Symptoms of sexual dysfunction among men from infertile couples: prevalence and association with testosterone deficiency.

BACKGROUND: This case control study aimed to investigate whether symptoms of sexual dysfunction are more common in males from infertile couples than in the general population and to explore whether symptoms of sexual dysfunction are associated to hypogonadism. OBJECTIVES: Participants were 165 subfertile men in infertile heterosexual relationships, 18-50 years of age, with sperm concentrations < 15 × 106 /mL. The controls were 199 men from a population-based group, matched for age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Logistic regression was applied in order to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for seven different symptoms of sexual dysfunction. In a multivariate model, we tested independent effects of infertility and primary as well as secondary hypogonadism. RESULTS: Statistically significant association between subfertility and symptoms of sexual dysfunction was found for lack of ability to control ejaculation (OR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-4.2). For hypogonadism, statistical significance was seen both in relation to low sexual interest/desire for sex (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.5) and for being worried about the size or shape of the penis (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3-9.5). These associations remained statistically significant in males with primary but not those with secondary hypogonadism. DISCUSSION: Our study showed that men from infertile couples have an increased risk of symptoms of sexual dysfunction and this risk is linked to androgen deficiency. CONCLUSION: Assessment of reproductive hormone levels and sexual function should routinely be done in this group of males.

Self-esteem in children and adolescents with mobility impairment: impact on well-being and coping strategies.

AIM: The first aim was to investigate dimension-specific and global self-esteem in children and adolescents with mobility impairment and to analyse the relation between self-esteem and demographic data and disability characteristics. The second aim was to identify the impact of five self-esteem dimensions on well-being and coping strategies. METHODS: A total of 138 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years with mobility impairment took part in a semi-structured interview. Demographic and disability characteristics were recorded and motor function was assessed. Self-esteem was measured by the 'I think I am' inventory. Perceived overall well-being was measured by a nine-grade visual scale, the Snoopy scale, and coping strategies by the Children's Coping Strategies Checklist. RESULTS: Although a majority estimated a relatively high level of dimension-specific and global self-esteem, several demographic and disability factors for lower self-esteem were identified. Those who estimated their 'physical characteristics' lower used the coping strategy 'distraction' more often. Three out of five dimensions of self-esteem were positively associated with perceived overall well-being: 'physical characteristics', 'psychological well-being' and 'relationships with others'. CONCLUSION: Awareness of vulnerability factors for lower self-esteem in children and adolescents with mobility impairment offer health care professionals specific opportunities to enhance self-esteem in this group.

On intimacy, sexual activities and exposure to sexual abuse among children and adolescents with mobility impairment.

AIM: The aim was to describe experiences of intimacy and sexual activity and exposure to sexual abuse among children and adolescents with mobility impairment, and to relate these experiences to socio-demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being. METHODS: This study included semi-structured interviews with 141 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years with mobility impairment. Interpersonal experiences of intimacy and sexuality, socio-demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being were registered. RESULTS: About half of the children and adolescents in the study had been in a boy- or a girlfriend relationship, and about a fifth had an ongoing relationship. Of the adolescents, 15% had at least one experience of a sexual relationship. Whereas no particular sexual dysfunction was reported, 15% had concerns about their future sexual activities, presumably related to mobility impairment. A history of sexual abuse was reported by 7% in the age cohort of 13-18 years. The socio-demographic and disability-related features had a marginal influence on the experiences of intimacy and sexual activities. CONCLUSION: Several aspects of sexual health are not fully realized for children and adolescents with impaired mobility, and there is a need for specialized sexual health care services to protect the sexual rights of this group.

Coping strategies among Swedish children and adolescents with mobility impairment in relation to demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being.

AIM: The first aim of the present study was to evaluate the applicability of a four-dimensional model of coping strategies, which includes 'active coping', 'distraction', 'avoidance' and 'support seeking' strategies, on children and adolescents with mobility impairment. The second aim was to identify coping strategies in this group. Finally, we analysed the relation between coping strategies and demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being. METHODS: Children and adolescents aged 7-18 years with mobility impairment (n = 133) were interviewed, and demographic and disability characteristics were recorded. The Children's Coping Strategies Checklist, a 52-item self-report inventory, was used to characterise dispositional style in coping. RESULTS: The four-factor model of coping strategies provides an adequate fit to the data of the sample studied. Three of the four coping strategies, all except 'avoidance', were significantly related to several demographic and disability features. Well-being was not significantly related to any of the four coping strategies, although the higher the trust in the strategies, the higher the estimation of one's own well-being. CONCLUSION: Identification of coping strategies among children and adolescents with mobility impairment should form the basis of our understanding of how they face the complexity of challenges while growing up.

