Showing papers in "Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 2007"
TL;DR: The Female Sexual Function Index is a very well-worded sexual function screen with excellent psychometric qualities, however, some aspects of the scoring procedures pose conceptual and statistical problems, which are illustrated by way of an empirical example.
Abstract: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a very well-worded sexual function screen with excellent psychometric qualities. However, some aspects of the scoring procedures pose conceptual and statistical problems, which we illustrate in part by way of an empirical example. The recommended solutions should further strengthen the utility and validity of this instrument.
238 citations
TL;DR: In both sexes, sexual satisfaction with vaginal intercourse as well as kissing and petting was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, whereas higher desired and actual frequency of masturbation were negatively associated withrelationship satisfaction.
Abstract: The nature of sexual satisfaction and its relationship with relationship satisfaction was examined in a population-based Finnish sample of men and women between 33 and 43 years. Both men and women wished to experience kissing and petting, sexual fantasies, oral sex, and vaginal intercourse more often. Sexual satisfaction, defined as no discrepancy between desired frequency and actual frequency of sexual behaviors, was associated with relationship satisfaction. In both sexes, sexual satisfaction with vaginal intercourse as well as kissing and petting was positively associated with relationship satisfaction, whereas higher desired and actual frequency of masturbation were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction.
168 citations
TL;DR: In this article, 30 Portuguese women reported on their frequency of different sexual behaviors and corresponding orgasm rates and also completed the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory and found that the frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse correlated positively with PRQC dimensions: Satisfaction, Intimacy, Trust, Passion, Love (all r >/=.40) and Global Relationship Quality (r =.55).
Abstract: A growing empirical literature demonstrates that the only sexual behavior consistently associated with indices of better physiological and psychological function is the one sexual behavior relevant to potential gene propagation. In the present study, 30 Portuguese women reported on their frequency of different sexual behaviors and corresponding orgasm rates and also completed the Perceived Relationship Quality Components (PRQC) Inventory. As hypothesized, frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse correlated positively with PRQC dimensions: Satisfaction, Intimacy, Trust, Passion, Love (all r >/= .40) and Global Relationship Quality (r = .55). Noncoital sexual behaviors with a partner were uncorrelated with the PRQC dimensions. Masturbation frequency was inversely associated with Love (r = -.38). Penile-vaginal orgasmic frequency correlated positively with PRQC dimensions: Satisfaction, Intimacy, Passion, Love (all r >/= .44) and Global Relationship Quality (r = .52). Penile-vaginal intercourse orgasmic consistency was inversely associated with masturbation frequency. Social desirability scores did not confound the associations. Results are discussed in terms of both evolutionary and psychoanalytic theories.
142 citations
TL;DR: It was found that age, number of children, and length of marriage were significantly positively correlated with sexual adjustment (MMQ-S) and educational attainment with general-life adjustment ( MMQ-GL) problems.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of age, education, number of children, employment status, and length of marriage on marital satisfaction. Seven hundred and eighty-seven nonrandomly selected married adults from the Flanders region in Belgium completed the Maudsley Marital Questionnaire (MMQ) (Arrindell, Boelens, & Lambert, 1983a). The results indicated a statistically significant difference between the marital satisfaction of the first married and remarried adults. A gender-level analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the marital satisfaction of men and women. Among the demographic variables, the effect of length of marriage was highly significant with marital satisfaction. In a separate analysis, we found that the effect of age and number of children had a statistically significant effect on the sexual adjustment of the respondents. Accordingly, we found that age, number of children, and length of marriage were significantly positively correlated with sexual adjustment (MMQ-S) and educational attainment with general-life adjustment (MMQ-GL) problems.
140 citations
TL;DR: Anonymous data provided by 417 female and 179 male sexually active heterosexual respondents showed that in long term sexual relationships, sexual satisfaction was positively correlated with two different intimacy variables, the respondent's orgasm likelihood, and negatively correlated with conflict in the relationship.
Abstract: Anonymous data provided by 417 female and 179 male sexually active heterosexual respondents showed that in long term sexual relationships, sexual satisfaction was positively correlated with two different intimacy variables, the respondent's orgasm likelihood, and negatively correlated with conflict in the relationship. Multiple linear regression permitted us to measure the effect sizes of these variables as predictors of sexual satisfaction. These findings have important implications for treatment of symptomatic couples.
116 citations
TL;DR: The masturbation-partnered sex linkage, often conceptualized either as compensating for unsatisfying sex or complementing a satisfactory sex life, appeared to be bimodal for both genders.
