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Mehta N, Gupta S, Kularathne Y. The Role and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections, Nonvenereal Genital Diseases, Sexual Health, and Wellness. Indian Dermatol Online J 2023; 14:793-798. [PMID: 38099049 PMCID: PMC10718125 DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_426_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), nonvenereal genital diseases, and overall sexual health is immense. AI shows promise in STI screening and diagnosis through image recognition and patient data analysis, potentially increasing diagnostic accuracy while ensuring inclusivity. AI can fuel the transformation of e-health and direct-to-consumer services, enhancing targeted screening and personalized interventions while improving the user-friendliness of services. There is a significant role for AI in sexual education, particularly its use in interactive, empathetic chatbots. AI's integration into health care as a decision support tool for primary health-care providers can boost real-time diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, AI's use in big data can enhance real-time epidemiology, predictive analysis, and directed interventions at population levels. However, challenges such as real-world diagnostic accuracy, liability, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas persist. Future directions include an emphasis on inclusivity, language accommodation, and swift research-to-practice transitions. Collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and health-care providers is needed to leverage AI's transformative potential in sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Mehta
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Somesh Gupta
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Smith AB, Muhammad NI, Cigna ST, Krapf JM. A systematic review of sexual health consequences among women with lichen sclerosus. Sex Med Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition predominantly affecting the vulva. Studies have shown high rates of sexual dysfunction in patients with LS; however, the sexual effects of the condition are poorly acknowledged.
Objectives
We sought to identify sexual health consequences among women with vulvar LS through systematic review of available literature.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature was conducted to find reports on sexual health consequences among women with LS. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus were queried. Included articles were observational studies evaluating women with LS and their sexual health and randomized controlled trials or comparative studies utilizing a validated sexual health measure before intervention among the same population. Articles must have been written in English and published from January 1991 to April 2022.
Results
The search produced 683 references, including 32 articles that met criteria for full-text review and 20 reported studies that met inclusion criteria. Two studies investigated the impact of LS on interpersonal relationships, 6 studies evaluated sexual symptoms, 16%-60% reported sexual dysfunction, and 22%-56.7% reported dyspareunia. Also described were decreased sexual frequency and satisfaction, negative impact on sexual relationships, and feelings of inadequacy. Eight publications evaluated the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI); all described studies that demonstrated a central tendency less than 26.55. Four publications evaluated the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS); all demonstrated average scores greater than 12. Two publications evaluated the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), both found decreased scores compared to controls. Four publications evaluated the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); impact on quality of life was small to very large, with sexual difficulties affecting most study patients. One publication evaluated the Vulvar Quality of Life Index (VQLI); sexuality was the second highest-scoring subgroup.
Conclusions
Sexual health consequences of LS include sexual pain, dysfunction, and distress; negative genital self-image; and negative impact on sexual relationships. Women with LS experience a negative impact on quality of life, particularly related to sexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa B Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Washington. DC, United States
| | | | - Sarah T Cigna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Washington. DC, United States
| | - Jill M Krapf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences , Washington. DC, United States
- Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders , Washington, DC, United States
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Yıldız Ş, Cengiz H, Kaya C, Alay İ, Öztürk E, Tunca AF, Erdoğan A, Yaşar L. Evaluation of genital self-image and sexual dysfunction in women with vulvar lichen planus or lichen sclerosus. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 43:99-106. [PMID: 33297796 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2020.1857359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vulvar lichen planus (LP) and vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) are chronic inflammatory diseases that affect women's sexual health. In this study, our aim was to investigate sexual function, anxiety level and genital self-image in vulvar LP and vulvar LS patients. METHODS This study was conducted on a total of 178 women who presented to the gynecology clinic between February 2019 and January 2020. The patients were divided into the following groups: group 1, vulvar LP (n = 21); group 2, vulvar LS (n = 59); group 3, fungal vulvitis controls (n = 48); and group 4, healthy controls (n = 50). The validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Anxiety Index (BAI), and Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) questionnaires were assessed in all women. RESULTS There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to age, parity, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), vaginal intercourse past 1 month, marital status or educational status (p > .05). There were statistically significant differences between the vulvar LP and vulvar LS groups compared to control groups in terms of FSFI total scores and subscores (p < .001). When FGSIS and BAI scores were analyzed, significant statistical differences were found among the study groups (p < .001). A positive correlation was found between the FSFI and FGSIS scores in patients with vulvar LP and LS. Additionally, a negative correlation was found between the FSFI and BAI scores in patients with vulvar LP and LS. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that sexual function, genital self-image and anxiety level were associated in vulvar LP and vulvar LS patients. Vulvar LP and vulvar LS patients with worse genital self-image have more sexual problems and anxious conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şükrü Yıldız
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Istanbul, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Cengiz
- School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cihan Kaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Istanbul, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İsmail Alay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Istanbul, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Öztürk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Istanbul, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysun Fendal Tunca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Istanbul, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aliye Erdoğan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Istanbul, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Levent Yaşar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Istanbul, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Hoeppner CG, Cigna ST, Perkins J, Gaba ND. Sexual Health. Clin Geriatr Med 2021; 37:553-577. [PMID: 34600722 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Women's sexual health is a frequently ignored area of geriatric medicine. There are clearly defined criteria for sexual dysfunction that are organized by phase of sexual function, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain. The menopause transition and comorbid medical conditions (as well as their treatments) can contribute to alterations in sexual function. The partner must be included and involved in the evaluation and management to achieve a better intimate relationship in an established couple. A variety of effective and evidence-based treatments are available to women for sexual concerns in the geriatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G Hoeppner
