Effect of sexual diary keeping and self-evaluation on female sexual function and depression: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the trial was to assess the effect of self-evaluation and sexual diary keeping on female sexual function and depressive symptoms in women diagnosed with sexual dysfunction. METHODS: A single-arm non-randomised trial included 30 women (53 ± 7 years of age) with female sexual dysfunction (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] < 27) and a stable partnership duration of 5-40 years. Female sexual function was assessed by sexual, psychological and gynaecological history taking and validated questionnaires including the FSFI, Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS), before and after 4 weeks of sexual diary keeping. RESULTS: A subjective improvement in communication of sexual problems was reported by 60% of participants; no participants reported any worsening of communication. FSFI and FSDS scores were, respectively, 18.0 ± 7.7 and 22.0 ± 10.0 at baseline and 20.2 ± 7.2 and 20.6 ± 11.5 after 4 weeks. HDS score decreased from 6.0 ± 4.0 at baseline to 4.4 ± 2.7 after 4 weeks (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Self-evaluation and sexual diary keeping may improve aspects of sexual life, such as couple communication, without a direct effect on variables measured with validated questionnaires on different domains of sexual function.

Men's sexual response to female partner's intranasal oxytocin administration for hypoactive sexual desire disorder: an open prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To study sexual function, quality of life, and depression in men, whose female partners are undergoing double-blind placebo-controlled randomized treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). DESIGN: Open prospective cohort study of 22 weeks. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Male partners of 30 premenopausal and postmenopausal women with HSDD. INTERVENTION(S): Baseline, 3-month, and 5-month assessment (for 8 weeks each) of male response to female partner's use of oxytocin nasal spray (32 IE) and placebo within 50 minutes before sexual intercourse. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Primary outcome parameters were Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire-Male, Sexual Activity Record, Partner Performance Questionnaire, and Hamilton Depression Scale. RESULT(S): Male Sexual Life Quality questionnaire improved significantly from -7.4 ± 9.9 at baseline to 8.2 ± 12 with female partners' treatment with oxytocin nasal spray and to 10.8 ± 13.8 with placebo. Frequency of intercourse improved slightly but not significantly from 6.3 ± 3.9 at baseline to 7.3 ± 4 with female oxytocin therapy, but not with placebo. Male desire and arousal remained stable throughout the study period. Evaluation of female partners' performance by men improved significantly from 8.9 ± 2.8 at baseline to 10.6 ± 2.2 with oxytocin and to 11.2 ± 2.6 with placebo. CONCLUSION(S): Female treatment with either oxytocin or placebo for HSDD significantly improves male sexual quality of life and evaluation of female partner's sexual performance with no difference between oxytocin and placebo on any outcome parameters. A nonsignificant improvement was seen in the frequency of intercourse, male arousal, desire, satisfaction, and Hamilton depression scale. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02229721.