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Cheng V, Chi-Shing WT, Lee A, Lee R. The effects of a real-time temperature monitoring non-ablative monopolar radiofrequency technology on vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms in postmenopausal Chinese women. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024; 23:2030-2043. [PMID: 38450826 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16251] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) includes a wide range of conditions affecting the reproductive and urinary systems, often requiring careful evaluation and management for optimal health. AIMS This study aims to evaluate the symptom management effects of a real time temperature-monitored non-ablative RF device for the treatment of postmenopausal Chinese women with VVA symptoms. METHODS This pilot study involved 24 postmenopausal Chinese women with one or more VVA symptoms, who wished to remain sexually active. VHIS, VAS, and FSFI were used to track and evaluate various aspects of the patient's condition. Analyses were conducted at the end of the study to verify the statistical significance of the treatment's results. RESULTS All patients reported substantial, statistically significant, improvements on every VVA symptom tracked. Approximately 80% of the patients reported total symptom reversal at 12-week post-treatment follow-up. CONCLUSION This pilot study demonstrated that non-ablative, monopolar RF technology equipped with real time temperature monitoring is feasible and safe in the treatment of postmenopausal women with VVA symptoms, and efficacious at up to 12 weeks post-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Tai Chi-Shing
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- The Laboratory for Probiotic and Prebiotic Research in Human Health, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Radkhah H, Omidali M, Hejrati A, Bahri RA, Arefi S, Behzadi A, Eslami M, Khadembashiri M, Khadembashiri M, Najafirashed M, Amiri BS. Correlations of Long COVID Symptoms and Inflammatory Markers of Complete Blood Count (CBC): A Cross-sectional Study. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2023; 13:112-119. [PMID: 38596549 PMCID: PMC11000855 DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Long-COVID refers to lasting unspecific symptoms like fatigue, decreased concentration and sleep issues after infection which persist for at least three months and cannot be attributed to other causes. Previous studies surveyed the association between inflammatory markers like C - reactive protein (CRP) at hospital admission and long-COVID symptoms in the preceding months. Post-COVID syndrome can affect one-third of patients. Thus early diagnosis can assist in reducing burdens on public health. We attempted to see any correlations between complete blood count (CBC) markers (like red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), etc.) at hospital admission and long COVID symptoms at a 6-month follow-up. Methods 167 patients (44.9% females, mean age 49 years old) answered semi-structural interviews through telemedicine which focused on the three prominent symptoms: fatigue, loss of concentration and decreased libido. Results: Two third of patients have symptoms of long COVID and others do not have. NLR in the symptomatic group was statically higher. Patients who underwent decreased libido at a 6-month follow-up had significantly more severe lymphopenia (p = 0.028) and higher NLR values (p-value = 0.007). Poor mental concentration is associated with high WBC in numbers and polymorphonuclear (PMN) count. Other symptoms do not correlate with blood markers. Conclusion Utilizing available data like CBC can help predict the upcoming symptoms of previously hospitalized patients and further measures like rehabilitation. Additional investigations should be done on the effect of COVID vaccination on converting long COVID. Different variants of the virus may have different results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Radkhah
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Mehrnia Omidali
- School of Medicine, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Alireza Hejrati
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Razman A. Bahri
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Sara Arefi
- School of Medicine, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Amirhossein Behzadi
- School of Medicine, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Mohamad Eslami
- Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
| | | | | | - Maryam Najafirashed
- School of Medicine, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Bahareh S. Amiri
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
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de Camargo EM, López-Gil JF, Piola TS, Pechnicki Dos Santos L, de Borba EF, de Campos W, Gregorio da Silva S. Association of the Practice of Physical Activity and Dietary Pattern with Psychological Distress before and during COVID-19 in Brazilian Adults. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081926. [PMID: 37111145 PMCID: PMC10141555 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To verify the association between the practice of physical activity and dietary patterns and psychological distress before and during the lockdown due to COVID-19, a cross-sectional study was performed with 2000 Brazilians (mean [M] = 35.78 years; standard deviation [SD] = 11.20; 59.6% women) recruited through convenience sampling via digital media. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical information, nutritional patterns, physical activity, and psychological distress. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial regression. Before the COVID-19 lockdown, the chance of women presenting very high stress, in relation to men, was six times higher (OR = 6.32; 95% CI 4.20-9.51), a behavior that remained similar during the lockdown (OR = 6.63; 95% CI 4.40-10.00). Before the lockdown, insufficient physical activity doubled the chance of having very high stress in relation to those who engaged in physical activities six to seven times a week (OR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.10-4.02). However, during the lockdown, this probability was higher, from twice to 10 times the chance (OR = 10.19; 95% CI 4.85-21.41). Not exercising alone (OR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.52-3.11) and a decreasing physical activity frequency (OR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.40-3.71) were also associated with very high stress during the lockdown. Additionally, the consumption of smaller amounts of food showed an inverse association with very high stress (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.18-0.43). The maintenance of physical activity and an adequate eating frequency are measures that should be considered to cope with higher levels of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Maria de Camargo
- Department of Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
| | - José Francisco López-Gil
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Universidad Pública de Navarra, IdiSNA, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02138, USA
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Thiago Silva Piola
- Department of Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
| | - Letícia Pechnicki Dos Santos
- Department of Physical Education, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Curitiba 80230-901, PR, Brazil
| | - Edilson Fernando de Borba