The effect of tadalafil on psychosocial outcomes in Swedish men with erectile distress: a multicentre, non-randomised, open-label clinical study.

A multicentre, non-randomised, open-label study assessed whether personal distress caused by erectile dysfunction (ED) affected psychosocial outcomes of tadalafil treatment. Eligible Swedish men at least 18 years old reporting > or =3-month history of ED were stratified into two groups (manifest or mild/no distress) based upon a distress question administered at enrollment. Tadalafil 20 mg was taken as needed for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference between the two distress groups in change from baseline in the Psychological and Interpersonal Relationship Scales (PAIRS) spontaneity domain. Secondary outcome measures were PAIRS sexual self-confidence and time concerns domains, Life Satisfaction (LiSat-11) checklist and a Global Assessment of Treatment Response. The study also assessed tolerability. Of 662 men enrolled, 88% had manifest distress and 12% had mild/no distress. Baseline-to-endpoint changes for PAIRS domains were not significantly different between groups. Baseline-to-endpoint changes in LiSat-11 items were not significantly different between groups except for satisfaction with sexual life. Compared with men without ED, below normal baseline satisfaction with partner relationship and family life were normalised at endpoint. Over 90% of men reported improved erection and ability to engage in sexual activity. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were headache, myalgia, dyspepsia, flushing and back pain. One man discontinued because of myalgia; 630 (95%) completed the study. In conclusion, erectile distress levels vary among patients with ED and distress can affect intra-familiar aspects of life, which may have implications for clinical practise. However, distress does not appear to hinder improvement in both mechanical and psychosocial outcomes of tadalafil treatment.

Sexual function and satisfaction in men after laser treatment for penile carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We evaluate sexual function, sexual satisfaction and cosmetic results after laser treatment of penile carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 67 patients were treated at our clinic for penile cancer using combined carbon dioxide and neodymium:YAG lasers from 1986 to 2000. At the time of this study 58 men, with a mean age of 64 years were alive, of whom 46 (79%) agreed to participate in a structured face-to-face interview addressing sexual function, sexual satisfaction and cosmetic results. The length of time that had elapsed since treatment ranged from 6 months to 15 years (median 3 years). RESULTS: Of 40 patients (87%) who had been sexually active before treatment 30 (75%) had resumed activities at the time of the interview. Unaltered erectile function after treatment was reported by 33 patients (72%), 10 patients (22%) reported decreased function and 3 (6%) reported improved function. Of the 46 patients 23 (50%) were satisfied/very satisfied with their sexual life. After treatment only 3 of 30 (10%) of the evaluable men had dyspareunia. The cosmetic results were considered satisfying/very satisfying by 36 (78%) men. CONCLUSIONS: Laser treatment of localized penile carcinoma preserves the penis and generally provides satisfactory sexual function and cosmetic results.

On categorization and quantification of women's sexual dysfunctions: an epidemiological approach.

The objectives of this study are to compare the two definitions of female sexual dysfunction, namely dysfunction per se (A category) and personal distress caused by dysfunction (B category), and to gauge their associations with some sociodemographic aspects and level of sexual well-being. The subjects were a nationally representative sample of sexually active Swedish women (n: 1056) aged 18-65 y, who participated in a combined structured interview/questionnaire investigation. The functions analysed were: self-reported sexual desire, interest, lubrication, orgasm, genital pain and vaginism, which were subclassified for the A and B categories into no, mild (sporadically occurring) and manifest dysfunction. Sexual well-being was reported along a six-grade scale ranging from very satisfied to very dissatisfied. The sociodemographic items registered were: education, occupation, financial situation, social group, immigrant status, location of domicile and church-going. Aggregated mild and manifest dysfunction per se of sexual interest, orgasm and vaginal lubrication were reported by about 60-90%. More than one-third had dyspareunia, but few reported vaginism. Mild dysfunctions were clearly more common than manifest dysfunctions. Not fully 45% of those with manifest low interest and orgasm perceived these dysfunctions as manifestly distressing, while in 60-70% lubricational insufficiency of dyspareunia led to manifest distress. Age and the included sociodemographic variables had marginal or no influence on sexual functions. A four-factor sexual function pattern was identified, closely linking A and B categories in a pairwise manner. Three factors, labelled sexual desire, orgasm and genital function were powerful classifiers (discriminant analysis) of level of sexual well-being. Hence, it is a matter of taste whether to use the A or the B category. Together, they can explain the gross level of satisfaction with sexual life to an adequate extent.

Definitions of women's sexual dysfunction reconsidered: advocating expansion and revision.

