Biopsychosocial factors are associated with impaired sexual function in Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease with worldwide representation that impacts every domain of a patient´s life, extending to sexual and reproductive domains. The study characterized sexual health (SH) and reproductive health (RH) in Mexican RA outpatients and identified factors associated with impaired sexual function (ISF). METHODS: From September 1, 2020-January 31, 2022, consecutive RA participants had semi-structured interviews focusing on their SH and RH biographies, and self-administered questionnaires were applied to assess patient-reported outcomes, including fatigue with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale (FACIT-F). ISF was defined based on published cut-offs of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in males and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in females (≥1 sexual intercourse in the last four weeks was required for index scoring). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with ISF. RESULTS: There were 268 participants, and 246 (91.8%) were females. Participants had 13 years of disease duration. Among females, 151 (61.4%) had FSFI applied, and the satisfaction domain was impaired in 111 (73.5%). Among males (N = 22), 17 (77.3%) had IIEF applied, and erectile dysfunction was present in 5 (29.4%). Almost half of the participants denied using a family planning method, were in their 50s, and receiving teratogenic drugs; 89.7% of the participants had children. ISF was detected in 94 (62.3%) females and 3 (17.6%) males. Male sex (aOR: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.01-0.36, p = 0.001), FACIT-F score (aOR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.92-1.00, p = 0.03), and cohabitation with the couple (aOR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.11-0.96, p = 0.04) were associated with ISF. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a disproportionate burden of ISF among women with RA compared to male participants. Male sex, lesser fatigue, and cohabitation with the couple were protective against ISF. Regardless of the prevalent use of teratogenic medications, contraceptive use was suboptimal among the participants.

Sexual abuse and dysfunction in people with addiction problems and the general population. A descriptive study.

The fact of having suffered Childhood Sexual Abuse (ASI) is considered a risk factor for the subsequent development of sexual dysfunctions, these being more frequent among women than among men. The objective of this work is to analyze the different sexual dysfunctions in people who have suffered ASI, with addiction problems and in the general population. The sample is made up of 426 participants (241 men and 185 women). A retrospective ex post facto study has been carried out using a sociodemographic data questionnaire (ad hoc) and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). For data analysis, the Kolomogorov-Smirnov and Mann Whitney U tests were performed. The Mann-Whitney U test has been carried out to verify if there are significant differences between the people who present sexual dysfunction, between the groups that have suffered sexual abuse and have addiction problems, and the group that has not suffered sexual abuse and have addiction problems. The results indicate that the variables in which significant differences are found are the following: Dissatisfaction (p = 0.013), Avoidance (p < 0.001), No sensuality (p = 0.008), Vaginismus (p < 0.001), Anorgasmia (p < 0.001), erectile dysfunction (p = 0.045), and premature ejaculation (p = 0.007). The average scores that have been obtained among people who have addiction problems, without having suffered ASI in comparison with those who have suffered it, are the following: Dissatisfaction (5.09 vs. 6.41), Avoidance (2.03 vs. 2.22), No Sensuality (2.96 vs. 4.50), Vaginismus (0.88 vs. 2.94), Anorgasmia (0.97 vs. 3.78), Erectile Dysfunction (2.41 vs. 1.69), Premature Ejaculation (3.60 vs. 2.22). People who have suffered ASI present, with a greater probability, sexual dysfunctions than those who have not suffered it.

