Sexual medicine reviews最新文献

{"title":"The hormonal regulation of men's sexual desire, arousal, and penile erection: recommendations from the fifth international consultation on sexual medicine (ICSM 2024).","authors":"Giulia Rastrelli, Leen Antonio, Serge Carrier, Andrea Isidori, Mario Maggi","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The sexual response, including sexual desire and arousal/penile erection in men, is affected by several hormones and neurotransmitters.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To give resources to understand the usefulness to assess different hormones when considering a man with hypoactive sexual desire or erectile dysfunction and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. A level of evidence grading system was used to provide strong, moderate, or conditional recommendations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An extensive revision of the scientific literature was performed by the subcommittee of the International Consultation of Sexual Medicine. The results were first extensively discussed by the sub-committee members and presented publicly for further discussion with other experts. The roles of hypothalamic (kisspeptin, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone), pituitary (prolactin, oxytocin [OT], and growth hormone), thyroid, adrenal (dehydroepiandrosterone, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids) and sex hormones were considered.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Testosterone has a primary role in controlling and coordinating male sexual desire and arousal, acting at multiple levels. Accordingly, meta-analysis indicates that testosterone therapy for hypogonadal individuals can improve low desire and erectile dysfunction. Hyperprolactinemia is associated with low desire which can be successfully corrected by appropriate treatments. OT, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and kisspeptin are important in eliciting sexual arousal; however, the use of these peptides or their analogs, for stimulating sexual arousal is still under investigation. Evaluation and treatment of other endocrine disorders are suggested only in selected cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Endocrine abnormalities are common in patients with sexual dysfunction. The identification of some of these is mandatory (ie, testosterone, prolactin), whereas, for others, it is known that their disorders may cause sexual dysfunction without, however, being frequently recognized in subjects consulting for sexual dysfunction (ie, thyroid and growth hormones). Others may be important, but the clinical use is limited by issues with their measurement (ie, estradiol, dihydrotestosterone), whereas for some hormones or neuropeptides, the clinical usefulness for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes should still be established.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review of the vestibular glands: functional anatomy, clinical significance, and role in sexual function.","authors":"Sara Perelmuter, Olivia Giovannetti, Diane Tomalty","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Glandular tissues, including the vestibular glands, play an important role in the female genital system. Despite this acknowledgement, the detailed structure and function of the major and minor vestibular glands has yet to be comprehensively reviewed.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Through a review of current evidence, this paper aims to consolidate current understanding of the functional anatomy, physiological significance, and suggested role in sexual function of the vestibular glands, and identify knowledge gaps to inform future research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases. Keywords included \"vestibular glands\", \"Bartholin's glands\", and \"minor vestibular glands\". Original research on the anatomy, embryology, function, and pathophysiology of the vestibular glands were included for review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Limited literature focused on the embryonic development of the vestibular glands, though there is a prevailing hypothesis that they originate from the urogenital sinus. The major vestibular glands are described as oval-shaped glands and located at the posterior vaginal introitus, with ducts opening into the vulvar vestibule, though supporting anatomical data is lacking. Microscopic analyses indicate these glands produce mucin and contain neuroendocrine cells. However, data on blood supply and innervation were scarce. There is also a conspicuous lack of delineation between the major and minor vestibular glands both anatomically and functionally. Some studies linked the glands to sexual function, suggesting a role in lubrication and orgasm, though supporting evidence is limited.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The vestibular glands are presumed to play a role in female sexual function, though their detailed physiology remains poorly understood. While these glands are believed to aid in lubrication, significant gaps exist in understanding concerning their embryology and anatomy (eg, blood supply, innervation) remain to be addressed. Future research should prioritize detailed functional anatomical and physiological studies to better understand these glands, which may in turn help inform clinical knowledge of related disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144249586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Providing culturally sensitive sexual medicine for persons with disabilities: a scoping review.","authors":"Rebecca Howland, Benjamin Tooke, Hugh Deery, JoAnne Deery, Jodi Kreschmer, Michelle Arthur, Daniela Wittmann, Courtney Streur","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Persons with physical disabilities (PWD) are a health care disparity group who face both difficulties accessing and inequalities in care. Although their sexual health is impacted by their disability and important to them, they often receive no or inadequate sexual health care. To address this gap, we sought to summarize evidence-based recommendations for culturally sensitive sexual health care for PWD.