-
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Masturbation is a healthy sexual behavior associated with different sexual functioning dimensions, which highlights sexual satisfaction as an important manifestation of... (Review)
Review
Masturbation is a healthy sexual behavior associated with different sexual functioning dimensions, which highlights sexual satisfaction as an important manifestation of sexual wellbeing. This review aims to systematically examine studies that have associated masturbation with sexual satisfaction, both in individuals with and without a partner. Following the PRISMA statement, searches were made in the APA PsycInfo, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The search yielded 851 records, and twenty-two articles that examined the relation between solitary masturbation and sexual satisfaction were selected. In men, a negative relation between masturbation and sexual satisfaction was observed in 71.4% of the studies, 21.4% found no such relation, and 7.2% observed a positive association. In women, 40% reported no relation, 33.3% a negative relation, and 26.7% a positive one. The negative association between solitary masturbation and sexual satisfaction is consistent with the previously proposed compensatory role of masturbation, especially for men. In women, compared to men, the complementary role of masturbation in relation to sexual relationships is observed to a greater extent and is associated more closely with sexual health. The importance of including different parameters beyond the masturbation frequency in future studies to explore its relation with sexual satisfaction is emphasized. This systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023416688).
PubMed: 38255122
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020235 -
Sexual Medicine Dec 2022Similar to other young people with a chronic health condition, perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) adolescents may have an impacted sexual development. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Similar to other young people with a chronic health condition, perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) adolescents may have an impacted sexual development.
OBJECTIVES
This paper aims to compare sexual milestones of PHIV to HIV uninfected peers, through a systematic review (SR) and explorative study.
METHODS
We performed a systematic search in 4 electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus), according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Last search in all databases was performed in May 2021. We included studies that reported on quantitative data of any of the main outcomes and compared PHIV to HIV uninfected control groups. Main outcomes were defined as the occurrence and/or debut age of sexual milestones (falling in love, having been in a romantic relationship, masturbation, kissing, non-genital caressing (feeling or petting, touching), genital caressing (fingering, handjob), giving or receiving oral sex, and penetrative sex (vaginal or anal). We excluded case reports, audits, guidelines, editorials, abstracts, studies that reported on behaviorally infected HIV patients, studies that did not include an HIV uninfected control group and studies that could not be translated to English or Dutch. We used the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) Checklist for quality assessment. We performed qualitative synthesis of the data. In the explorative study, we compared sexual milestones of PHIV and HIV uninfected controls matched for age, sex, ethnicity and educational level, using a subset of questions of a validated questionnaire.
RESULTS
We included eighteen studies in the SR, describing outcomes of an estimated 1,963 participants. Seventeen studies compared the occurrence and/or debut age of intercourse in PHIV and HIV uninfected controls and 4 studies reported on any of the other sexual milestones. The majority of studies found no difference in occurrence (12 of 16 studies) or debut age (6 of 8 studies) of intercourse in PHIV compared to controls. Two of 4 studies reporting on any of the other milestones found no significant differences between PHIV and HIV uninfected controls. In the explorative study, we included ten PHIV participants and 16 HIV uninfected, matched controls. PHIV tended to report a later debut age of sexual milestones than controls (not significant).
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
The SR includes only a small number of studies and few studies report on non-penetrative milestones. The explorative study adds to this review by including non-penetrative milestones and comparing PHIV to HIV-uninfected, well-matched controls. However, the sample size was small.
CONCLUSION
PHIV seem to engage in sexual activities and achieve sexual milestones at a similar rate as their HIV uninfected peers, with a tendency of a later start in well treated PHIV. The review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021252103) and funded by AIDSfonds. AIDSfonds had no role in the study design or interpretations of this study. ter Haar AM, Fieten A, Van den Hof M, et al. Sexual Development in Perinatally HIV-Infected Young People: A Systematic Review and Explorative Study. Sex Med 2022;10:100578.
PubMed: 36274460
DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100578 -
BMC Public Health Jan 2022Since December 2019, when it was first reported in Wuhan, province of Hubei, China, the new virus SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly around the world and has become a global... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Since December 2019, when it was first reported in Wuhan, province of Hubei, China, the new virus SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly around the world and has become a global pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the public health measures implemented, people's sexual activity has also been affected. Restrictions on people's activities, reduced sports activities, economic issues, increased psychological stress, and reduced entertainment have, indeed, dramatically impacted sexual activity and functioning. The purpose of this study was tosystematically identify, collect and summarize the existing body of evidence from published studies on the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activity and functioning.
