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Biomedicine (Taipei) 2020 28;10(1):33-39. Epub 2020 Mar 28.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

Background And Objectives: Sexual dysfunction and mood disorders have a high prevalence rate and their co-occurrence has been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of co-occurrence of sexual dysfunction and depression and related factors in women.

Materials And Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 826 married rural women aged 15-49 years in Sari, Iran in 2018, selected by random sampling. Read More

Aesthet Surg J 2021 Apr 12. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.

Background: Transcutaneous temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF) is an emerging modality for vulvovaginal rejuvenation. Still, the clinical experience with this modality is limited.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of TTCRF in improving female genital appearance, sexual function, and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Read More

Lasers Surg Med 2021 Apr 9. Epub 2021 Apr 9.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, 3525408, Israel.

Background And Objectives: Vaginal fractional carbon dioxide (CO ) laser treatment has emerged in the past two decades as a non-surgical option for vaginal tightening. Mounting evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of this treatment for female sexual dysfunction. A newly developed vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) technique accurately evaluates the biomechanical parameters of the female pelvic floor and vagina, including tissue elasticity, pelvic support, and pelvic muscle function in high definition. Read More

Maturitas 2021 May 4;147:34-40. Epub 2021 Mar 4.

Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy. Electronic address:

Objective: The aim of the present randomized placebo-controlled single-center study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a new vaginal gel (Meclon Idra - Alfasigma) in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). The gel is composed of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) oil, aloe vera, 18β-glycyrrhetic acid, hyaluronic acid and glycogen. The study assessed whether the gel can reduce VVA symptoms (vaginal dryness, itching, burning sensation) and improve sexual function in postmenopausal women over 12 weeks. Read More

Health Care Women Int 2021 Apr 2:1-13. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

Mother and Child Care Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

Studies on the sexual consequences of female genital circumcision are controversial. In this article, we intend to compare the sexual function in women with or without experience of circumcision in the Kurdish region of Mahabad in Iran. In this case-control study 550 women completed the demographic and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires. Read More

Sex Med 2021 Mar 29;9(3):100336. Epub 2021 Mar 29.

Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Cambelltown, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.

Introduction: Women' sexuality becomes complex after breast cancer diagnosis and sexual health is highly neglected in the management of the illness.

Aims: To explore the coping and strategies to overcome sexuality problems and sexual dysfunction among women with breast cancer.

Material And Methods: Using the in-depth and photo-elicitation interview methods, this qualitative study following phenomenological analysis was conducted on fourteen married female respondents with breast cancer and had the positive result for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) screened by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6 items) from Kelantan, Malaysia. Read More

J Sex Med 2021 Mar 23. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Urology Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.

Background: Few studies have investigated how physical, mental and sexual function are associated with each other in operated transgender women (oTW).

Aim: To provide information on the physical, mental and sexual health of oTW in comparison with a group of cisgender women (cisW).

Methods: An age-matched control study was carried out, recruiting 125 oTW in 7 national referral centers and 80 volunteer women. Read More

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021 Mar 25. Epub 2021 Mar 25.

National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Background And Aims: Little is known about the impact of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) on quality of life (QoL). This study aims to explore QoL and sexual function after a pregnancy complicated by PAS.

Methods: Women who experienced a pregnancy complicated by PAS were invited to complete an online survey. Read More

J Sex Med 2021 Mar 20. Epub 2021 Mar 20.

Advanced Urogynecology of Michigan, P.C., Dearborn, MI, USA; Department of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, Beaumont Health, Wayne, MI, USA.

Background: Despite some prospective case series showing effectiveness of vaginal laser to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), there is a paucity of placebo-controlled level one evidence.

Aim: To assess the effect of fractional carbon dioxide (CO) laser therapy to treat GSM against a sham comparator.

Methods: We conducted a parallel, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial to compare menopausal women treated with fractional CO laser against sham treatment for improvement in GSM-related dyspareunia. Read More

J Sex Med 2021 Mar 20. Epub 2021 Mar 20.

Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Introduction: Despite a growing body of research on psychosocial factors in Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD) during sexual intercourse, there are few studies examining adolescent and young adult women's experiences with painful sex and the effects of religiosity, sexual education, and sex guilt.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine the occurrence of GPPPD among sexually active female college students, including psychosocial factors of religiosity and religious practice, sexual education, sex guilt, and sexual distress.