Abstract: Using data from the nationally representative National Health and Social Life Survey, this study queried the correlates of masturbation in the United States in 1992. Among those aged 18-60, 38% (CI, 35-41) of women and 61% (CI, 57-65) of men reported any masturbation over the preceding year. The system of factors underlying masturbation was similar for both genders, consistent with a convergence in gender patterns of sexual expression in the United States. Among both women and men, masturbation responded to a stable sexualized personality pattern, catalyzed by early-life factors and manifested in current sexual traits. Strikingly, the masturbation-partnered sex linkage, often conceptualized either as compensating for unsatisfying sex or complementing a satisfactory sex life, appeared to be bimodal for both genders. For some, masturbation complemented an active and pleasurable sex life, while among others, it compensated for a lack of partnered sex or satisfaction in sex.
102 citations
TL;DR: It is likely that only a small number of men with complaints of PE suffer from a neurobiologically determined PE disturbance, according to the proposed new classification in four well-defined PE syndromes.
Abstract: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a frequent male sexual complaint. Its occurrence does not automatically imply the existence of a male sexual disorder. The current DSM definition of PE has a low-positive predictive value with a high associated risk for false-positive diagnoses of PE. A new classification in four well-defined PE syndromes has recently been proposed for the pending DSM-V. According to this new classification there are different pathophysiologies, etiologies, and treatments of PE dependent on the underlying PE syndrome. Some types are particularly neurobiologically or medically determined and need drug treatment; other types, which are mainly psychologically determined, need psychotherapy or both. Moreover, according to the proposed new classification it is likely that only a small number of men with complaints of PE suffer from a neurobiologically determined PE disturbance.
89 citations
TL;DR: This article provides case illustrations of women reporting unprovoked genital arousal both with and without distress and suggests that what appears to be spontaneous genital arousal in some women may be the result of either subconscious processing of sexual stimuli in the environment—stimuli that are either consciously unacceptable or not noticed.
Abstract: Interest in women's sexual functioning has increased in recent years although the primary emphasis has been on deficits in both genital and subjective sexual response. Female sexual psychophysiology research suggests that women are capable of greater sexual responsiveness than previously thought and can experience genital response in the absence of a subjective experience of sexual arousal. Women who report relatively persistent genital arousal, both with and without accompanying distress, provide case examples of the potential for dissociation between genital and psychological sexual response. In this article, we provide case illustrations of women reporting unprovoked genital arousal both with and without distress and suggest that what appears to be spontaneous genital arousal in some women may be the result of either subconscious processing of sexual stimuli in the environment - stimuli that are either consciously unacceptable or not noticed. Finally, we suggest that there may exist three types of genital arousal in women: 1) spontaneous sensations of genital arousal that are appraised as mildly pleasurable; 2) persistent feelings of genital arousal that are experienced as mildly distracting but not especially unwelcome or bothersome; and 3) continuous, intense, and persistent genital arousal that is extremely distracting, distressing, and worrisome. A variety of psychological, pharmacological, vascular, and neurological factors may account for these differences in women's genital arousal responsiveness. However, a full understanding of the range and variation in women's sexual experience remains to be elucidated.
75 citations
TL;DR: Concern arises when shifts from the biopsychosocial model to the disease model will become increasingly accepted and solidified over the next decade and, relying on stronger evidence-based studies, define the critical role of the therapist in achieving these outcomes.
Abstract: Developments in the field of sexology indicate a trend toward the medicalization of sexual issues which is likely to continue over the next decades. With the introduction of new pharmacological treatments, the resulting shift from the biopsychosocial model to the disease model will become increasingly accepted and solidified over the next decade. Some of this shift may be beneficial in that the healthcare needs of the patient/client may at times be better served through this route. However, concern arises when such shifts are likely to limit the meaningful choices presented to the patient and to dampen support for basic psycho-behavioral and neurophysiological sexological investigation. Such developments challenge sexologists and sex therapists to define their treatment outcomes more clearly and, relying on stronger evidence-based studies, define the critical role of the therapist in achieving these outcomes.
69 citations
TL;DR: Those who reported problematic desire discrepancy in the relationship had lower frequency of sexual contact and were less satisfied in their sexual relationships than both women who reported nonproblematic desire discrepancy and women with equal experiences of desire.