METHODS
Several scholarly databases, namely MEDLINE (via PubMed interface), Web of Science (WOS), Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases, were mined from December 2019 to the end of January 2021. We utilized a random-effect meta-analytical model to analyze all the data. More in detail, the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) was used in order to estimate and evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activity and functioning.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were included in the present study. In total, 2454 women and 3765 men were evaluated. In the present meta-analysis, sexual functioning and activity were assessed by means of two standardized and reliable tools, namely the "Female Sexual Function Index" (FSFI) and the "International Index of Erectile Function-5 items" (IIEF-5). A total of 5 studies reported the FSFI score before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in female participants. Based on the random-effect model, the SMD was computed to be - 4.26 [95% confidence interval or CI: - 7.26, - 1.25], being statistically significant. A total of 3 studies reported the IIEF-5 score before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in male participants. Based on the random-effect model, the SMD was computed to be - 0.66 [CI 95%: - 0.99, - 0.33], being statistically significant. In the majority of these studies, participants reported a reduction in the number of sexual relations and an increase in the frequency of solo sex activity, especially masturbation, compared to the time prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCLUSION
The results of the present study showed that COVID-19 related restrictions were correlated with higher rates of sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual activity; however, results of the current meta-analytical study show that this change in sexual functioning was greater in women compared to men. Sex is one of the dimensions of every person's life; therefore, researchers should identify the factors that lead to sexual dysfunction due to COVID-19 pandemic in their community. In this regard, sexologists should design and implement effective programs to reduce the heterogeneous causes affecting sexual functioning, given the psychological strain that the COVID-19 pandemic puts on individuals.
Topics: COVID-19; Female; Humans; Male; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Sexual Behavior; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 35086497
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12390-4 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2016Sexual activity before competition has been considered as a possible cause for reduced performance since ancient Greece and Rome. Recently, the hypothesis that optimal... (Review)
Review
Sexual activity before competition has been considered as a possible cause for reduced performance since ancient Greece and Rome. Recently, the hypothesis that optimal sport performance could be influenced by a variety of factors including sexual activity before competition has been investigated. However, few scientific data are available, with the exception of anecdotal reports of individual experiences. The present systematic review focused on the current scientific evidence on the effects of sexual activity on sport performance regardless of sport type. Data were obtained following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, using PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Science, the Cochrane Collaboration Database, Cochrane Library, Evidence Database (PEDro), Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) Search review, National Guidelines, ProQuest, and Scopus, all searched from inception further, to broaden the search, no time filter nor language restriction have been applied. Also, the gray literature was mined using Google Scholar. Only relevant scientific articles reporting outcomes of athletic performance after sexual activity were considered. The impact of sexual activity before a sport competition is still unclear, but most studies generally seem to exclude a direct impact of sexual activity on athletic aerobic and strength performance. The most important aspect seems to be the interval from the time of the sports competition that affects negatively the performance if it is shorter than 2 h. There are possible negative effects from some possible concurrent wrong behaviors such as smoking or alcohol abuse. There are no investigations about the effect of masturbation in this context. There is a need to clarify the effects of sexual activity on competition performance. The present evidence suggests that sexual activity the day before competition does not exert any negative impact on performance, even though high-quality, randomized controlled studies are urgently needed.
PubMed: 27445838
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00246 -
Sexual Medicine Apr 2023Little is known about the impact of the coronavirus on sexual behavior, function, and satisfaction. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Little is known about the impact of the coronavirus on sexual behavior, function, and satisfaction.
AIM
The aim of the present study was to systematically review people's sexual function and behaviors and their changes in sexual activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
Comprehensive searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were conducted with keywords in accordance with MeSH terms: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, sexual health, sexual function, sexual dysfunctions, sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual activities, and premarital sex. Two reviewers independently assessed full-text articles according to predefined criteria: original design, English studies, and investigating either the general population or sexual minorities.
