Sexual function and pelvic floor function in men with systemic sclerosis compared to healthy controls: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the sexual function (SF) and pelvic floor function of men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with age-matched healthy controls (HC) and to identify the implications of clinical features on SF. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty SSc males and 20 HC aged 18-70 years completed eleven questionnaires assessing SF [International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ)]; sexual quality of life: Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male (SQoL-M); pelvic floor function: Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7), fatigue, depression, physical fitness, functional disability, and quality of life. Clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Significantly worse SF was observed in patients (median IIEF erectile function 12 in SSc versus 29 in HC, p < 0.001), with 70% reporting erectile dysfunction (ED) compared to 15% in HC. However, no significant difference was observed regarding pelvic floor function (median PFIQ7 8.8 in SSc versus 7.0 in HC, p = 0.141). Impaired SF was associated with higher disease activity, increased systemic inflammation, more pronounced fatigue, reduced physical fitness, severe depression, impaired overall quality of life, dyspepsia, and arthralgias (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in our SSc patients, whereas pelvic floor dysfunction is unlikely to be associated with these problems.

The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Adult Female Sexual Function and Sexual Distress: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis. / Çocukluk Çaginda Cinsel Istismara Maruz Kalmanin Kadin Cinsel Islevi ve Cinsel Sikintisi Üzerine Etkisi: Bir Sistematik Gözden Geçirme ve Meta-Analiz.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was aimed to examine the impacts of exposure to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on women's sexual function and sexual distress. METHOD: In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, eight international (EBSCO, Psyc-Info, Proquest, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Ovid, Web of Science) and two national electronic databases (Dergipark and Thesis Database of the Turkish Council of Higher Education) were searched. Studies reporting outcomes of sexual function and sexual distress in women with and without a history of CSA were included. The data were synthesized by meta-analysis and narrative methods. RESULTS: Two dissertations and five research articles published between 2010 and 2021 were included in the study. In some studies that were not included in the meta-analysis, it was reported that there was no difference in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and sexual satisfaction in women with and without a history of CSA. Meta-analysis results demonstrated lower sexual function (sexual arousal, MD: -0.83, p<0.001; sexual desire, MD: -0.55, p<0.001; lubrication, MD: -0.78, p<0.01; pain, MD: -0.52, p<0.001) and more sexual distress (SMD: -0.79, p<0.05) in women with CSA history. CONCLUSION: This study showed that CSA negatively affects female sexual function and increases sexual distress. Healthcare professionals should be aware that women with a CSA history may have worse sexual functions and more sexual distress. More research is needed on the role of CSA in the etiology of sexual function problems and its possible mechanisms of action.

Sex-structured disease transmission model and control mechanisms for visceral leishmaniasis (VL).

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis are a group of diseases caused by more than 20 species of the protozoan that are transmitted through the bite of female sand fly. The disease is endemic to 98 countries of the world. It affects most commonly the poorest of the poor and mainly males. Several research has been conducted to propose disease control strategies. Effective medical care, vector control, environmental hygiene, and personal protection are the mainstays of the current preventative and control methods. The mathematical models for the transmission dynamics of the disease studied so far did not consider the sex-biased burden of the disease into consideration. METHODOLOGY: Unlike the previous VL works, this study introduces a new deterministic sex-structured model for understanding the transmission dynamics of visceral leishmaniasis. Basic properties of the model including basic reproduction number ([Formula: see text]), and conditions for the existence of backward bifurcation of the model are explored. Baseline parameter values were estimated after the model was fitted to Ethiopia's VL data. Sensitivity analysis of the model was performed to identify the parameters that significantly impact the disease threshold. Numerical simulations were performed using baseline parameter values, and scenario analysis is performed by changing some of these parameters as appropriate. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the model shows that there is a possibility for a backward bifurcation for [Formula: see text], which means bringing [Formula: see text] to less than unity may not be enough to eradicate the disease. Our numerical result shows that the implementation of disease-preventive strategies, as well as effectively treating the affected ones can significantly reduce the disease prevalence if applied for more proportion of the male population. Furthermore, the implementation of vector management strategies also can considerably reduce the total prevalence of the disease. However, it is demonstrated that putting more effort in treating affected reservoir animals may not have any significant effect on the overall prevalence of the disease as compared to other possible mechanisms. The numerical simulation infers that a maximum of 60% of extra preventative measures targeted to only male population considerably reduces the total prevalence of VL by 80%. It is also possible to decrease the total prevalence of VL by 69.51% when up to 50% additional infected males receive treatment with full efficacy. Moreover, applying a maximum of 15% additional effort to reduce the number of vectors, decreases the total VL prevalence by 57.71%. Therefore, in order to reduce the disease burden of visceral leishmaniasis, public health officials and concerned stakeholders need to give more emphasis to the proportion of male humans in their intervention strategies.

