Sexual health among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A scoping review from the Children's Oncology Group Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Discipline Committee.

Sexual function is a vital aspect of quality of life among adolescent and young adult (AYA) (ages 15-39 years) cancer survivors. Sexual function encompasses physical, psychosocial, and developmental factors that contribute to sexual health, all of which may be negatively impacted by cancer and treatment. However, limited information is available to inform the care of AYA cancer survivors in this regard. This scoping review, conducted by the Children's Oncology Group AYA Oncology Discipline Committee, summarizes available literature regarding sexual function among AYA cancer survivors, including relevant psychosexual aspects of romantic relationships and body image. Results suggest that, overall, AYA cancer survivors experience a substantial burden of sexual dysfunction. Both physical and psychosocial sequelae influence survivors' sexual health. Interventions to support sexual health and psychosexual adjustment after cancer treatment are needed. Collaborations between the Children's Oncology Group and adult-focused cooperative groups within the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network are warranted to advance prospective assessment of sexual dysfunction and test interventions to improve sexual health among AYA cancer survivors.

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.

Genital arousal and responsive desire among women with and without sexual interest/arousal disorder symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Models depicting sexual desire as responsive to sexual arousal may be particularly apt for women experiencing arousal or desire difficulties, and the degree to which arousal triggers desire may depend on the relationship context and desire target and timing-yet, these associations have not been directly tested among women with and without sexual interest/arousal disorder (SIAD). AIM: To assess the role of SIAD status and relationship satisfaction in the associations between genital arousal and 4 types of responsive desire. METHODS: One hundred women (n = 27 meeting diagnostic criteria for SIAD) in romantic relationships with men viewed a sexual film (pleasurable intimate depiction of oral sex and penile-vaginal intercourse) while their genital arousal was recorded via vaginal photoplethysmography (n = 63) or thermal imaging of the labia (n = 37). Partner and solitary desire was assessed immediately before and after the film (immediate desire) and 3 days later (delayed desire). OUTCOMES: Outcomes consisted of genital response (z scored by method) and associations between genital response and responsive sexual desire. RESULTS: The key difference between women with and without SIAD was not in their ability to experience genital arousal but in how their genital responses translated to responsive sexual desire. Women with SIAD actually exhibited greater genital arousal than unaffected women. Associations between genital arousal and desire were significant only for women with SIAD and depended on relationship satisfaction and desire type. For women with SIAD with low relationship satisfaction, higher arousal predicted lower immediate desire for a partner; for those with high relationship satisfaction, arousal was either positively related (vaginal photoplethysmography) or unrelated (thermal imaging of the labia) to immediate desire for a partner. Associations with other desire types were not significant. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patterns of genital arousal and partner-specific responsive desire among women affected with SIAD were indicative of an avoidance model in response to heightened genital arousal, unless relationship satisfaction was high; attending to genital arousal sensations could be a means of triggering sexual desire for women with SIAD who are satisfied in their relationships. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is one of the first sexual psychophysiologic studies to connect relationship factors to patterns of sexual response. The differing arousal assessment procedures and lack of official diagnosis may have attenuated results. The homogeneous sample and in-person session requirement limit generalizability. CONCLUSION: When compared with unaffected women, women affected by SIAD may exhibit stronger arousal responses with sufficiently incentivized sexual stimuli, and the connection between their genital arousal and responsive desire for their partners may be stronger and more dependent on relationship context.

The relationship between female orgasmic disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression in Dominican women.

BACKGROUND: Female orgasmic disorder is listed in the DSM-5 and is defined as the persistent or recurrent inability to have an orgasm. Many depressed women may experience sexual dysfunction, including female orgasmic disorder. AIM: The study sought to analyze the relationship between depressive disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their influence on the development of female orgasmic disorder. METHODS: A total of 221 Dominican women participated in this case-control study. The case group consisted of 107 women diagnosed with female orgasmic disorder, while the control group consisted of 114 women without any sexual dysfunction. OUTCOMES: The diagnosis of ADHD was obtained from the participants' medical records, previously conducted using the DSM-5-TR criteria. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in both groups. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between female orgasmic disorder and ADHD and depression. The results of multiple logistic regression indicated that the highest risk of female orgasmic disorder was observed in women with ADHD (odds ratio [OR], 4.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.46-9.20; P < .001), women with severe depression (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.08-6.96; P = .04), and women who had sexual intercourse that focused on penetration (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.03-3.98; P = .04). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings may have important implications for the prevention and treatment of sexual disorders in women. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This design selected all diagnosed cases of female orgasmic disorder and did not select a specific subgroup. However, some limitations must be considered. This study was conducted in a single clinic, although it should be noted that it is the main clinic for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in the country. A further limitation could be that this type of study design does not allow for statements about causality to be made. CONCLUSION: There is an increased risk of female orgasmic disorder in women with ADHD, with severe depression, and who engage in penetrative sex.