RESULTS
Risk of bias in the studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and data were pooled via random effects meta-analyses. We utilized the standardized mean difference to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual activity, functioning, and satisfaction. We included 19 studies in the analysis and 11 studies in the meta-analysis, with a sample size of 12 350. To investigate sexual activity changes, a sample size of 8838 was entered into the subgroup analysis, which showed a significant decrease in both genders (5821 women, < .033; 3017 men, < .008). A subgroup meta-analysis showed that the sexual function of men and women during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly declined (3974 women, < .001; 1427 men, < .001). Sexual desire and arousal decreased in both genders, though mainly in women. In investigating sexual satisfaction changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, a meta-analysis with a sample size of 2711 showed a significant decrease ( < .001). The most indicative changes in sexual behaviors during the pandemic were the increase in masturbating and usage of sex toys. Greater COVID-19 knowledge was associated with lower masturbation, oral sex, and vaginal sex. The more protective behaviors were associated with less hugging, kissing, cuddling, genital touching, watching porn with a partner, and vaginal sex.
CONCLUSION
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased challenges and changes for individuals' sexual behaviors. Efforts for preventive strategies should therefore be concentrated between pandemics, while ensuring that there is information available to the population during a pandemic for help in times of psychological distress or crisis.
PubMed: 36970584
DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfad005 -
Urology Journal May 2022Several randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were performed to compare the efficacy of sexual intercourse or masturbation and no sexual activity in treating distal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The Efficacy of Sexual Intercourse Or Masturbation For The Expulsion Of Distal Ureteral Stones In Men: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis Of Randomized-controlled Trials.
PURPOSE
Several randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were performed to compare the efficacy of sexual intercourse or masturbation and no sexual activity in treating distal ureteral stones, indicating conflicting results. The meta-analysis was conducted to assess the role of sexual intercourse or masturbation in the treatment of distal ureteral calculi.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, Clinicaltrail.gov, and Web of Science were searched by October 2021. Men who were instructed of no sexual intercourse or masturbation, and only received standard symptomatic treatment are comparators. Relative risk (RR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random or fixed effects models.
RESULTS
Five RCTs including 500 subjects were analyzed in the study. Compared with controls, subjects in experimental group had significantly higher expulsion rate at 2nd and 4th week (95%CI: 1.334 to 2.638, RR: 1.876, I2 = 73.6%, P < .001; 95%CI: 1.148 to 1.752, RR: 1.418, I2 = 55.9%, P < .001), significantly decreased requirement for analgesic injections (95%CI: -1.071 to -.126, WMD: -.598, I2 = 90.3%, P = .013), and significantly shorter expulsion time (95%CI: -6.941 to -.436, WMD: -3.689, I2 = 83.7%, P = .026).
CONCLUSION
Performing sexual intercourse or masturbation 3 or 4 times a week can be an alternative treatment option of distal ureteral calculi (0-10 mm in size). However, more clinical evidence with better designs solving raised concerns is warranted.
Topics: Analgesics; Coitus; Humans; Male; Masturbation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Ureteral Calculi
PubMed: 35598041
DOI: 10.22037/uj.v19i.7119 -
Best Practice & Research. Clinical... Mar 2023The decision to pursue one's desire for children is a basic human right. For transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people, gender-affirming care may alter the... (Review)
Review
The decision to pursue one's desire for children is a basic human right. For transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people, gender-affirming care may alter the possibilities to fulfill one's desire for children due to the impact of this treatment on their reproductive organs. We systematically included 76 studies of varying quality describing the desire for children and parenthood; fertility counseling and utilization; and fertility preservation options and outcomes in TGD people. The majority of TGD people expressed a desire for children. Fertility preservation utilization rates were low as there are many barriers to pursue fertility preservation. The most utilized fertility preservation strategies include oocyte vitrification and sperm banking through masturbation. Oocyte vitrification showed successful outcomes, even after testosterone cessation. Sperm analyses when banking sperm showed a lower quality compared to cis male samples even prior to gender-affirming hormone treatment and an uncertain recovery of spermatogenesis after discontinuing treatment.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Transgender Persons; Fertility Preservation; Semen
PubMed: 36806443
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102312 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022Implemented social distancing measures may have forestalled the spread of COVID-19, yet they suppressed the natural human need for contact. The aim of this systematic...
