Pleasure please! Sexual pleasure and influencing factors in transgender persons: An ENIGI follow-up study.

Background: While the importance of sexual pleasure for physical and mental health becomes increasingly evident, research on sexual pleasure in transgender persons is lacking. Recently, the first version of the Amsterdam Sexual Pleasure Index (ASPI Vol. 0.1) was validated in cisgender persons. This questionnaire aims to assess the tendency to experience sexual pleasure independent of gender, sexual orientation or anatomy. Aim: The aims of this study were threefold. First, to perform exploratory scale validation analyses of the ASPI in transgender persons. Secondly, to compare transgender sexual pleasure scores to reference data in cisgender persons. Finally, to identify factors that are associated with sexual pleasure. Methods: In a follow-up study conducted within the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI), online questionnaires were distributed to persons who had a first clinical contact at gender clinics in Amsterdam, Ghent or Hamburg four to six years earlier. Internal consistency of the ASPI was assessed by calculating McDonald's omega (ωt). ASPI scores were compared to scores from the cisgender population using a one sample t-test, and linear regressions were conducted to study associations with clinical characteristics, psychological wellbeing, body satisfaction and self-reported happiness. Results: In total, 325 persons filled out the ASPI. The ASPI showed excellent internal consistency (ωt, all: 0.97; transfeminine: 0.97, transmasculine: 0.97). Compared to data from cisgender persons, transgender participants had significantly lower total ASPI scores (i.e., lower sexual pleasure; transgender vs. cisgender, mean(SD): 4.13(0.94) vs. 4.71(0.61)). Lower age, current happiness and genital body satisfaction were associated with a higher tendency to experience sexual pleasure. Conclusion & discussion: The ASPI can be used to assess the tendency to experience sexual pleasure and associated factors in transgender persons. Future studies are needed to understand interplaying biopsychosocial factors that promote sexual pleasure and hence transgender sexual health and wellbeing.

[Unrecognised sexual abuse and abdominal and pelvic complaints]. / Miskend seksueel geweld bij buik- en bekkenklachten.

Sexual abuse is a risk factor for developing various abdominal and pelvic complaints. In this clinical lesson we present one case, highlighting this connection and how it can be missed by different medical professionals. Early identification of the underlying connection with sexual abuse can prevent re-traumatization by medical treatments, reduce the risk of the patient being abused again and raises the opportunity for a more appropriate treatment, such as addition or trauma therapy and/or pelvic physiotherapy.

The needs of subfertile couples continuing to attempt natural conception: in-depth interviews.