Abstract: We explored desire discrepancy and sexual satisfaction among a sample of 1072 women in same-sex relationships. Results indicated that those who reported problematic desire discrepancy in the relationship had lower frequency of sexual contact and were less satisfied in their sexual relationships than both women who reported nonproblematic desire discrepancy and women with equal experiences of desire. In addition, problematic desire discrepancy was predictive of sexual dissatisfaction above and beyond other relationship factors. The findings suggest that caution should be taken when working with women in same sex relationships to avoid assumptions that discrepancy in desire is necessarily indicative of lower sexual satisfaction.
65 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that chronic skin diseases such as vitiligo and chronic urticaria have negative impacts on sexual life.
Abstract: Skin has an erogenic function, and skin lesions can have negative impact on sexual life and relationships with others. We compared fifty vitiligo patients and fifty chronic urticaria patients with fifty healthy controls to assess sexual functions; we used Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX; Mcgahuey, Gelenberg, Laukes, Moreno; & Delgado, 2000). Among females, sexual drive scores of the vitiligo and chronic urticaria groups were significantly lower than those of controls. Vitiligo and chronic urticaria groups experienced significantly more difficulties in sexual arousal and higher failure in attaining and maintaining the lubrication-swelling response of sexual excitement until the completion of sexual act than did controls. Females in the vitiligo and chronic urticaria patient groups had more difficulties in reaching orgasm than did healthy controls. Furthermore, satisfaction from orgasm of the patient groups was significantly less than controls. The total scores of the ASEX in female patient groups were significantly higher than those among controls. Satisfaction from orgasm in male patient group was less than controls. In males, other subitems of ASEX between the patient groups and controls were not significant. This study demonstrated that chronic skin diseases such as vitiligo and chronic urticaria have negative impacts on sexual life.
TL;DR: The association of intercourse consistency with genital-subjective concordance when visual erotica was presented in a sequence of increasing intensity (analogous to typical real sexual encounters) but not when presented in decreasing, random, or fixed-intensity sequence.
Abstract: Many studies report discordance between women's genital (vaginal pulse amplitude) and subjective sexual arousal responses to erotica. Consistent with our previous research, I hypothesized that the association between physiological and subjective domains would be greater for women with greater orgasmic consistency (OC) during penile-vaginal intercourse but not for OC during masturbation or noncoital partnered sexual activities. I confirmed this specific hypothesis in a sample of young Dutch women (N = 27, mean age 20, all with current partners), replicating our earlier psychophysiological findings with postmenopausal women. Also replicated were the findings that intercourse OC (40% of the women had an orgasm from 90-100% of intercourse events, 44% from 9-89% of intercourse events) was not less than for other sexual activity and that OC during intercourse was uncorrelated with OC during masturbation. We observed the association of intercourse consistency with genital-subjective concordance when visual erotica was presented in a sequence of increasing intensity (analogous to typical real sexual encounters) but not when presented in decreasing, random, or fixed-intensity sequence. I discuss the results in terms of the unique nature of penile-vaginal intercourse and the study's implications for sex therapy and sex research.
TL;DR: Therapists emphasized the importance of cultural competence, including a nonjudgmental attitude and knowledge of BDSM practices and cultural values, and faced boundary issues with clients who engage in BDSM.
Abstract: Consensual sadomasochism (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism; BDSM) is relatively common, but the experience of psychotherapists who work with clients who engage in BDSM has received little study. We conducted semistructured interviews with 14 therapists experienced in working with BDSM clients. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content. Therapists emphasized the importance of cultural competence, including a nonjudgmental attitude and knowledge of BDSM practices and cultural values. BDSM was rarely a central issue in therapy, relationship issues were clients' most common presenting concerns. Therapists who practiced BDSM themselves often encountered boundary issues with clients.
TL;DR: In this 6-week randomized double-blind trial, higher serum prolactin level was related to greater impairment of sexual functioning in male outpatients who were treated with risperidone, but not with quetiapine.
Abstract: Examine the relationship between serum prolactin level and sexual functioning among male outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were treated with risperidone or quetiapine. Male outpatients (N = 22, age ≥ 18 years) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who had experienced risperidone-associated sexual dysfunction prior to the study were randomized to 6 weeks of double-blind risperidone continuation (mean dose = 4.3 mg/day, SD = 1.2) or quetiapine switch (mean dose = 300 mg/day, SD = 66.7) treatment. Serum prolactin levels at baseline and at the end of week 6 (final visit) were obtained. The five-item Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) assessed sexual functioning at baseline and at week 6. A mixed linear model analysis of covariance, with baseline ASEX and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores as covariates, was used to examine the relationship between serum prolactin level (at week 6) and sexual functioning (at week 6). The raw (unadjusted) Spearman rank-...