- Department of Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
| | - Wagner de Campos
- Department of Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
| | - Sergio Gregorio da Silva
- Department of Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba 81531-980, PR, Brazil
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Mamuk R, Çelik SY, Sekizler ET. Evaluation of sexual function and sexual quality of life in women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Turkish case. Afr Health Sci 2023; 23:349-361. [PMID: 37545976 PMCID: PMC10398491 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v23i1.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health is an important component of general health. OBJECTIVE To evaluate sexual function and sexual quality of life (SQOL) in women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey. Data were collected via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire. RESULTS The mean FSFI score was 26.91±5.62, and 39.1% of the women had an FSFI score of 26.55 or lower. The mean SQOL-F score was 79.08±20.90. FSFI score was significantly associated with employment status (β=-0.661), partner education (β=1.698), sexual compatibility between partners (β=0.518), sexual satisfaction (β=0.230), fatigue level (β= -0.120), and frequency of sexual intercourse (β=0.160). In addition, SQOL-F score was significantly associated with sexual desire (β=2.625), satisfaction (β=1.338), pain or discomfort (β=1.274), age (β= -0.356), sexual compatibility between partners (β=1.984), and fatigue level (β=-0.981) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Less than half of the women participating in this study had sexual dysfunction, and overall SQOL was moderate to high. These results were associated with some descriptive characteristics of the women and were similar to those reported in pre-pandemic studies conducted in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojjin Mamuk
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University. Famagusta, North Cyprus
| | - Sultan Yurtsever Çelik
- Wound care unit of Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital of University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Temizkan Sekizler
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University. Famagusta, North Cyprus
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Voutskidou A, Kirkou G, Dagla M, Orovou E, Sarella A, Palaska E, Iliadou M, Antoniou E. COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on the Quality of Women's Sexual Life: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020185. [PMID: 36673553 PMCID: PMC9858633 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020185] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects, including onphysical and mental health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's health, especially on women's sexual life includingdesire, arousal, orgasm and satisfaction. The initial research in PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus yielded 573 articles from Europe (Portugal, Poland, Italy, Greece), America (U.S, Brazil) and Africa (Egypt), of which 14 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Results from the studies suggest that the pandemic negatively affected sexual functioning and satisfaction, while it increased sexual distress, sexual avoidance and solitary sexual approach behaviors. The desire to have children decreased during the pandemic, but so didthe use of contraception. There is conflicting evidence as to whether or not the pandemic has had an impact on sexual desire and frequency among women. However, some major factors associated with sexual life were psychological factors and working status. It is well documented that the pandemic has had a great psychological impact. Therefore, both of these factors are expected to significantly affect women's sexual life.
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Lafortune D, Girard M, Dussault É, Philibert M, Hébert M, Boislard MA, Goyette M, Godbout N. Who seeks sex therapy? Sexual dysfunction prevalence and correlates, and help-seeking among clinical and community samples. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282618. [PMID: 36877709 PMCID: PMC9987801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual dysfunctions (SD; e.g., female sexual interest/arousal disorder, erectile disorder, female orgasmic disorder, delayed ejaculation, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, etc.) affect up to a third of individuals, impairing sexuality, intimate relationships, and mental health. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of SDs and their sexual, relational, and psychological correlates between a sample of adults consulting in sex therapy (n = 963) and a community-based sample (n = 1,891), as well as examine barriers to sexual health services for SD and the characteristics of individuals seeking such services. Participants completed an online survey. Analyses showed that participants in the clinical sample reported lower levels of sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction and higher levels of psychological distress than participants in the community-based sample. Moreover, higher SD rates were related to lower relational satisfaction and higher psychological distress in the community sample, and to lower sexual satisfaction in both samples. Among participants in the community sample who sought professional services for SD, 39.6% reported that they were unable to access services, and 58.7% reported at least one barrier to receiving help. This study provides important data regarding the prevalence of SD and the link between SD and psychosexual health in clinical and nonclinical samples, as well as barriers to treatment access.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lafortune
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Marianne Girard
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Éliane Dussault
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Philibert
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Martine Hébert
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Mathieu Goyette
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Natacha Godbout
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Aversion: A Canadian Community-Based Study. J Sex Med 2022; 19:1269-1280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.05.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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8
