Inflammation as a Potential Mechanism Contributing to Sexual Functioning Following Initiation of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMany transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people seek gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). While GAHT is generally safe and increases well-being, it is essential to accurately understand potential unintended effects and risk factors to better inform and manage treatment. This narrative review covers recent literature documenting changes in sexual function following the initiation of GAHT and explores inflammation as a potential mediator of these changes.Recent FindingsGenerally, the initiation of GAHT is correlated with increased sexual desire in transgender men and decreased sexual des...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - April 2, 2024 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
The Usage of Voice in Sexualized Interactions with Technologies and Sexual Health Communication: An Overview
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe present overview addresses the importance of voice in human-technology interactions within the sexual realm. It introduces empirical evidence within two key domains: (a) sexualized interactions involving artificial entities and (b) communication about sexuality-related health. Moreover, the review underscores existing research gaps.Recent FindingsTheories and first empirical studies underline the importance of voice within sexualized interactions with voice assistants or conversational agents as social cues. However, research on voice usage in sexual health-related contexts reveals contradictin...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - March 27, 2024 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Sexual Well-Being Among Individuals Undergoing Fertility Treatment: A Review of Recent Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRecognizing the link between infertility and sexual health is crucial to providing comprehensive fertility care. The aim of this systematic review was to examine studies investigating the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, factors linked to sexual well-being, and psychosocial interventions targeting sexuality in individuals undergoing medically assisted reproduction (MAR).Recent FindingsAn advanced search was conducted in Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO to find articles published between January 2018 and September 2023. After review for eligibility criteria, 83 articles were rev...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - March 19, 2024 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
An Overview of Generalized and Localized Vulvodynia and Its Relationship to Female Sexual Dysfunction
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite the recent increased interest in the study of vulvodynia among medical investigators, the condition remains relatively obscure and poorly understood. Additionally, due to the various subdivisions of the disease process depending on location, temporality, and provocation, research is often restricted to a particular specific type. The goal of this paper is to synthesize the most recent and salient literature and provide a comprehensive overview of the various types of vulvodynia.Recent FindingsOne of the most significant recent developments in the study of vulvodynia is the formulation of th...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - March 11, 2024 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Measuring Sexual Function in Gender Minority Individuals: A Critical Review
We present a critical review focused on the psychometric properties of two measures of sexual function for gender minority adults. Existing gaps with current measurement tools for this population are discussed, and recommendations are made using best practices in equity-informed measure development relevant to this population. (Source: Current Sexual Health Reports)
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - February 23, 2024 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Pornography and Sexual Dysfunction: Is There Any Relationship?
Discussion”, we identify the ongoing methodological challenges in this field, unpack the meaning of PPU and how its component constructs might affect sexual functioning, and suggest a path forward that makes better and more systematic use of covariates/constructs related to both PPU components and sexual fu nctioning. (Source: Current Sexual Health Reports)
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - February 2, 2024 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
The Subjective Experience of Individuals with Pedohebephilic Interest
AbstractPurpos of ReviewPedohebephiles are a disparate population that experiences sexual interest in children. This review article summarizes recent quantitative and qualitive research how pedohebephilic interests are distributed in the population, developmental pathways to pedohebephilia, features of sexual interest and behavior in male and female pedohebephiles, correlates of pedohebephilic interests, correlates of offending behavior by pedohebephiles, stigma-related stressors, and treatment preferences of this population.Recent FindingsPedohebephilia tends to be distributed categorically in the population, with prefere...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - January 6, 2024 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Sex as a Substitute Addictive Behavior: a Scoping Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this scoping review, we examined sex as a substitute addiction for other substance or behavioral addictions, with a particular emphasis on how it has been defined, has presented clinically, the samples and contexts studied, and the methods used. Various types of sexual behaviors were included (e.g., voyeurism, and pornography use).Recent FindingsOverall, 18 peer-reviewed articles, published between 1954 and 2023, were retained. Across studies, and pathways to recovery, the most salient lines of inquiry appear to concern sex as a substitute among substance use service users, 13th stepping/sexual ...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - December 27, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
