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Epidemiology/risk factors of sexual dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate estimates of prevalence/incidence are important in understanding the true burden of male and female sexual dysfunction and in identifying risk factors for prevention efforts. AIM: To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the epidemiology/risk factors of sexual dysfunctions in men and women. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Epidemiology/Risk Factors Committee, there were seven experts from four countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate. RESULTS: Standard definitions of male and female sexual dysfunctions are needed. The incidence rate for erectile dysfunction is 25-30 cases per thousand person years and increases with age. There are no parallel data for women's sexual dysfunctions. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction increases as men and women age; about 40-45% of adult women and 20-30% of adult men have at least one manifest sexual dysfunction. Common risk factor categories associated with sexual dysfunction exist for men and women including: individual general health status, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, other genitourinary disease, psychiatric/psychological disorders, other chronic diseases, and socio-demographic conditions. Endothelial dysfunction is a condition present in many cases of erectile dysfunction and there are common etiological pathways for other vascular disease states. Increasing physical activity lowers incidence of ED in males who initiate follow-up in their middle ages. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for more epidemiologic research in male and female sexual dysfunction.

Adult↗

Revised definitions of women's sexual dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Existing definitions of women's sexual disorders are based mainly on genitally focused events in a linear sequence model (desire, arousal and orgasm). AIM: To revise definitions based on an alternative model reflecting women's reasons/incentives for sexual activity beyond any initial awareness of sexual desire. METHODS: An International Definitions Committee of 13 experts from seven countries repeatedly communicated, proposed new definitions and presented at the 2nd International Consultation on Sexual Medicine in Paris July 2003. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinions/recommendations are based on a process that involved review of evidence-based medical literature, extensive internal committee discussion, informal testing and re-testing of drafted definitions in various clinical settings, public presentation and deliberation. RESULTS: Women have many reasons/incentives for sexual activity. Desire may be experienced once sexual stimuli have triggered arousal. Arousal and desire co-occur and reinforce each other. Women's subjective arousal may be minimally influenced by genital congestion. An absence of desire any time during the sexual experience designates disorder. Arousal disorder subtypes are proposed that separate an absence of subjective arousal from all types of sexual stimulation, from an absence of subjective arousal when the only stimulus is genital. A new arousal disorder has provisionally been suggested, namely that of persistent genital arousal. Orgasm disorder is limited to absence of orgasm despite high subjective arousal. Dyspareunia includes partial painful vaginal entry attempts as well as pain with intercourse. Variable reflex muscle tightening around the vagina and an absence of abnormal physical findings are noted in the definition of vaginismus. Women's sexuality is highly contextual and descriptors are recommended re past psychosexual development, current context, as well as medical status. Diagnosing sexual disorders need not imply intrinsic dysfunction of the woman's own sex response system. CONCLUSIONS: The International Definitions Committee has recommended a number of fundamental changes to the existing definitions of women's sexual disorders.

Arousal↗

Clinical evaluation and management strategy for sexual dysfunction in men and women.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal approach for identification and evaluation of the sexual problems in men and women in primary care or general medicine practice has not been consensed. AIM: To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for clinical evaluation and management strategies in the evaluation and treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women, emphasizing evidence-based medicine and a patient-centered framework. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Clinical Evaluation and Management Strategies Committee, there were 12 experts from five countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate. RESULTS: Three concepts underlie sexual medicine management: (i) adoption of a patient-centered framework for evaluation and treatment; (ii) application of the principles of evidence-based medicine in diagnostic and treatment planning; and (iii) use of a unified management approach in men and women. When taken together, these three principles provide a balanced and integrated approach to sexual dysfunction management. Common algorithms for diagnosis and management of men and women with sexual dysfunction, brief sexual symptom checklists, basics in history and physical examination, indications for specialized referral and development of a follow-up strategy are presented. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed in understanding the role of evidence-based and patient-centered medicine in the clinical evaluation and management strategies of men and women with sexual dysfunction.

Algorithms↗

Disorders of orgasm in women.

INTRODUCTION: Orgasm is a sensation of intense pleasure creating an altered consciousness state accompanied by pelvic striated circumvaginal musculature and uterine/anal contractions and myotonia that resolves sexually-induced vasocongestion and induces well-being/contentment. In 1,749 randomly-sampled U.S. women, 24% reported an orgasmic dysfunction. AIM: To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for management of orgasmic disorders in women. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Disorders of Orgasm in Women Committee, there were four experts from two countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate. RESULTS: Female Orgasmic Disorder, the second most frequently reported women's sexual problem is considered to be the persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty (DSM-IV). Empirical treatment outcome research is available for cognitive behavioral and pharmacological approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anorgasmia promotes attitude and sexually-relevant thought changes and anxiety reduction using behavioral exercises such as directed masturbation, sensate focus, and systematic desensitization treatments as well as sex education, communication skills training, and Kegel exercises. To date there are no pharmacological agents trials (i.e., bupropion, granisetron, and sildenafil) proven to be beneficial beyond placebo in enhancing orgasmic function in women diagnosed with Female Orgasmic Disorder. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed in understanding management of women with orgasmic dysfunction.