STUDY QUESTION: What are the experiences and the support and sexual advice needs of subfertile couples continuing to attempt natural conception after the diagnostic fertility work-up? SUMMARY ANSWER: Exploration of the experiences of couples showed that couples would have appreciated fertility clinic staff embedding expectant management into the fertility clinic trajectory, supportive staff with female and male patient interactions and advice on common experiences of peers and on managing their lifestyle, distress and subfertility-related sexual challenges. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Dutch and British professional guidelines advise newly diagnosed subfertile couples with a 'good prognosis' to continue to attempt natural conception and do not require fertility clinic staff to interact with patients. Fertility clinic staff and subfertile couples struggle to follow these guidelines as they feel an urgent need for action. Subfertile couples might benefit from sexual advice, as subfertility is negatively associated with sexual functioning, which is important for natural conception. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: Twelve one-time in-depth interviews (2015-2017) were conducted with 10 heterosexual couples and 2 women whose partners did not participate, then the interviews were subjected to inductive content analysis, reaching inductive thematic saturation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: The 22 interviewees had experienced 3-18 months of expectant management after their diagnostic fertility work-up in a Belgian or a Dutch tertiary fertility clinic. The face-to-face in-depth interviews explored positive and negative experiences and unmet needs. The transcribed interviews were subjected to inductive content analysis, by two researchers discussing initial disagreements. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Couples would appreciate fertility clinic staff embedding expectant management in the fertility clinic trajectory, by starting off with reassuring couples that their very thorough diagnostic fertility work-up demonstrated their good chance of natural conception, and by involving couples in deciding on the duration of expectant management and by planning the follow-up appointment after expectant management up front. Couples had encountered sexual challenges during expectant management and had an interest in sexual advice, focused on increasing pleasure and partner bonding and preventing the rise of dysfunctions. The couples agreed that a (secured) website with evidence-based, non-patronizing text and mixed media would be an appropriate format for a novel support programme. Couples were keen for interactions with fertility clinic staff which addressed both partners of subfertile couples. Couples also valued advice on managing their lifestyle and distress and would have liked information on the experiences of their peers. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: Recall bias is plausible given the retrospective nature of this study. This explorative interview study was not designed for examining country or gender differences in experiences and needs but it did generate new findings on inter-country differences. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Rather than simply advising expectant management, fertility clinics are encouraged to offer couples who continue to attempt natural conception after their diagnostic fertility work-up, supportive patient-staff interactions with advice on common experiences of peers and on managing their lifestyle, distress and sexual challenges related to subfertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: Funded by Flanders Research Foundation and the University of Amsterdam. There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Exploring the impact of urogenital organ displacement after abdominoperineal resection on urinary and sexual function.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish the functional impact of displacement of urogenital organs after abdominoperineal resection (APR) using validated questionnaires. METHODS: Patients who underwent APR for primary or recurrent rectal cancer (2001-2018) with evaluable pre- and postoperative radiological imaging and completed urinary (UDI-6, IIQ-7) and sexual questionnaires (male, IIEF; female, FSFI, FSDS-R) were included from 16 centers. Absolute displacement of the internal urethral orifice, posterior bladder wall, distal end of the prostatic urethra, and cervix were correlated to urogenital function by calculating Spearman's Rho (ρ). Median function scores were compared between minimal or substantial displacement using median split. RESULTS: There were 89 male and 36 female patients included, of whom 45 and 19 were sexually active after surgery. Absolute displacement of the internal urethral orifice and posterior bladder wall was not correlated with UDI-6 in men (ρ = 0.119 and ρ = 0.022) nor in women (ρ = - 0.098 and ρ = - 0.154). In men with minimal and substantial displacement of the internal urethral orifice, median UDI-6 scores were 10 (IQR 0-22) and 17 (IQR 5-21), respectively, with corresponding scores of 25 (IQR 10-46) and 21 (IQR 16-36) in women. Displacement of the cervix and FSDS-R were correlated (ρ = 0.433) in sexually active patients. CONCLUSION: This first analysis on functional impact of urogenital organ displacement after APR suggests that more displacement of the cervix might be associated with worse sexual function, while the data does not indicate any potential functional impact of bladder displacement. Studies are needed to further explore this underexposed topic.

Cumulative 5-year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Biological Mesh With Primary Perineal Wound Closure After Extralevator Abdominoperineal Resection (BIOPEX-study).

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term outcomes of a randomized trial (BIOPEX) comparing biological mesh and primary perineal closure in rectal cancer patients after extralevator abdominoperineal resection and preoperative radiotherapy, with a primary focus on symptomatic perineal hernia. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: BIOPEX is the only randomized trial in this field, which was negative on its primary endpoint (30-day wound healing). METHODS: This was a posthoc secondary analysis of patients randomized in the BIOPEX trial to either biological mesh closure (n = 50; 2 dropouts) or primary perineal closure (n = 54; 1 dropout). Patients were followed for 5 years. Actuarial 5-year probabilities were determined by the Kaplan-Meier statistic. RESULTS: Actuarial 5-year symptomatic perineal hernia rates were 7% (95% CI, 0-30) after biological mesh closure versus 30% (95% CI, 10-49) after primary closure (P = 0.006). One patient (2%) in the biomesh group underwent elective perineal hernia repair, compared to 7 patients (13%) in the primary closure group (P = 0.062). Reoperations for small bowel obstruction were necessary in 1/48 patients (2%) and 5/53 patients (9%), respectively (P = 0.208). No significant differences were found for chronic perineal wound problems, locoregional recurrence, overall survival, and main domains of quality of life and functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic perineal hernia rate at 5-year follow-up after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer was significantly lower after biological mesh closure. Biological mesh closure did not improve quality of life or functional outcomes.

