Journal of Sexual Medicine最新文献

Background: Sexual health communication between general practitioners (GPs) and individuals with chronic diseases is well documented as an important component of sexual well-being. However, a notable gap exists in understanding factors that contribute to sexual health communication in the endometriosis context. Endometriosis-related research has focused on the assessment of sexual functioning and its role in influencing health-related quality of life, with a limited understanding of the management of sexual well-being in primary healthcare settings.

Aim: To explore how individuals with endometriosis perceive their experiences of sexual health communication with GPs to understand the barriers and facilitators of this communication in general practice.

Methods: This study formed part of a larger online quantitative survey measuring psychological and sexual well-being in individuals with endometriosis. In total 141 participants provided responses via open-ended unlimited free-text questions focused on their experiences of sexual health communication with GPs, including their perspectives on barriers and facilitators.

Results: Four overarching themes regarding barriers to sexual health communication were identified through thematic template analysis: (1) systemic factors; (2) practitioner factors; (3) patient factors; and (4) interpersonal factors. Facilitators mirrored strategies to address these barriers. Additionally, participants offered recommendations for developing resources to improve sexual health communication.

Clinical implications: Despite patients' interest, sexual health concerns in endometriosis are commonly overlooked in general practice due to various barriers, which individuals suggest could be addressed through comprehensive GP education and practical aids including communication tools.

Strengths and limitations: Although the sample is large for a qualitative study, the potential selection bias-stemming from participants' high levels of sexual dysfunction and motivation to discuss sexual health with a GP-may limit the diversity of perspectives. GP perspectives were not evaluated, precluding any assessment of the accuracy of individuals' perceptions of practitioner factors.

Conclusions: Individuals with endometriosis encounter various systematic, practitioner, personal, and interpersonal factors that hinder or facilitate sexual health communication in general practice. Future research should prioritize strategies to improve sexual health communication for both GPs and patients.

Background: Sexual dysfunctions impair the intimate relationships of up to one-third of the population. Virtual reality (VR) offers innovative treatment options for both mental and sexual disorders, such as female orgasmic disorder and erectile disorder. Sexual aversion disorder (SAD)-the anxiety, disgust, and avoidance of sexual contexts-is a chronic condition commonly treated with anxiety-reducing strategies, such as exposure-based therapy. Despite exposure's efficacy in reducing SAD symptoms, VR exposure therapy's (VRET) effectiveness remains unexplored for this condition.

Aim: This proof-of-concept study examines the acceptability, adequacy, and clinical effects of a VRET's simulation protocol for SAD.

Methods: In the laboratory, 15 adults suffering from SAD (Mage = 35.00; SD = 11.36) viewed 15 virtual sexual scenarios of increasing intensity (eg, flirting, nudity, genital stimulation) adjusted to their sexual preferences and gender identities.

Outcomes: Levels of anxiety, disgust, and catastrophizing beliefs were measured throughout the scenarios using standard self-report measures. Participants also completed validated questionnaires on sexual presence and simulation realism, as well as open-ended questions on scenarios' representativeness and adequacy immediately after immersion. Six months after the laboratory visit, participants completed a negative effects questionnaire and were screened for SAD symptoms again. Repeated-measures ANOVAs and descriptive analyses were performed.

Results: Levels of anxiety and disgust significantly increased with the intensity of sexual scenarios. Catastrophizing levels were high and tended to augment with increasing exposure levels. A significant reduction in symptoms of SAD was found from pre-simulation to the 6-month follow-up assessment. Sexual presence and realism scores were moderate. Qualitative assessment revealed that all participants reported the sexual scenarios were representative of real-life situations that tend to elicit SAD symptoms for them. Reported negative effects were generally mild.

Clinical implications: This proof-of-concept study suggests that VRET may have the potential to elicit self-reported emotional and cognitive manifestations of SAD (sex-related anxiety, disgust, and catastrophizing), while also hinting at its acceptability, adequacy, and benefits in alleviating SAD symptoms.

Strengths & limitations: While this study marks the first exploration of the clinical relevance of gender-inclusive virtual sexual scenarios for SAD, its design and sample composition may impact observed effects and the generalizability of findings.

Conclusion: This study invites future clinical trials to assess VRET efficacy for SAD.

Background: Genital gender-affirming surgery has become a crucial step in the transitioning process of numerous transgender people.

Aim: To highlight the consequences of genital gender-affirming surgery on pelvic floor function in transgender people.

Methods: Medical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) were consulted according to a combination of keywords. All papers published up to February 29, 2024 were considered. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts of the selected studies and extracted data from the full-text articles included. Data were subsequently tabulated and compared for consistency. The bias associated with each included study was evaluated according to the Observational Study Quality Evaluation (OSQE) method. This study is registered on PROSPERO number CRD42024522580.

Outcomes: Pelvic floor dysfunctions in individuals who undergo gender-affirming surgery, factors that may be involved in the increased prevalence of these dysfunctions and perspectives of treatment of the complications through pelvic floor physical therapy.