Behavior Therapy↗

Endocrine aspects of female sexual dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Various endogenous hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and prolactin, may influence female sexual function. AIM: To provide recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of women with endocrinologic sexual difficulties. METHODS: The Endocrine Aspects of Female Sexual Dysfunction Committee was part of a multidisciplinary International Consultation. It included four experts from two countries and several peer reviewers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on committee discussion, a comprehensive literature review and evidence-based grading of available publications. RESULTS: The impact of hormones on female sexual function and their etiological roles in dysfunction is complex. Research data are limited as studies have been hampered by lack of precise hormonal assays and validated measures of sexual function in women. Sex steroid insufficiency is associated with urogenital atrophy and may also adversely affect central sexual thought processes. Systemic estrogen/estrogen progestin therapy alleviates climacteric symptoms but there is no evidence that this therapy specifically improves hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal or postmenopausal women. Exogenous testosterone has been shown in small randomized controlled trials (RCT) to improve sexual desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. However, as there is no biochemical measure that clearly identifies who to treat, use of exogenous testosterone should be considered only after other causes of HSDD have been excluded, such as depression, relationship problems and ill health. The clinical assessment of HSDD should include detailed medical, gynecologic, sexual and psychosocial history and physical examination including the external/internal genitalia. Hormonal therapy should be individualized and risks/benefits fully discussed, and all treated women should be carefully followed up and monitored for therapeutic side effects. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for prospective, multi-institutional clinical trials to define safe and effective endocrine treatments for female sexual dysfunction.

Age Factors↗

Standards for clinical trials in male sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction and rapid ejaculation.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of safe and effective therapies for sexual dysfunctions depend upon appropriate clinical protocol design, study procedures, data collection and analysis. AIM: To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for standards for clinical trials in sexual dysfunction in men, particularly in the areas of erectile dysfunction and rapid ejaculation. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Standards for Clinical Trials in Male Sexual Dysfunction Committee, there were six experts from four countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate. RESULTS: Drug development requires a multiphased approach. Phase 1 studies investigate multiple-dose safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic issues. Phase 2 programs explore dose ranging (lowest effective, maximally tolerated and toxic doses). Phase 3 trials provide the substantial evidence including drug-drug interaction data and studies in special populations. Clinical studies require validated outcome assessment instruments conducted in defined but representative patient populations. Daily diaries or per-event questionnaires are patient-reported outcomes that assist in retrospective questionnaire interpretation. A qualified biostatistician should calculate the sample power for the trial, type of statistical model and design employed, use of covariate or subgroup analyses, and calculation of effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed in developing standards for use in the development of clinical trials and outcomes assessment researching either erectile dysfunction or rapid ejaculation.

Consensus↗

Standards for clinical trials in sexual dysfunctions of women: research designs and outcomes assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical trials on sexual dysfunctions in women are limited in spite of the fact that sexual dysfunctions are likely more common in women than in men. Currently there are no medications approved for treatment in women, and limited data on drug efficacy or psychological efficacy in well-controlled studies. AIM: To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the research design and outcome assessment standards for clinical trials in women's sexual dysfunctions. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Standards for Clinical Trials in Women's Sexual Dysfunctions Committee, there were seven experts from two countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate. RESULTS: A comprehensive update was created which included references and recommended guidelines for rationale and design of clinical trials, study populations, outcome assessments, protocol design and implementation, data analysis and reporting, as well as ethical and clinical issues related to sexual dysfunction research. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for more research in developing standards to be used when performing clinical trials and outcomes assessment research in sexual dysfunctions of women.

Consensus↗

The use of the sexual function questionnaire as a screening tool for women with sexual dysfunction.

AIM: To determine if the validated Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ), developed to assess efficacy in female sexual dysfunction (FSD) clinical trials, may also have utility in identifying target populations for such studies. METHODS: Data from five clinical trials and two general population surveys were used to analyze the utility of the SFQ as a tool to discriminate between the presence of specific components of FSD (i.e., hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, female orgasmic disorder, and dyspareunia). RESULTS: Sensitivity/specificity analysis and logistic regression analysis, using data from all five clinical studies and the general population surveys, confirmed that the SFQ domains have utility in detecting the presence of specific components of FSD and provide scores indicative of the presence of a specific sexual disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The SFQ is a valuable new tool for detecting the presence of FSD and identifying the specific components of sexual functions affected (desire, arousal, orgasm, or dyspareunia).