An analytic cross-sectional study of Somali women on the sexual and psychosocial status during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is associated with physical, psychological, hormonal, and social alterations that may lead to detrimental effects on sexual function and psychological well-being. This study sought to examine sexual function and psychosocial well-being of pregnant women in Somalia in comparison with their non-pregnant counterparts. METHODS: We enrolled 487 consecutive women in monogamous marriages. Data included maternal age, gravida, parity, gestational week, education status of wives and husbands, and residence area. The participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18). RESULTS: Of 487 women, 241 were pregnant, and 246 were non-pregnant. The overall incidence of sexual dysfunction was 57.7%, being 64.0% for pregnant and 51.6% for non-pregnant women (p = 0.010). Pregnant women exhibited significantly lower FSFI scores on desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, and significantly higher total BSI, anxiety, depression and somatization scores. The frequencies of sexual dysfunction were 57.9%, 45.9%, and 78.9% during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively (p = 0.0001). As compared with the first and second trimesters, and non-pregnancy, the third trimester of pregnancy was associated with a significantly lower total FSFI score and significantly decreased levels of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, as well as a significantly higher total BSI score and a significantly increased level of anxiety. In regression analysis, pregnancy was inversely associated with sexual function parameters of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm, and with BSI parameters of depression, anxiety and somatization. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that pregnant women experience considerable sexual and psychosocial deterioration as compared with their non-pregnant counterparts.

Sexual dysfunction among people with mental illness in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is the most frequent health problem among psychiatric patients. This could be the result of both the nature of the illness itself and the side effects of prescribed psychotropic medications. It also significantly affects an individual's general well-being, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and treatment outcomes. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the combined prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its correlated factors among people with mental illness. METHODS: We retrieved eligible primary studies using various search databases like PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, African Journal Online, Google Scholar, and Psychiatry Online. The report of this systematic review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We used standardized data extraction checklists and STATA version 14 for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The I-squared statistics test was used to check statistical heterogeneity within the included articles. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and the Egger test. To estimate the overall prevalence and correlated factors of sexual dysfunction, a random effects model meta-analysis was employed. RESULTS: In this meta-analysis, a total of 15 primary studies with 2849 psychiatric patients were included. The overall pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction among psychiatric patients in Africa was 58.42% (95% CI: 49.55, 67.28). Having older age (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.87), longer duration of illness (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.14, 5.93), history of relapse (OR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.47, 8.43), poor quality of life (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.15, 7.05), and antipsychotic medications (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.86) were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis revealed that approximately two-thirds of psychiatric patients in Africa are affected by sexual dysfunction. Therefore, the findings of this study recommend that when evaluating psychiatric patients, health professionals should focus more on sexual dysfunction. It is also essential to promote awareness and incorporate sexual health assessment and intervention into mental health services to reduce the overall burden of the problem.

Sexual health in transgender and gender diverse people.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sexual health and sexual function are critical to the wellbeing of cisgender, transgender, and gender diverse populations. To date, there has been only limited patient-focused evaluation of sexual function in transgender and gender diverse patients at several stages in their gender-affirming medical care. There remains a need to better understand the impact of gender affirming medical and surgical therapy on sexual health, and to develop evidence-based treatments to address sexual dysfunction when present. RECENT FINDINGS: The impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on sexual health is complex and evolves over time on treatment. Despite high incidences of complications, major genital gender-affirming surgeries such as vulvovaginoplasty and penile implant placement after phalloplasty yield high patient satisfaction. While treatments to preserve or restore erections and to improve vaginal lubrication have been trialed based upon literature in cisgender populations, there remains minimal evidence to guide medical treatment of sexual dysfunction ranging from erectile dysfunction to dyspareunia. SUMMARY: There is a continued need for ongoing efforts to develop patient-reported outcome measures and rigorous investigation of sexual health preservation and restoration treatments in transgender and gender diverse populations.

