Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for women with hypoactive sexual desire: A pilot randomized study

Abstract Background: Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a very prevalent sexual problem, with limited options for treatment. Given that psychological factors are major contributors to the disorder, a therapy such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be useful to treat HSDD. Objective: To evaluate the effects of group CBT on women with HSDD. Method: Clinical trial randomized study with 106 women diagnosed with HSDD, who were divided as follows: Group 1 (n = 53) underwent group CBT for 8-weeks, and Group 2 (n = 53), were put on a waiting list and used as a control group. Sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Quotient (FSQQ) at the initial interview and after 6-months. Mann Whitney test was used for group comparison. Main Outcome Measures: demographics, education, sexual history, FSQQ and its domains for sexual function assessment. Results: Both groups had similar characteristics regarding sexual response, self-image, and relationship with a partner at the initial interview. Women undergoing therapy showed significant improvement in sexual function when compared with the control group. The overall FSQQ result showed an average growth of 18.08 points (95% CI 12.87‒23.28) for the therapy group against a decrease of 0.83 points (95% CI 3.43‒1.77) for controls (p < 0.001). The five domains of the questionnaire also exhibited significant improvement in the therapy group: desire and interest (p = 0.003), foreplay (p = 0.003), excitation and tuning (p < 0.001), comfort (p < 0.001), and orgasm and satisfaction (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Group CBT was shown to be an effective tool for treating HSDD.

Implante de testosterona para la mujer, evaluación de seguridad y efectividad en esta vía de administración / Testosterone implant for women, evaluation of safety and effectiveness in this route of administration

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: El rol de la testosterona exógena en la función sexual femenina ha sido estudiado durante muchos años, con resultados contradictorios. En el último tiempo se ha promovido el uso de pellets de testosterona como una solución para mejorar la libido femenina, la cognición, la fuerza muscular y los sistemas cardiovascular y óseo, e incluso evitar el envejecimiento. Por ello, revisamos las publicaciones para tratar de responder si esto es una moda o el tratamiento más innovador del último tiempo. MÉTODO: Se analizaron las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, Trip Database, Cochrane, SciELO, Scopus, UpToDate, Ovid, ProQuest, Science Direct y ResearchGate. RESULTADOS: De acuerdo con la evidencia, la mejor testosterona disponible es la transdérmica y debe ser usada solo en el trastorno del deseo sexual hipoactivo (TDSH). Los trabajos que evalúan los pellets de testosterona tienen sesgos metodológicos importantes. Si bien son útiles para mejorar la función sexual femenina, producen concentraciones plasmáticas suprafisiológicas de testosterona, por lo que no se puede establecer su seguridad a largo plazo. Tampoco hay datos suficientes que avalen su uso para mejorar el rendimiento cognitivo y el bienestar general, en el tratamiento de enfermedades cardiovasculares o en la prevención de enfermedad ósea. CONCLUSIONES: La testosterona solo se recomienda en el tratamiento del TDSH por vía transdérmica. No recomendamos el uso de pellets de testosterona para el tratamiento de la disfunción sexual ni como hormona antienvejecimiento, ya que no hay estudios consistentes sobre su seguridad, eficacia y efectos adversos a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The role of exogenous testosterone in female sexual function has been studied for many years with contradictory results. In recent times, the use of testosterone pellets has been promoted as a solution to improve female libido, cognition, muscle strength, cardiovascular system, bone and even prevent aging. Therefore, we will review the publications in order to answer whether this is a fad or the most innovative treatment of recent times. METHOD: The databases PubMed/Medline, Trip Database, Cochrane, SciELO, Scopus, UpToDate, Ovid, ProQuest, Science Direct and ResearchGate were analyzed. RESULTS: So far, the evidence best testosterone available is transdermal testosterone and that it should be used only in hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Papers evaluating testosterone pellets have significant methodological biases. While they are useful in improving female sexual function, they produce supra-physiological plasma levels of testosterone, so their long-term safety cannot be established. There is also insufficient data to support their use in improving cognitive performance and general well-being, treatment of cardiovascular disease or prevention of bone disease. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone is only recommended for the tratment of HSDD via the transdermal route. We do not recommended the use of testosterone pellets for the treatment of sexual dysfunction or as an anti aging hormone, as there are no consistent studies on its safety, efficacy, and long-term adverse effects.