A randomized comparison of online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs supportive group sex education to address sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Sexual difficulties and vaginal pain are common following treatment for breast cancer. AIM: The goal of this study was to evaluate an online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs an online supportive sex education group therapy to address these sexual difficulties. METHODS: Breast cancer survivors (n = 118) were randomized to 1 of the 2 arms; 116 provided informed consent and completed the time 1 assessment. Treatment included 8 weekly 2-hour online group sessions. Those randomized to the mindfulness group completed daily mindfulness exercises, and those in the comparison arm read and completed exercises pertaining to sex education. OUTCOMES: Assessments were repeated at posttreatment and 6 months after the completion of the group. RESULTS: There was a main effect of treatment on primary endpoints of sexual desire, sexual distress, and vaginal pain, with all outcomes showing significant improvements, with no differential impact by treatment arm. Secondary endpoints of interoceptive awareness, mindfulness, and rumination about sex also significantly improved with both treatments, with no group-by-time interaction. CONCLUSION: Both mindfulness-based sex therapy and supportive sex education delivered in group format online are effective for improving many facets of sexual function, vaginal pain, rumination, mindfulness, and interoceptive awareness in breast cancer survivors. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: We used a randomized methodology. Future studies should seek to diversify participants. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings highlight the need to offer similar treatments to more breast cancer survivors immediately after and in the years following cancer treatment as a means of improving survivorship quality of life.

Prostate Cancer Related Sexual Dysfunction and Barriers to Help Seeking: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: Despite available support, sexuality needs are the most frequently reported unmet need among men with prostate cancer, which may be due to low help-seeking rates. Using the Ecological Systems Framework as a theoretical foundation, we conducted a scoping review of the available literature to understand what factors impact help-seeking behaviour for sexual issues after prostate cancer treatment among men who had received treatment. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search on Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, Emcare, and Scopus was conducted to identify studies of adult prostate cancer patients post-treatment, which reported barriers and/or facilitators to help-seeking for sexual health issues. Quality appraisals were conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools, and results were qualitatively synthesised. RESULTS: Of the 3870 unique results, only 30 studies met inclusion criteria. In general, studies were considered moderate to good quality, though only six used standardised measures to assess help-seeking behaviour. Barriers and facilitators for sexual help-seeking were identified across all five levels of the Ecological Systems Framework, including age, treatment type, and previous help seeking experience (individual level), healthcare professional communication and partner support (microsystem), financial cost and accessibility of support (meso/exosystem), and finally embarrassment, masculinity, cultural norms, and sexuality minority (macrosystem). CONCLUSIONS: Addressing commonly reported barriers (and inversely, enhancing facilitators) to help-seeking for sexual issues is essential to ensure patients are appropriately supported. Based on our results, we recommend healthcare professionals include sexual wellbeing discussions as standard care for all prostate cancer patients, regardless of treatment received, age, sexual orientation, and partnership status/involvement.