The prevalence and severity of vasomotor and sexual symptoms among refugee women in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to document the prevalence and severity of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and sexual symptoms among refugee women in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included refugee women, aged 18-63 years, recruited from community centers and social media between February and July 2023. The Menopause-specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire measured VMS and sexual symptoms. The scores were compared between different menopausal states. RESULTS: Of 333 participants, 62.8% were premenopausal, 8.0% perimenopausal and 29.2% postmenopausal, with a median age of 40 years (range 18-63 years). Moderate-severe VMS was most prevalent amongst perimenopausal (20.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9-41.4%) versus postmenopausal (9.5%; 95% CI: 5.0-17.3%) and premenopausal (0%) women. Moderate-severe sexual symptoms affected 15.8% (95% CI: 5.2-39.3%) of perimenopausal and 16.9% (95% CI: 10.4-26.1%) of postmenopausal women versus 1.4% (95% CI: 0.3-5.3%) of premenopausal women. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had higher VMS and sexual symptom scores than premenopausal women (both p < 0.0001); the scores were also higher in perimenopausal women than postmenopausal women (p = 0.016 and p = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSION: While perimenopausal and postmenopausal VMS and sexual symptoms are not uncommon amongst refugee women, these symptoms were less prevalent in postmenopausal refugees than in the non-refugee population. Further research is warranted to confirm and expand on these findings.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome elevates the distress of sexual pain in Iranian women with infertility.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction may lead to sexual distress in women with infertility, while polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may escalate this distress. This study aimed to investigate the role of PCOS in the relationship between sexual dysfunction and sexual distress in Iranian women with infertility. METHODS: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and Depression and Anxiety modules of the DASS-21 were cross-sectionally investigated in 190 women with infertility (103 women with PCOS and 87 women without PCOS). RESULTS: There were negative correlations between sexual function domains and sexual distress (P < .001) in the total sample. Moderation analysis revealed that higher levels of impaired desire, arousal, and pain elevated sexual distress in the PCOS group. After adjusting for depression and anxiety, only the association between sexual pain and sexual distress was moderated by PCOS condition (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that impaired sexual function is associated with increased levels of sexual distress in infertile female patients. Importantly, comorbid PCOS renders patients susceptible to sexual distress where sexual pain is increased. Further research may shed light on the physiological, psychological, and relational aspects of sexual pain and associated distress in infertile female patients with comorbid PCOS.

Female sexual function in long-term cervical cancer survivors compared with healthy women and women affected by benign gynecological disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the female sexual function between cervical cancer survivors and healthy women or with benign gynecological diseases. STUDY DESIGN: From January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2019, a case-control study was conducted to compare the female sexual function of 106 cervical cancer survivors from a tertiary hospital and 185 women admitted to a gynecological outpatient clinic from the same health area for a routine gynecological examination (n=46) or for a benign gynecological disorder (symptomatic, n=113; asymptomatic, n=26). We prospectively assessed the female sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). For the contrastive analysis hypothesis, we employed R statistical software. RESULTS: Cervical cancer survivors reported lower sexual activity rates than controls, in general, did (47.12% vs. 88.65%, p=0.0001), and, particularly, compared with healthy and symptomatic controls (47.12% vs. 82.61%, p=0.003; 47.12% vs. 87.61%, p=0.0001, respectively). Sixty and fifty-eight hundredths percent of the cervical cancer survivors experienced female sexual dysfunction, mainly due to hypoactive sexual desire (93.27%). Female sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 64.32% of the controls, with sexual arousal disorders being the most common diagnosis (44.86%). Compared with controls, cervical cancer survivors exhibited considerably lower FSFI total scores and in sexual desire and lubrication domains (p <0.000; p <0.0001; p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer survivors had worse female sexual function and less sexual activity than controls did, although scores in both groups were in range of FSD. Rates of female sexual dysfunction were similar across cervical cancer survivors and controls, with hypoactive sexual desire and sexual arousal disorders as the most common diagnoses, respectively.

Asking women with diabetes about sexual problems: An exploratory study of NHS professionals' attitudes and practice: A survey of healthcare professionals regarding communication and silences about sexual problems during the routine care of women with diabetes.