Translation and assessment about the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To translate the English version of Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F) into Chinese, evaluate its reliability, validity and the proper cut-off point of diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in China.Methods:Chinese version of SIDI-F was developed and 96 healthy women from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 in Taihe Hospital, Shiyan City, Hubei Province were selected to fill in the Chinese version of SIDI-F and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Next, analyzed the reliability, validity and the cut-off point of diagnosis of HSDD of the SIDI-F.Results:The Cronbach coefficient of the Chinese version of SIDI-F was 0.931, split-half reliability was 0.922, the intra-group correlation coefficient was 0.805. Analysis of content validity of the SIDI-F indicated that the average of scale-level content validity index was 1.00, the item-level content validity index was 1.00, and the Pearson correlation coefficient between the score of SIDI-F and the erotica score of the FSFI (FSFI-D) was 0.802. Factor analysis of the Chinese version of SIDI-F showed good construct validity. The area under ROC was 0.835. With the SIDI-F score and the best cut-off point of 26.5, Youden index was the largest, at 0.635. The validity indicators were 76.7% for sensitivity, 86.8% for specificity, 5.95 for positive likelihood ratio.Conclusions:The Chinese version of SIDI-F has high reliability and validity in Chinese population, and these show 26.5 point can be used as the best cut-off value of diagnose HSDD.

Uso de testosterona en mujeres: un comentario sobre el consenso global sobre el uso de la terapia de testosterona para mujeres / Global consensus position statement on the use of testosterone therapy for women

Las mujeres han sido tratadas por décadas con testosterona intentando aliviar una gran variedad de síntomas con riesgos y beneficios inciertos. En la mayoría de los países, la testosterona se prescribe "off-label", de modo que las mujeres están utilizando compuestos y dosis ideadas para tratamientos en hombres. En este sentido, varias sociedades médicas de distintos continentes adoptaron recientemente por consenso una toma de posición sobre los beneficios y potenciales riesgos de la terapia con testosterona en la mujer, explorar las áreas de incertidumbre e identificar prácticas de prescripción con potencial de causar daño. Las recomendaciones con respecto a los beneficios y riesgos de la terapia con testosterona se basan en los resultados de ensayos clínicos controlados con placebo de al menos 12 semanas de duración. A continuación se comentan las recomendaciones. (AU)

There are currently no clear established indications for testosterone replacement therapy for women. Nonetheless, clinicians have been treating women with testosterone to alleviate a variety of symptoms for decades with uncertainty regarding its benefits and risks. In most countries, testosterone therapy is prescribed off-label, which means that women are using testosterone formulations or compounds approved for men with a modified dose for women. Due to these issues, there was a need for a global Consensus Position Statement on testosterone therapy for women based on the available evidence from placebo randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This Position Statement was developed to inform health care professionals about the benefits and potential risks of testosterone therapy intended for women. The aim of the Consensus was to provide clear guidance as to which women might benefit from testosterone therapy; to identify symptoms, signs, and certain conditions for which the evidence does not support the prescription of testosterone; to explore areas of uncertainty, and to identify any prescribing practices that have the potential to cause harm. (AU)

Flibanserin- A Novel drug for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Low sexual desire is a very common symptom in women of any age with potential negative consequences on quality of life and well-being according to The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic, Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) and the World Health Organization’s International Classifications of Disease. They also established that the definition of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) should include not only the lack or absence of sexual fantasies or desire for any form of sexual activity, but also the presence of personal distress and/or interpersonal difficulties. Flibanserin, a novel, non-hormonal, multifunctional serotonin agonist antagonist (MSAA) was used in most of the pre-menopausal women diagnosed with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) but its approval also faced a little scepticism.