Sexual dysfunction among Nigerian women living with HIV infection.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction in women with HIV is a necessary but understudied aspect of HIV complications in women living with HIV. This study reports the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in women living with HIV in southwest Nigeria. METHODS: A validated Female Sexual Function Index was used to determine sexual dysfunction in a cross-sectional study design involving 2926 adult women living with HIV in a large, publicly funded tertiary HIV treatment centre in Lagos, Nigeria. A score of less than 26.5 indicated sexual dysfunction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for sexual dysfunction. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 71.4%. The types of dysfunctions detected included disorder of desire (76.8%), sexual arousal (66.0%), orgasm (50.0%), pain (47.2%), lubrication (47.2%), and satisfaction (38.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that menopause (aOR: 2.0; 1.4-4.1), PHQ score of 10 and above (aOR: 2.3; 1.7-3.2), co-morbid medical conditions (aOR: 1.8; 1.4-2.7), use of protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy (aOR: 1.3; 1.2-2.1) and non-disclosure of HIV status (aOR: 0.7; 0.6-0.8) were factors associated with sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is common among Nigerian women living with HIV. Menopause, use of protease inhibitor-based regimens, PHQ score of at least 10, co-morbid medical condition, and non-disclosure of HIV status were associated with sexual dysfunction. National HIV programmes, in addition to incorporating screening and management of sexual dysfunction in the guidelines, should sensitise and train health workers on the detection and treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Male sexual dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study.

Sexual dysfunction is common in males with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but yet the prevalence and specific relationship between CKD and sexual dysfunction, especially premature ejaculation (PE), remain to be investigated in China; This study aims to examine the prevalence and association between CKD and sexual dysfunction in male patients in China; In this cross-sectional, non-interventional, observational study conducted at a single center. 72 male patients with CKD were enrolled. Data collection included socio-demographic information, assessments via the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), the Chinese version of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, the Patient Health Quentionnnaire-9 and the General Anxiety Disorder-7. Data analysis was performed using R version 3.5.2 and SPSS software version 25.0; Among the 72 CKD patients, 56.9% experienced erectile dysfunction and 29.2% had PE. Various factors including estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio, psychological aspects, medication use were found to be associated with sexual dysfunction in these CKD patients; Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in males with CKD and is, influenced by multiple factors. It is important for clinicians to focus on sexual dysfunction in this patient group and further investigate its underlying mechanisms.

Correlates of sexual function in women with acute lumbar disc herniation in Iran: a cross-sectional study.

Evidence suggests that lumbar disc herniation (LDH) influences sexual function to a great deal. However, most existing studies have been conducted on men. Thus, the current study aimed to assess sexual function and its correlates in women with acute LDH. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 women of reproductive age with acute LDH in Fasa, Iran in 2023. The mean score of female sexual function was 21.33 (3.38). Almost 80% of women had sexual dysfunction. Women scored lower on sexual desire and the higher on lubrication. As the severity of LDH increased, arousal, lubrication and sexual pain score decreased and low back pain (LBP) score increased (p < 0.05). The number of sexual activities after disc herniation was significantly lower in the women with sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed a significant association between sexual dysfunction and LBP intensity (OR = 1.13, CI 1.02-1.26, p = 0.01) and lumbar disc herniation intensity (OR = 2.22, CI 1.07-4.62, p = 0.03). Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) may significantly affect women's sexual function. Severity of low back pain and severity of lumbar disc herniation were found to be risk factors for sexual dysfunction in this population.