In light of various shortcomings of the traditional nosology of women's sexual disorders for both clinical practice and research, an international multi-disciplinary group has reviewed the evidence for traditional assumptions about women's sexual response. It is apparent that fullfilment of sexual desire is an uncommon reason/incentive for sexual activity for many women and, in fact, sexual desire is frequently experienced only after sexual stimuli have elicited subjective sexual arousal. The latter is often poorly correlated with genital vasocongestion. Complaints of lack of subjective arousal despite apparently normal genital vasocongestion are common. Based on the review of existing evidence-based research, many modifications to the definitions of women's sexual dysfunctions are recommended. There is a new definition of sexual interest/desire disorder, sexual arousal disorders are separated into genital and subjective subtypes and the recently recognized condition of persistent sexual arousal is included. The definition of dyspareunia reflects the possibility of the pain precluding intercourse. The anticipation and fear of pain characteristic of vaginismus is noted while the assumed muscular spasm is omitted given the lack of evidence. Finally, a recommendation is made that all diagnoses be accompanied by descriptors relating to associated contextual factors and to the degree of distress.

Sexual disabilities are not singularities.

This report is based on a survey (performed 1996) of sex life in a nationally representative sample of Swedish women (n=1335) and men (n=1475) aged 18-74 y. From that survey we have previously reported on prevalence of sexual disabilities and problems caused by them (1). The main object of this article is to describe intra- and inter-gender concurrence of sexual disabilities and problems in sexually active subjects. Furthermore, the relative risk of low level of sexual well-being as predicted by sexual disabilities and distress is addressed. Respondents (59% of target sample) participated in an investigation which combined structured interviews with questionnaires/checklists. Main results are that within and across genders sexual disabilities concur to significant degrees. Of the women 48 and 26% reported at least one own and partner sexual disability or distress caused by them, respectively. For the men the corresponding proportions were 26 and 17%, respectively. Odds ratios showed that for the women low sexual interest, difficulties in obtaining orgasm and partner's early ejaculation were significant predictors of low level of sexual well-being. For the men low level of interest and partner's difficulties in obtaining orgasm were the only, but equally powerful, predictors. It is concluded that in clinical practice and for those who have a partner, sexual disabilities and distress caused by them should be regarded from the partner relationship perspective.

Areas of concern, quality of life and life satisfaction in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

OBJECTIVES: to explore the ways in which peripheral vascular disease subjectively affect patients and to relate these findings to validated measurements of quality of life (QOL) and life satisfaction. DESIGN: a cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: eighty patients, with carotid artery stenosis (CAS), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), intermittent claudication (IC) or critical limb ischaemia (CLI). METHODS: semi-structured interviews were used to explore the effect of the disease on the patients life situation. QOL was assessed by SF-36 and life satisfaction by LiSat-11. RESULTS: the SF36, LiSat-11 and our interview revealed two principal patterns: one for patients with CAS and AAA, and one for patients with IC and CLI. The interview revealed important areas affecting the vascular patient. Some of these areas: higher intellectual function, concern, sexual function, family concern and factors related to the operated areas were not covered by either the SF36 or the LiSat-11. CONCLUSIONS: for a full understanding of how peripheral vascular disease affects the individual, disease specific questions need to be added to generic QOL instruments and measurements of life satisfaction.

Impact of erectile dysfunction on quality of life: patient and partner perspectives.

Quality of life (QoL) has become one of the important parameters in the evaluation of treatment and assessment of medical conditions, and it may be an important tool in determining the urgency of the need for therapeutic intervention for erectile dysfunction (ED). It is important to evaluate QoL of the couple, because men and women alike will suffer because of male erectile disability. Future drug trials, as well as studies of sexological intervention programs, should involve both partners. International Journal of Impotence Research (2000) 12, Suppl 4, S144-S146.

On life satisfaction in male erectile dysfunction.

A consecutive series of 413 impotent men and 109 References rated their satisfaction with life as a whole and with seven different domains of life along a six graded scale ranging from very satisfied to very dissatisfied. In a subsample of impotent men treated with PGE1 these self-ratings were repeated applying the concept that dissatisfaction reflects an aspirations/achievement gap and successful treatment leads not only to increased sexual well-being but also to increased satisfaction with life as a whole. Regardless of the etiology of impotence pre-treatment level of sexual satisfaction was very low. In assumedly psychogenically impotent men levels of satisfaction with life as a whole, partnership and family life were also low. Using factor analytic technique satisfaction with sexual life was found to be a powerful predictor for satisfaction with life as a whole. In successfully PGE1-treated men pre-treatment decreased levels of satisfaction were significantly increased and generally normalization occurred.

Some sexological characteristics of stress incontinent women.

