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.

Suplementación de testosterona durante el climaterio en mujeres con trastorno por deseo sexual hipoactivo / Testosterone supplementation during the climacteric period in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder

A partir del caso de una paciente con trastorno por deseo sexual hipoactivo durante su climaterio y a través del resumen de los resultados de dos revisiones sistemáticas, los autores de este artículo revisan la evidencia sobre la suplementación con andrógenos para el tratamiento de esta condición clínica. Concluyen que su uso sería relativamente seguro a corto plazo, aunque su eficacia no alcanzaría la relevancia clínica y no contamos aún con mayor información sobre la seguridad en el largo plazo. Los autores destacan además que el abordaje de las pacientes con este problema de salud debería ser realizado en forma integral, incluyendo opciones terapéuticas no farmacológicas e informando sobre las incertidumbres todavía presentes. (AU)

Based on the case of a patient with hypoactive sexual desire disorder during her climacteric period and through the summary of the results of two systematic reviews, the authors of this article review the evidence supporting androgen supplementation for the treatment of this clinical condition. They conclude that its use would be relatively safe in the short term, although its efficacy would not reach clinical relevance and no further information on long-term safety is available. The authors also highlight that patients with this health problem should be approached comprehensively, including non-pharmacological therapeutic options and providing information on the uncertainties still present. (AU)

Sexualidad y climaterio: una mirada integral / Sexuality and climacteric: a comprehensive approach

Cuando hablamos de sexualidad humana debemos saber que estamos hablando de una compleja y cambiante interacción de factores biológicos y socioemocionales altamente influenciables por la familia, la religión y los patrones culturales. Esto se ve en los hombres y en las mujeres, especialmente en las mujeres. La sexualidad es un concepto intuitivo que cuesta definir. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, se define salud sexual como "un estado de bienestar físico, emocional, mental y social relacionado con la sexualidad, la cual no es solamente la ausencia de enfermedad, disfunción o incapacidad". Es una definición que tiene en cuenta varios conceptos, muy importantes todos ellos. La respuesta sexual consiste en una serie de cambios neurofisiológicos, hemodinámicos y hormonales que involucran al conjunto del organismo. Si bien es similar en ambos sexos, en las mujeres no siempre el inicio y la progresión se correlacionan en forma sistemática o lineal como en los hombres. Y de ese intrigante devenir de la respuesta sexual femenina surge la dificultad del diagnóstico de la "disfunción sexual femenina". Podríamos resumirla en "un conjunto de trastornos en los que los problemas fisiológicos o psicológicos dificultan la participación o la satisfacción en las actividades sexuales; lo cual se traduce en la incapacidad de una persona para participar en una relación sexual de la forma que le gustaría hacerlo"16. La menopausia es percibida por muchas mujeres como el fin de la sexualidad, y no solo como el fin de la vida reproductiva. Si bien es cierto que en esta etapa la actividad sexual suele declinar y puede verse afectada por una serie de factores hormonales, psicológicos y socioculturales, para la mayoría de las mujeres la sexualidad sigue siendo importante. Debemos comprender que la disfunción sexual femenina, en cualquier etapa de la vida, es multicausal y multidimensional. A la hora de realizar el abordaje de una paciente, debemos tener en cuenta todos los factores involucrados y saber con qué herramientas contamos. El abordaje terapéutico clásicamente incluye la terapia psicológica y la terapia hormonal. Sin embargo, recientemente se ha incorporado una nueva droga recientemente aprobada por la FDA de los Estados Unidos para el tratamiento del deseo sexual hipoactivo en la mujer: el flibanserín, un psicofármaco que actúa a nivel de mediadores del deseo sexual en el sistema nervioso central, favoreciéndolo. (AU)

When we talk about human sexuality, we know that we are talking about a complex and changing interaction between biological and socioemotional factors, which are highly influenced by society, family, religion and cultural norms. This can be seen in men and women especially in women. Sexuality is an intuitive concept difficult to define. According to the World Health Organization, it is defined as "A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well being related to sexuality, which is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or disabilityˮ. It is a definition that takes into account several concepts, all very important. Sexual response is a series of neurophysiological, hemodynamic and hormonal changes involving the whole body. While similar in both sexes, women are not always the onset and progression correlate systematically or linearly as in men. And that intriguing evolution of the female sexual response, the difficulty of diagnosis of "female sexual dysfunctionˮ. We could summarize it in "a group of disorders in which the physiological or psychological problems impede participation or satisfaction in sexual activities; which results in the inability of a person to participate in a sexual relationship the way she or he would like to do itˮ16. Menopause is perceived by many women as to the end of sexuality, not only as the end of reproductive life. Sexual activity declines with age, and may be affected by a number of hormonal, psychological and sociocultural factors, but, for most women it continues to be important. We must understand that female sexual dysfunction, at any stage of life is multicausal and multidimensional. When approaching a patient, it is important to know all the factors that are involved, and which tools we have for deal with it. Classically, the therapeutic approach has consisted of psychological therapy and hormone therapy. However, we have to consider a recently approved drug by the FDA for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire in women: Flibanserin. It is a psychotropic substance that acts on the mediators of sexual desire on the central nervous system favoring it. (AU)