AIMS: To explore UK healthcare professionals' practice and attitudes towards asking women with diabetes about sexual health problems, including symptoms of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). METHODS: An online questionnaire to address the study aims was developed, piloted by ten healthcare professionals (HCPs) and completed by 111 eligible HCPs, recruited via professional networks and social media. Free text data were analysed and reported thematically. Two questions were analysed to test the hypothesis of differences between men's and women's responses. RESULTS: The majority of respondents did not ask women with diabetes about sexual problems. Multiple barriers to inquiry were reported, including inadequate training, time constraints, competing priorities, the perceived likelihood that questions will cause surprise or distress (especially for certain groups of women), the belief that sexual problems are to be expected as women age, and the belief that FSD is complex or untreatable, with unclear management pathways. Exploratory findings indicated significant differences in men and women's responses (men disagreed more strongly with prioritisation, and fewer reported routine inquiry about sexual problems in their usual practice). CONCLUSIONS: HCPs reported not asking women with diabetes about sexual problems during routine care. They described multiple factors reinforcing the silence about sexual health, including inadequate education and perceived social risk for individual HCPs who deviate from the patterns of topics usually discussed in diabetes consultations.

Let's talk about sex! Why should healthcare professionals address sexual distress in breast cancer patients and survivors?

PURPOSE: Sexual distress impacts the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer patients but is often overlooked in standard care pathways. This study evaluated the prevalence and factors of sexual distress among Dutch breast cancer patients, compared them to the general population, and explored how sexual distress is discussed in clinical settings from the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). METHODS: Questionnaires containing the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and demographic variables were distributed to women with breast cancer. The effect of breast cancer on sexual distress was assessed with a Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze variables associated with FSDS. The Sexuality Attitudes and Beliefs Survey (SABS) was sent to HCPs. RESULTS: Breast cancer patients reported significantly higher sexual distress compared to a Dutch non-breast cancer cohort, respectively 16.38 (SD 11.81) and 23.35 (SD 11.39). Factors associated with higher sexual distress were psychological comorbidities, the body image scale, and being diagnosed >10 years ago. Sexual distress was not discussed as often as patients needed. Barriers to addressing sexual distress were time constraints, HCPs' confidence in their ability to address sexual distress, and uncertainty about who is responsible for initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer patients showed significantly higher sexual distress compared to the Dutch population. However, it was not frequently addressed in the consultation room. While some barriers have been identified, this study highlights the importance of further exploring obstacles to integrating discussions about sexual distress into routine care to improve QoL of breast cancer patients.

The Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Sexual Function and Reproductive Desires in Women.

Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent skin condition that affects up to 17% of adult population. It can lead to itching, pain, and other symptoms such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression. Due to its high prevalence and limiting symptoms, atopic dermatitis often has a great impact on patients' quality of life but there is scarce information regarding how atopic dermatitis affects women's sexual health and reproductive desires. The purpose of this article was to assess the impact of atopic dermatitis on sexual function and reproductive wishes in women. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2022. A total of 102 women with atopic dermatitis were recruited through online questionnaires sent through the Spanish Atopic Dermatitis Association; 68.6% of the patients acknowledged impairment in sexual function, especially those with more severe disease and those with genital and gluteal involvement. In addition, 51% of the women considered that atopic dermatitis may have an influence on their gestational desire, particularly those with gluteal involvement. In conclusion, atopic dermatitis has a great impact on sexual function and reproductive desires in women.

The association between female sexual function and metabolic features of the polycystic ovary syndrome in Turkish women of reproductive age.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between female sexual function and metabolic features among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during reproductive age. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study in which 288 women with PCOS and 180 women without PCOS between the ages of 20 and 40 years were evaluated. All women had serum total testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels analyzed. The McCoy Female Sexual Questionnaire (MFSQ) was applied to all studied women. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were done after data collection. The factor loadings of MFSQ domains were compared between women with PCOS and controls. RESULTS: Average factor loadings of the MFSQ sexuality domain and MFSQ sexual partner domain were significantly lower in the PCOS group when compared to controls. There was no correlation between the two sexual function domains of the MFSQ and the PCOS features either in the PCOS group or the controls. CONCLUSION: PCOS is a heterogeneous disease with different metabolic components, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperandrogenism. Although sexual function among women with PCOS was lower than controls, no differences were found in metabolic features of the PCOS and non-PCOS groups with relation to sexual function determined by the MFSQ.