Sexual health-related care needs among young adult cancer patients and survivors: a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: Young adult cancer patients and survivors have age-specific care needs, but care needs related to sexual health are poorly understood. A systematic literature review was conducted to examine sexual health-related care needs among patients/survivors diagnosed with cancer during young adulthood (age: 18-39 years). The prevalence and types needs were assessed along with associated patient factors. METHODS: Four major databases were screened to identify relevant studies, which were also assessed for risk of bias; all following PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Identified studies (N = 35) often assessed sexual health-related care needs by whether participants experienced a generic need for support from providers. The prevalence of such needs ranged between 8 and 61.7% and was higher in female survivors and those with more health impairments. The type of diagnosis could also play a role in these varying prevalence rates, but was not systematically tested in included studies. Types of sexual health-related care needs were clustered into practical/emotional support needs (e.g., coping with physical side effects), information needs (e.g., more details), and communication needs (e.g., providers should initiate conversations, validate concerns, be empathetic/open). Needs should be addressed in-person and/or online. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of needs related to sexual health varies among young adult patients and survivors, but types of needs center around improving provision of support and information by providers. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Sexual health should routinely be addressed alongside other potential effects of cancer treatment to allow for constructive conversations between patients and providers. Referrals to (online) resources or specialists should be tailored to individual preferences.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity: A Systematic Review of Treatment Efficacy.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertonicity of the pelvic floor (PFH) is a disabling condition with urological, gynecological and gastrointestinal symptoms, sexual problems and chronic pelvic pain, impacting quality of life. Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a first-line intervention, yet no systematic review on the efficacy of PFPT for the treatment of PFH has been conducted. OBJECTIVES: To systematically appraise the current literature on efficacy of PFPT modalities related to PFH. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until February 2020. A manual search from reference lists of included articles was performed. Ongoing trials were reviewed using clinicaltrial.gov. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective - and retrospective cohorts and case-study analyses were included. Outcome measures were pelvic floor muscle tone and function, pain reports, sexual function, pelvic floor symptom scores, quality of life and patients' perceived effect. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in 10 eligible studies including 4 RCTs, 5 prospective studies, and 1 case study published between 2000 and 2019. Most studies had a high risk of bias associated with the lack of a comparison group, insufficient sample sizes and non-standardized interventions. Six studies were of low and 4 of medium quality. All studies were narratively reviewed. Three of 4 RCTs found positive effects of PFPT compared to controls on five out of 6 outcome measures. The prospective studies found significant improvements in all outcome measures that were assessed. PFPT seems to be efficacious in patients with chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, vulvodynia, and dyspareunia. Smallest effects were seen in patients with interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome. CONCLUSION: The findings of this systematic review suggest that PFPT can be beneficial in patients with PFH. Further high-quality RCTs should be performed to confirm the effectiveness of PFPT in the treatment of PFH. van Reijn-Baggen DA, Han-Geurts IJM, Voorham-van der Zalm PJ, et al. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity: A Systematic Review of Treatment Efficacy. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:209-230.

A structured expressive writing activity targeting body image-related distress among head and neck cancer survivors: who do we reach and what are the effects?

PURPOSE: The aim of this pretest-posttest study was to investigate the reach and effects of My Changed Body (MyCB), an expressive writing activity based on self-compassion, among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. METHODS: This pilot study had a pretest-posttest design. HNC survivors received an invitation to complete a baseline survey on body image-related distress. At the end of the survey, HNC survivors were asked if they were interested in the intervention study. This entailed the writing activity and a survey 1 week and 1 month post-intervention. The reach was calculated by dividing the number of participants in the intervention study, by the number of (1) eligible HNC survivors and (2) those who filled in the baseline survey. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the effect on body image-related distress. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with the reach and reduced body image-related distress. MyCB was evaluated using study-specific questions. RESULTS: The reach of MyCB was 15-33% (depending on reference group) and was associated with lower education level, more social eating problems, and fewer wound healing problems. Among the 87 participants, 9 (10%) showed a clinically relevant improvement in body image-related distress. No significant effect on body image-related distress was found. Self-compassion improved significantly during follow-up until 1 month post-intervention (p=0.003). Users rated satisfaction with MyCB as 7.2/10. CONCLUSION: MyCB does not significantly improve body image-related distress, but is likely to increase self-compassion, which sustains for at least 1 month.