Benefits and risks of testosterone treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women: a critical review of studies published in the decades preceding and succeeding the advent of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

With advancing age, there is an increase in the complaints of a lack of a libido in women and erectile dysfunction in men. The efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, together with their minimal side effects and ease of administration, revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction. For women, testosterone administration is the principal treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder. We sought to evaluate the use of androgens in the treatment of a lack of libido in women, comparing two periods, i.e., before and after the advent of the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. We also analyzed the risks and benefits of androgen administration. We searched the Latin-American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Medline (PubMed) databases using the search terms disfunção sexual feminina/female sexual dysfunction, desejo sexual hipoativo/female hypoactive sexual desire disorder, testosterona/testosterone, terapia androgênica em mulheres/androgen therapy in women, and sexualidade/sexuality as well as combinations thereof. We selected articles written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. After the advent of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, there was a significant increase in the number of studies aimed at evaluating the use of testosterone in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. However, the risks and benefits of testosterone administration have yet to be clarified.

Câncer de mama e seus efeitos sobre a sexualidade: uma revisão sistemática sobre abordagem e tratamento / Breast cancer and its effects on sexuality: a sistematic review on the evaluation and treatment

O câncer de mama e seu tratamento afetam amplamente a sexualidade das mulheres acometidas. O impacto pode durar vários anos, mesmo após um tratamento bem-sucedido para a doença, decorrente dos diversos efeitos colaterais da terapêutica e dos eventos psíquicos resultantes do processo. Estudos mostram alterações físicas decorrentes da quimioterapia, hormonioterapia e tratamento cirúrgico que interferem na sexualidade, promovendo distúrbios no funcionamento sexual em suas diferentes fases, como desejo, excitação, lubrificação e orgasmo. Experiências psíquicas incluem medo da perda da fertilidade, imagem corporal negativa, sentimento de não ser sexualmente atraente, depressão e ansiedade, enquanto fatores sociais e relacionais exercem influência sobre o ajuste ao tratamento e à doença. A qualidade prévia do relacionamento com o parceiro é considerada o mais importante fator preditivo da qualidade do relacionamento sexual após o término do tratamento. Conclui-se que o estudo da sexualidade no contexto do câncer de mama não pode considerar separadamente os aspectos físicos dos psicossociais, e que a identificação das causas dos diferentes tipos de disfunção sexual neste subgrupo possibilita o desenvolvimento de intervenções fisiológicas e psicossociais que contribuam para a manutenção da qualidade da atividade sexual.(AU)

Breast cancer and its treatment widely affect the sexuality of female patients. The impact may last for several years, even after successful treatment of the disease, due to the many side effects of the treatment and psychical events that emerge from the process. Studies refer to physical changes derived from chemotherapy, hormone therapy and surgical treatment, that intervenes in the sexuality, promoting disturbances regarding sexuality in different phases, such as desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm. Psychical experiences include fear of losing fertility, negative body image, feeling of not being sexually attractive, depression and anxiety, while social and relational factors affect the adjustment to the treatment and the disease. The previous quality of the relationship with the partner is considered the most important predictive factor of the quality of sexual relationship after the treatment. We conclude that the study of sexuality in the context of breast cancer must consider both physical and psychosocial aspects, and that identifying the causes of different types of sexual dysfunction in this subgroup will enable the development of physiological and psychosocial interventions that may contribute to maintaining the quality of sexual activity of the patients.(AU)

Comparison of Elaeagnus angustifolia extract and sildenafil citrate on female orgasmic disorders: a randomized clinical trial

Orgasmic disorder can create a feeling of deprivation and failure and provide mental problems, incompatibility and marital discord. This study aimed to compare the effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia flower extract and sildenafil citrate on female orgasmic disorder in women in 2013. In this randomized clinical trial, 125 women between 18-40 years old who suffered from orgasmic disorder were divided into three E. angustifolia, sildenafil citrate and control groups. The data were gathered using Female Sexual Function Index and through measurement of TSH and prolactin. The first intervention group had to consume 4.5 gr E. angustifolia extract in two divided doses for 35 days and the second one had to use 50 mg sildenafil citrate tablets for 4 weeks one hour before their sexual relationship. However, the control group had to consume the placebo. The data were analyzed using paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc test and p < 0.05 was considered significant. The frequency of orgasmic disorder before the intervention was 41.5%, 40.5%, and 57.1% in E. angustifolia, sildenafil citrate, and control groups, respectively [p=0.23]. However, these measures were respectively 29.3%, 16.7%, and 50% after the intervention [p=0.004]. A significant difference between the two groups regarding sexual satisfaction after the intervention [p=0.003] compared to the beginning of the study [p=0.356]. Besides, the highest reduction of changes after the intervention [58.82%] was observed in the sildenafil citrate group. Both E. angustifolia extract and sildenafil citrate were effective in reduction of the frequency of orgasmic disorder in women