Methods: Data were collected from 974 college women from a university in the Northeastern U. Read More

Clin Breast Cancer 2021 Feb 23. Epub 2021 Feb 23.

School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Urogynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female cancer worldwide. Menopausal symptoms are a well-known side effect in women with BC and have a significant negative impact on quality of life (QoL) and sexuality. Nowadays, hormonal replacement therapy and local estrogens are the most common prescriptions to treat vulvovaginal (VVA) symptoms. Read More

Rheumatol Int 2021 Mar 16. Epub 2021 Mar 16.

Department of Medicine, Positivo University, Rua Prof. Pedro Viriato, 5300 zip code, Curitiba, Paraná, 81280-330, Brazil.

Fibromyalgia (FM) causes generalized musculoskeletal pain and sexual life may also be impaired in these patients. We aimed to study sexual performance in FM patients comparing them with healthy controls and verify if there is association of epidemiological variables, degree of musculoskeletal pain and associated diseases with sexual performance in this group of patients. This is a cross-sectional study based in an internet survey. Read More

Transl Androl Urol 2021 Feb;10(2):555-562

Andrology and Urogynecology Clinic, Santa Maria Terni Hospital, University of Perugia, Terni, Italy.

Background: Peyonie's disease (PD) mostly affects males in the fifth decade of life, with a prevalence in the general population ranging between 0.5% and 20.3%. Read More

Br J Surg 2021 03;108(2):128-137

Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.

Background: Mixed results are reported on clinical and cancer outcomes in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery (LRCS) compared with robotic rectal cancer surgery (RRCS). However, more favourable functional outcomes are reported following RRCS. This study compared urinary and sexual function following RRCS and LRCS in male and female patients. Read More

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2021 25;2021:8854182. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Background: Menopause is one of the most critical stages of a woman's life and is accompanied by symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sexual dysfunction, mucus atrophy, and vaginal dryness. Women tend to use complementary and alternative medicine such as herbs rather than hormone replacement therapy to alleviate these symptoms. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of Jazar supplement (herbal supplement comprising Vitex, fennel, and carrot seeds) on sexual function, quality of life, and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Read More

BMC Womens Health 2021 03 10;21(1):102. Epub 2021 Mar 10.

Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) with anxiety, depression, corona disease anxiety, sexual function (SF), and marital satisfaction (MS) in married women during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study involving n = 296 married women. We used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and coronary disease anxiety questionnaire, as determinants of QoL for data collection. Read More

J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2021 Mar-Apr 01;48(2):153-161

Sureyya Gumussoy, PhD, MSN, Atatürk Health Care Vocational School, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.

Purpose: We evaluated the effects of biofeedback-guided pelvic floor muscle training (EMG-BF), with and without extracorporeal magnetic innervation (EMG-BF+ExMI) therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms based on frequency of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and grams of urine loss, health-related quality of life, and sexual function in women with SUI.

Design: This was a randomized controlled trial.

Subjects And Setting: The sample comprised 51 adult women with SUI. Read More

Rheumatol Int 2021 Mar 10. Epub 2021 Mar 10.

Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

Mucosal dryness and dyspareunia are symptoms that may significantly affect women with primary Sjӧgren syndrome (pSS). We investigated whether vaginal dryness is correlated with sexual function, and the impact may have on the quality of life (QoL) and mental health well-being in pSS patients. Ethically approved comparative cross-sectional study was designed to assess sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in 65 pSS female patients vs 62 sex-matched controls. Read More

Curr Med Res Opin 2021 Mar 27:1-6. Epub 2021 Mar 27.

Department of Dermatology and Andrology, Sexual Medicine and STDs, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.

Objective: The impact on male and female sexual dysfunction of treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) using direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of HCV clearance with DAAs on sexual dysfunction (SD) in both sexes.

Methods: In chronic HCV patients who were eligible for DAAs, 100 sexually active men completed the Arabic version of the international index of erectile function questionnaire (IIEF-5), and the same number of sexually active women completed Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), before, at the end of, and 3 months after, treatment for HCV. Read More

Psychol Health Med 2021 Mar 10:1-12. Epub 2021 Mar 10.

The Nursing Faculty, Department of Surgical Nursing, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.