Validation of Qualisex questionnaire to evaluate sexual dysfunction in women affected by fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FM) may have consequences on sexual life. The objective was to validate the Qualisex questionnaire in the assessment of sexual dysfunction in women affected by FM. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled FM women (American College of Rheumatology-ACR 2016) referring to our Fibromyalgia Clinic, from 2020 to 2022. Demographic, clinical data and evaluation of FM symptoms severity (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (R-FIQ), Symptoms Severity Scale-SSS, Widespread Pain Index-WPI) were assessed. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Qualisex questionnaire were anonymously administered. Qualisex includes 10 questions on different items of sexual life with higher scores suggestive of greater negative impact of the disease on sexuality. RESULTS: The cohort was composed by 373 FM women. Cronbach's alpha test was used to validate Qualisex questionnaire (0.878). Moreover, we observed higher values of Qualisex in married women (p<0.001), in women with lower grade of education (p=0.002) and with lower sexual feeling with partner (p<0.001). Higher values of Qualisex Total score showed a positive correlation with HADS-A/D (p<0.001 r=0.312; p<0.001 r=0.542 respectively), VAS pain, VAS fatigue, VAS dryness (p<0.001 r=0,438; p<0.001 r=0.375; p<0.001 r=0.370 respectively) and relationship duration (p<0.001 r=0.202). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant influence of relationship duration, VAS pain, fatigue, dryness, HADS-A/D, R-FIQ and all Qualisex items, on Qualisex Total score corrected for patients' age (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study validated Qualisex questionnaire as a good test for the sexual disorders' evaluation in FM women. Its use allows the assessment of different factors associated with sexual dysfunction, showing an impact of FM on sexuality. Moreover, due to demotivation feelings, sexual dysfunction contributes to worsen patients' quality of life.

Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Hypersexuality in Patients with Dementia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia are frequently observed in clinical practice, and those related to sexuality are particularly challenging. However, few studies have evaluated the prevalence or factors associated with hypersexuality in patients with dementia. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypersexuality in patients with dementia, describe associated factors, and qualitatively report the most common presentations and treatments. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study collected data from semi-structured charts of dementia patients who were followed up at a secondary care reference center between 2015 and 2019. Results: Of 552 total patients, 52 (9.3%) were hypersexual, which was associated with male sex (P < .000; OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.73-5.01), frontotemporal dementia (P < .007), alcohol use (P < .015; OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.73) and tobacco use (P < .000; OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.61-5.13). CONCLUSIONS: Although our findings were similar to the literature, their significant variability reflects the limited and low quality of the available evidence and a lack of standardization regarding terminology, definitions, and diagnostic criteria for hypersexuality.

A Brief Online Mindfulness Intervention for Women's Sexual Desire: The BROWSE Study.

With growing interest in developing digital health tools for treating sexual dysfunction, this pilot study aimed to determine feasibility and gather preliminary efficacy data of a self-led online mindfulness intervention in comparison to an online psychoeducational intervention for women's low sexual desire in a community sample (N = 57). After a four-week intervention, participants showed overall improvements on sexual functioning, orgasm, sexual self-pleasure, sexual self-image, and sexual distress, in both treatment arms. Majority completed assigned homework and felt the intervention enhanced their sexual well-being. This study supports the feasibility of a self-led online mindfulness intervention that could help inform future programs.

Investigating trait mindfulness in women with a history of unwanted sexual contact.

Unwanted sexual contact (USC) is common in women, and may contribute to sexual dysfunction via avoidance coping techniques. Mindfulness-based treatments, which directly challenge avoidance, have been shown to be effective in treating sexual dysfunction, however, it is not yet clear whether there are differences in trait mindfulness between women with and without a history of USC. We used data from four previous studies and compared trait mindfulness on the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in women with and without a history of USC. There were no significant differences between the USC and no-USC groups on total FFMQ score, nor on most individual domain scores; however, significant group differences were found on observe and acting with awareness subscales. We speculate on the possible meaning of the USC group having higher observe scores and lower acting with awareness scores compared to the no-USC group.

Is Sexual Aversion a Distinct Disorder or a Trans-Diagnostic Symptom across Sexual Dysfunctions? A Latent Class Analysis.

Sexual aversion disorder (SAD) is a chronic condition that impacts sexual and psychological well-being. However, the relevance of SAD as a discrete disorder remains highly debated. This study aimed to clarify the status of SAD as either a distinct disorder or a trans-diagnostic symptom shared among sexual dysfunctions. This cross-sectional study used a latent class analysis approach among a Canadian community sample (n = 1,363) to identify how patterns of SAD symptoms (i.e., sexual fear, disgust, and avoidance) emerge across different spheres of sexual functioning (i.e., desire and arousal, erection or lubrication, genito-pelvic pain, and orgasm) and examine sociodemographic and psychosexual correlates of the identified classes. Examination of fit indices suggested four classes: Sexually functional, Impaired desire and responsiveness, Sexual aversion, and Comorbid sexual dysfunctions. Sexual aversion class members were more likely to be single, had experienced sexual assault in adulthood, and report lower levels of sexual satisfaction and psychological well-being, compared to Sexually functional class members. Results suggest that SAD is a distinct clinical syndrome, while its symptoms may co-occur with other sexual dysfunctions. To ensure that the needs of people with SAD are met with tailored treatment options, future nosography might consider reclassifying SAD as a specific disorder.