Prevalencia del desorden de deseo sexual hipoactivo en mujeres colombianas y factores asociados / The prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in colombian females and associated factors

Objetivo: medir la prevalencia del desorden de deseo sexual hipoactivo (DDSH) en una muestra de mujeres sexualmente activas con edades entre 15 y 59 años en Colombia, y explorar posibles factores asociados. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron mujeres colombianas entre 15 y 59 años, con vida sexualmente activa. Estas mujeres no son una muestra clínica sino de grupos de mujeres entrevistados de la población general. Criterios de exclusión: analfabetismo y enfermedad sistémica. El tamaño muestral mínimo estimado fue de 369 mujeres, para una prevalencia de 35 por ciento con un error máximo de 5 por ciento y con 95 por ciento de confianza. Muestreo por conveniencia. El cuestionario Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), validado previamente al español, fue administrado a 567 mujeres sexual-mente activas en varios grupos focales. Se usó un valor de corte de 5 en la escala del deseo para definir DDSH. Se evaluaron además edad, nivel educativo, nivel socioecónomico, estado marital, cohabitación, sentimientos de depresión, uso de drogas antidepresivas, ciclo menstrual, número de hijos y método anticonceptivo. Se calculó la frecuencia relativa en las variables. Para evaluar la asociación entre las variables y la presencia del desorden de deseo sexual hipoactivo se utilizó la razón de Odds (OR) y su respectivo intervalo de confianza. Resultados: en el grupo de estudio 101 de 497 mujeres tuvieron un puntaje menor de 5 para una prevalencia de desorden de deseo sexual hipoactivo de 20,3 por ciento. Las variables asociadas fueron: bajo nivel educativo (OR = 2,77; IC 95 por ciento: 1,1-6,5), número de hijos (OR = 3; IC 95 por ciento: 1,8-5,1), edad mayor de 50 (OR = 3,19; IC 95 por ciento: 1-9,4), falta de cercanía emocional con la pareja (OR = 5; IC 95 por ciento: 3-8,3), sentimientos de depresión (OR = 1,9; IC 95 por ciento: 1,2-2,9) y el uso de antidepresivos (OR = 5; IC 95 por ciento: 3-8,3). Conclusiones: un importante porcentaje de la población en Colombia presenta puntajes bajos en el FSFI, sugestivos de desorden de deseo sexual hipoactivo

Objective: Measuring the prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in a sample of sexually-active Colombian females aged 15 to 59 years old and exploring possible associated factors. Materials and methods: This was a crosssectional study. Colombian females aged 15 to 59 years old having an active sex-life. Exclusion criteria were being illiterate and suffering systemic disease. Minimum estimated sample size was 369 females, using 35 percent prevalence, 5 percent maximum error and 95 percent confidence level. Convenience sampling was used. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, previously validated in Spanish, was administered to 567 sexually active females in several focal groups. A cut-off value of 5 on the scale of desire was used for defining HSDD. Age, educational level, socio-economic status, marital state, cohabitation, feelings of depression, antidepressant medication use, menstrual cycle, number of children and contraceptive method were also evaluated. The variables’ relative frequency was calculated. The odds ratio (OR) and their confidence intervals (95 percent) was used for evaluating the association between variables and the presence of HSDD. Results: 101 of the 497 females in the study group scored less than 5, giving 20.3 percent HSDD prevalence. The associated variables were: low educational level (OR = 2.77; 1.1-6.5 95 percent CI), number of children (OR = 3; 1.8-5.1 95 percent CI), being aged over 50 (OR = 3.19; 1-9.4 95 percent CI), a lack of emotional closeness to the partner (OR = 5; 3-8.3 95 percent CI), feelings of depression (OR = 1.9; 1.2-2.9 95 percent CI) and antidepressant medication use (OR = 5; 3-8.3 95 percent CI). Conclusions: An important percentage of the Colombian population in question had low scores on the FSFI, suggestive of hypoactive sexual desire disorder

Perfil de la relación de factores psicológicos del deseo sexual hipoactivo femenino y masculino / Profile of the relationship between psychological factors and hypoactive sexual desire in men and women