From Intimate Exams to Ritual Nicking: Interpreting Nonconsensual Medicalized Genital Procedures as Sexual Boundary Violations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review seeks to integrate scholarly discussions of nonconsensual medicalized genital procedures, combining insights from the literature on obstetric violence with critiques based on children ’s rights. In both literatures, it is increasingly argued that such interventions may constitute, or be experienced as, violations of patients’ sexual boundaries, even if performed without sexual intent.Recent FindingsWithin the literature on obstetric violence, it is often argued that clinicians who perform unconsented pelvic exams (i.e., for teaching purposes on anesthetized patients), or unconsented...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - December 1, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Virtual Reality Therapy for Sexual Dysfunctions: a Scoping Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDespite the growing body of research on virtual reality (VR) applications in psychology, there remains a scarcity of studies in sexology. This scoping review comprehensively assesses the size, nature, and scope of the literature on VR-based research on sexual dysfunctions and their related issues (e.g., sexual response, sexual satisfaction, and sexual skills) to identify promising VR applications in sex therapy. This review included empirical, theoretical, and review publications, as well as ongoing research. It systematically identified papers published between 1993 and 2023 usingScopus,PsycINFO, ...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - November 13, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Sexual Function Outcomes Following Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty: a Literature Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGender-affirming vaginoplasty is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction; however, transgender and gender diverse individuals may face significant challenges regarding sexual dysfunction postoperatively. Sexual function is complex and multifaceted, and data regarding postoperative sexual function can help guide patient counseling and decision-making.Recent FindingsWhile much of the literature on outcomes of gender-affirming vaginoplasty has focused on capacity to achieve orgasm, numerous parameters of sexual function may impact patient satisfaction and quality of life. Patients may ex...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - November 10, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Sexual Function and Relationship Satisfaction Among Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this study was to review the recent literature on the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual health in women (including sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction).Recent FindingsIPV harms women ’s health, including their sexual health. Of the negative consequences, IPV is associated with worse sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction.SummaryRecent findings show that IPV is associated with worse sexual functioning (i.e., partner-focused dyadic and general sexual desire, sexual arousal, and orgasmic c...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - October 27, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Bisexuality and Substance Use
This article highlights an urgent need to better understand the substance use disparities affecting bisexual people. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) have made calls for research to identify risk factors for adverse health outcomes, including substance use behaviors, among bisexual people. Despite growing interest in this area, our understanding of why bisexual people are at increased risk for substance use remains limited.Recent findingsToday, an increasing percent of the U.S. population identifies as bisexual. The literature consistently shows higher rates of substance us...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - September 15, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Sexual Choking/Strangulation During Sex: A Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSexual choking/strangulation —usually done as part of consensual sex—has increased in prevalence among U.S. adolescents and young adults. Thus, it is critical for sexual health professionals to become aware of this emerging sexual behavior, how people engage in it, as well as short-term and potential long-term health conseq uences. The present review addresses these issues.Recent FindingsSexual choking refers to a sexual practice in which people apply external pressure to the neck in order to reduce blood flow and/or air flow. Although hands are most often used, people sometimes use a limb (e.g...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - August 29, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
Postpartum Sexual Function and Depression: a Review of Recent Literature
AbstractPurpose of reviewIt is important to identify factors that contribute to postpartum changes in sexual function and identify women at high risk for more persistent, impaired sexual response. The aim of this review was to review recent research to evaluate the relationship between depression and sexual function in the postpartum period.Recent findingsThe databases of PubMed, PsychINFO, and OVID Medline were searched for relevant articles. After review for eligibility criteria, 34 articles were reviewed. Studies showed depression was related to lower sexual function in postpartum women and impairments in sexual functio...
Source: Current Sexual Health Reports - August 19, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research