Effect of Stepped Care on Sexual Interest and Enjoyment in Distressed Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) with psychological distress showed that a stepped care (SC) program targeting psychological distress compared with care as usual (CAU), is (cost)effective in reducing psychological distress. AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether SC can coalleviate problems with sexual interest and enjoyment. A secondary aim was to investigate whether the presence of an unmet sexual health need and having a psychiatric disorder (depression or anxiety) at baseline moderated any effect of SC on these sexual variables until 1-year follow-up. METHODS: HNC survivors (N = 134), randomized to SC or CAU, were assessed regarding their sexual interest and enjoyment before and after the intervention and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate differences in the course of sexual interest and enjoyment between SC and CAU. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The "sexuality" symptom subscale, part of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire, Head and Neck Cancer-specific module. RESULTS: Of all patients, 76.1% had an unmet sexual need at baseline, 24.6% had a psychiatric disorder (anxiety or depression). SC did not reduce problems with sexual interest and enjoyment at any of the follow-up measurements compared with CAU (P = .85). This was neither moderated by an unmet sexual health need at baseline (P = .64) nor by the presence of a psychiatric disorder at baseline (P = .59). CONCLUSION: A substantial number of patients with HNC have unmet sexual health needs. SC targeting psychological distress does not reduce problems with sexuality in these patients. Interventions specifically targeting sexuality are recommended. Schutte LER, Melissant HC, Jansen F, et al. Effect of Stepped Care on Sexual Interest and Enjoyment in Distressed Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Sex Med 2021;9:100304.

Managing women-specific bleeding in inherited bleeding disorders: A multidisciplinary approach.

INTRODUCTION: Multidisciplinary management of women-specific bleeding is important to preserve quality of life, healthy reproduction and social participation of women and girls with bleeding disorders (WBD). AIM: To support appropriate multidisciplinary care for WBD in haemophilia treatment centres. METHODS: Two case examples are presented and management issues discussed from different health care perspectives, including the nurse, patient, psychologist, gynaecologist, geneticist, psychosexual therapist and haematologist. RESULTS: Woman with bleeding disorders may experience heavy menstruation from menarche onwards. This has a physical and psychosocial impact requiring a multidisciplinary approach. If a woman with an inherited bleeding disorder desires to become pregnant, preconception counselling is essential, to discuss genetic diagnosis, state of the art treatment options for the bleeding disorder in question and possible choices to prevent having an affected child, as well as maternal bleeding risks during conception, delivery and the post-partum period. CONCLUSION: Adequate management and good education of WBD requires a patient-centred multidisciplinary approach with experienced specialists in a haemophilia treatment centre.

In Pursuit of Pleasure: A Biopsychosocial Perspective on Sexual Pleasure and Gender.

Objective: Various sources of evidence suggest that men and women differ in their experience of sexual pleasure. Such gender differences have been attributed to men's higher innate sex drive, supported by evolutionary psychology perspectives and gender differences in reproductive strategies. Method: This paper presents biopsychosocial evidence for gender similarities in the capacity to experience pleasure, and for substantial gender differences in opportunities for sexual pleasure. Results: We conclude that sexual activity, in most cultures, is less pleasurable and associated with greater cost for heterosexual women than for heterosexual men, even though they do not differ in the capacity for sexual pleasure. Conclusion: Since gender differences in experienced sexual pleasure are not a biological given, a more critical discourse of sexual pleasure might create awareness of current inequalities, help lift restrictions for women's opportunities for pleasure, and could reduce gender differences in the cost of sex. That would truly serve sexual justice around the globe.

