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.

Evaluation of prescribing pattern of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and assessing effectiveness of sildenafil and tadalafil in patients with erectile dysfunction

Several factors may affect identification and treatment of erectile dysfunction by health care providers, this study evaluates prescribing pattern of PDE-5 inhibitors and assess effectiveness of Sildenafil and Tadalafil in patients with erectile dysfunction.This is a descriptive and observational study, observed participants without providing any interventions, after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients were enrolled into study and informed written consent was obtained from all patients, data was obtained from medical records, analysed descriptively. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire is used in assessment of erectile dysfunction and treatment outcomes.In our study, 80% of patients were prescribed with phosphodiesterase inhibitors and 20% received nutritional supplements. 80 percent of drugs were prescribed under generic name, subjects treated with Sildenafil/Tadalafil were found to be associated with higher mean scores for questions of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Tadalafil scored high in terms of sexual desire domain.PDE5 inhibitors represent major first-line oral therapy option for men with erectile dysfunction, shift of market from brand to generic products allows more freedom of choice, although multiple reports suggest general equivalency of four major PDE5 inhibitors, tadalafil suggested to be preferable.

One-Year Outcomes of the ROBUST II Study Evaluating the Use of a Drug-Coated Balloon for Treatment of Urethral Stricture

Objective To report 1-year results of the ROBUST II study investigating the safety and efficacy of a paclitaxel-coated balloon for the treatment of recurrent urethral strictures. Methods Subjects were adult men with a single anterior urethral stricture ≤ 3 cm in length and at least 2 prior stricture treatments. After treatment with the Optilume urethral drug-coated balloon (DCB), subjects were followed through 1 year. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of treatment-related serious complications at 90 days post-procedure. Efficacy outcomes included symptomatic assessments, erectile function measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Qmax, and anatomic success. Results Sixteen men with an average of 4.1 prior dilations were treated with the DCB. Anatomic success was achieved at 6 months in 73%. Average IPSS improved from 18.4 to 6.0 at 1 year (P < 0.001). Qmax improved from 6.9 mL/sec to 20.8 mL/sec (P < 0.001). There was no change in IIEF. Four subjects received additional treatment within 1 year. There were no treatment-related serious complications. Conclusions Short-term follow-up of men with urethral stricture treated with the Optilume DCB showed durable anatomic results at 6 months and sustained symptomatic improvement through 1 year. Treatment with the device was safe.

Effects of unilateral/bilateral amputation of the ischiocavernosus muscle in male rats on erectile function and conception

Background The ischiocavernosus muscle (ICM) encompasses a pair of short pinnate muscles attached to the pelvic ring. The ICM begins at the ischial tuberosity and ends at the crus of the penis while covering the surface of the crus. According to the traditional view, the contraction of the ICM plays an auxiliary role in penile erection. However, we have previously shown that the ICM plays an important role in penile erection through an indirect method of diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by ICM injury by observing the infertility of paired female rats. Since intracavernosal pressure (ICP) is the current gold standard for diagnosing ED, this study aimed to amputate unilaterally/bilaterally the ICM to establish an ED model by detecting the ICP, recording the infertility of matching female rats, and comparing the two methods. Results Forty sexually mature adult male rats were selected and randomly divided into the following groups: the control group (n = 10), sham operation group (n = 10), unilateral ischiocavernosus muscle (Uni-ICM) amputation group (n = 10), and bilateral ischiocavernosus muscle (Bi-ICM) amputation group (n = 10). Eighty female reproductive rats were randomly assigned to the above groups at a ratio of 2:1. We evaluated the time to conception for the paired female rats and the effects of unilateral/bilateral severing of the ICM on erectile function. The results showed that the baseline and maximum intracavernosal pressure (ICP) in the control group, sham operation group, Uni-ICM amputation group, and Bi-ICM amputation group were 17.44±2.50 mmHg and 93.51±10.78 mmHg, 17.81±2.81 mmHg and 95.07±10.40 mmHg, 16.73±2.11 mmHg and 83.49±12.38 mmHg, and 14.78±2.78 mmHg and 33.57±6.72 mmHg, respectively, immediately postsurgery. The max ICP in the Bi-ICM amputation group was lower than that in the remaining three groups (all P<0.05). The pregnancy rates were 100, 100, 90, and 0% in the control group, sham operation group, Uni-ICM amputation group, and the Bi-ICM amputation group, respectively. The pregnancy rate in the Bi-ICM amputation group was significantly lower than that in the remaining groups (all P<0.05). The time to conception was approximately 7–10 days later in the Uni-ICM amputation group than in the control and sham groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions Male rats undergoing Bi-ICM amputation may develop permanent ED, which affects their fertility. In contrast, rats undergoing Uni-ICM amputation may experience transient ED.