Women's Safety Behaviors before and during Sexual Activity: Psychometric Properties of Its Self-Report Questionnaire in German Women.

Sexual safety behaviors (SSB) may constitute a relevant factor for the development and maintenance of sexual dysfunctions. The present study aims to improve the understanding of SSB in women. A total of N = 923 women completed an online survey consisting of the Questionnaire on Behaviors Before and During Sexual Activities, a measure of SSB, and a set of other questionnaires that assessed sexual dysfunctions, anxiety, depression, and other clinically relevant variables. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the QBSA revealed a robust three-factor solution with 1) cognitive and behavioral avoidance, 2) use of lubricants, and 3) thought and body control. While some SSB were generally common in women, others discriminated well between women with sexual dysfunctions, women with sexual problems, and women without impairment. SSB was significantly negatively associated with women's level of sexual functioning and positively with repetitive and negative thought processes, depression, and anxiety. Overall, the concept of SSB can be reliably measured and SSBs correlate meaningfully with variables measuring women's mental health. We argue that the concept of SSB should be further developed as it can enrich present sexual therapeutic treatment approaches, especially in the context of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The Effectiveness of Online Sensate Focus Exercises in Enhancing Sexual Function and Intimacy Among Chinese Heterosexual Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We investigated the effectiveness of online Sensate Focus exercises, delivered online as a series of 11 animation videos, in improving participants' sexual functioning and enhancing intimacy, relationship and sexual satisfaction. We studied 35 Chinese heterosexual couples, assessed them at pretest, post-test, and a three-month follow-up. Compared to the waitlist control group, the experimental group showed improvement in orgasm in women, and this was maintained at follow-up. Also, for those with a lower function at pretest, the intervention was possibly effective in improving erectile function among men, as well as overall sexual function and pain among women. These improvements were maintained at follow-up as well. Findings from the current study suggest that online Sensate Focus intervention has potential in treating sexual dysfunction of Chinese heterosexual couples. It may also serve as the first part of a stepped care approach or be integrated with other medication or cognitive behavioral therapy treatment.

Automatic Associations between Sexual Function Problems and Pursuing Help in Pelvic Physical Therapy Practice: The Psychometric Investigation of an Implicit Association Test.

Not all women experiencing pelvic floor complaints and sexual function problems seek help in pelvic physical therapy practice. Decisions to seek help can result from explicit and implicit cognitive processes. Having found some explicit predictive factors for receiving help in this setting, this study examines possible complementary implicit associations between sexual function problems and pursuing help that might also be predictive. The Pursuing Help for Sexual Problems Implicit Association Test (PHSP-IAT) was specially developed for this purpose. The instrument's reliability and validity were evaluated. High reliability was found (Spearman's Rho = .95). Convergent and divergent validity analyses resulted in low and non-significant correlations between the PHSP-IAT and the chosen self-report measures. The PHSP-IAT was predictive for receiving help in pelvic physical therapy practice. Further research is necessary to determine the PHSP-IAT's validity and its predictive value in other healthcare settings.

Sexual functioning in patients with psoriasis: the role of body dissatisfaction and cognitive biases toward sexuality.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease, involving skin and joints, characterized by inflamed lesions. Psoriasis negatively impacts the patients' quality of life due to the physical, emotional, and social burden that accompanies this condition. Also, psoriasis is associated with a number of psychiatric comorbidities, including sexual dysfunctions. The present study investigates the variables associated with sexual functioning in psoriasis patients. One-hundred-three psoriasis patients and 101 matched control subjects took part in the present study. Each participant completed five self-report measures investigating the presence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, body image, quality of life, and sexual experience. Our results show that differences in sexual activity, but not in sexual functioning, emerged between groups. In men with psoriasis, more sexual difficulties were associated with more negative automatic thoughts about sexuality. In women, more sexual difficulties were associated with more negative automatic thoughts; anxiety, depression, and stress; severity of symptoms; comorbid disease; age; quality of life. Our findings expand the current knowledge about sexual functioning in psoriasis and shed light on specific cognitive, psychological, and demographic variables associated with sexual impairment in men and women with psoriasis.

