Female orgasm, reproduction and couple relationships.

A deficit or problematic achievement of female orgasm is often classified as a sexual disorder that creates complications in the sex life of couples. This assumption is generally accepted, even though vaginal anorgasmia is an accepted statistical norm and non-coital methods of generating female orgasm are not as easy as they are for men. Female orgasms manifest themselves in different ways; they are variable and can be dependent on a number of variable factors. Some theories suggest a high degree of correlation between the capacity for orgasmic experience, sexual attitudes and behaviour, but also with reproductive potential or the stability of the given couple's relationship. Female orgasm is often seen as a discriminatory mechanism influencing attitudes towards sexuality or even as a kind of fertility catalyst. There is no consensus on the importance of female orgasm. The results of some relevant studies refute theories about the female orgasm's positive influence on adaptive functions of the couple's relationship, as well as its influence on fertility. The orgasm in women is most likely an evolutionary by-product of its male variant, since the clitoris and penis have an identical embryonic basis of development. Female anorgasmia should not be considered an unquestioned diagnosis, let alone a psychiatric construct leading to a paradigm in which anorgasmia is categorically the cause of frustration or other problems.

Current possibilities and risks of donating some tissues, cells, and organs from living donors.

Transfusion, transplantation, and regenerative medicine are rapidly developing fields. The authors of the text want to inform about upcoming legislative changes at the EU level and briefly describe and compare the difficulty of some donation procedures from the point of view of a living donor, as well as their risks, including psychosocial risks. The study is based on a qualitative expert investigation. Comparing the complexity of procedures from the perspective of donors is important, for example, for setting compensations. The tables show that the current compensations are disproportionate.

Histopathological examination of the ectocervical biopsy in non-transplanted uteri: A study contributing to the provisional scoring system of subclinical graft rejection after uterus transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Uterus transplantation is a causal treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. Assessing rejection signs using a histopathological examination of the ectocervical biopsy from the transplanted uterus is common practice in all human uterus transplants worldwide to date. A provisional scoring system was used for the histopathological assessment of subclinical rejection signs in uterus recipients. Here we hypothesized that histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in the normal uteri would differ from the borderline category of subclinical rejection in uterine transplants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included ectocervical biopsies of 54 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign reasons. All biopsy samples were assessed histopathologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Most of the ectocervical biopsies showed clustering lymphocytic infiltrates affecting the stromal-epithelial interface with the epithelial influx of lymphocytes, primarily CD45RO-positive activated T-cells with CD8 T-lymphocyte predominance. CD4-positive T-lymphocytes and B-cells were rarely detected in the ectocervix. These morphological findings and immunoprofiles of lymphocytic populations overlapped with the so-called borderline changes defined in the provisional scoring system for rejection in the transplanted uteri. The immunoprofiles of ectocervical and endocervical lymphocytic populations differed, with strikingly prominent B-cell participation in the endocervix vs the rare detection of B-cells in the ectocervix. CONCLUSIONS: The histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in the uteri of premenopausal women were similar to the borderline category of the currently used provisional scoring system of subclinical uterine rejection utilized in all uterine transplant studies. However, future similar studies are required to validate our findings.

Female ejaculation and squirting as similar but completely different phenomena: A narrative review of current research.

Women expel fluids of various quantities and compositions from the urethra during sexual arousal and orgasm. These are classified as either female ejaculation (FE) or squirting (SQ). The aim of our analysis was to present evidence that FE and SQ are similar but etiologically different phenomena. A review of studies was performed on fluids expelled from the urogenital tract during female sexual activities using the Web of Knowledge™ (Web of Science Core Collection) and MEDLINE (Ovid) databases from 1946 to 2021. Until 2011, all female orgasmic expulsions of fluids were referred to as FE. The fluid was known to be either from the paraurethral glands or as a result of coital incontinence. At present, SQ is considered as a transurethral expulsion of approximately 10 milliliters or more of transparent fluid, while FE is considered as a secretion of a few milliliters of thick fluid. The fluid in SQ is similar to urine and is expelled by the urinary bladder. The secretion in FE originates from the paraurethral glands and contains a high concentration of prostate-specific antigen. Both phenomena can occur simultaneously. The mechanisms underlying SQ and FE are entirely different. SQ is a massive transurethral orgasmic expulsion from the urinary bladder, while FE is the secretion of a very small amount of fluid from the paraurethral glands.

What has the new 11th revision of International Classification of Diseases classification brought in the categorization of female sexual dysfunctions?

