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Cureus Jun 2023The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine was developed to stimulate acquired immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)....
INTRODUCTION
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine was developed to stimulate acquired immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Symptoms of reproductive health abnormalities have been reported following the administration of the adenovirus and mRNA-containing vaccine. Such complaints included irregular menstrual cycles, miscarriages, changes in sexual interest, vaginal bleeding, and decreased milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. This study aimed to explore the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on the reproductive health of women attending five primary healthcare centers in the western region of Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 women between 15 and 50 years. Five primary healthcare centers were included from May to September 2022. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used; data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire from women who received any number or type of COVID-19 vaccine. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA).
RESULTS
Of those who responded to the questionnaire (297 participants), 74% were married, and 52% had 1-3 children. Of the pregnant women, only 4% lost their pregnancy. In addition, of the breastfeeding mothers, 10% noticed a decrease in milk production after the vaccination. The effect of the vaccination status on decreased libido was 11%. A small proportion (18%) of the participants reported worsening dietary habits after the vaccine. Less than half of the participants (44%) reported a change in the length and amount of the menstrual cycle, and 29% worsened premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There was no significant association between the type and the number of doses on the rate of miscarriage (p=0.47), breastmilk production (p=0.47), libido (p=0.11), health diet habits (p=0.15), monthly cycle (p=0.570), heavy menses (p=0.999), and PMS symptoms in the study participants.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 vaccination remains necessary to prevent severe infection and is safe for females of reproductive age, whether trying to get pregnant or lactating, and has no significant effect on the menstrual cycle. This research can be used as a basis when deciding on vaccines in case of future pandemics and remove misinformation and doubts regarding the vaccines that should be adequately addressed.
PubMed: 37425538
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40076 -
Andrology May 2016Clinical review of the present data on the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on male fertility was the objective of the study. PubMed and Scopus... (Review)
Review
Clinical review of the present data on the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on male fertility was the objective of the study. PubMed and Scopus were searched for publications in English or Danish and reviewed. Human trials, animal studies and in vitro studies were included. Use of SSRIs negatively affects semen parameters in most studies. In some studies, SSRIs are also shown to reduce DNA integrity. SSRIs can also delay ejaculation. Depression and anxiety can cause reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation as well. The use of SSRIs seems to reduce male fertility by affecting semen parameters, although most studies have a degree of confounding by indication caused by the underlying depression.
Topics: Depressive Disorder; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Male; Libido; Male; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
PubMed: 27019308
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12184 -
PloS One 2019Research has shown that romantic love can be regulated. We investigated perceptions about love regulation, because these perceptions may impact mental health and...
Research has shown that romantic love can be regulated. We investigated perceptions about love regulation, because these perceptions may impact mental health and influence love regulation application. Two-hundred eighty-six participants completed a series of items online via Qualtrics that assessed perceived ability to up- and down-regulate, exaggerate and suppress the expression of, and start and stop different love types. We also tested individual differences in perceived love regulation ability. Participants thought that they could up- but not down-regulate love in general and that they could up-regulate love in general more than down-regulate it. Participants thought that they could up-regulate infatuation less than attachment and sexual desire. Participants also thought that they could exaggerate and suppress expressions of infatuation, attachment, and sexual desire, but that they could not start and stop infatuation and attachment, or start sexual desire. The more participants habitually used cognitive reappraisal, the more they thought that they could up- and down-regulate infatuation and attachment and up-regulate sexual desire. The more participants were infatuated with their beloved, the more they thought that they could up- but not down-regulate infatuation, attachment, and sexual desire. Finally, participants thought that they could up- and down-regulate happiness more than infatuation These findings are a first step toward the development of psychoeducation techniques to correct inaccurate love regulation perceptions, which may improve mental health and love regulation in daily life.
Topics: Adult; Emotional Regulation; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Libido; Love; Male; Perception; Self Report; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 31083671
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216523 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Jul 2023Distressing low libido is common among women and has significant negative impacts; mindfulness has shown promise to increase sexual desire in women with low libido, but... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Distressing low libido is common among women and has significant negative impacts; mindfulness has shown promise to increase sexual desire in women with low libido, but existing interventions are not tailored to midlife and older women.
AIM
We adapted a mindfulness intervention to meet the needs of this population and conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess feasibility and acceptability.
METHODS
Women aged ≥45 years with low libido were randomized to the mindfulness intervention or an education group that met over videoconferencing. The intervention included mindfulness instruction and practice, group discussion, and education on sexuality and aging. The education group included general information on menopause and health.
