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Smith LL. Similarities and differences regarding acute anorexia nervosa and semi-starvation: does behavioral thermoregulation play a central role? Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1243572. [PMID: 37953827 PMCID: PMC10634530 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1243572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To clarify the association between acute anorexia nervosa (AN) and semi-starvation (SS) by focusing on similarities and differences in physiology, mood, and behavior. Method A comparison of published literature between these two groups. Results Both groups show similar hormonal and metabolic changes in response to caloric restriction and extreme weight loss (~25%). Associated changes result in a reduced body temperature (Tcore-low). Maintenance of body temperature within a specific range is crucial to survival. However, both groups cannot activate autonomic strategies to maintain their Tcore-low, such as increasing metabolic rate, constricting skin blood vessels, or shivering. Furthermore, Tcore-low increases the individuals' "coldness sensations" throughout the body, hence the frequent reports from ANs and SSs of "feeling cold." To eliminate these uncomfortable "coldness sensations" and, importantly, to maintain Tcore-low, ANs, and SSs "select" different thermoregulatory behavioral strategies. It is proposed that the primary differences between AN and SS, based on genetics, now manifest due to the "selection" of different thermo-regulatory behaviors. AN patients (ANs) "select" hyperactive behavior (HyAc), which increases internal metabolic heat and thus assists with maintaining Tcore-low; in harmony with hyperactive behavior is a lively mood. Also related to this elevated arousal pattern, ANs experience disrupted sleep. In contrast, SS individuals "select" a passive thermo-behavioral strategy, "shallow torpor," which includes reduced activity, resulting in energy conservation. In addition, this inactivity aids in the retention of generated metabolic heat. Corresponding to this lethargic behavior, SS individuals display a listless mood and increased sleep. Conclusion Initial similarities between the two are attributable to physiological changes related to extreme weight loss. Differences are most likely attributable to genetically programmed "selection" of alternate thermoregulatory strategies, primarily to maintain Tcore-low. However, if acute AN is prolonged and evolves into a chronic condition, AN will more closely align with starvation and more precisely reflect SS symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Lakier Smith
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, School of Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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Serati M, Espuña-Pons M, Mouton-Puglisi A, Padoa A. Iron deficiency and sexual dysfunction in women. Sex Med Rev 2023; 11:342-348. [PMID: 37433756 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual dysfunction negatively affects approximately 40% to 50% of adult women across various stages of life. Common risk factors include sexual traumas, relationship problems, chronic conditions, medication side effects, and poor physical health, including iron deficiency. OBJECTIVES This review summarizes a presentation from a symposium that discussed the types and causes of sexual dysfunction at key times in women's lives, focusing on the relationship between iron deficiency and sexual dysfunction. METHODS The symposium was held at the XV Annual European Urogynaecological Association Congress, Antibes, France, in October 2022. Symposium content was identified through literature searches of PubMed. Original research, review articles, and Cochrane analyses discussing sexual dysfunction in association with iron deficiency/anemia were included. RESULTS Iron deficiency in women is commonly caused by abnormal uterine bleeding, but women may develop iron deficiency anemia (IDA) because of increased iron needs or reduced iron intake/absorption. Treatment with oral iron supplementation has been shown to improve sexual function in women with IDA. Ferrous sulphate is considered as a standard of care for oral iron treatment; prolonged-release iron formulations have improved tolerability, enabling lower doses and better tolerability. CONCLUSION IDA and sexual dysfunction are related, so the identification of sexual dysfunction or iron deficiency in a woman should prompt an investigation of the other condition. Testing for iron deficiency is an inexpensive and simple step that can be routinely included in the workup of women with sexual dysfunction. Once identified, IDA and sexual dysfunction in women should be treated and followed to optimize quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Serati
- Urogynaecology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Montserrat Espuña-Pons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Padoa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shamir Assaf Harofe Medical Center, 7033001 Tsrifin, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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Martin GM, Tremblay J, Gagnon-Girouard MP. Sexual self-concept, functioning, and practices of women with binge eating episodes. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:37. [PMID: 37069446 PMCID: PMC10108796 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01565-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Positive sexuality has received little empirical attention in relation to eating disorders. Two tendencies related to sexuality have been identified among women with anorexia nervosa (avoidance) and bulimia nervosa (disinhibition), but it is unclear if they also apply to women with binge eating episodes without compensatory behaviors. This study aimed at (1) exploring the sexual self-concept, functioning, and practices of women with binge eating episodes with or without comorbid restrictive and/or compensatory behaviors, considering past experiences of violence, and (2) verifying the presence of distinct profiles of sexual dispositions among this population. METHODS In total, 253 women reporting recurrent episodes of loss of control related to food intake in the past 5 years, completed a web-based questionnaire. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted to outline participants' sexual self-concept, functioning, and practices and to examine the relationship between these factors. A two-step cluster analysis was also performed to determine whether participants presented distinct profiles of sexual dispositions. RESULTS Participants were generally characterized by a negative sexual self-concept and poor sexual functioning. While a first subgroup of participants displayed a pattern of sexual difficulties and avoidance, a second subgroup had a positive sexual self-concept, better sexual functioning and a wider range of sexual practices. Subgroups did not differ relative to binge eating. CONCLUSIONS Sexuality offers a platform for positive embodiment, which can lead to the improvement of body image and mind-body connection and may thus constitute an essential clinical target to improve treatment related to binge eating episodes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II: The experimental study is a non-randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Manuela Martin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jérôme Tremblay
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Imgart H, Zanko A, Lorek S, Schlichterle PS, Zeiler M. Exploring the link between eating disorders and persistent genital arousal disorder/genito-pelvic dysesthesia: first description and a systematic review of the literature. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:159. [PMID: 36357896 PMCID: PMC9650894 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder/Genito-Pelvic Dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) characterized by recurrent physiological genital without corresponding psychological arousal is a poorly understood and researched condition. Based on the first two case descriptions of eating disorders directly linked to PGAD/GPD the aim of this paper was to systematically review the literature on possible associations between eating disorders and PGAD/GPD. METHOD A systematic literature search on eating disorders and PGAD/GPD was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, complemented by Google Scholar. We included case reports, case series, cross-sectional studies and review articles published in peer-reviewed journals written in English or German-language. RESULTS The included original papers described a total of 2078 cases with PGAD/GPD symptomatology. Of these, 892 participants fulfilled all five PGAD/GPD core criteria. The aetiology of PGAD/GPD is unknown. Multifactorial genesis of PGAD/GPD is presumed including neurological, pharmacological, hormonal, vascular and psychological causes. A high degree of psychological comorbidity is reported. No study was found that drew a direct link between eating disorders and PGAD/GPD. Although PGAD/GPD symptoms also occur in adolescents, there are no findings in this regard. However, we found a gap in data collection: eating disorders as potential psychiatric comorbidities were systematically recorded in only a few studies. CONCLUSION The existing literature have not yet considered a possible link between eating disorders and PGAD/GPD so far. According to the authors' knowledge, this work is the first review to systematically explore the associations. We suspect underreporting of PGAD/GPD cases in eating disorders and particularly during adolescence. We argue that there are several common factors that appear to be important in the etiology, course, and treatment of both disorders (e.g. hormonal dysregulation or sensory sensitivity and avoidance), warranting future research on the possible comorbidity of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut Imgart
- Competence Center for Eating Disorders, Parkland Clinic, Im Kreuzfeld 6, 34537, Bad Wildungen, Germany.
| | - Annika Zanko
- Competence Center for Eating Disorders, Parkland Clinic, Im Kreuzfeld 6, 34537, Bad Wildungen, Germany
| | - Sandra Lorek
- Competence Center for Eating Disorders, Parkland Clinic, Im Kreuzfeld 6, 34537, Bad Wildungen, Germany
| | - Patti-Sue Schlichterle
- Competence Center for Eating Disorders, Parkland Clinic, Im Kreuzfeld 6, 34537, Bad Wildungen, Germany
| | - Michael Zeiler
- Eating Disorder Unit, Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Romano L, Pellegrino R, Sciorio C, Barone B, Gravina AG, Santonastaso A, Mucherino C, Astretto S, Napolitano L, Aveta A, Pandolfo SD, Loizzo D, Giudice FD, Ferro M, Imbimbo C, Romano M, Crocetto F. Erectile and sexual dysfunction in male and female patients with celiac disease: A cross-sectional observational study. Andrology 2022; 10:910-918. [PMID: 35419983 PMCID: PMC9324123 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual function is often impaired in patients with chronic illnesses. Several patients with chronic gastrointestinal and liver disorders have been shown to suffer from sexual dysfunction, and celiac disease (CD) is a highly prevalent gastroenterological disorder. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual function incidence and the risk factors for SD in both male and female CD patients. METHODS Two hundred and eighty-four patients (170 females, 114 males) participated in this cross-sectional, observational study in an anonymous manner. Female sexual function was assessed through the FSFI questionnaire. Male sexual function was assessed through the IIEF-5 questionnaire. Clinical-demographic variables were recorded. We investigated differences in the patient-reported outcomes among the different subgroups and whether there were clinic-demographic predictors of SD in our setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence and assessment of sexual dysfunction in CD patients. RESULTS In the female group, 85 subjects (50%) had a total score compatible with sexual dysfunction: 43 (61.42 %) showed low desire, 79 (46.47 %) showed arousal disorder, 66 (38.82 %) lubrication disorder, 84 (49.41 %) inability of obtaining an orgasm. Also, a large proportion of our female patients, 161 (94.70 %), showed sexual discomfort during intercourse. In the male group, 79 patients (62.2%) showed scores compatible with normal erectile function, 8 (7.01%) had mild erectile dysfunction, 24 (21.05%) mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, and 3 (2.63%) presented severe erectile dysfunction. Altered BMI was significantly associated with SD both in male and female patients. Early age at diagnosis was a significant predictor of SD in male CD patients. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of CD patients present SD. Early age at diagnosis and high BMI seem to predict SD in this clinical setting. Assessment of sexual function should be part of the initial evaluation of CD patients in order to establish a prompt diagnosis and early treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pellegrino