At the Department of Psychology of the Instituto Nacional de Perinatología 'Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes' (INPERIER), a hospital specialized in reproductive problems, we have detected a high proportion of couples with sexual problems. Therefore we decided to develope a line of research on human sexuality. Ever since, several exploratory studies have taken place with the aim of assessing the prevalence and the frequency of sexual dysfunction in both women and men attending the INPERIER. Our studies showed that 52% of women had one or more sexual dysfunctions and 38.8% of men had one or more sexual dysfunctions. Objective The main purpose of the study was to identify (in women and men) the relationship and the combination between hypoactive sexual desire disorder and some intervening variables catalogued as personality factors: gender role, self-esteem and locus of control. We also analysed sexual backgrounds by indentifying: child sexual traumatic experience, sexual information available, sex fears, masturbation and couple problems; in order to propose a profile of the relationship between psychological factors and hypoactive sexual desire in women and men. Material and methods A non-experimental, retrospective, transversal, field study with a correlation-multivariate design was used, which consisted of two independent samples divided into four groups selected through intentional sampling by quotas. This study is part of a larger research study aimed to assess risk factors for feminine and masculine sexual dysfunctions, whose original sample size was 400 participants. Out of this sample only participants with hypoactive sexual desire were selected, so in the end the groups included 58 women and 55 men. However, they were compared with the same number of participants with no sexual dysfunction. The groups were organized as follows: Group 1, women or men with no sexual dysfunction; Group 2, women or men who presented hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The participants included in the study were INPERIER regular patients. Samples were handled individually. In order to have an accurate sample all participants had to cover the selection criteria. Additionally, in order to place participants in the right group we used the Codified Clinical History Form on Female Sexuality (CCHFFS) for women -which also was used to examine their sexual background information- and in the case of men, we used the Male Sexuality Questionnaire. Furthermore the measurement of personality items was done by using the Inventory of Masculinity and Femininity IMAFE, the Coppersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Internal-External Locus of Control Scales. Sexuality questionnaires as well as other measurement instruments were applied at the External Clinic area during a single session followed by the transcription of data. In order to analyse the results we applied measures of central tendency to describe the socio-demographic factors (such as: age, civil status and education); for the analysis of personality factors (role of gender, self-esteem and locus of control) and its relationship with hypoactive sexual desire disorder we used the Student's T-test and estimated the Eta coefficient. The analysis of sexual background (child sexual traumatic experience, sexual information, sex fears, masturbation and couple problems) and its relationship with hypoactive sexual desire disorder was calculated by χ² and Cramer's V. Data analysis was performed with the statistical and data management package SPSS version 11. Results The thrown results showed that the descriptive analysis of data from women and men had a normal distribution. Also, results indicate that women with a hypoactive sexual desire disorder present a decrease in masculinity features and in their self-esteem level, and an increase in the submissive features when compared to women with no sexual dysfunction. When we analyzed the results of the sexual background in this group, we found a relationship between hypoactive sexual desire and child sexual traumatic experience, and between sex fears and couple problems, suggesting that these variables significantly intervene in the presence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder during women's adult life. In the discriminant analysis we obtained just one factor out of the six previously isolated variables with 75% of the cases correctly classified, indicating that this proportion of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder are related to such indicators, the variables discriminated were an approximate explanation for the disorder. The results in the other group showed that in men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder there is a decrease in masculinity and femininity features and in the levels of self-esteem, plus an increase in the submissive features when compared to men with no sexual dysfunction. When we analyzed sexual background information, we found in the group with hypoactive sexual desire disorder that sex fears and couple problems significantly intervene in men's adult life. The discriminant analysis revealed a single factor with the six variables previously isolated, with 68.6% of cases correctly classified, which shows that men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder also have a relationship with the indicators, being the discriminated variables an approximate explanation. Conclusions When we discussed the results, we observed differences in two ways. First, for both women and men there was a decrease in masculinity features, defined as conducts directed to action, with well-defined, self-affirmed and self-reflective targets. Also there was a decrease in self-esteem, defined as the personal value judgment expressed as the individual's attitudes towards himself and the subjective experience transmitted to others; when masculinity features and self-esteem are diminished they may have an impact on sexuality, becoming a risk factor. In the group of men we also observed a decrease in the femininity features, defined as the traits aimed at feelings and abstraction, the expression of affection, the desire to provide protection as well as to experience nature feelings. When these three factors predominate they turn out to be a protective factor for an adequate practice of sexuality; both masculinity and femininity features could appear together or independently. In a second way, both in women and men we observed an increase in the submissive behavior, a risk indicator for the development of sexuality, because of the presence of self-denial, dependency, conformism, shyness and the capacity to endure suffering, features all shown as particular conducts. When it comes to sexual background in women, we found a close relationship with child sexual traumatic experience, sex fears and couple problems. In the case of men, the hypoactive sexual desire disorder was related to sex fears and couple problems. In this respect, in the review made by Basson, she mentions a new body of evidence that confirms what we have found in this study. She indicates that there are psychological factors that inhibit sexuality in women, for example, a history of child sexual traumatic experience may have a major impact in their sexual development, particularly in desire.