"Sexual sacrifice": a qualitative exploration of husbands' experience of living with survivors of breast cancer-sexual dysfunction in Malaysia.

PURPOSE: Experiencing sexual dysfunction (SD) alongside a breast cancer (BC) diagnosis has significant consequences, not only for wives but also for their husbands. Therefore, we explored husbands' perspectives on sexuality and their encounters in dealing with wives' SD following a BC diagnosis. METHODS: This qualitative study, conducted within the phenomenological framework, focused on sexually active husbands whose wives faced SD after being diagnosed with BC in Kelantan. Husbands with an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score above 11, indicating the absence of erectile dysfunction, were invited to participate in in-depth interviews conducted between September 2019 and March 2021. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the transcriptions were then managed and analyzed using the NVivo® analytic computer software. Thematic analyses were performed, taking into account the meaning-making theory. RESULTS: To grasp husbands' experiences, three themes emerged. "Sex, a calming act," delves into their understanding of sexuality and its impact severity. "Distressing sequelae yet provide better tolerance" underscores that husbands experienced adverse consequences due to their wives' imperfections and sexual challenges, but they exhibited improved tolerance in dealing with these difficulties. Lastly, "Improving lives with multiple strategies" highlights how husbands sought alternative activities in response. CONCLUSION: This study illuminates the experiences of husbands coping with their wives' SD following a BC diagnosis. Husbands had to reconsider their understanding of sexuality and sexual needs and employed various response and coping strategies. These strategies included emphasizing influences of culture (husbands' roles and rights), religious beliefs, and self-distraction, redirecting the focus to health concerns, and engaging in alternative activities.

The Structure of Hypersexuality and Its Relation to Impulsivity.

Among the multiple controversies surrounding hypersexuality is the important issue of whether it constitutes a univocal construct. Although an initial study supported its homogeneity, more resent research has identified two separate subcomponents-problematic sexuality and sexual drive. The present survey study addressed this issue in a sample that included both in-person tested college students (n = 69) and online respondents (n = 339). A factor analysis of scales attempting to capture the indicators of each subcomponent of hypersexuality yielded two correlated, but separate factors. Whereas Problematic Sexuality (PS) comprised scales measuring sexual compulsivity, using sex as a coping mechanism, and the negative consequences of sexual behavior, Sexual Drive (SD) was defined by frequent sexual activity, preoccupation with sexual fantasies, a predilection for impersonal sexual behavior, and facile sexual arousal. These two subcomponents of hypersexuality were found to covary with different types of impulsivity, further supporting their discrimination and providing external validation for their differentiation. Contrary to a priori hypotheses, however, PS correlated highly with Callous/Manipulative/Risk-Taking as well as with a predicted Affective Instability/Behavioral Disinhibition factor, suggesting that PS may constitute an equifinality of separate developmental trajectories for those high on both subtypes of hypersexuality.

"One a Day Keeps the Prison Away": Understanding the Experiences of Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offences Receiving Anti-Androgens for the Treatment of Problematic Sexual Arousal.

Problematic sexual arousal (PSA) is an umbrella term to describe a range of clinical presentations related to excessive sexual thinking (e.g., sexual preoccupation) and sexual behavior (e.g., hypersexuality). Although such concepts are known to affect sexual recidivism among individuals convicted of sexual offences, PSA is not routinely or directly targeted in offending behavior programs in England and Wales. However, in recent years, there have been moves to incorporate pharmacological interventions for addressing this among people with sexual offence histories. Although some work to understand the experiences of those taking SSRI medication for this purpose has emerged, little is known about the experiences of service users taking anti-androgen medication. In this study, we interviewed all individuals in prison taking anti-androgens for the treatment of problematic sexual arousal following convictions for sexual offences in England at the time of data collection (N = 10). Using a phenomenologically oriented thematic analysis, we established themes pertaining to "Differing needs: Motivations for treatment," "Medication as a risk management strategy," and how the medication helped the men in their pursuit of "Discovering a 'new me'." This work contributes important knowledge to inform the development of ethical and effective prescribing of anti-androgen medication with this population and offer recommendations for both future research and the development of clinical practice.

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.

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.