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International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri to recognize and answer questions about male sexual health. Each VA was tested on...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri to recognize and answer questions about male sexual health. Each VA was tested on a smart speaker: Alexa on Amazon Echo Dot 4th Gen., Google Assistant on Google Home Mini, and Siri on Apple HomePod. A pool of patients' frequently asked questions regarding erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), Peyronie's disease (PD), male infertility, and other aspects of male sexual health were identified by authors. The recognition of question was evaluated ("yes" or "not"). For each recognized question, the response characteristics (domains) were rated on a scale from 0 to 10 (according to the quality). We chose the recognition rate of the questions as the primary outcome and the quality of the answers as the secondary outcome. Overall, the best VA in recognizing questions was Siri, with a total of 83.3% questions compared with 64.0% for Alexa ( = 0.024) and 74.0% for Google Assistant ( = 0.061). Siri was associated with a significantly higher recognition rate than Alexa for PE (80% vs. 40%; = 0.002) and PD (66.7% vs. 33.3%; = 0.010). The quality of the responses was classified as low in 57 out of 105 cases (54.3%), intermediate in 46 cases (43.8%), and high in only 2 cases (1.9%), highlighting an overall intermediate-low quality of the answers. Male infertility was the condition associated with the highest mean scores in "Targeted response to the problem" (7.32 ± 2.57), "Scientific correctness of the answer", (5.9 ± 2.76) "Completeness of the answer" (5.14 ± 2.56), and "Understandability of the response for a patient" (5.3 ± 2.51) domains. Siri was associated with significantly higher scores than Alexa ( < 0.05) in several domains of all conditions evaluated. The question recognition rate of VAs is quite high; however, the quality of the answers is still intermediate-low. Siri seems superior to Alexa in both question recognition and response quality. Male infertility appears to be the sexual dysfunction best addressed by VAs.
Topics: Humans; Male; Consultants; Erectile Dysfunction; Voice; Infertility, Male; Sexual Health
PubMed: 36767978
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032612 -
Andrology Mar 2023
Erectile dysfunction, anxiety, perceived stress, and insomnia are more common among acquired premature ejaculation patients in contrast to other premature ejaculation syndromes.
Topics: Male; Humans; Erectile Dysfunction; Premature Ejaculation; Syndrome; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Ejaculation; Anxiety; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 36705343
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13401 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2022Hu (Chinese Raspberry), known as Fu-Pen-Zi in Chinese, a woody perennial plant of the genus Rubus in the Rosaceae family, has specific nutritional and medicinal values,... (Review)
Review
Hu (Chinese Raspberry), known as Fu-Pen-Zi in Chinese, a woody perennial plant of the genus Rubus in the Rosaceae family, has specific nutritional and medicinal values, which is considered food-medicine herb in China for thousands of years to treat impotence, premature ejaculation, enuresis, frequent urination, and other diseases. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the bioactive components, pharmacological effects, and drug development and utilization of Hu, hoping to provide useful support for its further research and clinical application. The bioactive components in Hu contain mainly terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, and steroids. The main pharmacological effects are their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor capacity on human health. Hu is a very valuable food-medicine herb. The development of Hu-related drugs is relatively single, which is limited to traditional Chinese medicine and prescriptions. Therefore, it is vital to pay interest to Hu and its bioactive components in the future and extend its scientific application.
PubMed: 36698464
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1052504 -
Journal of Endocrinological... Jun 2023Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent male sexual dysfunctions. ED has been in the past mistakenly considered a purely psycho-sexological symptom by...
The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), along with ten other Italian Scientific Societies, guidelines on the diagnosis and management of erectile dysfunction.
PURPOSE
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent male sexual dysfunctions. ED has been in the past mistakenly considered a purely psycho-sexological symptom by patients and doctors. However, an ever-growing body of evidence supporting the role of several organic factors in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ED has been recognized.