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Suite 6A-427, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
| | - Sarah T Cigna
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Suite 6A-427, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Jenna Perkins
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Suite 6A-427, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Nancy D Gaba
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Suite 6A-427, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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Liu Y, Fan Y, Tang H, Li C. Therapeutic Effects of Focused Ultrasound on Expression of Notch1, C-Fos and Transforming Growth Factor-β3 in Vulvar Skin of SD Rats with Vulvar Lichen Simplex Chronicus. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:2311-2321. [PMID: 32522460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of focused ultrasound on the expression of notch1, c-fos and transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) in genital skin of SD rats with vulvar lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). Fifty-six female SD rats with LSC were randomly divided into therapy and sham groups. The therapy group was exposed to focused ultrasound. The sham group received the same therapy with an instrument that had no power output. Four wk after a singly focused ultrasound therapy, histologic analyses revealed that recovered SD rats accounted for 75% of SD rats in the therapy group and 10.7% in the sham group. Total collagen fiber density in the superficial layer of dermis in the therapy group was significantly lower than that in the sham group. Notch1 and c-fos protein expression in the therapy group was significantly lower than that in the sham group, with the opposite effect present for TGF-β3. Focused ultrasound therapy may inhibit superficial collagen fibrosis in the dermis by affecting expression of notch1, c-fos and TGF-β3 in vulvar skin tissue and consequently reduce the recurrence rate of LSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yijin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huajun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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刘 瑶, 范 艺, 李 成. [Focused ultrasound therapy for reducing recurrence of vulvar lichen simplex chronicus in rats: efficacy and mechanism]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:1487-1493. [PMID: 31907152 PMCID: PMC6942988 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.12.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the changes of collagen fibrosis in the vulva skin of SD rats with lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) after focused ultrasound therapy and explore the mechanism by which focused ultrasound reduces the recurrence of vulvar LSC. METHODS Fifty female SD rat models of vulvar LSC were established and randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group (n=25) for treatment with focused ultrasound and sham treatment, respectively. Before and after the treatment, vulvar skin tissues were sampled to observe the pathological changes with HE staining and assess the density of collagen fibers using Masson staining. The ultrastructure of the collagen fibers in the superficial dermis was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of notch1 and c-fos in the vulvar tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS After 4 weeks of focused ultrasound therapy, 16% (4/25) of the rats in the treatment group showed lesion progression to LSIL, 4% (1/25) still had LSC, and 80% (20/25) showed normal vulvar skin. In the control group, progression to LSIL occurred in 19 (76%) rats, 3 (12%) rats still showed LSC, and only 3 (12%) had normal vulvar skin. The difference in the cure rate differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05). The density of collagen fibers in the superficial dermis and the expressions of notch1 and c-fos in the vulvar skin were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Focused ultrasound therapy can inhibit superficial collagen fibrosis of the dermis by lowering the expressions of notch1 and c-fos in the vulvar skin to reduce the recurrence of vulvar LSC in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- 瑶 刘
- 超声医学工程国家重点实验室,重庆医科大学生物医学工程学院,重庆 400016State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - 艺巾 范
- 超声医学工程国家重点实验室,重庆医科大学生物医学工程学院,重庆 400016State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - 成志 李
- 超声医学工程国家重点实验室,重庆医科大学生物医学工程学院,重庆 400016State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- 重庆市生物医学工程学重点实验室,重庆 400016Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing 400016, China
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Goncalves DLM, Romero RL, Ferreira PL, Santi CG. Clinical and epidemiological profile of patients attended in a vulvar clinic of the dermatology outpatient unit of a tertiary hospital during a 4-year period. Int J Dermatol 2019; 58:1311-1316. [PMID: 30892698 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvar complaints are among the most frequent causes for a woman to visit a healthcare provider. The diseases of this area of the body may be a challenge to diagnose. In this study, we assess epidemiologic and clinical data of patients in an outpatient vulvar clinic in the dermatology department of a tertiary hospital. METHODS We performed an observational retrospective study of patients who attended our consultation service for vulvar diseases at the Dermatology Division at Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP during a 4-year period. Data were obtained by patient medical records and by phone. RESULTS During the 4-year period under study, a total of 136 patients were treated in the outpatient service specialized in vulvar care. All patients were included in the study. The most frequent diagnoses were lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (64.7%), lichen planus (8.8%), and vitiligo (8%). We registered that 26.7% of the patients showed extravulvar involvement. CONCLUSIONS Women with vulvar diseases need specific care, considering not only genital aspects but also all skin changes. In this context, the dermatologist is a very well trained professional to take good and complete care of these patients. However, ideally vulvar clinics should have a multidisciplinary team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Luiz M Goncalves
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raissa L Romero
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula L Ferreira
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cláudia G Santi
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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Quality of Life and Sexual Distress in Women With Erosive Vulvovaginal Lichen Planus. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2017; 21:145-149. [DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Krapf JM, Goldstein AT. Vulvar Dermatoses: Diagnosis, Management, and Impact on Sexual Function. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-016-0090-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Female Sexual Function and Aging. TOPICS IN GERIATRIC REHABILITATION 2016. [DOI: 10.1097/tgr.0000000000000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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