[Efficacy and safety of herbal drug, Hypericum perforatum in the treatment of premature ejaculation]

Premature ejaculation is the most prevalent form of male sexual dysfunction. Efforts to develop novel drugs safer than existing therapies are continued. Assessment of efficacy of Hypericum Perforatum in the treatment of premature ejaculation. This is the double blind, randomized placebo- controlled study. In this study were selected 50 married men [18-50 years old] who were referred to urology department of Razi hospital in Rasht from 2007 to 2008 with premature ejaculation were selected. These patients were divided to control and cases groups. Hypericum [160mg tablets] were prescribed for case group and placebo for control group. All participants completed IIEF-15 questionnaire before and after treatment. Intra vaginal latency time [IVLT] was measured before and after treatment. The results were analyzed using chi-square and paired t-test. After 4 weeks, there was difference in IVLT between 2 groups. This difference was statically significant [P<0.001]. There was an increase in two variables of the IIEF-15 [Intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction] in hypericum perforatum group [p<0.001]. In 3 participants drug was discontinued because of adverse reactions. It seems that hypericum perforatum may be regarded as a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of premature ejaculation

Terceira idade: não leve um baile do HIV / Seniors: do not take a ball of HIV

Terceira idade: não leve um baile do HIV faz alusão ao recente movimento de homens e mulheres da terceira de idade, que depois de décadas de um convívio social restrito à família ou ao trabalho, resolvem frequentar salão de bailes e outros ambientes, sem os devidos cuidados que a vida pós-moderna impôs às pessoas nos últimos anos, em razão do advento da AIDS. São homens e mulheres acostumados a terem relações sexuais sem o uso de preservativo.

Tratamento das disfunçöes sexuais conseqüentes ao uso de antidepressivos / Sexual dysfunction treatment as a complication of antidepressives use

A disfunçao sexual é um dos efeitos adversos, mais freqüentes, induzidos pelo uso de antidepressivos. Diminuiçao da libido, disfunçao erétil, alteraçoes do orgasmo e da ejaculaçao, dor, anestesia vaginal e peniana sao relatos mais comuns. Estratégias para reverter a disfunçao sexual induzida pelos antidepressivos sao usadas com freqüência, entre elas destacam-se: tempo de tolerância para o desenvolvimento, reduçao da dosagem, suspensao do tratamento no final da semana, troca do antidepressivo ou o acréscimo de um novo medicamento. A escolha para que se proceda uma destas intervençoes dependerá das queixas do paciente.

Sensory evoked potential and effect of SS-cream in premature ejaculation

The cause of premature ejaculation (PE) has been thought to be psychological in the majority of patients but we investigated penile hypersensitivity for an organic basis of PE. For another organic basis of PE, we have suggested hyperexcitability of the ejaculation center. SS-cream is a topical agent containing 9 oriental herbs for treating PE. Clinically SS-cream has been effective in the treatment of PE. Therefore, in order to implicate the organic basis of PE and realize the effect of SS-cream on PE, we investigated the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) in patients with PE(16 cases) and the effects of SS-cream on SEP for treating PE. The latencies and amplitudes of the evoked responses were measured by two different places in stimuli, one was on the penile shaft with ring electrode and the other on the glans penis with a surface electrode. The latency of SEP stimulated at the glans penis was significantly longer than that stimulated at the penile shaft (p 0.05). The amplitudes of the evoked responses stimulated at the glans penis were significantly higher than those stimulated at penile shaft (p< 0.05). And both these amplitudes were significantly reduced with the application of SS-cream (p< 0.05). With these result, we can suggest that the patients with PE have glans penile hyperexcitability and it provides further implications for an organic basis of PE, SEP stimulated at the glans penis can be a very useful method to evaluate PE, along with SEP stimulated a penile shaft and SS-cream prolongs the sensory conduction and reduces the penile hyperexcitability of the patient with PE.

Experiencia en el tratamiento de la eyaculación precoz con alfa bloqueadores más terapia conductual / Experience in the treatment of early eyaculation with alpha blockers plus behavioural therapy

Se tratan 54 pacientes con eyaculación precoz. 40 pacientes reciben Phenoxibenzamine (10 mg diarios) durante 5 semanas promedio. Se obtiene el control de la eyaculación del 25 al 100% de los coitos en el 80% de los casos tratados y el 57% de los casos con placebo. El resultado se definió excelente en el 22% del grupo Phenoxibenzamine y en ningún paciente control