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Lindgren L, Iliadis SI, Volgsten H. Reproductive sex ending in failure affects sexual health - A qualitative study of men and women attending a fertility clinic. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2024; 41:100984. [PMID: 38815451 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100984] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore men's and women's experiences regarding their history of sexual health when attending a fertility clinic. METHODS A qualitative study with semi-structured individual interviews was conducted among heterosexual males and females seeking infertility care at a public fertility clinic in Sweden in 2022-2023. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Eight males and ten females were included. The analysis resulted in an overarching theme: A change from spontaneous to scheduled intercourse affects various aspects of sexual health. In the beginning of the relationship sex had been spontaneous, joyful and satisfying. However, sex was not always unproblematic, and there had been sexual changes. Sex with a reproductive purpose was scheduled according to ovulation, leading to changes in sexual behavior. Increased erectile problems in men and decreased frequency of orgasms in women, and a lack of sexual desire in both, were experienced. Men and women felt pressured to have sex when it became a requirement. Men's sexual and women's reproductive failures led to negative emotional reactions, including stress, frustration, disappointment, anxiety and guilt. Sexual and reproductive problems affected the relational well-being, leading to feelings of sharing the burden but also conflicts and sexual avoidance. CONCLUSIONS Experiencing reproductive failures, sexual problems and negative emotional reactions can affect men's and women's sexual health. Therefore, an implication for clinical practice among healthcare professionals during evaluation of infertility, is a need to be aware of and ask questions about sexual health after reproductive failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Lindgren
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stavros I Iliadis
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Volgsten
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Reiser E, Böttcher B, Ossig C, Schiller J, Tollinger S, Toth B. Female cancer survivors: sexual function, psychological distress, and remaining fertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1057-1065. [PMID: 38381389 PMCID: PMC11052740 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Improved survivorship in cancer patients leads to new challenging issues including potential impairment of quality of life, sexual function, and fertility. The aim of this study was to assess sexual dysfunction (SD) and psychological distress in female cancer survivors who underwent fertility preservation in the past in comparison to reviewed healthy control data from other published studies. Additionally, our focus was on the difference in SD between women with current desire to get pregnant and already completed family planning. METHODS In this prospective study, 53 female cancer survivors who underwent fertility preservation at time of cancer diagnosis between 2010 and 2020 were invited to a gynecological exam, laboratory assessment, and two questionnaires (Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)) in 2022. These scores were compared to results in the literature of healthy controls and depending on anti-Mullerian-hormone (AMH) levels, current desire to have a child, and age. RESULTS After a mean follow-up time of 70 ± 50 months, SD was detected in 60.4% (n = 32) of the 53 included patients. Normal results regarding HADS-D/anxiety and HADS-D/depression were found in 88.7% and 94.3% of patients, respectively. At time of follow-up, 69.9% (n = 40) regained regular menstrual cycles, 52.6% (n = 20) < 40 years showed a diminished ovarian reserve with AMH levels < 1.1 ng/ml and 28.3% (n = 15) suffered from infertility. CONCLUSION Female cancer survivors may be at risk for SD. Cancer patients should be informed about possible sexual dysfunction already at the start of cancer treatment and during follow-up. In addition, contraception needs to be addressed if regular cycles occur as more than two-thirds of the women regained regular menstrual cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Reiser
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bettina Böttcher
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Charlotte Ossig
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julia Schiller
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susanne Tollinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Kalaitzopoulos DR, Samartzis N, Eberhard M, Grigoriadis G, Miliaras D, Papanikolaou A, Daniilidis A. Co-Existence of Endometriosis with Ovarian Dermoid Cysts: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6308. [PMID: 37834953 PMCID: PMC10574005 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196308] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both endometriosis and ovarian dermoid cysts are benign conditions characterized by the presence of well-differentiated tissues in ectopic locations. The presence and surgical excision of these entities can potentially impact ovarian reserves, contributing to reduced chances of future pregnancy. The objective of our study is to investigate the bidirectional association between endometriosis and ovarian dermoid cysts, as well as to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with both conditions. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including women who underwent laparoscopy and received histological diagnoses of endometriosis and/or dermoid cysts between 2011 and 2019 at the Cantonal Hospital of Schaffhausen. We identified 985 women with endometriosis and 83 women with ovarian dermoid cysts. Among these groups, 22 women presented with both endometriosis and ovarian dermoid cysts. The majority of the above patients had endometriosis stage rASRM I-II (72.7%), with peritoneal endometriosis being the most common phenotype of endometriosis (77.2%). Out of the 14 patients with a desire for future pregnancy, the majority (11/14, 78.5%) had an EFI score of 7-8. The prevalence of bilateral ovarian dermoid cysts was higher in women with both ovarian dermoid cysts and endometriosis in comparison to women with ovarian dermoid cysts without endometriosis (18% vs. 6.5%). Our study revealed that 26.5% of women with ovarian dermoid cysts also had endometriosis, a notably higher prevalence than observed in the general population. Clinicians should be aware of this co-existence, and preoperative counseling should be an integral part of the care plan for affected individuals, where the potential risks and the available options for fertility preservation should be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Samartzis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cantonal Hospital of Schaffhausen, 8208 Schaffhausen, Switzerland; (N.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Markus Eberhard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cantonal Hospital of Schaffhausen, 8208 Schaffhausen, Switzerland; (N.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Georgios Grigoriadis
- 2nd University Department in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokratio General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.G.)
| | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Alexis Papanikolaou
- 2nd University Department in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokratio General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.G.)
| | - Angelos Daniilidis
- 1st University Department in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Saadedine M, Faubion SS, Kling JM, Kuhle C, Shufelt CL, Mara K, Enders F, Kapoor E. History of infertility and sexual dysfunction in midlife women: Is there a link? J Sex Med 2023; 20:1188-1194. [PMID: 37537692 PMCID: PMC10472170 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility has been linked with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged women, with longer periods of infertility associated with a greater risk. AIM The study's aim was to examine whether a history of infertility treatment in women is linked to sexual dysfunction during midlife. METHODS The cross-sectional study was conducted among sexually active women, between the ages of 45 and 65 years, who sought consultation at the women's health clinics at a US tertiary care center. History of infertility treatment was assessed with a single question that asked participants if they were treated for infertility in the past. The association between a history of infertility treatment and sexual dysfunction-which was diagnosed by a combination of Female Sexual Function Index score ≤26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised score ≥11-was assessed in a multivariable logistic regression model that adjusted for multiple confounders. OUTCOMES The primary outcome was sexual dysfunction in midlife women. RESULTS The analysis included 5912 women, with a mean age of 54.1 years. Nearly 16% of women reported receiving treatment for infertility. More than half the women (55%) had sexual dysfunction: 56.3% of those with previous fertility treatments and 54.4% of those without any fertility treatment (P = .3). Receiving treatment for infertility in the younger years did not significantly increase the odds of sexual dysfunction in midlife in univariate (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.94-1.24; P = .3) and multivariable analyses (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96-1.29; P = .17). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS While infertility is known to be predictive of sexual dysfunction in women during their reproductive years, there was no association between a history of infertility treatment and sexual dysfunction in midlife women in the current study. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The study used validated questionnaires accounting for sexual complaints and distress and adjusted for multiple confounding factors. Limitations include the selection bias introduced by the study of women presenting for evaluation of sexual dysfunction, which may have been a result of factors stronger than the influence of infertility. Other limitations include the study's cross-sectional nature with suboptimal racial and ethnic representation. CONCLUSION Although infertility is commonly associated with female sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age, the association was not present in midlife women in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Saadedine
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, United States
- Center for Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Stephanie S Faubion
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, United States
- Center for Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Juliana M Kling
- Center for Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
- Division of Women’s Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
| | - Carol Kuhle
- Center for Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Chrisandra L Shufelt
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, United States
- Center for Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Kristin Mara
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Felicity Enders
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Ekta Kapoor
- Center for Women’s Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
- Women’s Health Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
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Bukhari I, Thorne RF, Shi Q. Editorial: Molecular and cytogenetic research advances in human reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1107903. [PMID: 36568095 PMCID: PMC9780652 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1107903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ihtisham Bukhari
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancers, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rick Francis Thorne
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial and Zhengzhou City Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Cancer Metabolism, Henan International Join Laboratory of Non-coding RNA and Metabolism in Cancer, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Shi, ; Rick Francis Thorne,
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Shi, ; Rick Francis Thorne,
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