The Association Between Atypical Masturbation and Male Sexual Dysfunction: A Study Based on Men in Heterosexual Relationships.

We aimed to establish the prevalence of atypical masturbation in the general population and explore the association between atypical masturbation and male sexual dysfunction in heterosexual males. Atypical masturbation refers to stimulation significantly distinct from that encountered during partnered sexual activity. We posted questionnaires that contained the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6) and the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool on social media in China. We collected 2743 valid questionnaires from December 9, 2020, to April 18, 2021. We found that the prevalence of atypical masturbation in the general population was 10.97%. Men with atypical masturbation had lower IIEF-6 scores and higher rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) than men with typical masturbation. The prevalence of premature ejaculation and estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time were not significantly different among men with different patterns of masturbation. Our study demonstrated that atypical masturbation is associated with ED, and a clinician dealing with sexual issues should inquire more fully about masturbation patterns than has been done to date.

Metabolic acidosis and sexual dysfunction in chronic kidney disease in predialysis group: Cross-sectional study from a single center.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sexual disorders in stage 2 - 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) during predialysis and its relationship with laboratory parameters. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included 110 predialysis patients and 110 healthy controls admitted to clinics. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used. Sexual dysfunction was detected in 76% of female patients and 31.4% of the control group, and the FSFI total and subscale scores of the patients were significantly lower than those of the control group. The frequency of erectile dysfunction in male patients and controls was 56.7% and 33.3%, respectively. The erectile function, sexual satisfaction, and overall satisfaction scores on the IIEF scale were significantly lower than those in the control group. Low glomerular filtration rate, high calcium levels, increased C-reactive protein, anemia, and metabolic acidosis in male and female patients, and testosterone deficiency in male patients were associated with sexual dysfunction. In multiple regression analysis, eGFR was the only independent variable associated with sexual dysfunction. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin levels increased as the disease progressed in men and women with sexual dysfunction, while testosterone levels decreased in male patients. Low testosterone levels were related to erectile dysfunction. The increase in parathormone and prolactin levels was related to loss of libido in the male and female patient groups. CONCLUSION: Metabolic acidosis and low eGFR appear to be the most important risk factors contributing to sexual disorders in patients with CKD.

Patient reported long-term side effects from treatment on urinary and sexual function in anal cancer survivors - 3- and 6-year results from the Swedish national ANCA study.

AIM: The standard treatment for anal cancer is chemoradiotherapy. Most patients survive anal cancer but remain living with long-term side effects related to the treatment received. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of long-term impairment of urinary and sexual function at 3 and 6 years after diagnosis and to investigate the additive effect from chemotherapy in combined chemoradiotherapy on urinary incontinence, compared to radiotherapy alone. METHOD: The ANal CAncer study (ANCA) is based on a national Swedish cohort of patients diagnosed with anal cancer between 2011 and 2013. All identified patients within the study were invited to respond to a study-specific questionnaire at 3 and 6 years. Descriptive analyses for the primary endpoint were performed. To investigate a possible additional effect from chemotherapy logistic regression was used. RESULTS: A total of 388 patients were included in the study. At 3 years 264 patients were alive and invited to respond to an anal cancer specific questionnaire. The 3- and 6 year response rates were 195 (74%) and 155 patients (67%), respectively. The patient reported urinary function impairment at 3 years were urgency (63%), incomplete bladder emptying (47%), and incontinence (46%) and there was an absolute increase of the prevalence of urinary dysfunction in about 10% at 6 years. Three years after diagnosis, 77% reported that intercourse was not part of their sex life; this percentage increased at 6 years to 83%. We found no negative effect of chemotherapy in combined chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone on patient reported urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: For anal cancer survivors, urinary function was impaired after 3 years and continued to deteriorate as measured at 6 years after diagnosis. Anal cancer and its treatment negatively affected sexual function for both men and women. This may explain why patients reported that sexual activity and frequency of intercourse was not of importance in their life.

Managing sexual health challenges in breast cancer survivors: A comprehensive review.

The significant advancements in breast cancer management have led to an increase in the prevalence of breast cancer survivors. Despite their efficacy, these treatments can cause a variable range of side effects, significantly deteriorating the patients' quality of life. Sexual dysfunction, and in particular the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, represent one of the major causes of quality-of-life impairment among breast cancer patients, potentially affecting treatment adherence and compliance. If in the general population, hypoestrogenism-related symptoms are typically managed through systemic or topical estrogen administration, this approach is contraindicated in breast cancer patients for the potential increased risk of disease recurrence, urging the investigation of alternative measures. The aim of this review is to summarize the most up-to-date pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, as well as supportive measures, available for the management of sexual dysfunctions in breast cancer patients and survivors.

Sexual health in adult survivors of childhood cancer: A Project REACH study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is a significant complication of treatment for many adult-onset cancers. However, comparatively less is known about sexual dysfunction in adult childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Research has been limited by the exclusion of specific cancers (e.g., central nervous system [CNS] tumors) and the lack of validated measures, which makes it difficult to understand the nature and prevalence of sexual dysfunction in CCSs. METHODS: A total of 249 adult CCSs (aged 18-65 years) enrolled in Project REACH, a prospective cohort study, and completed measures of physical and mental health, including sexual dysfunction. Participants scoring ≤19 on the Female Sexual Function Index 6 or ≤21 on the International Index of Erectile Function 5 were classified as experiencing sexual dysfunction. Analyses examined the relationships between sexual dysfunction and demographic, disease, treatment, and health variables. RESULTS: A total of 78 participants (32%) experienced clinically significant sexual dysfunction. In univariate analysis, sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with CNS tumor diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.56) and surgery (OR, 1.96) as well as with health variables such as fatigue (OR, 3.00), poor sleep (OR, 2.84), pain (OR, 2.04), depression (OR, 2.64), poor physical health (OR, 2.45), and poor mental health (OR, 2.21). Adjusted analyses found that CNS tumor diagnosis (p = .001) and health variables (p = .025) contribute significantly to sexual dysfunction in CCSs. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one third of adult CCSs report clinically significant sexual dysfunction, which underscores a significant screening and treatment need. However, because available measures were developed for survivors of adult cancers, research to create a sexual health measure specifically for adult CCSs is necessary to better identify the sexual health concerns of this vulnerable population.

Uncovering the link between inflammatory rheumatic diseases and male reproductive health: a perspective on male infertility and sexual dysfunction.

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) refer to a range of persistent disorders that have a major influence on several physiological systems. Although there is much evidence connecting IRDs to sexual dysfunction and fertility problems, research specifically focusing on male infertility in relation to these diseases is sparse. This review addresses the complicated connection between IRDs and male infertility, emphasising the physiological, psychological, and pharmacological aspects that influence reproductive health outcomes in men with rheumatic conditions. We explore the effects of IRDs and their treatments on many facets of male reproductive well-being, encompassing sexual functionality, semen characteristics, and hormonal balance. Additionally, we present a comprehensive analysis of the present knowledge on the impact of several categories of anti-rheumatic drugs on male reproductive function. Although there is an increasing awareness of the need of addressing reproductive concerns in individuals IRDs, there is a noticeable lack of research especially dedicated to male infertility. Moving forward, more comprehensive research is needed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms driving reproductive difficulties in males with IRDs. We can better assist the reproductive health requirements of male IRD patients by expanding our understanding of male infertility in the setting of rheumatic disorders and implementing holistic methods to care.