Forty-four women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were interviewed in order to investigate sexual activities, sexual function and satisfaction one month before and one year after either one of two possible surgical interventions. The findings were related to sexual response cycle, size of urinary leakage, duration of incontinence and depression. There was no significant difference in sexual activity before and after surgery. One or two sexual dysfunctions within the desire, excitement, orgasmic and resolution phases were reported by the majority both before and after intervention independently of surgical method. Neither the magnitude of the leakage nor the duration of SUI influenced the sexual experiences significantly while continence after surgery promoted sexual desire. The discrepances between the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and the relatively high level of sexual satisfaction as well as the non-influencing parameters indicate the complexity of human sexuality.

Self-reported prevalence of disability after subarachnoid haemorrhage, with special emphasis on return to leisure and work.

The prevalences of motor and language impairments and of disabilities in activities of daily living (ADL), leisure and work were investigated in a consecutive series (n = 296) of long-term survivors of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Motor and language impairments were present in 17 and 20%, respectively. The majority reported independence in self-care (91%) and instrumental (80%) ADL, but among the self-care independent, 23% reported need of personal assistance. Leisure disability occurred in 48% and vocational disability in 40%. Hence, disabilities are more common after SAH than is indicated by occurrences of motor and language impairments. It is concluded that the discrepancy between the prevalences of impairments and of disabilities may be to a great extent caused by coping difficulties in relation to socio-demographic and geographic circumstances. The findings indicate a need for rehabilitative follow-up for virtually all SAH-patients.

Traumatic brain injury crisis intervention and family therapy--management and outcome. Brain Injury Treatment and Research Group.

This article presents a model for crisis intervention and family therapy after traumatic brain injury. Our program, firmly rooted in object-relations theory and transactional analysis, included patients and family members (significant others) living within 100 miles from the University Hospital of Umeå. The effects of the interventions were gauged at one and two years after the trauma are presented in terms of agreement/disagreement between the patient and the significant other concerning inter- and intrapersonal relationships as well as through a short case presentation. As a conclusion of our study a point is made to expand the scope of intervention to include also other segments of the social network of the patient.

Vocational rehabilitation in northern Sweden. III. Aspects of life satisfaction.

Levels of global (1 item) and domain-specific (8 items) life satisfaction were explored at the commencement of vocational rehabilitation and two years later in a consecutive series of subjects who were partly or completely vocationally disabled with a diagnosis of bodily impairment. At the onset of vocational rehabilitation, global life satisfaction (satisfaction with life as a whole) and satisfaction derived from performance- and provider-related (instrumental) domains of life were significantly lower than satisfaction derived from socio-emotional (expressive) facets of life. The eight domain-specific items of life satisfaction described a characteristic three-factor pattern (76% of variance) which resembled quite closely that of non-impaired subjects, one factor being expressive. The other two factors were instrumental and separated recreative from vocational domains of satisfaction. Successful vocational rehabilitation resulted in increases in vocational satisfaction. For those subjects who were successfully rehabilitated, satisfaction with other instrumental aspects of life and with life as a whole also increased. The results indicate that successful vocational rehabilitation leads to increased social well-being.

Sexual problems in women with urinary incontinence. A retrospective study of medical records.

The medical records of a consecutive series of 421 women diagnosed at a Department of Gynaecology as having urinary incontinence were surveyed (in retrospect) in order to analyse how frequently sexual complaints had been registered. After exclusion for age above 60 years and for concomitant chronic somatic or psychiatric disease, the charts of 193 women remained. Sexual problems had been registered in 28 (15%) of these. The complaints were dyspareunia, and in two cases decreased sexual desire. In this sample no significant associations between sexual complaints and type/treatment of incontinence, age or number of deliveries were found. As gauged by the available literature these patients have revealed--or have been noted to have--less sexual problems than somatically and psychiatrically healthy females have in the general population.

A program for crisis-intervention after traumatic brain injury.

A model for crisis-intervention and family therapy is presented. Each patient admitted to the neurosurgical wards with a diagnosis of acute cerebral contusion is contacted by one member of the psychotherapeutic team within 10 days. When the patient is psychotherapeutically approachable, he is offered crisis-intervening therapy followed by family therapy when considered appropriate. The effect of the crisis-intervention is gauged one and two years after the trauma. At the same time the treated and non-treated patients' psycho-social functioning is investigated. The preliminary results suggest that patients who participated in the program achieved an overall better adjustment to life after the traumatic brain injury than did those without psychotherapy.

The coping process after traumatic brain injury.

Based on the concept that health means ability to experience satisfaction of life, a paradigm for rehabilitation medicine is proposed: The primary task of rehabilitation after brain injury is to restore function and to turn residual disability to ability as much as possible. For this purpose we want to emphasize the necessity to identify the functions and dysfunctions which determine the coping process. Such analysis enables the team members to provide adequate support for the patients' reorientation towards new vital goals.