En el Departamento de Psicología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología <> (INPERIER), se detectó un alto porcentaje de parejas con problemas en su vida sexual. Por ello se abrió una línea de investigación en sexualidad humana, mediante la cual se han realizado estudios exploratorios para determinar la prevalencia y frecuencia de las disfunciones sexuales de la población atendida. Los resultados muestran que 52% de las mujeres estudiadas y 38.8% de los hombres estudiados presentaron una o más disfunciones sexuales. Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio es identificar la relación y la combinación, entre el deseo sexual hipoactivo y algunas variables catalogadas como factores de personalidad -el papel del género, la autoestima y el locus de control- y como antecedentes sexuales -experiencia sexual infantil traumática, información sexual, temores a la sexualidad, masturbación y problemas de pareja- con el fin de proponer un perfil de factores relacionados con el deseo sexual hipoactivo, tanto femenino como masculino. Material y método Se realizó un estudio no experimental de campo, retrospectivo y transversal, con un diseño correlacional-multivariado de dos muestras independientes divididas en cuatro grupos, seleccionados mediante un muestreo intencional por cuota. Este trabajo forma parte de una investigación más amplia sobre el estudio de algunos factores de riesgo en las disfunciones sexuales femeninas y masculinas, cuya muestra original constó de 400 participantes. De éstos sólo se tomaron los participantes con deseo sexual hipoactivo que fueron 58 mujeres y 55 hombres. Este grupo se comparó con el mismo número de participantes que no tuvieron ninguna disfunción sexual. Las muestras se clasificaron en dos grupos: como grupo 1 sin disfunciones sexuales y como grupo 2 con deseo sexual hipoactivo. Tanto el grupo de mujeres como el de hombres debieron cubrir todos los criterios de inclusión. Para la clasificación de los grupos y la captura de los antecedentes sexuales se utilizaron la Historia Clínica Codificada de la Sexualidad Femenina (HCCSF) y el Cuestionario de Sexualidad Versión Hombres. La medición de los factores de personalidad estudiados se realizó con el Inventario de Masculinidad y Feminidad IMAFE, el Inventario de Autoestima de Coopersmith, y la Escala de locus de control interno-externo. Primero se capturó la muestra de hombres y posteriormente la de mujeres. Resultados Los resultados obtenidos indican que las mujeres con deseo sexual hipoactivo presentan un decremento en las características de masculinidad y en los niveles de autoestima, y un incremento en las características de sumisión. Los resultados acerca de los antecedentes sexuales, en este grupo, mostraron que el deseo sexual hipoactivo se relaciona estrechamente con la experiencia sexual infantil traumática, los temores a la sexualidad y los problemas conyugales. En el análisis discriminante se obtuvo un solo factor por medio de las seis variables aisladas previamente, con el 75% de los casos correctamente clasificados. Los hombres con deseo sexual hipoactivo mostraron un decremento en las características de masculinidad y de feminidad, al igual que en los grados de autoestima, y un incremento en las características de sumisión. Los resultados que se obtuvieron acerca de los antecedentes sexuales mostraron que el deseo sexual hipoactivo tiene una relación estrecha con los temores a la sexualidad y los problemas conyugales. En el análisis discriminante se obtuvo un solo factor con las seis variables aisladas previamente, con el 68.6% de los casos correctamente clasificados. Conclusiones La investigación arrojó diferencias principalmente en dos sentidos. Por un lado tanto en las mujeres como en los hombres hay un decremento en las características de masculinidad y en la autoestima. Además, en los hombres también se presentó un decremento en los rasgos de feminidad. Este decremento muestra que estos tres factores constituyen indicadores de riesgo para el ejercicio satisfactorio de la sexualidad. Tanto las características de masculinidad como de feminidad pueden presentarse independientes o de manera combinada.