Colleen Mills-Finnerty, Halee Staggs, Celeste Bittoni, Nan Wise
{"title":"Affective neuroscience: applications for sexual medicine research and clinical practice.","authors":"Colleen Mills-Finnerty, Halee Staggs, Celeste Bittoni, Nan Wise","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead048","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Affective neuroscience is the study of the brain substrates of emotional, embodied experiences. Affective neuroscience theory (ANT) is based on experimental evidence that all mammals are hardwired with 7 primary subcortical emotional operating systems, or \"core emotions,\" that have overlapping but distinct circuits buried in the deep, ancient parts of the brain. Imbalances in the 7 core emotions can affect multiple aspects of the individual's psychosocial well-being (eg, depression, anxiety, substance abuse). Here, we propose that core emotions can also influence sexual function and, specifically, that imbalances in core emotions are the bridge connecting psychiatric symptoms (eg, anhedonia) to sexual dysfunction (eg, anorgasmia).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>In this targeted review and commentary, we outline potential connections between ANT and sexual medicine research and clinical practice. We summarize ANT by defining the 3-level BrainMind and core emotions; examining how they relate to personality, behavior, and mental health; and determining the implications for sexual health research and clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A targeted literature review was conducted. Case studies were adapted from client files and clinician interviews and then anonymized.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We propose a novel organizational schema for implementing affective balance therapies for sexual dysfunction, which integrate psychoeducational, somatic, and cognitive therapeutic approaches under the ANT framework. We provide 3 patient case studies (anorgasmia, hypersexuality, spinal cord injury) outlining the implementation of this approach and patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ANT has practical translational applications in sexual health research and clinical practice. By integrating our understanding of the role of core emotions in human sexuality, clinicians can better tailor treatments to address sexual dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139571353","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":"The testis, eunuchs, and testosterone: a historical review over the ages and around the world.","authors":"Abraham Morgentaler, Han M Hanafy","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead051","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Testosterone therapy for men with testosterone deficiency is widely used, yet remains controversial. The rich and fascinating history of the testicles, including human castration, provides a valuable perspective on this important topic.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study reviewed the history of testosterone from antiquity to the modern day.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Primary sources consisted of books and relevant articles, augmented by a MEDLINE search using the key words \"testis,\" \"testicles,\" \"castration,\" \"eunuchs,\" \"testosterone,\" and \"testicular function.\"</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An early scientific observation was that castration reduced sexual development and activity, originating with domestication of animals approximately 10 000 years ago. Human castration appears in ancient Egyptian mythology more than 4000 years ago, in Greek mythology from 8th century BCE, and in the Bible. The history of eunuchs in China spanned 2000 years, beginning with the Hsia dynasty (2205-1766 BCE). The concept that the testicles produced some factor responsible for male sexual development and behavior was thus known throughout the world since the beginning of recorded history. Testosterone was isolated and synthesized in 1935 and was soon available as a treatment. Multiple benefits of testosterone therapy were apparent by 1940. Recent large, controlled testosterone studies have conclusively demonstrated sexual and general health benefits, with a strong safety profile.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Testosterone has been a known substance for <1% of the historical timeline, yet knowledge that the testes were responsible for male sexual development and behavior has been known since the beginning of recorded history. Today, modern evidence has demonstrated the importance of normal levels of testosterone for general health as well as sexual function and desire. Yet, testosterone therapy remains controversial. We believe this historical review provides a helpful perspective on this age-old issue.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139038016","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}
Mariam Saadedine, Stephanie S Faubion, Stephanie L Grach, Hannah C Nordhues, Ekta Kapoor
{"title":"Association between obesity and female sexual dysfunction: a review.","authors":"Mariam Saadedine, Stephanie S Faubion, Stephanie L Grach, Hannah C Nordhues, Ekta Kapoor","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead047","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Obesity is a global health crisis that has been growing over the past few decades. The economic burden associated with obesity is substantial as it is associated with multiple disabling chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and mental illness. Obesity is known to be a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in men, but this association is less well understood in women.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To provide a narrative review of the available literature on the relationship between overweight/obesity and female sexual dysfunction, elaborate on the possible mechanisms explaining this association, and discuss the effects of weight loss on sexual function in those with obesity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A search of the medical literature was carried out in PubMed and Medline, focusing on original research and systematic reviews of original research on obesity and sexual function in women.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The relationship between obesity and female sexual function is not consistent across studies. While women with obesity are more likely to have worse sexual function and avoid sexual activity, many studies have failed to identify these associations. Lifestyle changes resulting in weight loss lead to better sexual function, and bariatric surgery has been shown to improve sexual function in the first couple of years following the procedure; yet, the long-term effects of weight loss and bariatric surgery are still uncertain.