Current Sexual Health Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: Semen analysis serves as the initial step in the evaluation of male infertility. However, given the difficulty in interpreting abnormal findings, physicians and patients often struggle with understanding the results. In this review, we aim to review the normal physiology of ejaculation and create an accessible resource for interpreting abnormal semen volume, viscosity, liquefaction, pH, appearance, and color.

Recent findings: Emerging evidence has revealed that men with genitourinary tract infections have a greater number of seminal leukocytes, which may result in clumping of motile sperm and altered morphology. Hence, these patients may have abnormal sperm parameters secondary to their health status. Recent findings have further characterized the semen liquefaction process, suggesting that increased levels of semenogelin and decreased levels of proteases and plasminogen activators (e.g., urokinase and chymotrypsin) may be associated with the failure of semen to convert to a watery consistency.

Summary: This article creates a resource which may be referenced when abnormalities in semen analysis are encountered. We offer a comprehensive overview of normal ejaculation physiology and abnormal variants in male ejaculate volume-including aspermia, anejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, and hypo- and hyperspermia-and their potential etiologies. Additionally, we discuss several processes (infection, inflammation, and dysfunction of male sex glands) which may affect semen viscosity, liquefaction, and pH. Finally, our discussion of the potential colors of male ejaculate is meant to reduce the anxiety of both patient and provider. Through a better understanding of the process and varying characteristics of ejaculation, physicians may adequately counsel their patients on abnormal findings and concerns regarding infertility.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on out-of-hospital births (at home or in an independent birth center) in high-income countries in the time of coronavirus. Qualitative studies published between 2020 and 2022 providing findings on women's and health providers' perspectives and experiences, as well as policies and practices implemented, are synthetized.

Recent findings: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of women choosing the home or a birth center to deliver has grown considerably. Main reasons for this choice include fear of contagion in facilities and restrictions during delivery and the post-partum period, especially women's separation from their companion of choice and their newborn. Findings suggest that homebirth within a public model has several advantages in the experience of birth for both women and professionals during the pandemic period, maintaining the benefits of biomedicine when needed.

Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the interest in out-of-hospital birth increased in high-income countries, and the number of women choosing the home or a birth center to deliver has grown considerably. This review aims to give a more in-depth understanding of women's and health providers' perspectives on and experiences of out-of-hospital birth services during this period. Twenty-five studies in different countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, Croatia, and Norway, were reviewed. Findings stress that out-of-hospital birth has allowed women to deliver according to their wishes and needs. In addition, the pandemic experience represents an opportunity for policy to better support and integrate out-of-hospital services in the health care system in the future.

Purpose of review: Virtual reality (VR) pornography is a relatively new medium for the experience of pornography. In juxtaposition with traditional modes of experiencing pornography, such as two-dimensional (2D) displays, VR promises a new experience of pornography for the user. VR can offer the feeling of 'being there': an increased sense of immersion and presence in a mediated experience thanks to the sensory affordances of the medium. In an effective VR environment, the user is immersed in the experience itself, feeling an embodied presence in the world presented to them and able to interact with the environment and others in the environment in ways that cannot be achieved in other media. In terms of pornography, this is potentially revolutionary. The user can be embodied in one of the performers and experience a unique perspective. Alternatively, there are interfaces that will allow for the performer and viewer to physically interact with one another and experience physical arousal from the actions of the other at a distance. The possibilities of VR pornography are therefore related to the intensity of experience, the changing relationship with the performers and others in pornographic media, and the possibility of new, embodied experiences of arousal utilising networked, embodied technologies. This research review assesses to what extent research on VR pornography has supported these possibilities, affordances, and developments.

Recent findings: 23 articles were included in the present review. Findings demonstrate some increases in arousal and empathy in using VR pornography. However, further empirical evidence for these findings is still needed. In addition, teledildonic technology is lacking empirical research and the effects of the use of this technology in conjunction with VR requires research.

Summary: Collectively, the results underscore the notion that VR improves immersion and presence for subjects, and this can translate to increased sexual desire, empathy for performers in pornography, and sexual anxiety in watching pornography. This is a field in infancy, and the initial results of empirical work suggest that VR can intensify some key aspects of the experience of pornography. Theoretical reflections on VR pornography indicate many areas that require further empirical research.

Purpose of review: Sexual problems after cancer are common and multifaceted, particularly among women. The objective of this paper is to review recent and innovative behavioral (non-pharmacologic) interventions that aim to improve the sexual health of women affected by cancer. The review focuses on studies published within the past 5 years, focusing on interventions in three key areas for women with cancer: interventions to facilitate effective patient-provider communication about sexual health concerns, biopsychosocial interventions targeting women specifically, and interventions using a couple-based approach.

Recent findings: Overall, results suggest advancements in all key areas. First, efforts to facilitate effective clinical communication about sexual health concerns in cancer are growing. Findings from pilot studies were particularly encouraging for brief communication interventions in increasing clinicians' awareness and comfort in discussing sexual health with their patients. Second, studies have also begun demonstrating feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy for biopsychosocial interventions for women to improve sexual health, based on a variety of therapeutic approaches; technology-based approaches are gaining particular traction. Finally, consistent with prior reviews, recent research continues to support the use of couple-based interventions, suggesting that including partners in education and counseling about cancer-related sexual changes and solutions can have positive effects on patients, partners, and relationship functioning. Additionally, although efforts are growing to improve clinical communication and sexual health outcomes in special populations (e.g., adolescent and young adult survivors, sexual and gender minorities), greater efforts are needed.

Summary: Findings from the review suggest benefit of recent interventions aimed to address sexual concerns and improve outcomes for women affected by cancer. Limitations of studies include small sample sizes and a lack of tailoring to address individual concerns and diverse populations. Future directions should consider existing barriers to participation while leveraging the opportunities for technology and evidence-based digital health strategies to optimize or individualize content and facilitate delivery.