Sexual function and problematic use of smartphones and social networking sites

Introduction. The use of social networking sites (SNS) sometimes acquires an addictive-like quality, often referred to as problematic use of SNS. This condition overlaps with problematic (addictive-like) use of smartphones, as the latter are commonly used for online social networking in addition to other activities that may gain addictive-like qualities. There is ample evidence that problematic use of smartphones and SNS is associated with poorer mental health, but research on associations with sexual function is scarce. Thus, we examined if sexual difficulties are related to problematic use of SNS and smartphones. Methods: Data from four studies conducted in Portugal were collapsed, resulting in 946 women and 235 men providing data on sexual function and problematic use of smartphones, and in 536 women and 194 men providing data on sexual function and problematic use of SNS. Female sexual function was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale – Revised (FSDS–R). Male sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Problematic smartphone use was measured by the Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version (SAS–SV). Problematic use of SNS was measured by the Internet Addiction Scale (IAT) specifically adapted to online social networking.Results: In women, problematic use of smartphones and SNS correlated with lower sexual arousal, difficulties lubricating, difficulties having orgasms, sexual dissatisfaction, coital pain, and greater sexual distress. In men, problematic use of smartphones and SNS correlated with lower erectile function. Men’s problematic use of SNS correlated additionally with lower desire, intercourse dissatisfaction, overall sexual dissatisfaction, and more difficulties having orgasms. In a subsample of 311 women and 94 men with data on use of smartphones and SNS, multiple regressions predicting sexual function domains from age, problematic smartphone use, and problematic use of SNS, were performed. In women, problematic use of SNS independently predicted lower arousal, dissatisfaction, pain, and more sexual distress. Problematic use of smartphones independently predicted more difficulties lubricating. In men, problematic use of SNS independently predicted lower erectile function, intercourse dissatisfaction, and overall dissatisfaction.Discussion: Addictive-like use of SNS might be a risk factor for sexual difficulties. Our findings corroborate previous research.

Female Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Associated with Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Only a few studies have addressed sexual health in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aimed to compare female sexual function and pelvic floor muscle function in SSc patients with healthy controls (HC) matched by age, and to identify the potential implications of clinical features on sexual function. Our cohort included 90 women with SSc and 90 HC aged 18–70 years that completed six well-established and validated questionnaires assessing sexual function (Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women, Female Sexual Function Index, Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire–Female, Sexual Function Questionnaire) and pelvic floor function (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire–Short Form 7 and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire Short Form). Results from women with SSc and HC were contrasted and correlated with relevant clinical features. The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 73% in SSc patients (vs. 31% in HC). Women with SSc reported significantly worse pelvic floor function and sexual function than HC. Impaired sexual function was correlated with higher disease activity, the presence of dyspnea and interstitial lung disease, increased systemic inflammation, reduced physical activity, functional disability, more severe depression, more pronounced fatigue, and impaired quality of life. We demonstrate that sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among women with SSc. This aspect of the disease deserves more attention both in clinical care and at the level of international research collaboration.

Female Sexual Dysfunction before and after Diagnosis of Infertility

This study determined the prevalence, domain, and predictors of sexual dysfunction among 222 infertile women before and after Diagnosis of infertility in Ife East Senatorial district, Nigeria. They were interviewed using interviewer-administered questionnaire and Female Sexual Function Index assessment tool. Information about their sexual functions after marriage and before the couple started having difficulty in getting pregnant were obtained and compared with sexual functions after Diagnosis of infertility. Data management was done using SPSS Version22 and STATA 12. The Chi-square test was used to test associations. P-value of was set <0.05. Before infertility diagnosis, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 23.9%. After infertility diagnosis, this increased to 57.2%, P<0.001. The mean scores of female sexual function index for infertile patients were 29.57 ±5.10 before the infertility diagnosis but reduced to 24.42 ± 5.86 after infertility diagnosis P <0.001. The domain scores reduced after Diagnosis of infertility, and it shows statistical significance at P<0.001. Significant predictors at multivariate analysis include increasing maternal age, increasing duration of infertility, Hausa /Fulani tribe, and female genital mutilation. Infertility increases the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and reduces the domain scores of sexual functions.

Effect of Cold Dialysis Solution on the Sexual Dysfunction of Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cold dialysis solution on the sexual dysfunction of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted with a before and after parallel design among 60 hemodialysis patients diagnosed with sexual dysfunction. The selected subjects were randomly allocated to the two groups of experimental and control (30 per each). Patients in the experimental and control groups underwent hemodialysis for one month using 35.5°C and 37°C dialysis solutions, respectively. Following the procedure, male and female sexual function was assessed in the study groups. Data were collected using the International Index of Erectile Functions, the female sexual function index (FSFI), and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, t-test, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon test at 95% confidence interval. Results: No significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups regarding male sexual function before and after the intervention (P > 0.05). However, the Mann-Whitney U test indicated a significant difference in the female subjects’ arousal in the experimental group before (3.68 ± 0.38) and after the intervention (3.98 ± 0.46; z = 2.216; P = 0.027). Conclusions: Cold dialysis solution could only increase the sexual arousal of the women in the experimental group, and no changes were observed in other sexual function domains of the male and female patients. Given the short duration of our intervention, it is recommended that further longitudinal studies be performed on larger cohorts of patients in different geographical regions.

The Impact of Postponed Fertility Treatment on the Sexual Health of Infertile Patients Owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at the beginning of 2020, all non-essential medical treatments were suspended, including fertility treatments. As a unique group in society, patients with infertility may be more sensitive and vulnerable in the face of pressure and crisis. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on the influence of postponed fertility treatment on the sexual health of infertile patients owing to COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether postponed fertility treatment resulting from COVID-19 affects the sexual health of patients with infertility.Methods: A total of 1,442 participants were included for analysis in this large-scale study. Those with postponed fertility treatment were categorised as group A (n = 474), whereas those whose fertility treatment was not delayed were in group B (n = 968). The sexual health and psychological well-being were compared between the two groups.Results: The total Female Sexual Function Index score and five domains of female sexual function (arousal ability, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and coital pain) were significantly lower in group A than those in group B (p &lt; 0.05). The International Index of Erectile Dysfunction score and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score were significantly higher in group A than those in group B (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: Delaying fertility treatment obviously affects patients' sexual and mental health. Through a structural equation model, we observed that postponed fertility treatment mediates sexual health by regulating psychological distress and couple relationship quality.