Sexual function and pelvic floor activity in women: the role of traumatic events and PTSD symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic sexual experiences can negatively affect sexual functioning and increase pelvic floor activity in women, especially when post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is developed. However, little is known about the effect of other types of interpersonal and non-interpersonal, traumatic experiences on sexual function and pelvic floor overactivity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of lifetime traumatic experiences and subsequent PTSD symptoms on sexual function and pelvic floor activity and to investigate whether the effects differ for interpersonal and non-interpersonal trauma. METHODS: Women (N=82) with obesity and a history of infertility, participating in a follow-up study of an RCT investigating a lifestyle intervention programme, completed questionnaires on lifetime exposure to traumatic events (LEC-5), PTSD symptoms (PC-PTSD-5), sexual function (MFSQ) and pelvic floor activity (AOPFS-SV). RESULTS: A large majority of women (85%) reported exposure to at least one traumatic event during their lifetime. Sexual function and pelvic floor activity did not differ between women who experienced non-interpersonal or interpersonal (including sexual) trauma and those who did not experience traumatic events during their lifetime. Women who had developed PTSD symptoms, however, did have higher pelvic floor activity, but sexual function was not affected. Women with a positive screen for PTSD had the highest pelvic floor activity score, and individual PTSD symptoms nightmares and hypervigilance were associated with significantly higher pelvic floor activity scores. CONCLUSION: Trauma exposure is associated with pelvic floor overactivity in women with a positive screen for PTSD, such that pelvic floor overactivity is more severe with greater PTSD severity. These findings suggest that the development of PTSD after interpersonal trauma is pivotal in this association. Sexual function was unrelated to trauma exposure and pelvic floor function, perhaps related to the fact that the interpersonal trauma events reported in this study were mainly non-sexual.

Antecedentes: Las experiencias sexuales traumáticas pueden comprometer negativamente el funcionamiento sexual e incrementar la actividad del piso pélvico en mujeres, especialmente cuando se desarrolla un trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT). Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre los efectos de otros tipos de experiencias traumáticas, interpersonales y no interpersonales, en la función sexual y la hiperactividad del piso pélvico.Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de las experiencias traumáticas a lo largo de la vida, con síntomas del TEPT subsecuentes, en la función sexual y la actividad del piso pélvico e investigar si los efectos difieren entre trauma interpersonal y no interpersonal.Métodos: Un grupo (N=82) de mujeres con obesidad y antecedente de infertilidad que estaba participando de un estudio clínico longitudinal aleatorizado (RCT) sobre un programa de intervención sobre estilos de vida, respondió un cuestionario sobre exposición a eventos traumáticos a lo largo de la vida (LEC-5, por sus siglas en inglés), síntomas del TEPT (PC-PTSD-5, por sus siglas en inglés), función sexual (MFSQ, por sus siglas en inglés) y actividad del piso pélvico (AOPFS-SV, por sus siglas en inglés).Resultados: Una gran mayoría de las mujeres (85%) reportó exposición a al menos un evento traumático a lo largo de la vida. No hubo diferencia de la función sexual y la actividad del piso pélvico entre las mujeres que experimentaron trauma no interpersonal, entre las mujeres que experimentaron trauma interpersonal (incluyendo el sexual), y entre aquellas que no experimentaron eventos traumáticos a lo largo de su vida. Sin embargo, en las mujeres que desarrollaron síntomas del TEPT se encontró mayor actividad del piso pélvico, pero sin comprometer la función sexual. Las mujeres con un puntaje significativo para el TEPT presentaban los puntajes más altos en actividad del piso pélvico, y síntomas puntuales del TEPT como pesadillas e hipervigilancia se asociaron a puntajes de actividad del piso pélvico más altas.Conclusión: La exposición a trauma se asocia con hiperactividad del piso pélvico en mujeres con puntajes significativos para el TEPT, y tal hiperactividad del piso pélvico es más severa a mayor severidad del TEPT. Estos hallazgos sugieren que el desarrollo del TEPT luego del trauma interpersonal es un aspecto clave en esta asociación. La función sexual no estaba relacionada con la exposición al trauma o a la función del piso pélvico, quizá relacionado al hecho que los eventos reportados como eventos traumáticos interpersonales eran principalmente no sexuales.