In January 2022, the classification of female sexual dysfunctions under the new eleventh revision of International Classification of Diseases came into force. Its definitive integration into practice is expected after a 5-year transition period. The new nomenclature is based on a circular model of female sexual activity, eliminating the Cartesian-dualistic concept of separating individual pathophysiological entities with "non-organic" and "organic" etiology. Sexual dysfunctions are evaluated as a complex interaction of psychological, interpersonal, social, cultural, physiological, and by gender-related processes. The new 11th revision of International Classification of Diseases established clear criteria for symptomatology and duration of disorders according to duration, frequency, and exposure to distress. Female sexual dysfunctions may be diagnosed regardless of etiology. The system of qualifiers allows the identification of etiological factors related to health condition; psychological and mental disorders; use of psychoactive substances or medication; lack of knowledge or experience; relational, cultural or gender-related factors. This article summarizes the current situation in the classification of female sexual dysfunctions in a historical context and presents the modus operandi for clinical practice according to current classifications.

Early initiation of embryo transfers after uterus transplantation to shorten the administration of immunosuppressive therapy.

Uterus transplantation seems to be a promising method for the causal treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility in women with an absent or non-functional uterus. Since uterus transplantation is still experimental in nature, there are no strict guidelines regarding each step of this comprehensive treatment method. Prior to uterus transplantation, ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization are performed on the potential uterus recipient, and the obtained embryos are cryopreserved and stored for the transfers after transplantation when only non-fetotoxic maintenance immunosuppressants are administered. In the first human uterus transplantation study, the start of embryo transfers was set at 12 months after transplantation. Due to the growing experience, especially with early rejections after transplantation and the course of pregnancy, several ongoing studies have experimentally shortened the uterus transplant-to-embryo transfer interval to 6 months. Shortening the total time of immunosuppression administration after uterus transplantation is the main reason for early initiation of embryo transfers after transplantation. However, the safety of an interval of less than one year between uterine transplantation and the first post-transplant embryo transfer should be further studied.

Myomas in uterine rudiments in a patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case of a patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and a history of chronic pelvic pain due to myomas in the rudimentary uterine horns. The article highlights a rare origin of gynaecological pain. CASE REPORT: We present the case of 61-year-old woman with MRKH syndrome who has suffered from chronic abdominal pain for more than one year before surgery. Using magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography, a suspicion on the tumours of uterine myoma character in the rudimentary horns was suggested. It was confirmed by laparoscopy. Myomas were removed in the endobag and histopathologically confirmed. CONCLUSION: MRKH syndrome is a very rare disease. Approximately ten women are annually born with this congenital anomaly in the Czech Republic. While myoma incidence is extremely rare in this group of women, it must be taken into account in differential dia-gnosis and solved surgically in time.

Sexuality in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the quality of sexual life of women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) after neovagina creation using dilation and surgical techniques. METHODS: Literature search of articles published in the years 2000­2021 using the databases Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed by key words: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, neovagina, female sexuality and Female Sexual Function Index. We used a standardized international Female Sexual Function Index and other quantitative and qualitative parameters of sexual satisfaction to assess sexual function and overall satisfaction in women with neovagina. RESULTS: It is possible to develop functional neovagina in women with MRKHS by either conservative or surgical techniques. The choice of the method used depends on the experience and skill of the surgeon, on the technical possibilities and equipment of the department, and on the anatomical predispositions and preferences of the patient. Satisfaction with sexual life also depends on the psychosexual maturity and sexual demands of both partners as well as on regular vaginal rehabilitation and quality of long-term psychological support. The functional results of dilation and surgical methods are comparable according to objective criteria. They only differ in individual aspects which correspond to the overall personality traits as well as to the character and quality of cohabitation. CONCLUSION: Women with MRKHS are primarily handicapped by coital insufficiency and inability to reproduce naturally. Creating a neovagina technically allows them to realize satisfactory coitus, but in most cases, they are still frustrated by the primary problem of "physical indisposition" and complicated path to motherhood.

Current ethical aspects of absolute uterine factor infertility treatment using uterus transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: An analysis of ethical studies related to uterus transplantation in the treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility. METHODS: Literary research using the Web of Science, Google Scholar and Pubmed databases with the following keywords: absolute uterine factor infertility, ethics, deceased donor, living donor, and uterus transplantation. An analysis of articles published in impact and reviewed journals between 2000-2021. RESULTS: Uterus transplantation is a promising treatment method for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. In the experimental studies, an ultimate goal of this complex treatment was repeatedly achieved: childbirth through a caesarean section. An important milestone towards the application of uterus transplantation in human was the Montreal criteria of its ethical feasibility, published in 2012-2013. In 2012, the first uterus transplant study from a living donor started in Sweden and, in 2016, further studies were initiated worldwide. The first childbirth from the transplanted uterus in 2014 increased the interest of ethicists in various aspects of this experimental treatment, and this trend continues. Current ethical analyzes are focused particularly on the comparison of advantages and disadvantages related to the utilization of living and deceased donors of uterus; comparing ethical aspects of gestational surrogacy and uterus transplantation; uterus transplantation as an extremely radical form of assisted reproduction; its impact on adoptions; uterus transplantation in trans-gender women; the importance of establishing an international registry for uterus transplants; and other important ethical issues associated with this complex form of assisted reproduction. CONCLUSION: Uterus transplantation is still in an experimental stage. The ethical analysis of the individual steps of this comprehensive method in the treatment of female infertility should be carried out continuously, in connection with the gradually presented outcomes of ongoing scientific research studies.

Urinary tract morbidity after nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy in women with cervical cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) has been developed as a method of cervical cancer treatment to reduce surgical morbidity compared with radical abdominal hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to analyze the short- and long-term effects of NSRH on urinary tract function. METHODS: A study group of 117 patients underwent NSRH type C1 with pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer stages IB1-IB2 without adjuvant radiotherapy at our department. A total of 106 patients aged 21-74 years (mean age 44.8) were available for follow-up at 1 year after surgery. A transurethral catheter was left in place for 48 h after surgery, and the postvoid residual (PVR) volume was measured after its removal. One week before surgery and 12 months after NSRH, lower urinary tract function was evaluated by an urodynamic examination. RESULTS: Five days after surgery, the PVR volume was greater than 100 ml in 5 patients (4.7%) and a suprapubic catheter was inserted into these women for bladder training over the following days. Within 14 days after surgery, urination without PVR was achieved in all women who underwent surgery. Postoperatively, a slight increase in the average maximum bladder cystometric capacity was recorded from 420 to 445 ml (p value 0.009) without prolonging the voiding time. Other urodynamic parameters were not significantly different before and 12 months after NSRH. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, NSRH preserved voiding function and bladder sensation at 1 year and did not appear to compromise oncological outcome.

Lessons learned from the Czech uterus transplant trial related to surgical technique that may affect reproductive success.

Uterus transplantation is an experimental method in the treatment of infertility in women with congenital or acquired absence of uterus. The majority of uterus transplants worldwide have been performed in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, with neovagina and absent uterus. We report two aspects affecting reproductive success related to the surgical technique of transplantation. The first is the stenosis of vaginal-neovaginal anastomosis between the graft's vaginal rim and the recipient's neovagina. The second is a firm fixation of the uterus close to the pubic symphysis. Both these aspects contribute to the technical difficulty of embryo transfer to the transplanted uterus.

Revaluation and lessons learned from the first 9 cases of a Czech uterus transplantation trial: Four deceased donor and 5 living donor uterus transplantations.

Although uterus transplantation is still in the experimental stage, it has promising potential as a treatment for women with absolute uterine factor infertility based on the childbirths from living donor trials conducted in Sweden and the United States. We report the main characteristics and perioperative and postoperative courses of both recipients and donors following 4 deceased donor and 5 living donor uterus transplantations. Three main priorities differentiate this study from the previously reported uterus transplantations. First, clinical experience with the largest worldwide group of deceased donor uterine transplants is described. Second, in the majority of living donor uterine recipients, only 2 ovarian veins were used for venous blood outflow. All of these recipient procedures were surgically successful, and follow-up posttransplant ultrasound examinations revealed normal uterine blood supply and outflow. Third, in only one living and one deceased donor recipient, the transplanted uterus relied on only 2 uterine veins for venous outflow with a 50% surgical success rate. In all other recipients, 2 uterine and 2 ovarian veins were utilized. Although a successful pregnancy has not yet been achieved, the presented surgical and functional results of our trial are promising.

Clitoral Phimosis: Effects on Female Sexual Function and Surgical Treatment Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the optimal treatment for a severe form of clitoral phimosis (CP) that is initiated by lichen sclerosus (LS) and causes female sexual dysfunction. AIM: We aimed to determine the etiology of clitoral phimosis, its influence on sexual function, and outcomes after surgical treatment. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we observed the occurrence of clitoral phimosis and related changes in a group of 3,650 sexually active heterosexual women with a mean age of 34.8 ± 14.9 years (20-45 years) from September 2014 to September 2016. Ultimately, we compared the changes in sexual function and distress and satisfaction with postoperative genital appearance in 9 patients with severe clitoral phimosis at 12 months after surgical treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised and the Female Sexual Function Index, and the patient's genital self-image was evaluated using the Female Genital Self-Image Scale; gynecologic examinations were performed on all patients. RESULTS: Various forms of CP were found in 46 of 3,650 patients (1.3%). Severe forms of CP were found in 9 cases, but it was complicated by stenosis of vaginal introitus in only 2 cases. These 9 patients underwent circumcision, and 2 of them underwent perineoplasty. Female sexual dysfunction occurred mainly in those with LS and severe forms of phimosis. Sexual function, as indicated by the total Female Sexual Function Index score, was significantly improved at 12 months after surgery (17.9 ± 0.9 vs 26.6 ± 0.5; P < .001). The Female Genital Self-Image Scale score assessing genital perception was significantly higher after surgery than before in women who underwent clitoral circumcision (20 ± 3.0 vs 12.3 ± 3.3; P < .001). The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score was significantly lower after surgery than before (21.3 ± 6.2 vs 33.8 ± 6.9; P < .001). Sexual function in 2 women with CP and stenosis of vaginal introitus improved after surgery, but the sexual distress level did not decrease significantly. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study will help clinicians to centralize treatment methods and advise patients on the management of clitoral phimosis. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is a study evaluating postoperative results of sexual function, distress, and satisfaction with genitalia in women with severe CP, using validated questionnaires. However, the small number of patients and the absence of an appropriate control group are limitations. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of clitoral phimosis can improve sexual function, but because LS-a common underlying cause-is chronic in nature, patients may experience recurrence. Chmel R, M Novácková, Fait T, et al. Clitoral Phimosis: Effects on Female Sexual Function and Surgical Treatment Outcomes. J Sex Med 2019;16:257-266.

Clinical pregnancy after deceased donor uterus transplantation: Lessons learned and future perspectives.

AIM: To describe our first clinical pregnancy following a uterus transplant from a brain-dead donor and to discuss current issues with deceased donor uterus transplantation as they relate to obstetrical success. METHODS: In August 2016, a 26-year-old woman with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome was the fourth person worldwide to receive a uterine transplant from a deceased donor and was the second in our trial. in vitro fertilization treatments using the long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol preceded the transplantation procedure. Frozen embryo transfers were performed in months 12, 13, 16, 19 and 23 after transplant. RESULTS: Recovery of the uterus of a 24-year-old brain-dead nulliparous donor and the transplant procedure itself was uncomplicated. No abnormalities were revealed on Pap smears, which were performed every 6 months during the post-transplant period, and cervical biopsies showed no epithelial dysplasia. The fifth frozen embryo transfer resulted in a clinical pregnancy. Three weeks after embryo transfer, an intrauterine gestational sac containing an embryo with a heartbeat was detected. One week later, signs of a missed abortion were revealed by ultrasound. Two weeks later, spontaneous bleeding occurred, and an ultrasound examination performed a week later confirmed an empty uterine cavity. CONCLUSION: In light of present research, both deceased donor uterine procurement and transplantation surgeries are technically feasible; however, more experience is needed to determine the pregnancy success rate associated with this method. Thus, additional trials of deceased donor uterine transplantation should be performed in the future to continue research related to this promising concept for the treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility.

Differential diagnostics of female "sexual" fluids: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Women expel various kinds of fluids during sexual activities. These are manifestations of sexual arousal and orgasm or coital incontinence. This study is aimed at suggesting a diagnostic scheme to differentiate among these phenomena. METHODS: Web of Science and Ovid (MEDLINE) databases were systematically searched from 1950 to 2017 for articles on various fluid expulsion phenomena in women during sexual activities, which contain relevant information on sources and composition of the expelled fluids. RESULTS: An ultra-filtrate of blood plasma of variable quantity, which is composed of transvaginal transudate at sexual stimulation, enables vaginal lubrication. Female ejaculation (FE) is the secretion of a few milliliters of thick, milky fluid by the female prostate (Skene's glands) during orgasm, which contains prostate-specific antigen. Squirting (SQ) is defined as the orgasmic transurethral expulsion of tenths of milliliters of a form of urine containing various concentrations of urea, creatinine, and uric acid. FE and SQ are two phenomena with different mechanisms. Coital incontinence (CI) could be classified into penetration and orgasm forms, which could be associated with stress urinary incontinence or detrusor hyperactivity. CONCLUSION: Squirting, FE, and CI are different phenomena with various mechanisms and could be differentiated according to source, quantity, expulsion mechanism, and subjective feelings during sexual activities.