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Bechmann N, Maccio U, Kotb R, Dweik RA, Cherfane M, Moch H, Bornstein SR, Varga Z. COVID-19 Infections in Gonads: Consequences on Fertility? Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:549-555. [PMID: 35853464 PMCID: PMC9363149 DOI: 10.1055/a-1891-6621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 may influence human fertility and sexuality in several ways. Different cell types in gonads show a constitutive expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), which provide potential entry pathways for SARS-CoV-2. In addition to the biological effects of a COVID-19 infection on the gonads, the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on mental health issues and sexual behavior may affect reproduction. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the influence of COVID-19 on the gonads and discusses possible consequences on human fertility. In this context, the close interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in response to COVID-19-related stress is discussed. Some women noticed changes in their menstrual cycle during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could be due to psychological stress, for example. In addition, occasional cases of reduced oocyte quality and ovarian function are described after COVID-19 infection. In men, COVID-19 may cause a short-term decrease in fertility by damaging testicular tissue and/or impairing spermatogenesis. Moreover, decreased ratio testosterone/LH and FSH/LH in COVID-19 compared to aged-matched healthy men has been reported. Available data do not suggest any effect of the available SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on fertility. The effects of long COVID on human fertility have been reported and include cases with premature ovarian failure and oligomenorrhoea in women and erectile dysfunction in men. Despite the increasing knowledge about the effects of COVID-19 infections on human gonads and fertility, the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot yet be assessed in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University
Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden,
Dresden, Germany
| | - Umberto Maccio
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reham Kotb
- Department of Environmental and Public Health, College of Health
Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Al Dweik
- Department of Environmental and Public Health, College of Health
Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michele Cherfane
- Department of Environmental and Public Health, College of Health
Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan R. Bornstein
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus,
Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden,
Dresden, Germany
- Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Science and Medicine,
King's College London, London, UK
| | - Zsuzsanna Varga
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Is There a Direct Link between Sexual Satisfaction and Restrictions during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137769. [PMID: 35805440 PMCID: PMC9265595 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Research suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions decreased sexual function and satisfaction. The present study examines the direct relationship between sexual satisfaction and restrictions during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Poland between 3 September 2020 and 18 January 2021. A convenience sample of 1364 adults, aged 18–67 (M = 25.13, SD = 6.45), among whom 62.39% were women, and 23.17% were single, completed anonymous web-based survey. The Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ) and Stringency Index (IS) were used to assess sexual satisfaction and the level of restrictions during the pandemic, respectively. Results: No direct association was found between sexual satisfaction and the level of restrictions during the lockdown. Sexual satisfaction was significantly worse among single participants than those living in a couple. No gender differences were found in sexual satisfaction. Conclusions: Future studies should examine an indirect association between sexual satisfaction and restrictions during the pandemic via stress and anxiety. Single relationship status should be considered a risk factor for sexual satisfaction, so single individuals should be a target group for prevention programs during the pandemic.
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Izdebski Z, Słowikowska-Hilczer J, Mazur J. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Assessment of Sexual Life-Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys among Polish Adults in 2017, 2020 and 2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074110. [PMID: 35409792 PMCID: PMC8998642 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to investigate whether assessment of sexual life remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two surveys were conducted among Polish adults aged 18–70 years in June 2020 (n = 2042; perspective of last 2–3 months) and in June 2021 (n = 2418; last 12 months). Data from 2017 (n = 1980) were used as a reference point. Four questions allowed for defining five sexual life assessment profiles (k-means cluster analysis). Their characteristics were presented using 12 variables and 16 factors that contributed to difficulties in sexual life. The 2020 survey showed a temporary increase in the importance of sexual life and the frequency of sexual intercourse. However, the percentage of respondents representing the most favorable profile decreased significantly over the consecutive survey periods (47.1%, 34.2%, and 32.3%, respectively). Pandemic-induced fatigue and stress as well as the permanent presence of others at home were reported as two main factors negatively affecting the frequency of sexual intercourse during the pandemic. Respondents who assessed their sexual life as poor were more likely to consider illness, depression, and low self-esteem as factors negatively impacting their sexual life in 2021 than a year earlier. The results confirmed that as the pandemic drew on, the assessment of sexual life changed compared to the time around the first lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Izdebski
- Department of Biomedical Aspects of Development and Sexology, Faculty of Education, Warsaw University, 00-561 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Humanization in Medicine and Sexology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, 65-729 Zielona Gora, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Mazur
- Department of Humanization in Medicine and Sexology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, 65-729 Zielona Gora, Poland
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Depressive and Sexual Disorders during the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Young Polish Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031887. [PMID: 35162908 PMCID: PMC8835018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether long-term social restrictions and COVID-19 exposure have different impacts on the mental and sexual health of Polish women compared to the effects experienced at the beginning of the pandemic. An online survey was conducted among Polish women via Facebook groups. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were compared for the first wave (April–May 2020) and the second wave (November 2020 to February 2021) of the pandemic. We enrolled 1644 participants (mean age 25.11 ± 7.09 years) during the first wave and 720 participants (mean age 23.23 ± 5.34 years) during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Significant differences were observed in libido levels and frequency of sexual activity before and during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (both p < 0.001). The percentage of participants under psychiatric or psychological care increased from 6.5% to 14.44% and those who were anxious about the health conditions of loved ones increased from 57.5% to 65.14%. BDI scores increased significantly from 11 (IQR 5–18) to 12 (IQR 7–20). The change in the FSFI score was not significant (27.01 ± 7.61 vs. 26.38 ± 7.76). The COVID-19 pandemic affected various aspects of human life, including sexual life. The data obtained during the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland showed that female sexual dysfunction did not differ, but depressive symptoms and fear intensified.