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this scoping review was to identify patient-reported preferences for culturally sensitive sexual health care for people with Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Spina Bifida, and Cerebral Palsy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Utilizing PubMed and Embase, we identified all primary research studies published from 1/1/2005-1/6/2024 that included PWD-reported preferences for delivery of sexual health care. After determining eligibility, two authors extracted and subsequently summarized the data utilizing standard scoping review methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>6575 articles were identified, of which 32 met eligibility criteria, which included 13 reviews, nine cross- sectional studies, nine cohort studies, and one quasi-experimental studies. Sexual health generally goes unaddressed in the care of PWD despite its importance to the individuals. While there is a paucity of research, existing evidence suggests that preferences are highly individual and may vary by sociocultural, health, disability, relationship, and personal factors. Health care providers should ask each person about their preferences for the timing and context of sexual health conversations, such as who is present and how to make the person comfortable during the clinic visit. Validated questionnaires and educational tools may help facilitate conversations. Sexual health conversations should be ongoing.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Providing culturally sensitive sexual health care for PWD and their partners is both critical and feasible. Additional research is needed to further explore preferences for care and how preferences are impacted by the intersectionality of sociocultural, disability, and other factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144249585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sexual function and dysfunction in the LGBTQIA+ community-including before and after gender-affirming surgery: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).","authors":"Maurice M Garcia, Maria Manuela Peixoto, Heather L Armstrong, Erika Kelley, Gail Knudson, Natnita Mattawanon, Christopher W Wheldon","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines focused on sexual (dys)function for the LGBTQIA+ (ie, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual) community, including before and after gender-affirming surgery, are still scarce.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To provide an overview and recommendations for sexual (dys)function among individuals with diverse sexual orientations, transgender and gender-diverse individuals, and intersex individuals/individuals with differences of sexual development (DSD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A committee of experts conducted a comprehensive review of the literature, focusing on scientific publications since the last consultation, for the fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Researches that considered populations with diverse sexual orientations were reviewed and largely focused on sexual satisfaction/pleasure, sexual functioning, and sexual difficulties. Additional topics included relationship and psychological dimensions, sexual functioning during receptive anal sex, chemsex, minority stress, asexuality, and sexuality in older adulthood. The main challenges are related to small sample sizes and mostly cross-sectional study designs that limit the generalization of findings. Research focused on sexual (dys)function among transgender and gender-diverse individuals tends to focus on a medical perspective of sexual function and is often based on cisgender models or methodology. Research has also focused attention on the relationship between medical interventions for gender-affirming care (eg, hormone therapy, surgery) and has often included cross-sectional designs or short-term follow-up. Current research also highlights the unique facets of sexual (dys)function that appear important to gender-diverse individuals, such as relational and body image factors. Fewer articles focused on individuals with intersex traits/DSD, and these included a diverse approach to the samples studied and methodology used. Much of this research focused on the impact of medical interventions (eg, hormone therapy, surgery) on sexual satisfaction and function. Across populations, there were limited validated measures of sexual (dys)function.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, the main challenges in the field are related to methodological gaps, as acknowledged in this review, and a summary of the literature is provided. Diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as ethical considerations, are addressed, and clinical recommendations for supporting the sexual well-being of individuals with diverse sexual orientations, transgender and gender-diverse individuals, and intersex individuals/individuals with DSD are presented.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143998252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Orgasms, sexual pleasure, and opioid reward mechanisms.","authors":"James G Pfaus","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Sexual activity produces pleasure related to sexual arousal, desire, and genitosensory and erogenous stimulation. Orgasms produce a whole brain and body rush of ecstatic pleasure followed by relaxation and refractoriness. This pleasure results from the activation of neurochemical reward pathways in the brain. This is differentiated by spinal pathways that control climax, the particular motor movements of the pelvic floor and the experience of tension release.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To relate the activation of key neurochemical reward and bonding systems, notably dopamine, oxytocin, and opioids, to the pleasure of sexual activity in general and orgasms in particular.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review of the neurochemical and neuroanatomical mechanisms activated during sexual stimulation and orgasm in rats and humans, and how they are related overall to the generation of sexual pleasure and reward.