Results: Twenty-five papers were considered for systematic review, while 17 studies were included for meta-analysis. There was significant statistical heterogeneity across the included studies. Among transwomen who had undergone vaginoplasty, pelvic organ prolapse occurred in 1%-7.5% of patients, urinary incontinence affected up to 15% of patients, while urinary irritative symptoms up to 20%. Sexual dysfunctions were reported by 25%-75% of patients. Among transmen who underwent hysterectomy and phalloplasty, pelvic organ prolapse occurred in 3.8% of patients, urinary incontinence affected up to 50% of patients, while urinary irritative symptoms up to 37%. Finally, sexual dysfunctions were reported by 54% of patients.

Clinical implications: The findings of this study could be helpful for transgender patients pre-operative counselling.

Strengths and limitations: This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis about pelvic floor dysfunctions in transgender people undergoing genital gender-affirming surgery. The main limitations are the limited number of studies included and their heterogeneity.

Conclusion: Pelvic floor dysfunctions following genital gender-affirming surgery are an emerging issue. Adequate information for each surgical procedure, explicit postoperative instructions, continuity of care, communication with healthcare providers, and recommendation for tailored perioperative pelvic floor physiotherapy are necessary for a better surgical result.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is seen in some men who have undergone bilateral nerve-sparing surgery. Corporo-venocclusive dysfunction (CVOD) is the major pathway to permanent ED after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Aim: To identify comorbidity factors that are associated with the presence of CVOD in men who had undergone bilateral nerve-sparing RP.

Methods: We included patients who had no ED before RP, underwent bilateral nerve-sparing RP, were unresponsive to pharmacotherapy, and had a penile Duplex Doppler Ultrasound (PDDU) with a diagnosis of CVOD. PDDU was performed with a redosing vasoactive agent protocol. A logistic regression model was created to define predictors of CVOD, defined as end-diastolic velocity (EDV) ≥ 5 cm/s bilaterally.

Outcomes: CVOD diagnosis.

Results: 135 patients with a median age of 60 (IQR 54, 64) years were included. 45% reported ≥2 comorbidities, 10% diabetes, 28% obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and 44% were current or former smokers. At PDDU, 34% had less than penetration hardness erections, and 43% received 100 units of vasoactive agent. 44% were diagnosed with CVOD. Increased age at RP (OR 2.12 per 10 years, 95% CI 2.35, 3.73, P = .007) and OSA (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.07, 5.73, P = .036) were associated with a diagnosis of CVOD.

Clinical implications: Comorbidities, especially OSA, have a role in erection recovery after surgery.

Strengths and limitations: The study used a well-established institutional RP nerve-sparing score, a strict PDDU vasoactive agent redosing protocol, validated cut-offs for CVOD diagnosis, and a validated erectile function questionnaire both pre- and post-operatively. The major limitation is that this is a cohort of men seeking treatment at a sexual medicine clinic for post-operative ED, which limits the generalizability of the results to patients without ED symptoms or who decided not to seek treatment. The dichotomous definition of comorbidities is also a limitation since patients can have differing degrees of comorbidities' severity.

Conclusion: Older patients and the presence of OSA were associated with the presence of CVOD.

Background: The penile suspensory ligament (PSL) plays a significant role in penile support and erection and its injury or congenital absence may result in functional impairment of erectile function.

Aim: To describe the diagnosis and surgical repair technique for PSL abnormalities and overall outcomes.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to understand the anatomic relevance of the PSL and historical management of PSL defects. A contemporary method for PSL repair is described using a transverse infrapubic incision with placement of midline anchoring (non-absorbable braided) sutures between the tunica albuginea (TA) and symphysis pubis to correct penile position and instability.

Outcomes: Surgical success defined as degree of penile curvature and penile stability for sexual intercourse as well as patient and partner satisfaction rates were reviewed.

Results: Though limited in number, available case series in the literature indicate a success rate between 85-100%, and more recent reviews fall in the 85-91% range. Patient satisfaction rates vary from 82-88%, but some series included patients with penile dysmorphic disorder and Peyronie's disease, which are known to have higher dissatisfaction rates related to the underlying etiology itself. In patients with venogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), resolution was 100% but de novo ED occurred in 3-5%; these cases were all successfully managed medically.

Clinical implications: This review addresses the diagnosis of PSL abnormalities and demonstrates a simple but effective repair technique to significantly improve erectile stability in men with acceptable risk.

Strengths and limitations: This is a comprehensive review of the available research on PSL abnormalities that outlines its diverse patient presentation and a systematic method to diagnosis and repair PSL defects. The patient satisfaction rates are reasonably high but given the relatively rarity of this entity, larger longitudinal multi-institutional studies are required to further elucidate risks of de novo ED, penile shortening, and functional outcomes over the long-term.

Conclusion: PSL repair using permanent anchoring sutures or a fascial graft between the pubic symphysis and the TA of the corpora cavernosa is a safe and efficacious way to restore an important part of the penile suspensory apparatus that helps stabilize the penis during erection for normal sexual function.

Background: The Erectile Function Domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF6) is inaccurate in assessing erectile function in men who are not practicing sexual intercourse. Improvement through a modification was recently tested on patients after radical prostatectomy. This study examines the application of this modification in a population-based cohort of middle-aged men.