Implemented social distancing measures may have forestalled the spread of COVID-19, yet they suppressed the natural human need for contact. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult sexual wellbeing and sexual behavior. An extensive search in Pubmed, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases based on PRISMA guidelines was conducted. After applying specific eligibility criteria, screening resulted in 38 studies. Results were drawn from 31,911 subjects and outlined the negative effect of the pandemic in sexual frequency, function, satisfaction, and the behavioral changes regarding masturbation and internet-based practices. Meta-analyses of the drawn data on 1,343 female, and 1,372 male subjects quantified the degree of sexual function change during the COVID-19 pandemic vs. prior the pandemic. A random effects model revealed the significant negative impact of the pandemic on female sexual function (SMD: 0.76, 95% CI:0.74 to 1.59), while no significant change was found for the males (SMD: 0.25, 95% Cl: -0.03 to 0.52). Significant heterogeneity was identified across included studies ( < 0.00001, I = 97%, I = 90% for females and males, respectively). As part of the global health, sexual wellbeing should be on the focus of clinicians and researchers.
PubMed: 36061280
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949077 -
BMC Women's Health Jun 2018Female sexual dysfunction affects 41% of reproductive-age women worldwide, making it a highly prevalent medical issue. Predictors of female sexual dysfunction are...
BACKGROUND
Female sexual dysfunction affects 41% of reproductive-age women worldwide, making it a highly prevalent medical issue. Predictors of female sexual dysfunction are multifaceted and vary from country to country. A synthesis of potential risk factors and protective factors may aid healthcare practitioners in identifying populations at risk, in addition to revealing modifiable factors to prevent sexual dysfunction among reproductive-age women.
METHODS
Observational studies which assessed the prevalence and predictors of female sexual dysfunction in reproductive-age women were systematically sought in relevant databases (2000-2014). Significant predictors were extracted from each included publication. A qualitative analysis of predictors was performed with a focus on types of sexual regimes and level of human development.
RESULTS
One hundred thirty-five studies from 41 countries were included in the systematic review. The types of predictors varied according to the location of the study, the type of sexual regime and the level of gender inequality in that country/region. Consistently significant risk factors of female sexual dysfunction were: poor physical health, poor mental health, stress, abortion, genitourinary problems, female genital mutilation, relationship dissatisfaction, sexual abuse, and being religious. Consistently significant protective factors included: older age at marriage, exercising, daily affection, intimate communication, having a positive body image, and sex education. Some factors however had an unclear effect: age, education, employment, parity, being in a relationship, frequency of sexual intercourse, race, alcohol consumption, smoking and masturbation.
CONCLUSIONS
The sexual and reproductive lives of women are highly impacted by female sexual dysfunction, and a number of biological, psychological and social factors play a role in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Healthcare professionals who work with women should be aware of the many risk factors for reproductive-age women. Future prevention strategies should aim to address modifiable factors, e.g. physical activity and access to sex education; international efforts in empowering women should continue.
Topics: Female; Health Status Disparities; Humans; Protective Factors; Qualitative Research; Risk Factors; Sexism; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological
PubMed: 29929499
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-018-0602-4 -
Cureus Nov 2021Globally, the prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing, with limited effective treatment options. Though debate exists within the literature, the use of medical... (Review)
Review
Globally, the prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing, with limited effective treatment options. Though debate exists within the literature, the use of medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteric stones in the form of alpha-blockers is commonplace. Alpha-blockers work via the inhibition of norepinephrine, resulting in a small degree of distal ureteric relaxation. Nitric oxide (NO), the main neurotransmitter involved in penile erection, causes smooth muscle relaxation of the distal ureter. It is hypothesised that these alternative pathways may achieve the same desire clinical effect. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of male sexual activity, in the form of intercourse or masturbation, to alpha-blockers in the expulsion of ureteric stones. We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL and Google Scholar), identifying studies comparing male sexual activity versus alpha-blockers, in male patients with distal ureteric stones. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the included studies. For data analysis, a random effects model was used in the event of significant heterogeneity (>75%), with fixed-effects modelling in the event of low-moderate heterogeneity. A search of electronic databases found three randomised control trials (RCTs), enrolling a total of 262 patients. There was no statistically significant difference observed when patients engaged in sexual activity rather than alpha-blocker, when looking at stone expulsion rate at two weeks (P=0.36), expulsion rate at four weeks (P=0.57), or the mean stone expulsion time (P=0.21). Furthermore, there was no significant difference observed when looking at analgesic requirements (P=0.43), or the requirement for additional procedures (P=0.57). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that male sexual activity as an alternative therapy for distal ureteric stones had comparable outcomes to the use of alpha-blocker, proving a viable alternative therapy in those patients wishing to avoid pharmacological management.
PubMed: 34909308
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19347