Sexual Function in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Design of an Observational Prospective Multicenter Case Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is 10-15% in women of reproductive age. Its characteristics are (i) clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, (ii) oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, and (iii) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. PCOS is associated with lower quality of life, depression, anxiety, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Treatment commonly entails oral contraceptive use to lower endogenous androgen levels. Androgen levels and comorbidities may affect sexual function. Previous studies have addressed a limited range of possible contributing factors. We will assess sexual function as well as genital and self-reported sexual arousal in a laboratory setting in women with PCOS compared to an age-matched healthy control group. Modulation by biopsychosocial factors mentioned will be studied. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective case control study. The study population includes healthy women with and without PCOS, aged 18-40 years, in a stable heterosexual relationship for at least 6 months. Power is calculated at 67 participants in each group. Anticipating a drop out of 10%, 150 participants will be recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes measured are sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index, Sexual Desire Inventory, and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised; genital sexual arousal measured as vaginal pulse amplitude; and self-reported sexual arousal in response to erotic stimuli in a laboratory setting. The mediators that will be investigated include testosterone, free androgen levels, oral contraceptive use, sensitivity to androgens (using CAG repeat length), body mass index, body image, mental health, and self-esteem. CONCLUSION: Strengths of this study are the inclusion of a broad range of biopsychosocial outcome measures including DNA analysis, a healthy control group, and standardized assessment of genital and self-reported sexual arousal in a laboratory setting. With the design of this study we aim to provide an insight into which biopsychosocial factors associated with PCOS are related to sexual function, and how sexual function may be affected by treatment. These new insights may help to improve clinical management of PCOS while improving the quality of life. Pastoor H, Both S, Timman R, et al. Sexual Function in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Design of an Observational Prospective Multicenter Case Control Study. Sex Med 2020;8:718-729.

The 'Pleasure&Pregnancy' web-based interactive educational programme versus expectant management in the treatment of unexplained subfertility: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Many subfertile couples are diagnosed with (relatively) unexplained subfertility and a good prognosis. National professional guidelines (eg, the Netherlands and UK) advise 'expectant management (EM)' for 6-12 months, in which no interaction with healthcare staff is offered. Underpowered studies indicate that face-to-face sex-counselling increases the ongoing pregnancy rates of these couples. In patients with other conditions, web-based interactive educational programmes have the same effect on sexual functioning as face-to-face sex counselling. The 'Pleasure&Pregnancy randomised controlled trial (RCT)' will examine in couples with unexplained subfertility and a good prognosis whether a new web-based interactive educational programme results in a higher chance of naturally conceiving an ongoing pregnancy within 6 months as compared with EM. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multicentre RCT with cost-effectiveness analysis will include heterosexual couples diagnosed with (relatively) unexplained subfertility and a good prognosis in Dutch and Belgian secondary or tertiary fertility clinics. Couples will be randomised between 6 months of EM and 6 months of the Pleasure&Pregnancy-programme. This new web-based interactive educational programme includes eight progressive modules of information (on the biology of conception and pleasurable sex) and sensate focus, couple communication and mindfulness exercises. Couples are offered interaction with their coaches via email and can take part in three moderated chat sessions with peers. The primary outcome of this RCT is the probability of naturally conceiving an ongoing pregnancy within 6 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include time-to-pregnancy, live birth rate, costs, sexual functioning and personal and relational well-being. Analysis will be according to intention to treat. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committees of the Academic Medical Centre (the Netherlands) and the Leuven University Hospital (Belgium). The findings of this RCT will be disseminated through presentations at international scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR5709; Pre-results.

Women's appraisal of the management of vulvodynia by their general practitioner: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Provoked Vulvodynia (PVD) is the most common cause of vulvar pain. General practitioners (GPs) are insufficiently familiar with it, causing a delay in many women receiving correct diagnosis and treatment. Besides patients factors, this delay can partly be explained by the reluctance of GPs to explore the sexual context of PVD and by their negative emotional reactions such as helplessness and frustration when consulted by patients with medically unexplained symptoms like PVD. OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into how women with PVD perceive and evaluate condition management by their GP, in order to support GPs in the consultation of women with PVD. METHODS: We performed face-to-face in-depth interviews with women diagnosed with PVD. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. The Consolidated Criteria for reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ-criteria) were applied. RESULTS: Analysis of the interviews generated four interrelated themes: Doctor-patient relationship, Lack of knowledge, Referral process and Addressing sexual issues. Empathy of the GP, involvement in decision-making and referral were important factors in the appreciation of the consultation for women with PVD who were referred to a specialist. Because women were reluctant to start a discussion about sexuality, they expected a proactive attitude from their GP. The communication with and the competence of the GP ultimately proved more important in the contact than the gender of the GP. CONCLUSION: Women with PVD prefer a patient-centred approach and want GPs to acknowledge their autonomy and to address sexuality proactively.