This descriptive study aimed to determine patients' sexual dysfunction and quality of life before and after liver transplantation. The study was conducted with 64 patients who underwent liver transplantation at a university hospital between January 2015 and 2017. The patients were aged 18 or over, able to answer relevant questions and volunteered to participate in the study. Read More

Andrology 2021 Mar 9. Epub 2021 Mar 9.

Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey.

Background: Obesity has been associated with severe conditions and sexual dysfunction. Bariatric surgery has effects positively patients' sexual function.

Objectives: To assess the effect of bariatric surgery on sexual functions of couples. Read More

Aesthetic Plast Surg 2021 Mar 8. Epub 2021 Mar 8.

Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 33 Badachu road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, China.

Background: Labiaplasty (labia minora reduction) has been increasingly requested in recent years. The surgical procedures previously reported in the literature may have some complications that affect patient satisfaction.

Methods: Patients who underwent a new bilateral labiaplasty procedure that combined wedge de-epithelialization on the medial side with edge resection on the lateral side were retrospectively reviewed. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 Feb 25;18(5). Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Department of Massage and Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education, al. I. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant social problem. According to the World Health Organization, UI affects as much as 30% of premenopausal women and 60% of postmenopausal women. Urinary incontinence can lead to certain problems that negatively affect a woman's sex life. Read More

Oral Dis 2021 Mar 4. Epub 2021 Mar 4.

Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey.

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between periodontal status and sexual dysfunction in perimenopausal women.

Materials And Methods: This study was conducted on 106 participants. After the evaluation of the sexual functioning of participants with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), their periodontal status and decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) were assessed using appropriate indexes and obtained results were recorded for comparisons. Read More

Menopause 2021 Mar 1. Epub 2021 Mar 1.

Doctoral Program in Health Sciences at the University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain Department of Nursing, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.

Objective: This study evaluated sexual function, the influence of the relationship with the intimate partner, and the factors related to sexual function in middle-aged Spanish women.

Methods: The methodology entailed a cross-sectional study of 187 sexually active women aged 40-59 years. The participants were randomly recruited from primary public health care. Read More

Health Qual Life Outcomes 2021 Mar 1;19(1):66. Epub 2021 Mar 1.

Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Background: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of pregnant and lactating women is unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health, sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) in Iranian pregnant and lactating women and compare the results with non-pregnant/non-lactating women.

Method: This comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on pregnant and lactating women, with non-pregnant/non-lactating women from May to Jun 2020. Read More

Tech Coloproctol 2021 Apr 1;25(4):449-459. Epub 2021 Mar 1.

Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate short -term (3 months) and medium-term (12 months) postoperative effects on health related quality of life (HRQoL), bowel and sexual function after transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)  in comparison with conventional laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME).

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on consecutive patients who had conventional laparoscopic TME and TaTME at our institution from November 2014 to December 2018.We evaluated HRQoL and bowel function using validated scales including the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life of colorectal cancer specific module (EORTC-QLQ-CR29), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score and Wexner score. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2021 Mar 1. Epub 2021 Mar 1.

Department of General Surgery, Health Sciences University Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Sexual functions in women with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer surgery have not been investigated sufficiently. This study aimed to compare patients with and without lymphedema after total mastectomy in terms of emotional state, sexual functions, and quality of life. We also investigated the factors affecting sexual functions in these patients. Read More

Int Urogynecol J 2021 Feb 27. Epub 2021 Feb 27.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Rua Alexander Fleming, 101, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Female myofascial pain (MFP) of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) is a subtype of chronic pelvic pain associated with urinary, anorectal, and sexual symptoms, such as dyspareunia. Treatment remains poorly discussed, and we hypothesized that different treatments could improve outcomes versus placebo or no treatment.

Methods: A systematic review (CRD 42020201419) was performed in June 2020 using the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, BVSalud, Clinicaltrials. Read More

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021 Feb 1;22(2):581-589. Epub 2021 Feb 1.

S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Background: Up to date, there no studies were conducted on the quality of life (QL) and sexual function (SF) of women from Kazakhstan treated for cervical cancer. The study was aimed at the assessment of the QL and SF of women of the Kazakh population who underwent radical hysterectomy compared with chemo-radiotherapy group.

Methods: The study was conducted prospectively on 157 women of the Kazakh population. Read More