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The evidence on the relationship between obesity and female sexual function is mixed. Nevertheless, weight loss has been shown to improve sexual function in women with obesity. The impact of weight loss medications and the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on female sexual function require further study.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138809877","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":"Analysis of sexual dysfunction development among male and female living kidney donors.","authors":"John C Johnson, Rahul Venna, Laith Alzweri","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae003","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Living kidney donations (LKDs) face a persistent demand for patients with end-stage renal disease, emphasizing the importance of LKDs' growth and success. Although living kidney donors generally exhibit excellent survival rates, little research has explored the development of long-term sexual dysfunction following LKD.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to analyze differences in 5-year sexual dysfunction outcomes between male and female living kidney donors, utilizing the TriNetX database, a federated network of electronic medical records from multiple U.S. healthcare organizations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A propensity score-matched cohort study compared 45-year sexual dysfunction outcomes in adult male and female living kidney donors from December 2013 to December 2022. Cohorts were matched on age; sex; race and ethnicity; diabetes, cardiovascular, genitourinary, and psychiatric comorbidities; lifestyle-related factors; and medications that may impact normal sexual functioning. Primary outcomes included hazard ratio (HR) for decreased libido, sexual dysfunction (composite of male erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorders, vaginismus/dyspareunia, infertility, orgasmic disorders, arousal/desire disorders), and sexually transmitted diseases. Secondary outcomes assessed sex counseling and interpersonal relationship issues with spouses or partners.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The matched cohorts included 2315 patients each (male, female), and the mean age was 42.3 ± 12.5 years. At 5 years, male donors had a significantly higher HR for sexual dysfunction (HR, 3.768; 95% confidence interval, 1.929-7.358). Erectile dysfunction occurred in 1% of male patients, while vaginismus/dyspareunia affected <1% of female patients. Other sexual disorders, decreased libido, sexually transmitted diseases, and incidences of sexual and interspousal counseling were not significantly different.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Male living kidney donors faced a higher risk of developing sexual dysfunction 5 years after donation. While LKD remains a safe and viable alternative, clinicians and donors should be mindful of the potential association with sexual dysfunction postdonation. Further research may enhance support for the well-being of living kidney donors.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139747382","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":"Fighting for sexual medicine.","authors":"Irwin Goldstein, Sue W Goldstein","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae015","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae015","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140094580","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":"An unwelcome third party: the role of inflammation in the relationship between depression and Peyronie's disease.","authors":"Catarina Moraes Braga, Amaury Cantilino","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae002","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139672748","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}
Javier Ramírez-Santos, Delia Cristóbal-Cañadas, Tesifón Parron-Carreño, David Lozano-Paniagua, Bruno José Nievas-Soriano
{"title":"The problem of calculating the prevalence of sexual dysfunction: a meta-analysis attending gender.","authors":"Javier Ramírez-Santos, Delia Cristóbal-Cañadas, Tesifón Parron-Carreño, David Lozano-Paniagua, Bruno José Nievas-Soriano","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead058","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Sexuality is an integral part of human health, and sexual dysfunctions are prevalent issues that affect men and women. While reviews on sexual dysfunctions in various diseases have been conducted, overall data are scarce.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To update the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunctions from available prevalence studies on both sexes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used a 2-phase selection process to include cross-sectional studies that were conducted on the adult population and published between 2017 and 2022. The extracted data were prevalence, methodology, sample size, and location. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This review analyzed 4407 studies. Twenty-three met the established criteria: 9 on the male population and 14 on the female population. The meta-analysis included 7 articles on males and 13 on females. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 31% in men and 41% in women, with significant heterogeneity among the studies. Sociocultural differences and use of varying measurement methods were identified as the main factors contributing to heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis revealed decreased heterogeneity among studies that used the Female Sexual Function Index as a diagnostic tool for females.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The review highlights the notable variability in results due to methodological and geographic variations. Therefore, enhancing the training of professionals and standardizing the recording of patient data-through the Female Sexual Function Index and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire or by developing new ones for this purpose-could improve the consistency of research on sexual health.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139713126","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}
Vito Angelo Giagulli, Giuseppe Lisco, Anna De Tullio, Edoardo Guastamacchia, Vincenzo Triggiani, Emilio Jirillo