METHODS
The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) commissioned an expert task force involving several other National Societies to provide an updated guideline on the diagnosis and management of ED. Derived recommendations were based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.
RESULTS
Several evidence-based statements were released providing the necessary up-to-date guidance in the context of ED with organic and psychosexual comorbidities. Many of them were related to incorrect lifestyle habits suggesting how to associate pharmacotherapies and counseling, in a couple-centered approach. Having the oral therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors as the gold standard along with several other medical and surgical therapies, new therapeutic or controversial options were also discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
These are the first guidelines based on a multidisciplinary approach that involves the most important Societies related to the field of sexual medicine. This fruitful discussion allowed for a general agreement on several recommendations and suggestions to be reached, which can support all stakeholders in improving couple sexual satisfaction and overall general health.
Topics: Humans; Male; Erectile Dysfunction; Andrology; Societies, Scientific; Sexual Behavior; Counseling
PubMed: 36698034
DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02015-5 -
Case Reports in Psychiatry 2023Lithium has proven its efficacy in treating bipolar disorder. Severe side effects caused by lithium, including renal and endocrine outcomes, have already been amply...
Lithium has proven its efficacy in treating bipolar disorder. Severe side effects caused by lithium, including renal and endocrine outcomes, have already been amply documented. The impact of lithium on sexual function, however, is less well known. A 33-year-old man, with no past medical history, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, developed premature ejaculation after short-term use of lithium. The dose of lithium was reduced, leading to a rapid clinical resolution. Retrospectively, lithium-induced premature ejaculation was deemed the most likely diagnosis. Premature ejaculation is a rare side effect of lithium. Changing the time of medication administration and lowering dose could be considered as alternatives. Given lithium's pharmacological profile, it is likely that the pathophysiologic mechanism behind premature ejaculation is altered levels or altered serotonin receptor sensitivity in the ejaculatory modulating centers of the central nervous system. Given the reluctance to spontaneously report sexual adverse effects, clinicians should be aware of this possible side effect.
PubMed: 36655208
DOI: 10.1155/2023/6156023 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Dec 2022Sexual function is an excellent marker of psychological, systemic, and specifically vascular performance. Endothelial dysfunction is the main determinant of coronavirus...
BACKGROUND
Sexual function is an excellent marker of psychological, systemic, and specifically vascular performance. Endothelial dysfunction is the main determinant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. Considering the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological and sexual functions, we hypothesized potential differences and underlying factors if there is any erectile function and premature ejaculation status of male patients with COVID-19 by comparing both with the control group.
METHODS
Hospitalized male patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated. Male patients who applied to the Urology outpatient clinic were the control group. All participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function Form-15 (IIEF-15) and gave information regarding their premature ejaculation (PE) status if present. COVID-19 patients were called by phone to fill in the IIEF-15. Their PE status was questioned on the 45th and 90th days after discharge. The following parameters were in the data records: Age, comorbidity, length of hospital stay, treatment, oxygen saturation, pulmonary involvement, white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and sedimentation values.
RESULTS
The study had 253 participants, including 168 COVID-19 patients and 85 volunteers as the control group. The number of PE cases was less, whereas erectile dysfunction (ED) cases were more in the COVID-19 patient group in comparison to the control group in the pre-pandemic period ( = 0.00) ( = 0.00). In the post-pandemic period, PE developed in 13 more COVID-19 patients on the 45th and 90th days ( = 0.00). The IIEF-15 scores of COVID-19 patients decreased by 4-point in the short term and by 3-point in the long term ( = 0.002). Age and sedimentation were responsible for the difference in PE status. On the other hand, comorbidity, length of hospital stay, treatment type, WBC, D-dimer, ferritin, CRP levels, and pulmonary infiltration were responsible for the difference in ED.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our findings, we can say that we have enough evidence to suspect COVID-19 sequelae can affect male sexual health. After the pandemic, male patients with andrological problems should have enough time to feel more comfortable and their organic and psychogenic conditions should be optimized.