TL;DR: A case of persistent sexual arousal syndrome seen by the Gynecology Consult Service of the National Institutes of Health is described, characterized by excessive and unrelenting sexual arousal in the absence of desire.
Abstract: This article describes a case of persistent sexual arousal syndrome (PSAS) seen by the Gynecology Consult Service of the National Institutes of Health. This syndrome was first described in 2001 and is characterized by excessive and unrelenting sexual arousal in the absence of desire. PSAS has only recently come to the attention of the health care community, and its prevalence in the population is not completely known. It is important to report cases of this syndrome in order to help clarify its prevalence, etiology, and prognosis and to determine possible methods of treatment.
TL;DR: Factor associated with the working environment in the sex industry were significantly associated with poor psychological health and suicidality and greater attention is needed to examine the physical and emotional harm intrinsic to certain occupations and the role of financial needs in the experience of psychological stress.
Abstract: This article examines factors that relate to psychological health (as measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument) as well as suicide attempts among female street sex workers (FSSWs) in Hong Kong. On average, our sampled FSSWs scored significantly lower on the psychological health domain in comparison to the general Hong Kong female population. Factors associated with the working environment in the sex industry were significantly associated with poor psychological health and suicidality. Greater attention is needed to examine the physical and emotional harm intrinsic to certain occupations and the role of financial needs in the experience of psychological stress.
TL;DR: It is concluded that sex therapy through the Internet may yield positive results and that further controlled studies are warranted.
Abstract: Results are described of a pilot study of the efficacy of sex therapy through the Internet for thirty-nine men with erectile dysfunction or rapid ejaculation. Treatment consisted of sex therapy (Masters & Johnson, 1970), had a duration of three months, and was conducted entirely through e-mail. Forty-six percent of the participants dropped out. Fourteen (67%) participants reported an improvement of their sexual functioning. Seven (47%) participants reported the improvement had sustained one month after termination, eight (53%) participants reported no further change. We conclude that sex therapy through the Internet may yield positive results and that further controlled studies are warranted.
TL;DR: The level of sexual desire in women with Turner syndrome is discussed in relation to Levine's model of human sexual desire, where psychological and social motivational factors are considered in addition to a biologically based sexual drive.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe marital status, sexual history, and sexual functioning in a group of women with Turner syndrome, and to compare the results with general Swedish population data. The sample consists of 57 women over 18 years of age. Data were collected from an interview, and using two self-report questionnaires: the McCoy Sexual Rating Scale and the Relationship Rating Scale (RS). Compared to population data, the women with Turner syndrome were less likely to have a partner and had had their sexual debut later. Single women differed more from the general population than did women with a partner, regarding sexual desire and sexual activity. Several women with a partner reported sexual problems, but unanimously reported being satisfied with their sex life and partner relationship. The level of sexual desire in women with Turner syndrome is discussed in relation to Levine's model of human sexual desire, where psychological and social motivational factors are considered in addition to a biologically based sexual drive (Levine, 1992).
TL;DR: No variation in therapeutic efficacy between male and female subjects classified as PM and those marked as EM was found and a significantly higher rate of sexual dysfunction was recorded among females with a PM phenotype.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to compare the distribution of therapeutic efficacy and sexual dysfunction during maintenance paroxetine treatment in 17 males and 38 females genotyped and phenotyped to determine their CYP2D6 metabolic status. Clinical results were monitored on scales Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness Scale (CGIS) and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The phenotype procedure showed 7 males and 12 females with extensive metabolic status (EM) and 10 males and 26 females with poor metabolic status (PM). No variation in therapeutic efficacy between male and female subjects classified as PM and those marked as EM was found. A significantly higher rate of sexual dysfunction (p = 0.01) was recorded among females with a PM phenotype.
TL;DR: In both samples, greater emotional involvement with an extradyadic partner was related to dissatisfaction with the intimacy in the primary relationship prior to the affair, intimacy and self-esteem motivations for involvement, and marital dissolution.