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Appetitive sexual pleasure involves the activation of dopamine and oxytocin release in hypothalamic and mesolimbic regions that regulate sexual arousal and desire, and are reinforced by localized opioid activity. Orgasms are thought to result in part from a massive release of opioids into these regions that inhibits dopamine and oxytocin transmission, but that initiates molecular changes to sensitize both systems and induce sexually conditioned place and partner preferences. Serotonin is also activated at orgasm and contributes to feelings of satiety and refractoriness. Orgasm disorders are distressing, cause resentment and conflict in a relationship, and diminish overall sexual health and well-being.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Orgasms are an important component of sexual pleasure for humans and perhaps all vertebrates. Endogenous opioids like β-endorphin that bind to mu opioid receptors are likely responsible for sexual pleasure and reward.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144035287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infection, inflammation, and sexual function in male and female patients-recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).","authors":"Fernando Facio, Elena Colonnello, Laith Alzweri, Estela Citrin, Alexandra Dubinskaya, Megan Falsetta, Adriano Fregonesi, Susan Kellogg-Spadt, Leonardo Seligra Lopes, Emmanuele A Jannini","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Sexual dysfunction in men and women is an important clinical issue; infection and inflammation can cause social, medical, and psychological problems that have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We set out to identify sexual dysfunctions in men and women that arise from infection and inflammation and propose meaningful interventions, as evaluated by the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM) held in June 2024 in Madrid (Spain).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for published peer-reviewed journal articles and ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization's (WHO's) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for prospective trials. This manuscript represents the opinions of 10 experts from 6 countries developed in a consensus process after completing the literature review, which produced a list of recommendations graded as weak or strong. This document was presented for peer review and debate in a public forum, and revisions were made based on the recommendations of chairpersons of the 5th ICSM.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Infections, and in particular sexually transmitted infections (STIs), dramatically affect the sexual and reproductive health of individuals and couples, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender. Similarly, non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), through the common pathogenetic mechanism of inflammation, can directly impair the ability to copulate, reproduce, and enjoy sexual life.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This expert consensus recommends prioritizing early detection, comprehensive treatment approaches, and preventive measures to mitigate the effects of infection and inflammation on sexual health, both for the patient and the couple. These insights provide a foundation for improving patient outcomes and fostering global awareness of the interconnections between infection, inflammation, and sexual dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144014039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use the sexperts recommendations!","authors":"Annamaria Giraldi","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf020","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf020","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"116-117"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143754530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual function and dysfunction: recommendations from the fifth international consultation on sexual medicine (ICSM 2024).","authors":"Lori A Brotto, Sandrine Atallah, Joana Carvalho, Elisabeth Gordon, Patrícia M Pascoal, Mona Reda, Kyle R Stephenson, Inês M Tavares","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae073","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Sexual health concerns are common and significantly impact quality of life, but many people do not seek treatment due to embarrassment and other barriers. A biopsychosocial model of assessment and treatment acknowledges the biological, psychological, and social contributors to sexual difficulties and suggests that all these domains should be evaluated.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This paper provides an overview of the major psychological factors contributing to sexual difficulties and offer an evidence-based approach for primary care clinicians to assess and treat these issues.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature review was undertaken focusing on articles published since the last consultation in 2016. The study findings were synthesized, critiqued, authors assigned a Grading of Recommendation as Weak or Strong following a year-long process of discussions among the committee. When a particular well-established psychological practice was not evaluated in the literature, we assigned an expert opinion recommendation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Since the 2015 ICSM, there have been a number of high-quality trials of psychological treatments addressing sexual dysfunctions, as well as meta-analyses and systematic reviews. In some domains, there is strong evidence of psychological treatment, and primary care providers should be aware of such approaches and refer when appropriate.