Adolescent↗

Pattern of endocrinal changes in patients with sexual dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients with endocrinal changes (endocrinopathy) have some degrees of sexual dysfunction that necessitate assessment and treatment. AIM: To assess the prevalence, and identify the pattern, of endocrinopathy in patients with sexual dysfunction in our community. METHODS: A total of 1,248 male patients with sexual dysfunction were enrolled in this study. Patients were screened for erectile dysfunction (ED) and sexual desire by the erectile function and the sexual desire domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IEEF). Patients underwent routine laboratory investigations as well as total testosterone and prolactin assessment. All patients were referred to an endocrinologist for clinical and biochemical assessment of their endocrine function. The evaluation consisted of comprehensive history taking, physical examination, and, as needed, laboratory investigations. RESULTS: Mean ages+/-SD were 51.9+/-12.2 and 52.3+/-11.7 years for patients with and without endocrinopathy, respectively. Of the study population, 23.8% had endocrinopathy. The most frequent endocrinal changes were low testosterone level (15%), hyperprolactinemia (13.7%), and hypothyroidism (3.1%). There were significant associations between endocrinopathy and obesity, smoking, low desire, and premature ejaculation (P<0.05 for each). Also, significant associations were found between low desire and low testosterone level, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothyroidism (P<0.05 for each). Hyperprolactinemia was significantly associated with premature ejaculation (P<0.05) but not with low testosterone level (P>0.05). There was no significant association between endocrinopathy and age, cigarette smoking (number and duration), and ED (duration, severity, type of onset, and progression) (P>0.05 for each). CONCLUSION: Endocrinopathy is not a rare condition among ambulatory patients with sexual dysfunction. This study provides a quantitative estimate of endocrinopathy in ambulatory patients with sexual dysfunction.

Comorbidity↗

A history of sexual medicine in the United kingdom.

The history of sexual medicine in the United Kingdom since the 19th century is reviewed, with particular reference to masturbation, homosexuality, contraception, and in the past four decades, the treatment of sexual dysfunction. The medical profession's tendency to deal with sexual issues according to the sociopolitical and moral issues of the time is emphasized, and whereas "sex negativism" has prevailed within the medical profession for most of this historical period, there has been a succession of individuals within the profession who have presented a more positive approach to defining and promoting sexual health. Four tracks within sexual medicine over the past 30 years are described: the psychoanalytic approach of the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine, modern "sex therapy," psychophysiological sex research, and the involvement of andrology in the assessment and treatment of erectile dysfunction. The impact of Viagra is seen as the most recent chapter in this history.

History, 19th Century↗

Confronting the challenges: epidemiological study of female sexual dysfunction and the menopause.

INTRODUCTION: Despite rapid current and anticipated growth in the number of women who will spend a substantial portion of their life span in the postmenopausal period, the nature, incidence, and prevalence of changes in sexual function during and after the menopausal transition remain poorly characterized. AIM: Challenges inherent in studying the menopausal transition and proposed additions and changes that have emerged from recent consensus conferences on female sexual dysfunction are reviewed. METHODS: Specific topics related to female sexual dysfunction were presented in a Postmenopausal FSD Roundtable in which multidisciplinary international experts participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on a review of evidence-based medical literature, presentation, and internal discussion. RESULTS: Knowledge concerning sexual function in the menopause is limited, in part, due to the difficulty in designing and conducting studies that adequately address these changes over time, and which also permit the effects of menopause to be distinguished from more general changes associated with aging. Moreover, the study of female sexual function and dysfunction is in the midst of significant transition: a tentative definition of the stages of reproductive aging and menopause has recently been advanced, and a set of comprehensive changes to the diagnostic framework that defines female sexual dysfunction is under review. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of fast-moving changes in this field of study, it is possible to reach some tentative conclusions about how women's sexual function changes after menopause: postmenopausal women report a relatively high rate of sexual dysfunction (higher than men). There is a marked decline in sexual interest and frequency of sexual activity. This decline can be ameliorated by a number of psychosocial factors, although vaginal dryness and dyspareunia seem to be driven primarily by declining estradiol. The effects of menopause appear to be incremental and additional to those characteristic of aging.

Epidemiologic Studies↗

Current perspectives on the clinical assessment and diagnosis of female sexual dysfunction and clinical studies of potential therapies: a statement of concern.