Topics: Humans; Male; Erectile Dysfunction; Premature Ejaculation; Prospective Studies; Pandemics; COVID-19; Ejaculation; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36651096
DOI: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20227510.124 -
JAMA Network Open Jan 2023Although sexual function is an indispensable part of overall human health, both male and female sexual dysfunction have been poorly addressed in China.
IMPORTANCE
Although sexual function is an indispensable part of overall human health, both male and female sexual dysfunction have been poorly addressed in China.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns related to sexual dysfunction among urologists and andrologists in China.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This survey study enrolled urologists and andrologists from various regions in China. Urologists and andrologists from 100 selected medical centers were invited to participate in the survey. Responses from eligible urologists and andrologists were analyzed from July 20 to 30, 2022.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcomes were the respondents' basic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns related to sexual dysfunction for both male and female patients.
RESULTS
Among 1687 urologists and andrologists (749 [98.7%] male; 375 participants [49.4%] aged 36-50 years) invited to participate, 759 were eligible, with 395 participants (52.0%) determined to have passing knowledge on diagnosis and treatment for male and female sexual dysfunction (defined as a score of 6 or more points) and 523 participants (68.9%) responding with positive attitudes, including interested in providing sex counseling and managing sexual issues for male and female patients. Moreover, of 395 individuals with passing knowledge, 289 participants (73.2%) were interested in providing sex counseling or sexual function care to patients; 336 participants (85.1%) thought they should routinely screen the spouse for sexual dysfunction when the partner was diagnosed with a sexual dysfunction. Among individuals with passing knowledge, 232 participants (58.7%) reported knowledge on the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation and 162 participants (41.0%) reported knowledge on the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction, which were significantly higher than rates among 364 participants with limited knowledge (premature ejaculation: 140 participants [38.5%]; erectile dysfunction: 78 participants [21.4%]). Only a few urologists and andrologists could manage female sexual dysfunction following guidelines, although the proportions were higher in the group with passing knowledge (38 participants [9.6%]) compared with those with less knowledge (5 participants [1.4%]). Additionally, most participants felt confident to manage male sexual issues (569 participants [75.0%] reporting often or almost always), while most of them were not so confident on female sexual issues (274 participants [36.1%] reporting often or almost always), mainly due to lacking knowledge in this field (518 participants [68.2%]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The findings of this survey study suggest that urologists and andrologists in China lacked knowledge on sexual dysfunction, which in turn was associated with their attitudes and clinical practice patterns, especially for female sexual dysfunction. More training on sexual dysfunction should be undertaken to improve this situation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Erectile Dysfunction; Urologists; Premature Ejaculation; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36633849
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50177 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease in adult men, and diabetes is an independent risk factor for ED. However, there are few reports on the distinction between...
Comparison of characteristics between Chinese diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction populations and non-diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction populations: A cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease in adult men, and diabetes is an independent risk factor for ED. However, there are few reports on the distinction between diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) and non-DMED features, as well as ED features of varying severity in the two groups.
METHODS
A total of 365 ED patients treated at two clinics in China from 2019 to 2022 were included. Questionnaires of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Erectile Hardness Score (EHS), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were administered to the patients. They were divided into three groups according to the IIEF-5 score: 5-7 for severe ED, 8-11 for moderate ED, and 12-21 for mild ED. In addition, the patient's age, weight, height, fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), total testosterone (TT) and other indicators were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26, comparing all parameters between groups.
RESULTS
Age (P<0.001), height (P=0.009), body mass index (BMI) (P=0.002), PEDT (P<0.001), FBG (P<0.001), FSH (P<0.001), TG (P<0.001), TT (P<0.001) and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) (P<0.001) were significantly different between diabetic ED and nondiabetic ED subjects. The trend test in the nondiabetic ED population found a negative correlation between the IIEF-5 score and PHQ-9 (P for trend=0.15). Multivariate ordinal logistic regression in the diabetic ED population showed that elevated LH OR=11.37 (95% CI: 0.966, 3.897) and elevated PRL OR=4.10 (95% CI: 0.410, 2.411) were associated with an increased risk of more severe ED.