Efficacy and safety of visnadine in the treatment of symptoms of sexual dysfunction in heterosexual women: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the primary evidence on the efficacy and safety of visnadine on symptoms of sexual dysfunction (SD) in heterosexual women. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a primary search without language restriction in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and international clinical trial registries. Trials reporting the use of visnadine by any route in women with SD were eligible. We performed screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment in a double-blind approach. The primary outcomes were the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and its domains. Secondary outcomes were safety, arousal, lubrication, pleasure, orgasm, negative sensations, duration, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Initially, 242 records were retrieved. We selected nine papers for full-text reading and finally included two RCTs: one with a parallel design and one with a crossover design with a total of 96 patients. One study compared visnadine aerosol with a placebo, while the other compared different frequencies of visnadine aerosol use. Visnadine use showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in overall FSFI scores, regardless of the frequency of use. A meta-analysis was not possible due to the high clinical and methodological heterogeneity between available studies. CONCLUSION: RCTs regarding the use of visnadine for the Female SD are scarce and methodologically limited. This preliminary evidence shows visnadine as a potentially effective and safe option to alleviate some of the clinical symptoms of SD in heterosexual women. However, future better-designed randomized studies with larger sample numbers are required.

Care for breast cancer survivors in Asian countries: A review of sexual dysfunction.

Breast cancer accounts for one in three new cancer cases in women each year. Despite having a higher survival rate than other cancers, it is associated with various side effects, including anorgasmia, vaginismus, hair loss, and decreased libido. This review aims to explore trends in the incidence of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors, the etiology of sexual dysfunction, and the role of factors such as family history, age, duration of marriage, and depression in predisposing patients. We summarize the limitations of the treatment modalities already used to cater to sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors and patients. The authors conducted searches on databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant search terms: sexual dysfunction, breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, chemotherapy, dyspareunia, vaginismus, and anorgasmia from 1997-2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed all types of articles with abstracts or titles indicating research on sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors in Asia. A total of 64 articles were included out of which 10 were systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The literature search yielded results showing high incidence rates of breast cancer in Asia (45.4%), with 31.6%-91.2% of breast cancer survivors likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Regional differences were noted, as female sexual dysfunction occurred in 74.1% of Asian breast cancer women. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of treatment modalities. Personalized approaches should be tailored to address beliefs, such as the potential impact of sexual activity on disease recovery. Utilizing a family history of breast cancer as a preemptive tool can help reduce the risk of developing female sexual dysfunction in survivors, and factors such as age and depression should be considered when formulating solutions.

Urinary symptoms and sexual function after hysterectomy secondary to cervical cancer: A prospective, cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The estimated worldwide incidence of cervical cancer (CC) is half a million cases per year. Surgical treatment is the mainstay approach for this condition. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of hysterectomy due to cervical cancer in urinary symptoms and sexual function and the disorder related impact on the quality of patients life. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study was performed in Fortaleza/CE (Brazil) with 71 patients; of these, 31 were diagnosed with cervical cancer (G-CCU) and 40 with gynecological benign disease (G-PB). Sexual function (FSFI questionnaire), quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and urinary symptoms (KHQ instrument) were investigated in both groups at baseline (T0), one month (T1) and four months after surgery (T2). RESULTS: Both groups presented at baseline, similar urinary symptoms (p > 0.05), but this frequency doubled for the G-CCU group at T1 and remained unchanged at T2 (p = 0.012). G-PB's frequency of symptoms remained the same for 4 months after surgery. At baseline G-PB had higher risk for sexual dysfunction than G-CCU (82.5 % versus 54.8 %, p = 0.011). However for G-CCU, an increase of this percentage was perceived at T2.Women from the G-CCU group presented worse general and specific quality of life results. CONCLUSION: Women underwent to hysterectomy due to cervical cancer presented higher percentages of urinary symptoms, higher risk for sexual dysfunction and worse general and specific quality of life scores.