INTRODUCTION: The assessment and diagnosis of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are in a state of transition because of evolving concepts of female sexuality and suggested changes to the FSD diagnostic framework. AIM: To review the problems with current FSD diagnosis. METHODS: Multidisciplinary experts from five countries were assembled to convene a "Postmenopausal FSD Roundtable on specific topics related to FSD." MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on a review of evidence-based medical literature, presentation, and internal discussion. RESULTS: Current FSD diagnosis is challenging because of poorly defined distinctions between normal and abnormal, a limited ability to integrate subjective and objective findings and an inability to incorporate contextual factors that play a significant role in sexual behavior. The availability of self-administered questionnaires (SAQs) that assess various domains of female sexual function, as well as those developed specifically for postmenopausal women, suggests that a more structured approach to assessment and diagnosis may be possible. Several SAQs reflecting proposed changes to the FSD diagnostic framework by the American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD), including the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), have been introduced and recently incorporated into a Structured Diagnostic Method (SDM). Recent regulatory decisions and events affecting the development of FSD interventions have highlighted the lack of consensus with regard to clinically meaningful FSD outcomes, as well as shortcomings in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration draft document that provides the primary guidance for conducting FSD clinical studies in the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high cost and inherent risk of clinical studies, continued development efforts toward FSD therapies are unlikely to proceed in the absence of significant changes in regulatory guidance that reflect the current understanding of FSD and incorporate validated assessment tools.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual function and dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited outcome data on the efficacy of psychological interventions for male and female sexual dysfunction and the role of innovative combined treatment paradigms. AIM: To highlight the salient psychological and interpersonal issues contributing to sexual health and dysfunction; to offer a four-tiered paradigm for understanding the evolution and maintenance of sexual symptoms; and to offer recommendations for clinical management and research. METHODS: An International Consultation assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. The recommendations of committee members represent state-of-the-art knowledge and opinions of experts from five continents were developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Psychological and Interpersonal Committee of Sexual Function and Dysfunction, there were nine experts from five countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. RESULTS: Medical and psychological therapies for sexual dysfunctions should address the intricate biopsychosocial influences of the patient, the partner, and the couple. The biopsychosocial model provides a compelling reason for skepticism that any single intervention (i.e., a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, supraphysiological doses of a hormone, processing of childhood victimization, marital therapy, pharmacotherapy of depression, etc.) will be sufficient for most patients or couples experiencing sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: There is need for collaboration between healthcare practitioners from different disciplines in evaluation, treatment, and education issues surrounding sexual dysfunction. In many cases, neither psychotherapy alone nor medical intervention alone is sufficient for the lasting resolution of sexual problems. Assessment of male, female, and couples' sexual dysfunction should ideally include inquiry about: predisposing, precipitating, maintaining, and contextual factors. Treatment of lifelong and/or chronic dysfunction will be different from acquired or recent dysfunction. Research is needed to identify efficacious combined and/or integrated treatments for sexual dysfunction.

Anxiety↗

The Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F): item response analyses of data from women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is the most common sexual complaint in women. Currently there are no validated instruments for specifically assessing HSDD severity, or change in HSDD severity in response to treatment, in premenopausal women. The Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F) is a clinician-administered instrument that was developed to measure severity and change in response to treatment of HSDD. Seventeen items were included in a preliminary version of the SIDI-F, including 10 items related to desire, and seven items related to possible comorbid factors (e.g., other kinds of sexual dysfunction, general relationship satisfaction, mood, and fatigue). AIM: The aim of the study was to use the outcome of item response analyses of blinded data from two randomized, placebo-controlled trials, to assist in the revision of the scale. METHODS: A nonparametric item response (IRT) model was used to assess the relation between item functioning and HSDD severity on this preliminary version of the SIDI-F. RESULTS: Results show that the majority of SIDI-F items demonstrated good sensitivity to differences in overall HSDD severity. That is, there was an orderly relation between differences in option selection for an item and differences in overall HSDD severity. The IRT analyses further indicated that revisions were warranted for a number of these items. Five items were not sensitive to differences in HSDD severity and were removed from the scale. CONCLUSION: The SIDI-F is a brief, clinician-administered rating scale designed to assess severity of HSDD symptoms in women. IRT analyses show that majority of the items of the SIDI-F function well in discriminating individual differences in HSDD severity. A revised 13-item version of the SIDI-F is currently undergoing further validation.