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Biagio Barone
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Gerarda Gravina
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Santonastaso
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Mucherino
- Gastroenterology Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy
| | - Silvia Astretto
- Gastroenterology Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy
| | - Luigi Napolitano
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Achille Aveta
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Savio Domenico Pandolfo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, VCU Health, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Davide Loizzo
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, VCU Health, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Francesco Del Giudice
- Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, Policlinico "Umberto I" Hospital, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.,Department of Urology, Stanford Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matteo Ferro
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology IRCSS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ciro Imbimbo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Romano
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Spivak-Lavi Z, Gewirtz-Meydan A. Eating Disorders and Sexual Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Body Image Self-consciousness during Physical Intimacy and Dissociation. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:344-353. [PMID: 34269636 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1948491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Women with eating disorders experience difficulties related to sexual activity, yet little is known about the indirect association between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction. This study examined the indirect association between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction using body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy and dissociation as mediators. Online questionnaires were answered by 985 Israeli women. Of them, 98 were identified as likely to have eating disorders (study group). A matching control group (n = 98) was selected from the remaining respondents. Participants in the study group had significantly higher body image self-consciousness and dissociation than the matched controls, as well as significantly lower sexual satisfaction. The research model revealed that body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy mediates the link between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction, while dissociation does not. Women with eating disorders have higher levels of self-consciousness about their body during sexual activity, which may distract them from their own sexual needs and desires and those of their partners, and this, in turn, is associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Findings highlight the need for improved evidenced-based assessment and management of the sexual satisfaction of women with eating disorders.Abbreviations: ED: eating disorders; AN: anorexia nervosa; BN: bulimia nervosa; BED: binge eating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Spivak-Lavi
- Faculty of Social Work & Faculty of Education, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College
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Cassioli E, Rossi E, Vizzotto C, Malinconi V, Vignozzi L, Ricca V, Castellini G. Avoidant Attachment Style Moderates the Recovery of Healthy Sexuality in Women With Anorexia Nervosa Treated With Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E): A 2-Year Follow-Up Study. J Sex Med 2022; 19:347-355. [PMID: 35000889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insecure Attachment style has been associated with interpersonal problems in persons with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), and it might moderate the recovery of healthy sexuality in these subjects. AIM The aim of the present 2-year follow-up study was to evaluate the role of insecure attachment style as a moderator of the recovery of healthy sexuality in women with AN. METHODS 63 Italian women with AN treated with a multidisciplinary approach including Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy were evaluated by means of a clinical interview and self-administered questionnaires. Individual psychotherapy sessions were administered by experienced psychotherapists over the course of at least 40 weeks (median number of sessions = 43, range: 38-50); trained dieticians provided personalized nutritional counselling to facilitate weight recovery. The assessment was performed at baseline (T0) and after 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) years. OUTCOMES The administered questionnaires investigated general psychopathology (SCL-90-R), eating disorder-specific psychopathology (EDE-Q), female sexuality (FSFI) and adult attachment style (ECR). RESULTS At baseline, avoidant attachment style was associated with all domains of sexual dysfunction. Longitudinal analysis showed a significant decrease in both eating disorder-specific psychopathology and sexual dysfunctions at follow-up evaluations. However, only 45% of remitted subjects also recovered healthy sexuality: these women reported significantly lower avoidance scores than those who only recovered from AN. Moderation analysis indicated that sexual desire did not increase in participants with higher levels of avoidant attachment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These novel findings highlighted the importance of the assessment of adult attachment in the clinical setting, for better characterization and treatment of persons suffering from AN. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The long follow-up duration, the multidisciplinary nature of the treatment, and the novelty of the topic were major strengths of the study, whereas the limited sample size and the absence of biological data were the main limitations. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the crucial role of avoidant attachment in the relationship between AN and sexual dysfunctions, underlining the importance of integrating treatments with attachment-focused interventions. Cassioli E, Rossi E, Vizzotto C, et al. Avoidant Attachment Style Moderates the Recovery of Healthy Sexuality in Women With Anorexia Nervosa Treated With Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E): A 2-Year Follow-Up Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:347-355.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Camilla Vizzotto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Viola Malinconi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Li T, Luo Y, Meng Y, Yue J, Nie M, Fan L, Tong C. Sexual Activity and Related Factors of Older Women in Hunan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2022; 19:302-310. [PMID: 34973899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexuality has an important impact on people's physical and mental health, but current research on the sexual activity of older Chinese women has many limitations and more detailed studies are needed. AIM The objective was to determine the prevalence of sexual activity and related factors in women aged 55 to 85 years in Hunan, China. METHODS Based on the data from the Hunan Provincial Women Health Needs Survey in 2018, we conducted a secondary analysis of 2,401 older women aged 55 and above. The dependent variable was sexual activity, and independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, reproductive and chronic medical history, and psychological characteristics. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between categorical variables, and binary logistic regression was used to examine factors related to sexual activity. OUTCOMES Sexual activity and related factors. RESULTS The prevalence of sexual activity among older women was 12.5% (301/2401) in the past month. Having a partner (OR = 1.484; 95% CI, 1.048-2.101; P = .026), jogging (OR = 2.061; 95% CI, 1.391-3.054; P < .001), dancing (OR = 1.477; 95% CI, 1.106-1.974; P = .008), vegetarian-based diet (OR = 2.197; 95% CI, 1.334-3.618; P = .002), meat-based diet (OR = 2.196; 95% CI, 1.144-4.216; P = .018) were positively associated with being sexually active. Whereas, aging (OR = 0.781; 95% CI, 0.647-0.942; P = .010), living in the urban (OR = 0.628; 95% CI, 0.488-0.808; P < .001), hypertension (OR = 0.702; 95% CI, 0.520-0.949; P = .021), and anxiety (OR = 0.680; 95% CI, 0.475-0.972; P = .034) were negatively associated with being sexually active. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Health care workers need to be aware that older women still have sexual activity and understand the needs of older women for sex education, take the initiative to discuss safe sex with them, and solve their sexual problems. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This is one of the largest studies to determine the prevalence of sexual activity among older women in China and its related factors. In addition, new factors such as exercise types and eating habits related to sexual activity were discovered. The limitation of this study is that it did not use a specific questionnaire to assess the sexual activity and did not consider physical tenderness other than sexual intercourse. CONCLUSIONS Some older women still have had sexual activity in the past month and factors such as lifestyles that can be changed and chronic diseases that can be self-managed were found to predict sexual activity. Li T, LuoY, Meng Y, et al. Sexual Activity and Related Factors of Older Women in Hunan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:302-310.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Yang Luo
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China.
| | - Yanting Meng
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Jing Yue
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Ming Nie
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Ling Fan
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Chenxi Tong
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
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Kudesia R, Alexander M, Gulati M, Kennard A, Tollefson M. Dietary Approaches to Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health. Am J Lifestyle Med 2021; 15:414-424. [PMID: 34366740 PMCID: PMC8299929 DOI: 10.1177/15598276211007113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the course of the reproductive life span, it is common for women to experience one or more of the most common gynecologic conditions, including sexual dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis, and infertility. Although current management guidelines often turn to the established pharmaceutical approaches for each of these diagnoses, the scientific literature also supports an evidence-based approach rooted in the paradigm of food as medicine. Achieving healthy dietary patterns is a core goal of lifestyle medicine, and a plant-forward approach akin to the Mediterranean diet holds great promise for improving many chronic gynecologic diseases. Furthermore, creating an optimal preconception environment from a nutritional standpoint may facilitate epigenetic signaling, thus improving the health of future generations. This state-of-the-art review explores the literature connecting diet with sexual and reproductive health in premenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Kudesia
- Houston Methodist Hospital and CCRM Fertility Houston, Texas
| | | | - Mahima Gulati
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Middlesex Health, Middletown, Connecticut
| | - Anne Kennard
- Marian Regional Medical Center, San Luis Obispo, California
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