Postpartum care: Clinical considerations for improving genital and sexual health.

The postpartum period encompasses the biological and psychoaffective transition to motherhood. However, it remains a most neglected phase in a woman's life. Furthermore, the transition to parenthood is a critical and potentially disrupting factor in a couple's relationship, which can be complicated by undiagnosed biological and psychosexual difficulties. Lack of recognition of the many biological and medical factors that can affect women's health and sexuality in the postpartum period is a common and persistent clinical omission worldwide. Communication difficulties exist between healthcare professionals and women and there are wording biases in describing female genitalia. This can further contribute to the diagnostic lack of attention and timely diagnosis and treatment of even very bothersome symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of common postpartum conditions is vital and quality care for new mothers should include psychological and emotional support, lactation assistance, early diagnosis and treatment of genital and sexual pain symptoms, pelvic floor rehabilitation and sexual health guidance. The inclusion of correct genital hygiene practices is a critical element of postpartum gynaecological counselling and can help improve overall genital and sexual health. In this review, we summarise the variability in global professional guidelines for postpartum care, identify common health problems faced by postpartum women and discuss appropriate postpartum care. We pay specific attention to prominent biological or medical factors that can impact the emotional and psychosexual wellbeing of women and couples. The aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction, in particular sexual pain disorders, is therefore discussed with a pragmatic approach. Finally, the role of intimate hygiene care is discussed with special attention given to cleanser ingredients with solid scientific evidence to help clinicians adopt a more tailored approach with their clinical recommendations.

Characteristics of systemic testosterone therapy for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder-a claims database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Testosterone therapy (TTh) is recommended for postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD); however, there remain insufficient data to support use of TTh in premenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. AIM: In this study, we used a large national database to evaluate prescribing trends of TTh for women with HSDD. METHODS: We conducted a cohort analysis of information from electronic health records acquired from the data network TriNetX Diamond. The study cohort consisted of women 18-70 years of age with a diagnosis of HSDD. We analyzed trends of testosterone prescriptions, routes of testosterone administration, and coadministration of testosterone with estrogen. OUTCOMES: Despite an increase in rates of testosterone prescriptions for HSDD, there remains a high degree of variability in the duration of treatment, route of administration, and coadministration of estrogen with significant underprescription of testosterone. RESULTS: Our query of the TriNetX database led to the identification of 33 418 women diagnosed with HSDD at a mean age of 44.2 ± 10.8 years, among whom 850 (2.54%) women received a testosterone prescription. The testosterone prescriptions were highly variable with regard to duration and route of administration and coadministration with estrogen. For all patients until 2015, the prevalence of testosterone prescriptions for HSDD showed a positive quadratic relation was observed. Since 2015 a linear increase in prevalence was observed, with the highest rate of increase for patients aged 41-55 years. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study reveal a significant need for further research investigating the optimal use of TTh to enhance the sexual health of women with HSDD, and further studies on the long-term effects of testosterone use must be undertaken to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective treatment. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Limitations to this study include patient de-identification and lack of availability of testosterone dosage data. However, this study also has many strengths, including being the first, to our knowledge, to characterize the prescribing trends of testosterone for women with HSDD. CONCLUSION: Testosterone therapy should be considered as a potential therapy for premenopausal female patients with HSDD. Further studies on the long-term effects of testosterone use must be undertaken to address disparities in the management of HSDD and to ensure patients can access treatment.

Exploring complex links: inflammatory rheumatic diseases and men's health.