Adolescent↗

Women's sexual function improves when partners are administered vardenafil for erectile dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data concerning the sexual function of women whose male partners receive pharmacological treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM: One objective of this research was to prospectively compare the efficacy of vardenafil vs. placebo administered to men with ED in improving men's and women partners' sexual function and satisfaction. Another goal was to assess the relationship of erectile function changes in men with ED receiving treatment with sexual function changes in women partners not directly receiving treatment. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-institutional comparison of vardenafil vs. placebo was performed in 229 couples (treated man with ED>6 months and untreated woman partner). Co-primary outcomes for which this research was statistically powered were Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP3) (treated man with ED) and Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire (mSLQQ-QOL) (untreated woman partner). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Erectile function changes in men with ED receiving vardenafil vs. placebo were compared at last observation carried forward (LOCF) in SEP3, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and Erection Quality Scale (EQS). Sexual function at LOCF in women partners was determined by mSLQQ-QOL and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS: Compared with placebo at LOCF, vardenafil significantly increased least square (LS) mean scores in: (i) overall per-treated male SEP3 success rate, IIEF-EF, and EQS; and (ii) mSLQQ-QOL, total FSFI and sexual desire, subjective arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction FSFI domains in untreated women partners. Treatment-related improvement in erectile function as assessed by IIEF-EF and EQS was correlated reliably with improvement in women partners' FSFI total and individual domain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Vardenafil is an effective ED treatment in men that also significantly improves sexual function/satisfaction in untreated women partners. Women partners' sexual function improvements relate significantly and consistently to treatment-related improvements in men's erectile function. ED management should emphasize both members of the couple.

Adult↗

The sensitivity of event logs, self-administered questionnaires and photoplethysmography to detect treatment-induced changes in female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: The literature provides little evidence on what type of endpoints should be used to assess treatment-induced improvement in female sexual function. AIM: The main goal of this study was to provide empiric evidence on the sensitivity of different types of measures for detecting treatment-induced changes in female sexual dysfunction diagnosis. METHODS: The measures investigated in this study included event logs, self-administered questionnaires (Female Sexual Functioning Index; FSFI), vaginal photoplethysmography, and continuous subjective sexual arousal measured during exposure to erotic videos. Participants were 24 women with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) who received sex therapy, placebo, or gingko biloba in a four-arm double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. FSAD was diagnosed utilizing a semistructured interview administered at pre- and post-treatment. Those women who did not meet FSAD criteria at post-treatment (N = 10) were labeled as "improved," while women who still met FSAD criteria (N = 14) were categorized as "not improved" even if they showed signs of improvements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Change scores from pre- to post-treatment on the FSFI, event logs, vaginal photoplethysmography, and continuous subjective levels of sexual arousal were used to predict whether women improved at post-treatment. Results were checked with exact logistic regression to control for the small sample size. RESULTS: The FSFI was the only measure to significantly predict whether women improved at post-treatment. The findings from this study lend support for the use of validated questionnaires as endpoint criteria in detecting treatment-induced changes in women's sexual dysfunction.

Adult↗

Sexual behaviors and mental perception, satisfaction and expectations of sex life in men and women in France.

AIM: To analyze behaviors, mental perception, satisfaction, and expectations relating to sexuality in France. METHODS: A total of 1,002 subjects (483 men and 519 women) aged 35 years and over in a representative sample of the French population were surveyed by phone using a dedicated questionnaire in November 2003. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual behaviors and mental perception, satisfaction and expectations concerning sexual life. RESULTS: Of the population, 80.2% reported having a sexual partner. The mean number of times subjects had sex per week was 1.8 (2.0 in men, 1.6 in women). The decision preceded the act by a few seconds or minutes in 82.7% of subjects. Thinking about sex was "frequent" in 47.1% of subjects, especially for men (60.8%). Regardless of gender, sexuality was more synonymous with pleasure (44.0%) and love (42.1%) than with procreation, children, or motherhood (7.8%). During sexual intercourse, simultaneous orgasms and feelings of closeness were important for the majority of subjects, 35.8% (41.6% of men) and 22.8%, respectively; foreplay, enjoyment, and vaginal penetration were the most important accomplishments for 13.1%. Regardless of gender, 83.0% of subjects expressed relative or full satisfaction with their sex life. However, only 38.7% of subjects (31.6% of men and 45.2% of women) did not wish to change anything, while 17.2% would like to have more time for it. Of the subjects, 63.0% reported a decrease in sexual desire during periods of work-related stress, especially in women (72.3%). The main sexual complaints reported by men were diminution of sexual desire (24.9%), early ejaculation (23.7%), and erectile problems (14.4%). In women, they were diminution of sexual desire (45.7%), orgasm disorders (15.5%), and dyspareunia (15.5%). CONCLUSIONS: This survey showed that the attitude of subjects, especially men, toward sexuality is changing through years and highlighted the extent of sexual problems in the general population.

Age Factors↗