OUTCOMES
We defined feasibility by the number of screened women who enrolled and completed their group. We defined acceptability as satisfaction with the group and likelihood of recommending it to another woman with low libido. We assessed sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) and sexual distress (Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised) at 6 weeks postconclusion.
RESULTS
Of 81 women screened, 31 were randomized to mindfulness and 30 to education. Eighteen women in the intervention group and 23 in the control group attended at least 1 session. Time conflict was the main reason for nonattendance. Of the 41 women who started attending groups, 37 (90%) attended at least 5 sessions. In the mindfulness group, 73% of women were very or extremely satisfied. Women in the mindfulness group were more likely to recommend it to another person with low libido as compared with those in the education group (P = .031); 67% said that they would probably or definitely recommend it. There were no significant changes in sexual function in either group (mean Female Sexual Function Index score, 22.6 to 18.6 [P = .101] with mindfulness and 21.2 to 19.7 [P = .537] with education). Women in the mindfulness group had significant improvements in sexual distress (mean Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score, 27.1 to 19.7; P = .021) while women in the education group did not (19.0 to 15.8; P = .062).
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Mindfulness may reduce sexual distress in older women with low libido.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This is the first trial testing mindfulness for midlife and older women with low libido.
CONCLUSION
A virtual mindfulness intervention for midlife and older women with low libido is feasible and acceptable and appears to improve sexual distress as compared with an education control; these findings provide data that can be used to design a larger clinical trial.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Libido; Mindfulness; Pilot Projects; Sexual Behavior; Menopause
PubMed: 37353906
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad081 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jan 1983Development of sexual behavior, puberty, and social behavior is described in bulls. Normal mating behavior is discussed, including the relative importance of visual and... (Review)
Review
Development of sexual behavior, puberty, and social behavior is described in bulls. Normal mating behavior is discussed, including the relative importance of visual and olfactory cues as stimuli. The influence of sexual preparation on quantitative and qualitative seminal characteristics is reviewed. Attention is drawn to the strong genetic influences on libido and mating ability in bulls. The evidence for biostimulation in cattle is examined, with the conclusion that more investigation and exploitation of this phenomenon is warranted.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Copulation; Estrus; Female; Fertility; Libido; Male; Ovulation; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Semen; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Social Behavior; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 6339576
DOI: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(83)81770-6 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Jun 2018To describe the impact of supra-physiologic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use, including agent, dosage, and duration of therapy, on sexual function.
BACKGROUND
To describe the impact of supra-physiologic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use, including agent, dosage, and duration of therapy, on sexual function.
METHODS
We reviewed data from an online survey of AAS users to evaluate their sexual function on and off AAS. The online survey consisted of questions addressing demographics, anabolic steroid use and patterns, ancillary medications, testosterone (T)-related symptoms while on and off of therapy, as well as sexual function which was assessed using the 5-item, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).
RESULTS
A total of 321 men responded to the survey, of which 90 failed to meet inclusion criteria, for a final cohort of 231 AAS users. The majority of men were Caucasian (85%), employed (62%), and younger than 35 years (58%), while an equal mix were single (47%) or married (46%). The mean IIEF-5 was 22.5, with higher scores associated with increased T dosages (>600 mg/week), use of 17-alpha alkylated hormones and anti-estrogens, and absence of concurrent medical conditions. Lower mean IIEF scores were associated with current and pre-AAS low T symptoms, self-reported angry or violent tendencies, self-reported erectile dysfunction (ED), decreased libido, decreased energy, and depression. After controlling for age, low T symptoms and decreased energy remained significantly associated with lower IIEF scores. Among 127 men reporting decreased libido when not taking AAS, several factors were significantly associated including frequency and duration of T and use of adjunctive therapies, while post-cycle therapies were protective. Men who reported any other symptom (decreased energy, libido, muscle mass or depression) after discontinuing T were also more likely to report ED, as well as those using >10 years or for >40 weeks per year.
CONCLUSIONS
The long-term impact of high dose AAS use on sexual function remains poorly defined. Although high T dosages appeared to be protective of erectile function during use, symptoms such as decreased libido and ED occurred more frequently after discontinuing T, particularly among those using more frequently and for longer durations. Given the importance of these findings, long-term studies evaluating the impacts of discontinuing T on sexual dysfunction are indicated.