Testosterone Insufficiency in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Now that HIV infection has become a chronic disease, optimizing health status is an important goal of care for HIV-infected patients. Testosterone insufficiency (TI) can compromise health status, but little is known about the prevalence of TI and possible related factors in HIV-infected women. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of TI among HIV-infected women attending our HIV outpatient clinic, and to study the relationship between TI and sexual function, fatigue, health status, and depression. METHODS: 56 HIV-infected women aged ≥18 years who attended the HIV outpatient clinic of the Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands, were included. Blood samples were taken for endocrinologic testing and patients filled out 6 validated questionnaires measuring sexual function, fatigue, health, and depression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: TI, the Female Sexual Function Index, the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, the Medical Outcomes Studies Short Form 36-item health survey, and the Beck Depression Inventory were assessed. RESULTS: A relatively high prevalence of TI, 37%, was found. Plasma viral load and CD4 cell count did not differ between women with or without TI. Clinical fatigue, physical fatigue, and impaired cognitive function were significantly more prevalent in women with TI. Women with TI also tended to report decreased sexual desire, reduced physical activity, increased mental fatigue, reduced physical function, increased health distress, and clinical depression. CONCLUSION: We recommend that in all HIV-positive women with complaints typical for TI, testosterone is measured, and that in women with TI, testosterone replacement be considered as a treatment option. However, given that complaints are also prevalent in HIV-positive women without TI, the approach to women with these complaints should include sexual and psychological evaluation. Laan ETM, Prins JM, van Lunsen RHW, et al. Testosterone Insufficiency in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2019;7:72-79.

A network analysis of female sexual function: comparing symptom networks in women with decreased, increased, and stable sexual desire.

Problems related to low sexual desire in women are common clinical complaints, and the aetiology is poorly understood. We investigated predictors of change in levels of sexual desire using a novel network approach, which assumes that mental disorders arise from direct interactions between symptoms. Using population-based data from 1,449 Finnish women, we compared between-subject networks of women whose sexual desire decreased, increased, or remained stable over time. Networks were estimated and analyzed at T1 (2006) and replicated at T2 (2013) using R. Domains included were, among others, sexual functions, sexual distress, anxiety, depression, body dissatisfaction, and relationship status. Overall, networks were fairly similar across groups. Sexual arousal, satisfaction, and relationship status were the most central variables, implying that they might play prominent roles in female sexual function; sexual distress mediated between general distress and sexual function; and sexual desire and arousal showed different patterns of relationships, suggesting that they represent unique sexual function aspects. Potential group-differences suggested that sex-related pain and body dissatisfaction might play roles in precipitating decreases of sexual desire. The general network structure and similarities between groups replicated well; however, the potential group-differences did not replicate. Our study sets the stage for future clinical and longitudinal network modelling of female sexual function.

The Relationship Between Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Provoked Vulvodynia: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Provoked vulvodynia (PVD) is a chronic vulvar pain condition affecting up to 8.3% of the female population. Despite many years of research, no clear cause for PVD has been identified. Several risk factors have been studied, including vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). However, to date, the role of Candida infections in PVD has remained unclear. VVC and PVD have an overlap of symptoms that may contribute to diagnostic inaccuracy and mistreatment. AIM: To systematically review the literature on the relationship between VVC and PVD. METHODS: Cohort and case-control studies were included that compared women with PVD with healthy controls with respect to the presence of a history of Candida vulvovaginitis. PVD had to be diagnosed by Friedrich's criteria or the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease criteria. The inclusion process as well as the quality appraisal of the studies, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, were performed independently by 2 authors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Outcomes of the population-based case-control studies were listed as odds ratio. Outcomes of the pathophysiological studies were based on local pro-inflammatory responses on Candida in vitro. RESULTS: We included a total of 14 studies, both population and clinic-based case-control, and pathophysiological research. 7 studies were of low methodological quality, and 7 studies were of medium methodological quality. The population-based case-control studies showed a significantly increased odds ratio for self-reported VVC in PVD cases compared with controls. The pathophysiological studies revealed a tendency for an increased local proinflammatory response on Candida in vitro in patients with PVD. Owing to the substantial heterogeneity of the studies, meta-analysis was not performed. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Health care providers may consider a diagnosis of PVD in women with self-reported VVC, and to act on this properly. Reiteration of antifungal prescriptions by physicians without a decent diagnosis, will lead to mistreatment. Women should be informed by their health care provider that intercourse during (or shortly after) the treatment of VVC might worsen the vulnerability of the vulvar skin. STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first systematic review performed to describe the relation between VVC and PVD. An independently performed in- and exclusion process and quality appraisal, ensured optimal internal validity. However, there were important methodological limitations and the size of heterogeneity prevented establishing a meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: This systematic review is unable to draw conclusions regarding a relationship between actual VVC and PVD because studies were based on self-reported VVC. Until new evidence becomes available, we advocate that PVD should be considered as an unexplained chronic pain condition. In women with recurrent or persistent VVC-like complaints, physicians should consider a diagnosis of PVD. Leusink P, van de Pasch S, Teunissen D, et al. The Relationship Between Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Provoked Vulvodynia: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2018;15:1310-1321.