Aim: To assess the feasibility of a modified IIEF6 in a population-based random sample of 50-year old men in Germany.

Methods: 4924 men were included. IIEF6, Erection Hardness Score (EHS), and causes for the absence of sexual intercourse within the previous 4 weeks were assessed. Modified calculation (double weighting of non-intercourse IIEF6 questions) was applied in case of absence due to external circumstances.

Outcomes: Impact of the modification on erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence and agreement between IIEF6 and EHS in ED classification.

Results: As a result of the modified calculation, ED prevalence in the overall study sample decreased by 6.2% to a rate of 27.2%. Agreement between IIEF6 and EHS was increased from 2.7% to 73.4% in men with no sexual intercourse due to external circumstances.

Clinical implications: An additional inquiry into the reason for the absence of sexual intercourse and modified calculation enhances the accuracy of IIEF6 in evaluating erectile function of the individual man.

Strengths and limitations: This study comprises a large population-based sample. As the study population was exclusively 50-year-old men, results may not be representative of the population average.

Conclusion: A more accurate evaluation of an individual man's erectile function may be achieved by using a modified version of the IIEF6.

Background: Sexual function in transgender adolescents after puberty suppression has been a topic of recent clinical and scientific questions.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of early treatment with puberty suppression on sexual functioning of transfeminine individuals after vaginoplasty.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 37 transfeminine individuals treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (puberty suppression), estrogen, and vaginoplasty (penile inversion technique or intestinal vaginoplasty) at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2000 and 2016.

Outcomes: Experiences regarding sexual functioning and difficulties were assessed with a self-developed questionnaire ~1.5 years after genital gender-affirming surgery and compared between early (Tanner stage G2-3) and late (Tanner stage G4-5) treatment with puberty suppression.

Results: Following surgery, 91% of transfeminine individuals was able to experience sexual desire, 86% experienced arousal, and 78% could attain an orgasm. Seventy-five percent of transfeminine individuals who had not experienced an orgasm pre-surgery were able to experience one post-surgery. Of all participants, 62% reported having tried penile-vaginal intercourse post-surgery. The majority reported the presence of one or multiple sexual challenges. There were no significant differences in postoperative sexual function or sexual difficulties between groups treated with early versus late puberty suppression.

Clinical implications: With these findings, more adequate and tailored information on the expected effects of early endocrine gender-affirming treatment (including puberty suppression) can be given by healthcare professionals.

Strengths and limitations: This is the first study that has assessed sexual functioning of transgender individuals treated with puberty suppression, and has differentiated between the pubertal stage at treatment initiation. Limitations were the small cohort size and retrospective study design. This study focuses on sexual functioning, however, it is important to realize sexual wellbeing is multifactorial and encompasses more than genital functioning or the ability to have certain sexual experiences.

Conclusion: This study found that post-vaginoplasty transfeminine individuals after both early and late suppression of puberty have the ability to experience sexual desire and arousal, and to achieve orgasms. Outcomes are comparable to previous findings in those who started treatment in adulthood.

Introduction: Localized provoked vulvodynia is a common sexual health condition for which there is a lack of consensus on effective management, even though it can have a significant negative impact on psychological wellbeing, sexual functioning, and quality of life for women and their partners.

Aim: To map the research landscape related to the effectiveness/efficacy of psychological treatments for localized provoked vulvodynia, identify gaps, and make recommendations for future research.

Methods: We used Arksey and O'Malley's approach to conducting a scoping review to identify, organize, and summarize research published between 2010 and 2023 that investigated the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions in the management of localized provoked vulvodynia. Inclusion and exclusion criteria and the search strategy were developed by subject experts in collaboration with a health sciences librarian. A PubMed search used controlled vocabulary and keyword terms relating to vulvodynia, which were then translated into other databases. Studies not published in English or French were excluded. We did not consider other subsets of vulvodynia.Articles were uploaded to Covidence, duplicates removed, and titles and abstracts screened. The remaining articles were subject to a 2-person, independent full-text review followed by a hand search of eligible articles. All intervention studies were included regardless of the study design. Study details were reported narratively and analyzed.

Main outcome measures: Of the 88 included articles published between January 2010 and March 2023, 15 reported on the efficacy/effectiveness of psychological treatments for localized provoked vulvodynia, including group educational seminars, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and somatocognitive therapy.

Results: Cognitive behavioral therapy was the most common form of psychological treatment studied (n = 7) with interventions for both individuals and couples. Education about the condition and the therapeutic process was a component of many interventions. Psychological therapies may be of some benefit, but only 1 RCT evaluating the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy appeared adequately powered to demonstrate improvement in dyspareunia. Studies sampled homogenous patient populations, primarily consisting of White, urban-dwelling, educated, partnered, heterosexual cis-women.

Conclusion: Evidence of efficacy/effectiveness, drawn mainly from small studies, is promising and highlights opportunities for more robust studies with heterogeneous populations, more research on the role of education in treatment success, and greater attention to assessing patient-driven outcomes in partnered and unpartnered women.