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Mott MN, Goeders NE. Sexual effects of commonly used recreational psychostimulants in women and the female rat model. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:256-262. [PMID: 38486472 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae010] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recreational psychostimulants have been associated with increased sexual activity or changes in sexual function in women, but every drug in this class has not shown consistent sexual effects in scientific studies. Further, some studies in female animal models may recapitulate the effects observed in humans, while others produce conflicting results. Overall, though, published studies on the sexual effects of recreational stimulants in women are lacking. OBJECTIVES The objective of this manuscript was to review the published sexual effects of prominent recreational psychostimulants in women and in the female rat model. METHODS Literature searches for "any years" were performed through PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords for the searches included "amphetamine," "methamphetamine," "MDMA," "ecstasy," "3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine," "cocaine," "caffeine," "sex," "sexual," "female," and "women." Studies in humans and using animal models were included. RESULTS Older studies have shown that amphetamine produces a positive sexual effect in women, but often the sample size was too small to draw generalizable conclusions. Methamphetamine also has a positive effect on several sexual domains in women, as well as on vaginal lubrication. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine may have a negative or positive effect on sexual activity, but often enhances the sensual aspects of sex. Though low doses of cocaine may heighten the sexual experience, most women who use cocaine experience negative sexual effects. Caffeine has been shown to enhance a physiological measure of arousal, vaginal blood flow, but based on our searches, no studies have investigated the subjective sexual effects of the drug. CONCLUSION Different recreational psychostimulants produce varying effects on sexual behavior and responses in women and female animal models, but more research is needed to understand these effects better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie N Mott
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, United States
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, United States
| | - Nicholas E Goeders
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, United States
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, United States
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Mark JKK, Samsudin S, Looi I, Yuen KH. Vaginal dryness: a review of current understanding and management strategies. Climacteric 2024; 27:236-244. [PMID: 38318859 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2024.2306892] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The issue of vaginal dryness in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and its pervasive impact on women's quality of life is often overlooked. Extensive surveys conducted worldwide reveal limited understanding of vaginal dryness among public and health-care providers. Physician knowledge on menopause medicine varies globally, highlighting the need for standardized training. Effective communication between physicians and patients plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating GSM symptoms. There are multiple treatment options to improve vaginal lubrication, including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, along with lifestyle modifications. Tailoring treatments to individual patient preferences is crucial for compliance. Overall, GSM is multifaceted, from the prevalence of vaginal dryness to the nuances of treatment preferences. The urgency of widespread education and awareness of this matter must be underscored to meet the aim of enhancing the well-being and quality of life for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K K Mark
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - S Samsudin
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
- Clinical Research Centre, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
| | - I Looi
- Clinical Research Centre, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
- Medical Department, Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia
| | - K H Yuen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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V Gadhave P, V Sutar G, Sajane SJ, Redasani VK, Das K, Prasad P D, Alobid S, Ibrahim Almoteer A, Imam Rabbani S, Yasmin F, Gilkaramenthi R, Abdulrazaq AlAnazi M, Jameel Alshamrani H, Asdaq SMB. Protective effects of vanillic acid on letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome: A comprehensive study in female wistar rats. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101953. [PMID: 38288132 PMCID: PMC10823135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.101953] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the known causes of anovulatory fertility in the world. Previous research has linked oxidative stress could contribute to PCOS, and vanillic acid has shown antioxidant potential. Hence, the present study evaluated the effect of vanillic acid on letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in female rats. Materials and methods PCOS was induced in Wistar female rats with letrozole (1 mg/kg, orally) in carboxymethoxycellulose (1 % w/v), administered for 21 days. After induction, the standard group received clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg, orally) while other treatment groups were administered with vanillic acid at doses 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, orally for 15 days, and without treatment was considered a negative control group. Different parameters studied were body weight, ovary weight, blood glucose, lipid profile, hormonal levels [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone], markers for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase, and malonaldehyde), and histopathology of the ovary. Statistical analysis was done for the results and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate the significance. Results Vanillic acid-treated animals showed a concentration-dependent activity on the tested parameters. The highest tested dose (100 mg/kg) produced a more prominent effect in significantly (P < 0.001) decreasing the body weight, and ovary weight and improving the hormonal imbalance. Also, vanillic acid significantly (P < 0.01) reduced elevated blood sugar and lipid levels. Additionally, vanillic acid reduced oxidative stress significantly (P < 0.001) in the ovaries of female rats. Histopathological reports showed a reduction in cystic follicles and appearance of normal healthy follicles at different stages of development after the administration of vanillic acid. Furthermore, these effects were observed to be comparable with those recorded for standard drug, clomiphene. Conclusion The current study data suggests that vanillic acid has protected the letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome. In the event of several side effects associated with conventional treatments used for PCOS, the findings of this study suggest the promising role of vanillic acid. More research in this direction might identify the true potency of vanillic acid in the treatment of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradnya V Gadhave
- YSPM’s Yashoda Technical Campus, Faculty of Pharmacy, Satara-415011, Maharashtra, India
| | - Guruprasad V Sutar
- Annasaheb Dange College of B Pharmacy, Ashta, Tal. Walva, Dist. Sangli, Maharashtra 416 301, India
| | - Sachin J Sajane
- Annasaheb Dange College of B Pharmacy, Ashta, Tal. Walva, Dist. Sangli, Maharashtra 416 301, India
| | | | - Kuntal Das
- Mallige College of Pharmacy, #71, Silvepura, Chikkabanavara Post, Bangalore 560090, India
| | - Dharani Prasad P
- Dept of Pharmacology, Mohan Babu University, MB School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sree Sainath Nagar, Tirupati, Chittor AP-517102, India
| | - Saad Alobid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Syed Imam Rabbani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farhana Yasmin
- Department of Computer Science, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rafiulla Gilkaramenthi
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah, 13713 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Wexler A, Dubinskaya A, Suyama J, Komisaruk BR, Anger J, Eilber K. Does MDMA have treatment potential in sexual dysfunction? A systematic review of outcomes across the female and male sexual response cycles. Sex Med Rev 2023; 12:26-34. [PMID: 37888490 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead046] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual health, an integral component of overall well-being, is frequently compromised by common yet underdiagnosed sexual dysfunctions. Traditional interventions encompass pharmaceutical and psychological treatments. Unconventional therapies, like MDMA, offer hope for sexual dysfunction. This review delves into MDMA's effects on sexual responsiveness and its potential role in treating sexual dysfunction. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review is to elucidate effects of MDMA on different domains of the female and male sexual response cycles. METHODS We conducted a systematic review on the effects of MDMA on each domain of the female and male sexual response cycles. PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were queried, and results were screened using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Search terms utilized were "MDMA" or "ecstasy" in combination with "desire," "arousal," "lubrication," "orgasm," "pleasure," "libido," "erection," and "ejaculation." Inclusion criteria for this review were MDMA use by study subjects and sexual outcomes in at least 1 domain of the female and/or male sexual response cycles were described and measured. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies (both prospective and retrospective), surveys, and literature reviews published between January 2000 and June 2022 were included. Case reports and studies that did not address conditions of interest were excluded from analysis. Duplicated search results were screened out. The remaining studies were then read in full text to ensure they met inclusion and exclusion criteria for analysis. RESULTS We identified 181 studies, of which 6 met criteria for assessment of the female sexual response cycle and 8 met criteria for assessment of the male sexual response cycle. Four of 6 studies reported increased sexual desire with MDMA use among women. Arousal and lubrication were improved with MDMA use in 3 of 4 studies, but they were not affected in 1 randomized control study. In men, 7 studies evaluated the effects of MDMA on desire and/or arousal, 5 studies measured impact on erection, 3 on orgasm, and 2 on ejaculation. Sixty percent of interview-based studies reported increased sexual desire in men, while 40% reported mixed or no effect. Two studies reported impairment of erection, 2 reported mixed effects, and 1 reported fear of erection impairment. In both men and women, all studies evaluating orgasm reported delay in achieving orgasm but increased intensity and pleasure if achieved. Primary outcome measures were variable and largely qualitative. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that MDMA generally increases sexual desire and intensifies orgasm when achieved. While producing conflicting evidence on sexual arousal in both sexes, MDMA may impair erectile and ejaculatory function in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Wexler
- The Hebrew University- Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
| | - Alexandra Dubinskaya
- Los Angeles Institute for Pelvic and Sexual Medicine, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210, United States
| | - Julie Suyama
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 90213, United States
| | - Barry R Komisaruk
- Psychology Department, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102, United States
| | - Jennifer Anger
- Division of Gender Affirming Surgery, Urologic Reconstruction, and Female Pelvic Medicine, Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Karyn Eilber
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills, 90048, CA, United States
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