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Chatterjee SS, Bhattacharyya R, Chakraborty A, Lahiri A, Dasgupta A. Quality of Life, Sexual Health, and Associated Factors Among the Sexually Active Adults in a Metro City of India: An Inquiry During the COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Lockdown. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:791001. [PMID: 35401271 PMCID: PMC8987586 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.791001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dysfunction (SD) and its effect on our life is an important but less studied topic especially during post-COVID era. This study examines the extent of SD and other mental health predictors and their effect on quality of life. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of sexually active adults was conducted in an Indian metro-city. Along with sociodemographic data, sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life were assessed by Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), and WHOQOL-BREF, respectively. Structural equations modeling was used to understand their relationship. RESULTS Out of the total 1,376 respondents, 80.52% were male, 65.98% were married, and 48.54% were graduates. The mean age of the participants was 34.42 (±9.34) years. Of the participants, 27.18% had sexual dysfunction. Majority of the respondents did not have depression (59.30%), anxiety (52.33%), or stress (44.48%). Mild and moderate levels were the commonest findings among those who had depression, anxiety, or stress. Among the respondents, 27.18% had sexual dysfunction as per the ASEX instrument. Increase in age and female gender were associated with sexual dysfunction overall and also all its components. Presence of depression adversely affected ease of achieving orgasm and satisfaction from orgasm and was associated with sexual dysfunction overall. The respondents had a mean score of 73.57 (±13.50) as per the WHO-QOL. Depression and stress emerged as statistically significant factors for poor quality of life, while sexual dysfunction was not associated statistically. CONCLUSION More than one-fourth of the study population reported sexual dysfunction during the first wave of the pandemic in India. The study findings highlight the role of poor mental health issues in this regard. In fact, issues like depression and stress were associated with poor quality of life as well. The current findings unequivocally warrant specific interventions to improve mental health of the respondents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seshadri Sekhar Chatterjee
- Department of Psychiatry, Diamond Harbour Government Medical College and Hospital, Diamond Harbour, India
| | - Ranjan Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychiatry, Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, Berhampore, India
| | - Amrita Chakraborty
- Department of Psychiatry, Diamond Harbour Government Medical College and Hospital, Diamond Harbour, India
| | - Arista Lahiri
- Dr. B. C. Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Abhijit Dasgupta
- Department of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Mourikis I, Kokka I, Koumantarou-Malisiova E, Kontoangelos K, Konstantakopoulos G, Papageorgiou C. Exploring the adult sexual wellbeing and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:949077. [PMID: 36061280 PMCID: PMC9433807 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.949077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Implemented social distancing measures may have forestalled the spread of COVID-19, yet they suppressed the natural human need for contact. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult sexual wellbeing and sexual behavior. An extensive search in Pubmed, Scopus, and PsycInfo databases based on PRISMA guidelines was conducted. After applying specific eligibility criteria, screening resulted in 38 studies. Results were drawn from 31,911 subjects and outlined the negative effect of the pandemic in sexual frequency, function, satisfaction, and the behavioral changes regarding masturbation and internet-based practices. Meta-analyses of the drawn data on 1,343 female, and 1,372 male subjects quantified the degree of sexual function change during the COVID-19 pandemic vs. prior the pandemic. A random effects model revealed the significant negative impact of the pandemic on female sexual function (SMD: 0.76, 95% CI:0.74 to 1.59), while no significant change was found for the males (SMD: 0.25, 95% Cl: -0.03 to 0.52). Significant heterogeneity was identified across included studies (p < 0.00001, I2 = 97%, I2 = 90% for females and males, respectively). As part of the global health, sexual wellbeing should be on the focus of clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraklis Mourikis
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioulia Kokka
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Elli Koumantarou-Malisiova
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontoangelos
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantakopoulos
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charalabos Papageorgiou
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute "Costas Stefanis" (UMHRI), University Mental Health, Athens, Greece
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