This article examines the complex interactions between inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) and men's health. It delves into the effects of IRDs on reproductive health, erectile dysfunction, prostate involvement, male osteoporosis, body composition, physical activity, and coping mechanisms. The findings show that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction varies among different diseases, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive counseling. The link between IRDs and prostate health, with a substantial rise in benign prostatic hyperplasia among IRD patients, demonstrates the condition's importance. In contrast to popular belief, osteoporosis mostly affects women; the current study highlights the growing identification of male osteoporosis, particularly in the setting of IRDs. Male RA patients had a significant loss in bone mineral density, highlighting the importance of increasing awareness and tailored therapy to address osteoporosis in men. IRDs affect body composition, with male RA patients showing imbalances characterized by decreased lean body mass and increased fat mass. Given the dynamic nature of these conditions, coping with IRDs necessitates thorough and individualized diversified approaches. The complex link between IRDs and men's health demands continuing research, including longitudinal studies and tailored therapies. The essay promotes a patient-centered approach, recognizing the unique obstacles that males with IRDs confront.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women After Tibial Fracture: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND Tibial fractures, common in adults, are often treated with external or internal fixation methods. While effective, external fixation (EF) can lead to sexual dysfunction (SD), especially in young patients. This study aimed to assess SD in women undergoing EF versus internal fixation for tibial fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sexual function and frequency of monthly sexual intercourse (SI) were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before surgery, with the fixator, after at least 6 months following fixator removal in EF group, and after achieving bone union for at least 3 months in the IF group. RESULTS The EF group consisted of 107 (mean age 28.5 years; 19-40 years) and IF group consisted of 106 patients (mean age 32.1 years; 18-40 years). The duration of EF was an average of 4.7 months (range, 2.5-13 months). FSFI scores were significantly lower in the EF group compared to the IF group (9.33 versus 27.3, P<0.001). Also, there was no significant difference between the FSFI scores before EF and after EF was removed (34.22 versus 33.8, P=0.413). FSFI sub-group scores such as desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm were significantly lower in the EF group (P<0.001). The monthly average frequency of SI before surgery and after the removal of EF was 10.2 and 9.1, respectively, while this frequency was 2.56 when EF was present (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The quality and frequency of SI in women significantly deteriorate and decrease during the period of extremity fixation following tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with EF, but return to normal after removal.

Prevalence and predictors of female sexual dysfunction among sexually active women in the diabetes prevention program outcomes study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the burden and identify correlates of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among women with prediabetes (PreD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) enrolled in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Outcomes Study (DPPOS). METHODS: The DPPOS visit included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to determine sexual function. Of 1464 participants, 1320 (90%) completed the (FSFI) and 426 were sexually active. A backward selection multivariable logistic regression model estimated the odds of FSD for sociodemographic, clinical, and diabetes-related covariates. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-five (43%) had a score of ≤26.55 and met the criteria for FSD. After adjustment for DPP treatment and age, urinary incontinence (UI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15-3.17) and hysterectomy (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.01-3.53) were associated with increased odds of FSD. Increased body mass index was protective for FSD (OR = 0.93 per kg/m2, 95% CI = 0.89-0.96). Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument-based peripheral neuropathy (mean±SD scores 1.1±1.3 vs. 0.9±1.1, p < 0.0001) and Electrocardiogram (ECG)-based autonomic dysfunction measures (mean ± SD heart rate levels 64.3 ± 6.8 vs. 65.6 ± 10.2, p = 0.008) were associated with FSD. There were no differences in diabetes rates between women who did (66.5%) and did not (66%) have (p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: FSD is prevalent in women with PreD and T2D. Our findings suggest that FSD is associated with neuropathic complications commonly observed in PreD and T2D.

Disfunción sexual en las mujeres con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Sexual dysfunction in women with chronic obstructive lung disease

Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de la disfunción sexual en las mujeres con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y los factores relacionados con su aparición. Métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional transversal a lo largo del año 2021, con inclusión de mujeres con EPOC diagnosticadas por espirometría mediante muestreo por conveniencia. Se recogieron datos de edad, tabaquismo, espirométricos, comorbilidades y fármacos utilizados, Además, se realizó un cuestionario de salud sexual. Resultados Se incluyeron 101 mujeres con edad media 59,7 (11,3) años. Todas ellas habían experimentado un cambio en su actividad sexual y 44% lo atribuyeron a la EPOC. Tenía disnea durante el coito 51,5%. La prevalencia de disfunción sexual fue de 52,5%. Las pacientes que experimentaron esto eran de más edad y tenían un índice de Tiffeneau más bajo. Asimismo, con más frecuencia consumían alcohol, tenían hipertensión arterial y enfermedad cerebrovascular, y con menos tenían diabetes e insuficiencia cardiaca. Sin embargo, puntuaban más bajo en el índice de Charlson corregido por edad. Aquellas con disfunción sexual utilizaban con menos regularidad la triple terapia inhalada. Conclusiones La disfunción sexual es frecuente en las mujeres con EPOC. Son necesarios más estudios que investiguen las causas, mecanismos y posibles tratamientos de la misma. (AU)

Objective To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with COPD and the factors related to its presence. Methods Cross-sectional observational study during 2021, including women with COPD diagnosed by spirometry through convenience sampling. Data on age, smoking status, spirometric data, comorbidities and medications used were collected. A sexual health questionnaire was administered. Results The study included 101 women with a mean age of 59.7 (11.3) years. All had experienced a change in sexual activity, with 44% attributing it to COPD. Among them, 51.5% experienced dyspnea during coitus. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 52.5%. Women with sexual dysfunction were older and had a lower Tiffeneau index. Furthermore, they consumed alcohol more frequently and had hypertension and cerebrovascular disease, and less often, they had diabetes and heart failure. However, they scored lower on the Charlson index corrected for age. Patients with sexual dysfunction used inhaled triple therapy less frequently. Conclusions Sexual dysfunction is common in women with COPD. Further studies are needed to investigate its causes, mechanisms, and potential treatments. (AU)

Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Psychosexual Intervention for Couples Post-allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

PURPOSE: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can have a long-term impact on patients' sexual functioning and consequently, their relationship satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a 5-session psychosexual intervention for HSCT survivors and their partners. METHODS: To be eligible patients were required to be more than 3 months post-allogeneic HSCT. The intervention comprised 2 components: (1) A psychosexual education session exploring medical/behavioral treatment options for sexual dysfunction, delivered by a specialist nurse; (2) A 4-session Emotionally-Focused Therapy-based relationship education program for couples delivered by a clinical psychologist. Measures assessing relationship quality, sexual functioning, anxiety, and depression were administered pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility was measured via participation rate, adherence and compliance with completing main measures. Acceptability of the intervention was assessed via patient/partner satisfaction surveys. RESULTS: Eight of 85 (9.4%) eligible patients and their partners participated in the study. Reasons for declining participation included: feeling uncomfortable due to sensitive nature of intervention; did not have any relationship/sexual function issues; and experiencing ongoing medical issues. Six of 8 couples (75%) attended at least 4 intervention sessions and 5 of 8 (62.5%) completed the main study measures post-intervention. Four couples reported that sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction was somewhat or much better post-intervention; 1 reported no change. CONCLUSION: Feasibility criteria were not met, with low enrolment rate, however the intervention was deemed acceptable. Couples who participated adhered to the intervention and considered it beneficial. Further strategies to identify and manage sexual concerns are required.

Parir después de los 50 años. Estudio piloto observacional / Birth over 50: A pilot observational study

Objetivos: Evaluar si existe una mayor tasa de resultados obstétricos adversos, incontinencia urinaria posparto y problemas sexuales entre las mujeres que dan a luz después de los 50 años.Material y métodos: Estudio observacional ambispectivo de un solo centro. Se registraron la tasa de parto por cesárea, la diabetes gestacional, la preeclampsia, la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU), la prematuridad, la incontinencia urinaria (Cuestionario de incontinencia en formato corto [ICIQ-SF]) y la disfunción sexual (índice de función sexual femenina [FSFI-6]). Resultados: Veinticinco (0,06%) de 38.510 nacimientos ocurrieron en mujeres mayores de 50 años durante el período de estudio en nuestro centro. Hubo 16 (64%) partos por cesárea. Siete (28%) mujeres padecieron diabetes gestacional. Se diagnosticó preeclampsia en 3 (12%) mujeres. Hubo 5 (20%) casos de RCIU. Hubo 5 (20%) partos prematuros. Las diferencias en la tasa de parto por cesárea, diabetes gestacional y RCIU entre el grupo de estudio y la población total fueron estadísticamente significativas. Los resultados de los cuestionarios ICIQ-SF y FSFI-6 se obtuvieron de 17 mujeres. Se encontró algún grado de incontinencia urinaria en 7 (41,1%) y disfunción sexual en 9 (52,9%) mujeres. Conclusiones: Los embarazos en mujeres mayores de 50 años parecen estar asociados con una mayor tasa de diabetes gestacional, RCIU y preeclampsia. Hay una alta prevalencia de incontinencia urinaria y problemas sexuales entre estas mujeres.(AU)

Objectives: To assess whether there is a higher rate of adverse obstetric outcomes, postpartum urinary incontinence, and sexual problems among women who give birth over 50. Material and methods: A single-center ambispective observational study. Rate of cesarean birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), prematurity, urinary incontinence (Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form [ICIQ-SF]), and sexual dysfunction (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI-6]) were recorded. Results: Twenty-five (0.06%) of 38,510 births occurred in women over 50 during the study period. There were 16 (64%) cesarean births. Seven (28%) women had gestational diabetes. Preeclampsia was diagnosed in 3 (12%) women. There were 5 (20%) cases of IUGR. There were 5 (20%) preterm births. The differences in the rate of cesarean birth, gestational diabetes, and IUGR between the study group and the total population were statistically significant. The results of the ICIQ-SF and FSFI-6 questionnaires were obtained from 17 women. Some degree of urinary incontinence was found in 7 (41.1%) and sexual dysfunction in 9 (52.9%) women. Conclusions: Pregnancies in women over 50 may be associated with a higher rate of gestational diabetes, IUGR, and preeclampsia. There is a high prevalence of urinary incontinence and sexual problems among these women.(AU)

Relationship between Female Sexual Dysfunction and Trunk Stability Post-Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Stroke can lead to a variety of consequences, the severity and nature of which are contingent upon the affected brain region or lesion type. These consequences manifest with distinct clinical presentations and recovery trajectories. This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between feminine sexual dysfunction and trunk stability among stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight women (stroke group n = 19 and control group n = 19) were recruited. A cross-sectional observational study was designed. Outcome measures were recorded using the Feminine Sexual Function Index, the National Institute of Health Stroke Score, the Newcastle Stroke-specific Quality of Life Measure Beck Depression Index, the Barthel Index, the Urge-urinary Distress Inventory, and the Trunk Impairment Scale. Spearman's correlation was tested between different factors influencing feminine sexual dysfunction and trunk stability. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in sexual function between the stroke group versus the control group (Z = 88; p = 0.007; rb = 0.51). The correlation showed a relationship between feminine sexual dysfunction and trunk stability (p < 0.05). A relationship between quality of life and sexual dysfunction was also found (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant results for the association between dependency, severity of stroke, time after stroke type of stroke, and sexual dysfunction (p = 0.378). Conclusions: The results of this study support the existence of a correlation between feminine sexual dysfunction and trunk stability, probably due to trunk and pelvic floor muscle synergy. Multidisciplinary teams assessing sexual dysfunction after stroke should include a physical therapist to assess the physical components that may interfere with feminine sexual health post-stroke.