PubMed: 30050806
DOI: 10.21037/tau.2018.04.23 -
Evolutionary Psychology : An... Jul 2013Although female use of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) has been associated with a variety of physical side effects, the psychological and behavioral side effects have... (Review)
Review
Although female use of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) has been associated with a variety of physical side effects, the psychological and behavioral side effects have received comparatively little attention until recently. Indeed, the long-term impact of HC use on human psychology has been vastly under-researched and has only recently become a focus for mainstream scholars. Women who use HCs report higher rates of depression, reduced sexual functioning, and higher interest in short-term sexual relationships compared to their naturally-cycling counterparts. Also, HC use may alter women's ability to attract a mate, as well as the mate retention behaviors in both users and their romantic partners. Some evidence even suggests that HC use alters mate choice and may negatively affect sexual satisfaction in parous women, with potential effects on future offspring. Interestingly, HCs have become a standard method of population control for captive nonhuman primates, opening up exciting avenues for potential comparative research. Here, the existing literature on the psychobehavioral effects of HCs in humans and nonhuman primates is reviewed and discussed. The potential resulting downstream consequences for the path of human evolution and recommendations for how future research could tease apart the underlying causes of these psychobehavioral effects of HC use are discussed, including suggestions for research involving nonhuman primates.
Topics: Adult; Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; Depression; Female; Humans; Libido; Personal Satisfaction; Sexual Partners
PubMed: 23864301
DOI: 10.1177/147470491301100315 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Mar 1999Ovarian hormones-estrogens, androgens, and progesterone-produce a myriad of effects in the nervous system. The effects of androgens in the brain are mediated through... (Review)
Review
Ovarian hormones-estrogens, androgens, and progesterone-produce a myriad of effects in the nervous system. The effects of androgens in the brain are mediated through androgen-specific receptors and by the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol. Alterations in the circulating levels of androgens play an important role in psychologic and sexual changes that occur after menopause. The effects of short-term estrogen therapy in improving psychologic symptoms, maintaining vaginal lubrication, decreasing vaginal atrophy, and increasing pelvic blood flow in postmenopausal women are well documented. However, some patients require more than estrogen alone to improve psychologic dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, or other sexual problems associated with menopause. Results from clinical studies show that hormone replacement therapy with estrogen plus androgens provides greater improvement in psychologic (eg, lack of concentration, depression, and fatigue) and sexual (eg, decreased libido and inability to have an orgasm) symptoms than does estrogen alone in naturally and surgically menopausal women.
Topics: Affect; Androgens; Female; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Libido; Postmenopause; Quality of Life
PubMed: 10076172
DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(99)70727-1 -
Physiological Research Dec 2021Tribulus terrestris, L. (puncture vine) have been used as a folk medicine for five thousands of years, but its targets, effects, their mechanisms and application... (Review)
Review
Tribulus terrestris, L. (puncture vine) have been used as a folk medicine for five thousands of years, but its targets, effects, their mechanisms and application requires further studies. This paper reviews the provenance, constituents and properties of Tribulus terrestris, L., its general physiological and health effects, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning its influence on male and female reproductive processes and their dysfunctions. Analysis of the available publications demonstrated the influence of Tribulus terrestris on a wide spectrum of targets and physiological processe and disorders. In particular, Tribulus terrestris can be a stimulator of male and female reproductive processes at the level of central nervous system, sexual behaviour, pituitary and gonadal hormones and their receptors, gonadal functions (including ovarian follicullogenesis and spermatogenesis), improvement of the quality and quantity of gametes (at least of sperm) and fecundity. This ability of puncture vine is applicable for the improvement of man's sexual desire and sperm quality in vivo and in vitro, as well as of women's libido, activation of women's reproductive organs, fecundity, and treatment of infertility, especially that related to the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Topics: Female; Humans; Libido; Male; Plant Extracts; Reproduction; Sexual Behavior; Tribulus
PubMed: 35199550
DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934711 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger May 2014Sexual dysfunction is a common adverse effect of antidepressant treatment and a main reason for non-compliance with treatment. Different antidepressant agents are... (Review)
Review
Sexual dysfunction is a common adverse effect of antidepressant treatment and a main reason for non-compliance with treatment. Different antidepressant agents are associated with different degrees of dysfunction, which is thought to depend on the agent's pharmacological profile. Agents with serotonergic activity, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and venlafaxine, yield the highest rate of sexual dysfunction. Non-SSRI agents such as duloxetine, reboxetine and mirtazapine have fewer sexual side effects than SSRI and venlafaxine. Agomelatine and bupropion are similar to placebo.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; Arousal; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Libido; Male; Orgasm; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
PubMed: 25352006
DOI: No ID Found