Abstract: The goal of the current study was to explore how participants' recollection of their level of emotional involvement with an extradyadic partner related to the precipitants and outcomes of that involvement. Three hundred and forty-five undergraduates and 115 community individuals with a history of extradyadic involvement completed self-report measures about their most recent extradyadic experience. In both samples, greater emotional involvement with an extradyadic partner was related to dissatisfaction with the intimacy in the primary relationship prior to the affair, intimacy and self-esteem motivations for involvement, gradual onset of attraction to the extradyadic partner, lower remorse regarding the involvement, a greater likelihood of primary partner knowledge of the involvement, and (in the community sample) marital dissolution. A path model further identified interrelationships among the variables, such as direct effects of dissatisfaction with intimacy in the primary relationship and concern for the primary partner's feelings. Emotionally involved affairs are different from casual affairs in terms of precipitants, motivations, development, and outcomes, with implications for prevention, intervention, and understanding the dangers of different types of affairs.
TL;DR: In the present essay under comment, Rowland (2007) errs in regarding this new “sexual medicine” as if it were an established clinical subspecialty, rather than merely the brand-name for a product being aggressively promoted by a multi-billion dollar industry.
Abstract: My presidential address to the International Academy of Sex Research in 1993, 5 years before Viagra was released to the world, was entitled “Three Crises Facing Sexology” (Tiefer, 1994). One of the...
TL;DR: Those who were older, married, with frequent insomnia, did not use condom in the last episode of serving a client, and would agree not to use condom if paid more, were more likely than others to have had induced abortion.
Abstract: In this study, we interviewed 293 Chinese female sex workers (FSW) in Hong Kong of them, 55.6% of had experienced induced abortion 52.0% of which were accomplished in registered clinics. Those who were older, married, with frequent insomnia, did not use condom in the last episode of serving a client, and would agree not to use condom if paid more, were more likely than others to have had induced abortion (multivariate OR = 2.34 to 3.64). Those who were younger, had harmed herself, and drank at least 5 cans of beer per day (OR = 0.36 to 3.02) were more likely than others to have the induced abortion performed via improper means.
TL;DR: The approach most likely to provide success is a combination of cognitive and sex therapy with a pharmacologic agent of proven efficacy that has an easy-to-follow dosing regimen.
Abstract: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions. Successful treatment of PE has been hampered by the existence of a variety of definitions and diagnostic criteria and the lack of large, long-term studies of treatment efficacy. Numerous, diverse treatment approaches with varying degrees of efficacy have been used; these include behavioral, cognitive, and sex therapy techniques, and pharmacologic management with anti-depressants, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and topical anesthetics. The approach most likely to provide success is a combination of cognitive and sex therapy with a pharmacologic agent of proven efficacy that has an easy-to-follow dosing regimen.
TL;DR: It is indicated that women are affected by their partners' ED and that ED treatment benefits women's sexual self-efficacy, communication about sexual issues, and sexual and relationship satisfaction.
Abstract: Using Internet-based survey data, this study compared the demographic, psychosocial, relationship, and sexual characteristics of three groups of U.S. women: (a) women whose partners had erectile dysfunction (ED) and were taking medication to treat ED; (b) women whose partners had ED in the previous 3 months and were not taking medication to treat ED; and (c) a control group of women whose partners did not have ED. Results indicate that women are affected by their partners' ED and that ED treatment benefits women's sexual self-efficacy, communication about sexual issues, and sexual and relationship satisfaction.
TL;DR: It is found that the lacerated sites were located at right posterior fornices in all cases and it is postulate that these vulnerable sites of vaginal laceration may be due to the dextro-rotation characteristics of the uterus and the distensibility of the vagina in this area.
Abstract: Coital injury causing severe vaginal laceration is not uncommon during first coitus. However, hemorrhagic shock during consensual sexual intercourse is quite rare. In this report, there was one 30-year-old, 20-year-old one, and one 24 year-old women who suffered severe vaginal laceration and bleeding during the process of consensual coitarche. All subjects were transferred to the hospital in the condition of impending shock. We found that the lacerated sites were located at right posterior fornices in all cases. We postulate that these vulnerable sites of vaginal laceration may be due to the dextro-rotation characteristics of the uterus and the distensibility of the vagina in this area. The vaginal fornix can be extremely distended during sexual intercourse, making it vulnerable to laceration in this area. Besides, there was a disproportionate genital size in all three cases which may be a cause of vaginal laceration. It is critical that such patients receive a prompt diagnosis to provide efficient management. It needs only simple surgical skills to cure the injury if the vital signs are stable. However, those survivors may need further psychological consultation to prevent negative impact on their future sexual functioning.