[Sexual and psychological well-being after female genital mutilation: a narrative systematic review]. / Seksueel en psychisch welbevinden na vrouwelijke genitale verminking.

OBJECTIVE: A literature analysis on the effects of female genital mutilation (FGM) on sexual and psychological well-being. DESIGN: Narrative systematic review. METHOD: In March 2016 we performed a search for relevant literature in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were studies (a) of women who had undergone FGM and with a control group of women who had not undergone FGM; (b) published since 2010; (c) in Dutch, English, French or German; and (d) in which use was made of sexological and/or psychological questionnaires. RESULTS: We included 14 studies from African, Arabic or European countries. In 3 studies psychological well-being was assessed, in 5 studies sexual well-being, and in 6 studies both were assessed. Women with FGM reported more symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression. FGM had negative effects on self-confidence, quality of life and marital satisfaction. Women with FGM were less satisfied with their sex life. They reported less sexual desire, less arousal and lubrication and fewer orgasms and more often had dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: Women with FGM have an increased risk of reduced psychological and sexual well-being.

Sexual Inhibition is a Vulnerability Factor for Orgasm Problems in Women.

BACKGROUND: The differential role of psychological traits in the etiology and maintenance of female orgasm difficulties is yet to be consistently established. AIM: To investigate the contribution of different psychological trait features (personality, sexual inhibition and excitation, and sexual beliefs) to predict female orgasm and to assess the degree to which these dispositional factors moderate the association between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence in a large community sample of Portuguese women. METHODS: 1,002 women (18-72 years, mean age = 26.27, SD = 8.74) completed questionnaires assessing personality traits (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), sexual inhibition and sexual excitation (Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form [SIS/SES]), sexual beliefs (Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire), sexual behavior (frequency of sexual activities and frequency of orgasm occurrence), and social desirability (Socially Desirable Response Set). Hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analyses were conducted while controlling for the effect of covariates such as social desirability, sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and relationship factors. OUTCOMES: The main outcome measurement was orgasm frequency as predicted and moderated by personality, SIS/SES dimensions, and sexual beliefs. RESULTS: Results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated a significant predictive role for sexual inhibition (associated with fear of performance failure [SIS1] and related to the threat of performance consequences) and body image beliefs in female orgasm occurrence. The significant predictive effect of extraversion and of sexual excitation on orgasm frequency ceased to be significant with the insertion of all trait predictors in the final model. Furthermore, SIS1 significantly moderated the relation between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Attention should be given to individual factors impairing orgasmic response in women, particularly sexual inhibition processes. The development of clinical strategies to address and regulate them is recommended. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Although this study investigated a large community sample, this sample was composed of heterosexual, relatively young women and thus generalization of the present results demands some caution. Social desirability was controlled for in the analyses and questionnaires were not collected face to face, which constitutes a strength of this study because social desirability is lower in self-administered online questionnaires compared with paper-and-pencil questionnaires, particularly for more sensitive sexual issues. CONCLUSION: SIS1 was found to be a vulnerability factor for female orgasmic difficulties. Future research should test these findings with different samples, particularly clinical samples of women with orgasmic problems, preferably with the use of longitudinal designs. Tavares IM, Laan ETM, Nobre PJ. Sexual Inhibition is a Vulnerability Factor for Orgasm Problems in Women. J Sex Med 2018;15:361-372.