Trends in Sexual Behaviour in Czech Schoolchildren between 2002-2014.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report on trends in the prevalence in age at first intercourse of Czech schoolchildren and a difference between sexes. METHODS: Prevalence in age at first intercourse of Czech schoolchildren was observed under the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study in the years 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. In addition, a random representative sample of children attending 9th grade completed the questions related to sexual behaviour. A total of 4,804 boys and girls at the age of 15 years were included in the study. The chi-square test and analysis of variance were used for data assessment. RESULTS: Experience with first sexual intercourse before 15 years was confirmed by 16% of boys and 19.4% of girls. Average age of coitarche in both sexes most often ranged between 14 and 15 years. Since 2006 boys had significantly lower age at coitarche. Only in 2010 the girls had first intercourse more frequently than boys. Since 2010 the number of Czech adolescents of both sexes having first intercourse before the age of 15 years has significantly increased. However, a rise in average age of coitarche over 15 years in both sexes occurred in 2014. CONCLUSIONS: The number of Czech children having a sexual intercourse before 15 years has significantly increased since 2010.

[Possibility of uterus transplantation trial in Czech Republic - indications, research and clinical experience]. / Moznosti transplantace delohy v Ceské republice - indikace, výzkum a klinické zkusenosti.

Uterus transplantation is a novel experimental method of female infertility treatment. It is an appropriate treatment modality for women with absolute uterine factor infertility - congenital uterine malformations, absent uterus, hysterectomized women and non-functional uterus.Successful animal studies confirming the safety and efficacy were performed before introduction of uterus transplantation into human medicine. The first clinical trial was performed in 2012-2013 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The first child from the transplanted womb was delivered in 2014. Concerning the promising results of Swedish trial it is essential to perform trials in some other world centers.In 2015 Czech Ministry of Health permitted uterus transplantation trial in cooperation of two Prague hospitals - namely Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine and University Hospital Motol. The aim of the Czech trial is to reassert feasibility, efficacy and safety of uterus transplantation in two groups of women - 10 recipients from living and 10 from deceased brain donor. We believe that detailed and precise long-term theoretic and practical preparation and perfectly arranged trial are the main conditions of the successful uterine transplantation survey. The first Czech uterus transplantation was performed in April 30, 2016.Up to December 2016 four transplantations out of planned 20 (2 in living donor and 2 in deceased brain donor arm) were carried out by our team.

[Ethical aspects of uterus transplantation]. / Etické aspekty transplantace delohy.

Uterus transplantation is an experimental treatment method with an ambition to become accepted treatment modality for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. The only legal alternative for these women to get parenthood is adoption which is accepted by most world societies and countries. Surrogate pregnancy is connected with many medical, ethical, legal, religious and social controversies in the great part of the world.Donors (in living donation), recipients, partners and also unborn children must be incorporated into the analysis of ethical risks and benefits of uterus transplantation. The main ethical risks for the recipient are surgery, immunosuppression, pregnancy and delivery. All the potential recipients have to be advised about further ethical issues like organ rejection, infection, side effects of the drugs, unsatisfactory fertilization and different complications during pregnancy.Uterus procurement in donor takes longer time than in standard hysterectomy due to preparation of uterine arteries and veins. Vessels with 2 mm diameter and their anatomical collision with ureter are connected with higher peroperative risk of uneventful surgical complications. Ethical issues might be connected with the uterus procurement in dead brain donors identically.The deliveries after uterus transplantation are fruitful but the risk of preterm delivery and immaturity of the newborns cannot be underestimated as well.

[Psychological evaluation of uterus transplantation trial participants]. / Psychologické hodnocení úcastníku studie transplantace delohy.

Uterus transplantation is a life-giving and quality-of-life enhancing transplantation. Life with transplanted uterus is a transitional phase of life for both recipients and their partners. Six deliveries of healthy children from five transplanted mothers out of 9 uterus transplantations in Sweden may encourage untimely hopes of thousands of women with absolute uterine factor infertility worldwide. Psychological evaluation might be included into all trials regarding new treatment methods and treatment procedures. Main psychological issues connected with the infertility treatment in women with absent uterus are clearly defined (especially in vitro fertilization, uterus transplantation, compliance with immunosuppressive treatment, ultrasound examinations of uterine vascular perfusion, rejection signs surveillance, embryo transfer, pregnancy, cesarean section, preterm delivery risk, puerperium, hysterectomy and immunosuppressive treatment termination). The role of psychological evaluation of participants before the admission to complicated treatment process is to choose those who will be able to cope all mentioned difficulties and unexpected complications including potential failure of the whole treatment without serious negative impact on their psychological situation. Up to now experience with psychological stability of our 7 uterus recipients and 3 uterus living donors are good although post-transplant period is especially in recipients connected with everyday psychological adaptation on the significant life changes. We are aware that psychological evaluation of our study participants will require further 3 years of follow up with publication of our results.