CONCLUSIONS
The aetiology, demographic parameters, degree of premature ejaculation, and related biochemical tests were significantly different between the DMED and non-DMED populations.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus; East Asian People; Erectile Dysfunction; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Premature Ejaculation; Testosterone; China
PubMed: 36619568
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1096045 -
International Journal of Sexual Health... 2023Male sexual dysfunction is a common disorder with consequential implications. Hitherto, treatment was based on pharmacological approach which has yielded little success...
BACKGROUND
Male sexual dysfunction is a common disorder with consequential implications. Hitherto, treatment was based on pharmacological approach which has yielded little success in sustainability and produced attendant complications including overweight/obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Hence, the paradigm is toward non-pharmacological approach, but their efficacy is yet to be summarized for clinical practice. This study summarized efficacy of physiotherapy for male sexual dysfunction to inform clinical decision-making and practice.
METHODOLOGY
Electronic search of clinical trials on PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted covering from inception till July 2021 using words, such as male sexual dysfunction and physiotherapy and further refined to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, exercises, electrical stimulation, biofeedback. Search strategy included expansion via medical subject headings (MeSH) and truncation of keywords. Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" were utilized.
RESULTS
Out of 239 studies, 13 eligible ones were included in this study. Outcome measures used were full/abridged versions of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF/IIEF-5), Manometric, or digital anal pressure measurement. Eleven studies were on erectile dysfunction/erectile dysfunction with climacturia and two on premature ejaculation. Physiotherapy was for 6-12 weeks covering 9-20 sessions. Physiotherapy used was standalone/combinations of pelvic floor muscle exercises, electrical stimulation, or biofeedback. PEDro scores of the studies were 4-9/10. Studies involved 912 participants (472/440 intervention/control) between 19 and 83 years with erectile dysfunction lasting 6-360 months. There was significant (0.0001 ≤ ≤ .05) improvement in sexual function (interventions > controls). Nothing determines the efficacy of physiotherapy or choice of approach.
CONCLUSION
Physiotherapy is an effective non-pharmacological treatment approach for male sexual dysfunction.
PubMed: 38596771
DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2155288 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2022Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common solid tumor in young adults. 95% of patients are cured, but they may experience late adverse effects (anxiety, fear of...
PURPOSE
Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common solid tumor in young adults. 95% of patients are cured, but they may experience late adverse effects (anxiety, fear of recurrence, and sexual dysfunction) with an impact on daily life. We attempted to assess Patient Reported Outcomes (PROMs), long-term sexual disorders, and difficulties in achieving fatherhood in a cohort of TC survivors, as well as their possible correlation with previous cancer treatments.
METHODS
Different questionnaires, such as the Impact of Cancer (IOC) and the Body Image Scale (BIS), were used to investigate the distinct areas of the PROMs. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF15) and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) focused on sexuality and fertility. Patients were prospectively recruited between February 2020 and February 2022.
RESULTS
144 participants completed all the questionnaires. Results showed a good QoL, a moderate fear of TC recurrence, a good satisfaction with their personal body image, low incidence of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. 19.5% of patients who had a testicular implant reported general dissatisfaction. Only 18% of patients had unsuccessfully attempted fatherhood, while the majority had not yet tried, and 23.4% succeeded. A low percentage of patients used procedures assisted reproduction and adoption.
CONCLUSION
This trial supports the use of various questionnaires as a multifactorial tool capable of investigating all the aspects of long-term cancer survivorship. The assessment of medical and psychosocial sequelae is an essential part of patient care and is important for the development of a comprehensive care plan for TC survivors.
PubMed: 36582267
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S381812