{"title":"The pathogenic role of the immune system in erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease: focusing on immunopathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies.","authors":"Vito Angelo Giagulli, Giuseppe Lisco, Anna De Tullio, Edoardo Guastamacchia, Vincenzo Triggiani, Emilio Jirillo","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead055","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents the major cause of male sexual dysfunction, which is often associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cigarette smoking. Peyronie's disease is a chronic disorder associated with irreversible fibrotic damage of the tunica albuginea leading to ED, painful erection, coital disturbance, and physical and social complaints. Both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and significant changes in intracavernous hydrodynamics. In this scenario, oxidized lipoproteins, M1-polarized macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines (such as the tumor necrosis factor α), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, penile smooth muscle cells, and toll-like receptors represent the main triggers of the inflammatory process in ED. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are the most common treatment for ED. This treatment is used intermittently, as it is conceived as a symptomatic and not curative therapy. Moreover, not all patients respond to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (35%-85%), particularly those with dysmetabolic phenotypes. Additional or alternative treatments are therefore desirable, mostly in refractory cases.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>In this review, we describe the immune-mediated pathogenesis of ED and Peyronie's disease (PD). In our literature search we placed particular emphasis on potentially practical therapeutic approaches, including natural products (such as polyphenols), due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and institutional websites. Original studies, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses written in English were searched, screened, and selected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In animal models of ED and PD, therapeutic approaches, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, stem cell therapy, and platelet-derived preparations, have provided positive results, including improved penile function, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and promotion of tissue repair. However, clinical evidence of improvement in human patients is still insufficient.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Promising results for treating ED and PD have been shown in preclinical and pilot clinical studies, but specific clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of these therapeutic approaches in men with ED.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139404365","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":"The impact of prophylactic mastectomy on sexual well-being: a systematic review.","authors":"Ludovica Scotto, Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli, Chiara Marzorati, Ketti Mazzocco, Grabriella Pravettoni","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead054","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qead054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Considering the increasing women's awareness of health promotion and disease prevention programs, mutation carriers are inevitably asked to face important decisions concerning the possibility of undergoing prophylactic mastectomy. Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) has become increasingly more common, although it has a significant impact on women's quality of life and sexual well-being.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of RRM on the sexuality of women with breast cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>According to Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement, the study quantified the effects of frontline work on the mental health of healthcare workers. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were systematically searched from inception to December 2022. The expression (\"sexuality\" OR \"sexual\" OR \"sex\") AND (\"prophylactic mastectomy\" OR \"risk-reducing mastectomy\") was searched in PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Embase. Twenty-two articles published in English until 2022 were selected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two studies investigated sexual experience after risk-reducing surgeries as a single outcome, while other studies analyzed the relationship between sexuality and psychosocial outcomes, risk perception, and satisfaction. In all of the included studies, significant findings in sexual dysfunction were found. The most reported problems were related to sexual satisfaction and attractiveness, body image, and loss of femininity. Last, women reported changes in the relationship with their partners.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>RRM has a major impact on body image that affects sexual functioning and quality of life. These implications must be considered during treatment selection.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139378271","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":"Endocrinology's early historians (1889-1914) and the forgotten prehistory of testosterone.","authors":"Diederik F Janssen","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae001","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeae001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>An often-retold historical outline of endocrinology was established over a century ago. An exhaustive history of sexual physiology remains forthcoming, however.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore and contextualize the remarkable medical-historical and medical-anthropologic frenzy triggered by Brown-Séquard's 1889 self-injections with testicular juice, which ultimately settled down into an early history of endocrinology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Pertinent primary sources were selected from a broader study, primarily between 1889 and 1914, as well as selected older texts identified and unidentified by these sources.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Endocrinology's early historians in a short space of time moved from the history of testicular opotherapy to that of glandular typology and physiology and to increasingly encompassing medical-historical accounts of internal secretion as an epochal idea. Early historians nominated \"precursors\" to Brown-Séquard but underestimated physiologic continuities-specifically, early modern protoendocrinologic notions concerning semen as a \"recrement,\" notions still recited by Brown-Séquard and early Brown-Séquardists as well their detractors. Brown-Séquard himself worked through this old (recremental) concept of semen between 1889 and 1892 but was later identified with it, by among others Ancel and Bouin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Western sexual physiology is a medical palimpsest, the undertexts of which remain to be studied in detail.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139651701","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}