of life. In conclusion, occupational therapists along with doctors and other practitioners should focus on addressing intimacy and sexuality within their practice for epilepsy patients demonstrating symptoms of sexual dysfunction, which will consequently impact an individual's QOL. Additionally, screening and monitoring of sexual dysfunction should be included during the routine assessment of patients with epilepsy.
PubMed: 38283457
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51153 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Mar 2024Affective neuroscience is the study of the brain substrates of emotional, embodied experiences. Affective neuroscience theory (ANT) is based on experimental evidence... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Affective neuroscience is the study of the brain substrates of emotional, embodied experiences. Affective neuroscience theory (ANT) is based on experimental evidence that all mammals are hardwired with 7 primary subcortical emotional operating systems, or "core emotions," that have overlapping but distinct circuits buried in the deep, ancient parts of the brain. Imbalances in the 7 core emotions can affect multiple aspects of the individual's psychosocial well-being (eg, depression, anxiety, substance abuse). Here, we propose that core emotions can also influence sexual function and, specifically, that imbalances in core emotions are the bridge connecting psychiatric symptoms (eg, anhedonia) to sexual dysfunction (eg, anorgasmia).
OBJECTIVES
In this targeted review and commentary, we outline potential connections between ANT and sexual medicine research and clinical practice. We summarize ANT by defining the 3-level BrainMind and core emotions; examining how they relate to personality, behavior, and mental health; and determining the implications for sexual health research and clinical practice.
METHODS
A targeted literature review was conducted. Case studies were adapted from client files and clinician interviews and then anonymized.
RESULTS
We propose a novel organizational schema for implementing affective balance therapies for sexual dysfunction, which integrate psychoeducational, somatic, and cognitive therapeutic approaches under the ANT framework. We provide 3 patient case studies (anorgasmia, hypersexuality, spinal cord injury) outlining the implementation of this approach and patient outcomes.
CONCLUSION
ANT has practical translational applications in sexual health research and clinical practice. By integrating our understanding of the role of core emotions in human sexuality, clinicians can better tailor treatments to address sexual dysfunction.
Topics: Humans; Brain; Emotions; Personality Disorders; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexuality; Mood Disorders
PubMed: 38281754
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead048 -
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