TL;DR: A wide gap in the knowledge regarding general and sexual health issues among post-menopausal Chinese women is revealed, and raising awareness among health professionals of these issues is essential in addressing health concerns regarding this traditionally taboo subject within the Chinese context.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to explore the concerns and issues specific to sexual behaviors and interests among postmenopausal women in a metropolitan urban city in Southern China. This was a qualitative study using semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs). Twenty-two informants aged 50 and above recruited through an ongoing research project on early post-menopausal women under the purview of the School of Public Health at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The main outcome measures were themes identified as health concerns towards sex among postmenopausal women. Contrary to prior expectations and stereotypes, we found that the respondents were very open in discussing their sexual concerns and shared extensively from their personal experiences. Our respondents perceived significant differences in sexual needs between older men and women. Many respondents identified the effects of menopause and general health problems, as well as environmental limitations and communication problems between spouses as barrier to healthy sexual relationships within their marriages. Conversely, sexual disharmony was seen as an important cause of marital strife among older couples. There is a growing need in studying health concerns among the fast-growing, Chinese middle-aged and older population. Our qualitative study revealed a wide gap in the knowledge regarding general and sexual health issues among post-menopausal Chinese women. Raising awareness among health professionals of these issues is essential in addressing health concerns regarding this traditionally taboo subject within the Chinese context.
TL;DR: Findings from this study support those of Savell, Kinder, and Young (2006) and have significant implications for Institutional Review Boards as they suggest that participation in childhood sexual abuse or sexuality research does not place sexually abused individuals at greater than minimal risk for immediate increases in anxiety, depression, or anger.
Abstract: Few studies have sought to examine empirically the immediate effects of participation in sexual abuse research. The present study investigated the effects of childhood sexual abuse on measures of personality and psychological functioning in 250 males and females. The null hypothesis was that sexually abused and nonabused groups would show no significant differences between pre-and post-testing on measures of state anxiety, state depression, and state anger. No significant differences between pre-and post-testing were observed between nonabused, abused, and severely abused participants. In addition, there were no gender differences among the groups. Findings from this study support those of Savell, Kinder, and Young (2006) and have significant implications for Institutional Review Boards (IRB) as they suggest that participation in childhood sexual abuse or sexuality research does not place sexually abused individuals at greater than minimal risk for immediate increases in anxiety, depression, or anger.
TL;DR: The majority of H SDD websites' quality scores fell in the score range from 1 to 3, indicating room for improvement in the quality of websites that address HSDD.
Abstract: This study evaluates websites relevant to female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Its primary aim is to evaluate the quality of Internet HSDD information. One hundred and one websites, identified through simple Google searches, were scored using a tool incorporating expert consensus-derived quality criteria for HSDD. The tool included structural criteria such as currency, authorship, and disclosure of competing interests. It also included performance criteria, evaluating accuracy, and comprehensiveness, and was adapted from a published website evaluation tool for diabetes. For each website, a quality index score with a potential range from 1 to 5 (1 = poor, 5 = excellent) was calculated, and the websites were rank ordered using this score. Quality index scores ranged from 1.68 to 4.64, with 75% of websites scoring at or below 3.27. Test-retest reliability was moderate (n = 24, r = 0.6601, P = .0004). Rank ordering of the websites by quality index allowed identification of the top five highest qua...
TL;DR: Fifty-three women with partial vaginismus with or without vulvar vestibulitis and 27 asymptomatic women estimated sensations of burning pain and itch at 20 standardized moments during a standardized penetration situation, including vaginal muscle contractions.
Abstract: Fifty-three women with partial vaginismus with or without vulvar vestibulitis and 27 asymptomatic women estimated sensations of burning pain and itch at 20 standardized moments during a standardized penetration situation, including vaginal muscle contractions. Forty-three women with partial vaginismus (81.1%) reported burning pain, 23 (43.4%) itch, and 22 (41.5%) both complaints, compared to 0% of the asymptomatic women. In 17 of 22 cases, burning pain preceded the appearance of itch and in four cases the two complaints coincided. The median time from the moment when burning pain started until itch appeared was 150 seconds.
TL;DR: David Rowland argues that this trend is likely to expand to other sexual problems in men and women and cites the fact that IntrinsaTM, an androgenic patch for the treatment of low sexual desire in women, has recently received approval from the European regulatory agency.
Abstract: An interesting aspect of David Rowland's (2007) article on the possible negative impact of a trend towards medicalization of sexual problems is its almost exclusive focus on male sexuality/sexual p...