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This paper offers a practical guide for primary care clinicians to understand the psychological factors underlying sexual dysfunction and outlining what approaches may be appropriate for this clinician, and when the patient should be referred to a specialist. We emphasize an evidence-based approach to managing sexual dysfunctions in primary care, allowing for timely interventions. A comprehensive evaluation of biopsychosocial factors is recommended to personalize psychological interventions to overall context, including chronic diseases, mental health issues, and relationship conflicts. The initial assessment is key to developing an individualized intervention plan, which may include psychoeducation, referral for cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or couple therapy, and consideration of medical or digital health interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"118-143"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142955348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Penile prosthesis for erectile dysfunction: recommendations from the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine.","authors":"Tobias S Köhler, Ricardo Munarriz, Justin Parker, Carlo Bettocchi, Georgios Hatzichristodoulou, Francisco E Martins, Ignacio Moncada, Daniar Osmonov, Sung Hun Park, David Ralph, Run Wang","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf001","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Penile prosthesis (PP) is one of the main approved therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). Greater than 50 years of clinical use has led to considerable innovation in PP surgery and patient care.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To summarize the current literature and provide updated clinical evidence to inform healthcare providers on best practices with PP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A consensus panel was held with leading sexual medicine experts during the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM). Relevant peer-reviewed literature was reviewed with focus on research from but not limited to the last 10 years. The quality of each individual study was judged with Oxford levels of evidence (LOE) criteria, but overall LOE were not used as systematic review was not performed. The expert panel generated consensus statements based on the quality of evidence and criteria of GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PP provides excellent outcomes for the treatment of ED. The panel developed 35 recommendations building upon previous recommendations. Nine recommendations (4, 5, 11,13,17, 25, 26, 31, and 32) are retained without change from 2015. Twelve recommendations (1, 2, 3, 7, 9,14,16,19,21, 28, 33, and 34) change syntax to make statements more active or change details. Fourteen recommendations (6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, and 35) are novel in this update.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Since the 4th ICSM, new evidence has emerged to guide PP use in modern sexual medicine. While multi-institutional studies are needed to improve outcomes, key challenges remain: reducing infections, enhancing devices, and improving awareness and accessibility. We recommend following 5th ICSM guidelines while emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment and shared decision-making for optimal PP outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"144-171"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring female genital self-image: a psychological and sociocultural perspective.","authors":"Ghada Farouk Mohammed, Mohammed Saleh Al-Dhubaibi, Ahmed Ibrahim AbdElneam, Saleh Salem Bahaj, Ahmed Mohammed Al-Dhubaibi","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf006","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Female genital self-image (FGSI) refers to one's perception of the external and internal appearance of female genitalia. FGSI is a multidisciplinary research area influenced by psychological, sociocultural, and clinical factors, influencing sexual satisfaction, desire, self-perception, and partner perception.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The review aims to improve doctors' understanding of genital self-image by incorporating psychological and sociocultural perspectives, thereby promoting a comprehensive and holistic approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search technique was used to obtain research papers from the following databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science. Google Scholar was also manually searched. The search results were imported into Rayyan reference management and assessed using the established inclusion criteria. The quality of the articles was assessed using the appropriate JBI checklist (ie, according to the study design), and the JBI grades of recommendation were used to grade the evidence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Psychological theories like self-schema, body image, and female personal harm view offer insights into FGSI, but none provide a comprehensive explanation of subjective body image dissatisfaction.Research indicates women often experience anxiety about discussing genitalia and accepting sexual attention, but limited literature on negative self-image causes. Interventions include sexological counseling, therapy, educational programs, and public statements. Understanding FGSI is crucial for effective pre-surgical counseling, incorporating online portrayals, attitudes, and reasons for cosmetic surgery, and addressing psychological and sociocultural factors.This text delves into the intricate psychological and sociocultural factors that shape FGSI, presenting a model of intra- and interpersonal dynamics. The link between FGSI and negativism is unclear, but it is linked to women's confidence and subjectivity, with positive self-perceptions predicting higher sexual satisfaction and mental health.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>FGSI has an imperative role in healthy female sexual function. The study suggests an interdisciplinary approach to managing FGSI, integrating psychological and sociological approaches, to better understand women's anatomy and address gendered distress.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"256-266"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143365914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}