Hypoactive sexual desire disorder

Female Sexual Dysfunction Among the Wives of Opioid-Dependent Males in Iran

Background

Opiate abuse in males has significant effects on their sexual functions. In contrast, sexuality in females is a multidimensional issue that can strongly be affected by several factors in their partners. However, only a limited number of studies have assessed the role of males’ opioid dependency in their female partners’ sexual function.

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of males’ opioid dependency on their wives’ sexual function compared to the sexual function of the females whose husbands were not opioid dependent.

Patients and Methods

This study included 340 women who were selected through convenience sampling and divided into a control (females whose husbands were not opioid dependent) and a case group (women whose husbands were opioid dependent). The data were collected through an interview according to the DSM-IV-R criteria for female sexual dysfunctions by a senior female medical student who was one of the researchers. Finally, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software (v. 15) and analyzed using the t-test and chi-square test.

Results

According to the results, the frequency of hypoactive sexual desire disorder and sexual aversion disorder in the control group was significantly higher than that of the case group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results showed that having an addicted husband could strongly affect some sexual domains in women. It could change the pattern of desire and motivation for sexual contact in females and alter their attitude toward the sexual relationship, thereby causing disturbances in the females’ normal sexual function.

First Pharmacological Therapy for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Premenopausal Women

Objective: To review data regarding flibanserin, a recently approved therapy for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Data Sources: Literature search of MEDLINE (September 1995 to November 2015) was performed using the search term flibanserin. Reference lists from included articles were reviewed for pertinent citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: We included phase-3 trials of flibanserin as a treatment for HSDD. Four reports of phase-3 trials were included. One extension study of four phase-3 trials and one phase-2 pharmacokinetic trial were also included. Data Synthesis: Though a strong placebo response was demonstrated, flibanserin consistently, yet marginally, showed improvement (compared with placebo) in the number of satisfying sexual events per month. The most common adverse events were dizziness (11.4%), somnolence (11.2%), nausea (10.4%), fatigue (9.2%), insomnia (4.9%), and dry mouth (2.4%). Conclusions: Flibanserin is effective in the treatment of HSDD. Flibanserin should be administered at bedtime to limit the risk for hypotension/syncope, accidental injury, and central nervous system (CNS) depression. Concomitant alcohol use contributes to significant CNS depression and hypotension/syncope with flibanserin and should be avoided according to the boxed warning. Careful patient assessment prior to the diagnosis of HSDD and the use of flibanserin is needed for safe use. Prescribing guidelines recommend discontinuing flibanserin at 8 weeks in the absence of benefit. Sexual dysfunction should be addressed in a patient-specific manner. Providers should exercise shared decision making in prescribing flibanserin for HSDD and discuss flibanserin’s benefits and alternative options.

Survivorship: sexual dysfunction (female), version 1.2013

Cancer treatment, especially hormonal therapy and therapy directed toward the pelvis, can contribute to sexual problems, as can depression and anxiety, which are common in cancer survivors. Thus, sexual dysfunction is common in survivors and can cause increased distress and have a significant negative impact on quality of life. This section of the NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship provides screening, evaluation, and treatment recommendations for female sexual problems, including those related to sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain.