1
|
Shihab S, Islam N, Kanani D, Marks L, Vegunta S. Alcohol use at midlife and in menopause: a narrative review. Maturitas 2024; 189:108092. [PMID: 39180900 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108092] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder stands as a prevalent global issue, contributing to 140,000 annual deaths in the United States and causing numerous adverse health and socioeconomic outcomes. Despite being a natural physiological process, menopause often leads to troublesome symptoms that affect women's quality of life and exposes them to increased health risks. Our review delves into the intricate relationship between alcohol use disorder and the menopausal experience. We examine the impact of heightened alcohol consumption on the onset, severity, and burden of menopausal symptoms, particularly vasomotor symptoms. Additionally, we explore its effects on commonly experienced menopausal symptoms such as mood disturbances, sleep problems, and sexual dysfunction. Considering the chronic health conditions associated with both menopause and alcohol use disorder, our study also investigates the influence of alcohol use disorder on bone density. This is especially important due to the elevated risks and mortality linked to bone mineral density loss in menopausal women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Shihab
- Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, AZ, United States of America.
| | - Nadia Islam
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, AZ, United States of America
| | - Dalya Kanani
- Lake Erie School of Osteopathy, Bradenton, FL, United States of America
| | - Lisa Marks
- Department of Library Services, Mayo Clinic, AZ, United States of America
| | - Suneela Vegunta
- Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, AZ, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Basile L, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE, Cannarella R, Barbagallo F, Crafa A, Aversa A, La Vignera S. Red Wine and Sexual Function in Men: An Original Point of View. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3883. [PMID: 37373577 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123883] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Red wine is a rich source of nutrients whose biological properties have inspired numerous scientific studies. Indeed, it has been widely reported that there is a correlation between the positive health effects of moderate consumption of red wine and its phenolic content, which, due to its antioxidant activity, has proved to be useful in the improvement of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, cognitive disorders, depression, and cancer. It is a common opinion that the antioxidant activity of red wine is to be ascribed to its entire content of polyphenols, which act synergistically and not as a single component. Furthermore, this health-promoting effect of red wine can also be linked to its ethanol content, which has shown a wide array of biological properties. Beyond this evidence, very little is known about a possible correlation between moderate consumption of red wine and male sexual function. This brief review aimed to evaluate the effects of moderate consumption of red wine on erectile function. To accomplish this, Pubmed and Google Scholar databases were searched to retrieve the most relevant studies on this topic. The evidence so far collected has shown that red wine, if consumed in moderation, can be potentially beneficial for patients with erectile dysfunction as well as can positively influence reproductive function through mechanisms that depend on the vasorelaxant properties of red wine and its antioxidant properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Basile
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McHugh J, Alexander M, Kudesia R, Krant J, Comander A, Tollefson M, Geyer C. Living Your Best Life: Lifestyle Medicine for All Women. Am J Lifestyle Med 2022; 16:577-588. [PMID: 36072687 PMCID: PMC9442465 DOI: 10.1177/15598276221087677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In an era of ever-increasing healthcare expenditures, yet simultaneously worsening outcomes, many of our patients choose between traditional medical care or often unproven alternative therapies. While the recognition of lifestyle change in addressing cardiovascular and metabolic disease grows, there is less understanding of the impact of lifestyle change on issues facing women every day. Millions of women around the globe struggle with infertility, cancer, sexual dysfunction, and dermatologic needs. Yet, research on the benefits of lifestyle change on these conditions is scarce, and gaps exist both in our understanding of evidence-based approaches to address these issues, as well as adequate provider education when evidence exists. The Women’s Health Member Interest Group convened medical experts in these areas that affect women’s lives to provide insights and meaningful education applicable not only for our patients, but also in our own lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John McHugh
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Corona del Mar, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- CCRM Fertility Houston & Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan Alexander
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Corona del Mar, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- CCRM Fertility Houston & Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rashmi Kudesia
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Corona del Mar, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- CCRM Fertility Houston & Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Krant
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Corona del Mar, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- CCRM Fertility Houston & Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy Comander
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Corona del Mar, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- CCRM Fertility Houston & Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Tollefson
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Corona del Mar, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- CCRM Fertility Houston & Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia Geyer
- USC Keck School of Medicine, Corona del Mar, CA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- CCRM Fertility Houston & Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Müller CP. Drug instrumentalization. Behav Brain Res 2020; 390:112672. [PMID: 32442549 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Psychoactive drugs with addiction potential are widely used by people of virtually all cultures in a non-addictive way. In order to understand this behaviour, its population penetrance, and its persistence, drug instrumentalization was suggested as a driving force for this consumption. Drug instrumentalization theory holds that psychoactive drugs are consumed in a very systematic way in order to make other, non-drug-related behaviours more efficient. Here, we review the evolutionary origin of this behaviour and its psychological mechanisms and explore the neurobiological and neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying them. Instrumentalization goals are discussed, for which an environmentally selective and mental state-dependent consumption of psychoactive drugs can be learned and maintained in a non-addictive way. A small percentage of people who regularly instrumentalize psychoactive drugs make a transition to addiction, which often starts with qualitative and quantitative changes in the instrumentalization goals. As such, addiction is proposed to develop from previously established long-term drug instrumentalization. Thus, preventing and treating drug addiction in an individualized medicine approach may essentially require understanding and supporting personal instrumentalization goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ahmed SH, Badiani A, Miczek KA, Müller CP. Non-pharmacological factors that determine drug use and addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:3-27. [PMID: 30179633 PMCID: PMC6395570 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Based on their pharmacological properties, psychoactive drugs are supposed to take control of the natural reward system to finally drive compulsory drug seeking and consumption. However, psychoactive drugs are not used in an arbitrary way as pure pharmacological reinforcement would suggest, but rather in a highly specific manner depending on non-pharmacological factors. While pharmacological effects of psychoactive drugs are well studied, neurobiological mechanisms of non-pharmacological factors are less well understood. Here we review the emerging neurobiological mechanisms beyond pharmacological reinforcement which determine drug effects and use frequency. Important progress was made on the understanding of how the character of an environment and social stress determine drug self-administration. This is expanded by new evidence on how behavioral alternatives and opportunities for drug instrumentalization generate different patterns of drug choice. Emerging evidence suggests that the neurobiology of non-pharmacological factors strongly determines pharmacological and behavioral drug action and may, thus, give rise for an expanded system's approach of psychoactive drug use and addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serge H Ahmed
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, 146 rue Léo-Saignat, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, 146 rue Léo-Saignat, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Aldo Badiani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Sussex Addiction Research and Intervention Centre (SARIC), School of Psychology, University of Sussex, BN1 9RH Brighton, UK
| | - Klaus A Miczek
- Psychology Department, Tufts University, Bacon Hall, 530 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
George WH. Alcohol and Sexual Health Behavior: "What We Know and How We Know It". JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2019; 56:409-424. [PMID: 30958036 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1588213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol, despite salutary associations with sexuality, has been implicated in sexual health problems. This review examines the relationship between alcohol and outcomes related to sexual health. Methodological considerations limiting causal assertions permissible with nonexperimental data are discussed, as are advantages of experimental methods. Findings from laboratory experiments are reviewed evaluating causal effects of acute alcohol intoxication on a variety of outcomes, including sexual arousal, sexual desire, orgasm, and sexual risk behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Several variables exerting mediating and moderating influences are identified. It is concluded that acute alcohol intoxication is capable of exerting a causal impact on multiple constituent components of sexual responding related to sexual health. Both alcohol expectancy and alcohol myopia theories have been supported as explanations for these causal effects. Furthermore, for sexual risk behavior, noteworthy recent developments include research highlighting the importance of women's sexual victimization history and men's condom use resistance. Limitations and implications associated with this body of research are also discussed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kling JM, Sidhu K, Rullo J, Mara KC, Frohmader Hilsaca KS, Kapoor E, Faubion SS. Association Between Alcohol Use and Female Sexual Dysfunction From the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality (DREAMS). Sex Med 2019; 7:162-168. [PMID: 30674443 PMCID: PMC6525105 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sexual dysfunction is a common problem in women and the nature of its association with alcohol use remains unclear. Aim To explore the association between alcohol use and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Methods Associations between self-reported drinking and sexual function were evaluated in 2,253 women presenting for consultation to a women’s health specialty clinic. A short version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) was used to evaluate alcohol use. Women with an AUDIT-C ≥3 were considered at risk for hazardous drinking. Multivariable regression, controlling for depression, anxiety, and abuse (childhood and recent), was used to assess the association between alcohol consumption and FSD (defined as a Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] ≤26.55 and Female Sexual Distress Scale [FSDS] ≥11) in sexually active women. Main Outcome Measure The main study outcome measure was the presence of FSD as defined by a score ≤26.55 on the FSFI and ≥11 on the FSDS. Results 57% of the 1,649 sexually active women were classified as having FSD; 80% reported any alcohol use and 38% reported drinking patterns with the potential to be hazardous. The women at risk for hazardous drinking had significantly higher FSFI domain scores indicating better sexual function (P ≤ .001). However, in multivariable analyses, there was no significant difference in the rates of FSD across alcohol use categories in women. Conclusion In women presenting for consultation to a women’s health specialty clinic, an association between alcohol use and FSFI scores was seen, in which greater risk of hazardous drinking was associated with better sexual function scores. However, when sexual distress was included to define sexual dysfunction, those with FSD were not at higher risk of hazardous drinking. Given the complex nature of FSD, additional study is needed to further clarify these relationships. Kling JM, Sidhu K, Rullo J, et al. Association Between Alcohol Use and Female Sexual Dysfunction From the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality (DREAMS). Sex Med 2019;7:162–168.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Kling
- Division of Women's Health Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Jordan Rullo
- Women's Health Clinic, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kristin C Mara
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karla S Frohmader Hilsaca
- Women's Health Clinic, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ekta Kapoor
- Women's Health Clinic, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Stephanie S Faubion
- Women's Health Clinic, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Most people who are regular consumers of psychoactive drugs are not drug addicts, nor will they ever become addicts. In neurobiological theories, non-addictive drug consumption is acknowledged only as a "necessary" prerequisite for addiction, but not as a stable and widespread behavior in its own right. This target article proposes a new neurobiological framework theory for non-addictive psychoactive drug consumption, introducing the concept of "drug instrumentalization." Psychoactive drugs are consumed for their effects on mental states. Humans are able to learn that mental states can be changed on purpose by drugs, in order to facilitate other, non-drug-related behaviors. We discuss specific "instrumentalization goals" and outline neurobiological mechanisms of how major classes of psychoactive drugs change mental states and serve non-drug-related behaviors. We argue that drug instrumentalization behavior may provide a functional adaptation to modern environments based on a historical selection for learning mechanisms that allow the dynamic modification of consummatory behavior. It is assumed that in order to effectively instrumentalize psychoactive drugs, the establishment of and retrieval from a drug memory is required. Here, we propose a new classification of different drug memory subtypes and discuss how they interact during drug instrumentalization learning and retrieval. Understanding the everyday utility and the learning mechanisms of non-addictive psychotropic drug use may help to prevent abuse and the transition to drug addiction in the future.
Collapse
|
9
|
Cai T, Gacci M, Mattivi F, Mondaini N, Migno S, Boddi V, Gacci P, Detti B, Gontero P, Chiodini S, Mereu L, Tateo S, Mazzoli S, Malossini G, Bartoletti R. Apple consumption is related to better sexual quality of life in young women. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 290:93-8. [PMID: 24518938 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-014-3168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Even if some evidence exists of a positive correlation between regular intake of phytoestrogens, polyphenols, antioxidants and women's sexual health, there is not a study addressing the potential correlation between daily apple consumption and women's sexual function. We aim to assess whether there is a tie between daily apple intake and sexual function in a sample of healthy young sexually active Italian women, not complaining of any sexual disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven hundred and thirty-one women (mean age 31.9, range 18-43) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study (from September 2011 to April 2012). All participants completed anonymously the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and were asked to report on their amount of daily apple consumption and their eating habits. On the basis of apple consumption all women were split into two groups: Group A--regular daily apple consumption, Group B--no regular apple consumption (<1 apple/day). The main outcome measure was the FSFI questionnaire result. RESULTS Three hundred and forty-three women reported a regular daily apple intake and were classified in Group A, while 388 were included in Group B. Group A had a significantly higher total (p = 0.001; Cohen's d = 3.39) and lubrication domain (p = 0.001; Cohen's d = 3.02) FSFI scores than participants in Group B. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that daily apple intake must be considered as an independent parameter (p = 0.002) in predicting a better score at questionnaire examination. DISCUSSION This study suggests a potential relationship between regular daily apple consumption and better sexuality in our young women population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Cai
- Department of Urology, Santa Chiara Regional Hospital, Largo Medaglie d'Oro, 9, Trento, Italy,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gilmore AK, George WH, Nguyen HV, Heiman JR, Davis KC, Norris J. Influences of situational factors and alcohol expectancies on sexual desire and arousal among heavy-episodic drinking women: acute alcohol intoxication and condom availability. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2013; 42:949-59. [PMID: 23661324 PMCID: PMC3772722 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0109-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Although studies suggest that alcohol increases women's sexual desire, no studies to our knowledge have examined the effects of acute alcohol intoxication on women's sexual desire. The majority of research examining alcohol's effects on sexual arousal in women suggests that alcohol increases self-reported arousal. In an alcohol administration study in which women projected themselves into an eroticized scenario depicting a consensual sexual encounter with a new male partner, we examined the effects of alcohol and condom condition on women's sexual desire and arousal. The moderating effects of sex-related alcohol expectancies were also examined. Results revealed that alcohol intoxication was related to less desire to engage in sex with a new partner and condom presence was related to more desire. Alcohol interacted with sexual disinhibition alcohol expectancies, indicating that more expectancy endorsement was associated with greater sexual desire and self-reported arousal in the alcohol condition, but not the control condition. Condom condition had no effect on self-reported sexual arousal. The present research suggests that sexual desire merits research attention in non-clinical samples, and experimental methodology can provide valuable information about alcohol's influence on women's sexual desire, thus advancing our understanding of this relationship beyond cross-sectional correlations. The current findings also provide evidence that sex-related alcohol expectancies may play an important role in alcohol-involved sexual experiences including desire and arousal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Gilmore
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Christensen BS, Grønbaek M, Pedersen BV, Graugaard C, Frisch M. Associations of Unhealthy Lifestyle Factors with Sexual Inactivity and Sexual Dysfunctions in Denmark. J Sex Med 2011; 8:1903-16. [PMID: 21569211 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
12
|
Battaglia C, Battaglia B, Mancini F, Nappi RE, Paradisi R, Venturoli S. Moderate alcohol intake, genital vascularization, and sexuality in young, healthy, eumenorrheic women. A pilot study. J Sex Med 2011; 8:2334-43. [PMID: 21595833 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02310.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relationship between alcohol and sexual function is complex and not completely understood. AIM To evaluate (in the early follicular phase and independently from sexual stimulation) in young, eumenorrheic, healthy, lean women the genital vascular effects of the light and moderate use of alcohol. METHODS Eighty-four women undertook, in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (days 3-5), the administration of the two-factor Italian McCoy Female Sexuality (MFSQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires; ultrasonographic measurement of the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT); and color Doppler evaluation of the carotid, clitoral, and labia minora arteries. Hormonal (estradiol, androstenedione, and testosterone) and biochemical (lipids, glucose, and insulin) parameters were tested. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The MFSQ and BDI questionnaires; the carotid IMT; the Pulsatility Index of internal carotid, clitoral, and labia minora arteries; blood pressure measurement; and hormonal and biochemical assays. RESULTS The subjects were divided in: nondrinkers (group I); current (>1 year) light drinkers--1-10 drinks/month (group II); and current moderate drinkers--11-20 drinks/month (group III). The majority of the studied parameters did not vary among the different groups. The mean BDI was normal in the studied women. However, the lowest values were observed in the moderate drinkers group. The MFSQ did not show any difference among all the studied women. However, the number of intercourses/week and the incidence of vaginal orgasm were significantly higher in group III (moderate drinkers). The relationship between the drinking habits and different parameters showed an inverse relationship with the BDI. Furthermore, the BDI inversely correlated with orgasm frequency and with orgasm intensity. CONCLUSIONS Chronic slight/moderate alcohol consumption has no effects on genital vessels and vaginal lubrication. However, a moderate consumption of alcohol, through psychological and social disinhibiting effects, may favor sexual activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Battaglia
- Department of Gynecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cai T, Mondaini N, Migno S, Meacci F, Boddi V, Gontero P, Malossini G, Geppetti P, Mazzoli S, Bartoletti R. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Infection is Related to Poor Sexual Quality of Life in Young Sexually Active Women. J Sex Med 2011; 8:1131-7. [PMID: 21269400 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Cai
- Department of Urology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Christensen BS, Grønbaek M, Osler M, Pedersen BV, Graugaard C, Frisch M. Associations between physical and mental health problems and sexual dysfunctions in sexually active Danes. J Sex Med 2010; 8:1890-902. [PMID: 21176110 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies have shown a high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among individuals with a variety of health problems. AIM To obtain a population-based assessment of these matters, we studied associations between indicators of physical and mental health problems and sexual dysfunctions in Denmark. METHODS We used questionnaire data from 4,415 sexually active men (mean age 48 years) and women (mean age 45 years) who participated in a nationally representative survey in 2005. Cross-sectional associations of overall health and physical and mental health problems with sexual dysfunctions in the last year were estimated by logistic regression-derived, confounder-adjusted odds ratios (OR(adj) ). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We calculated OR(adj) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia, premature ejaculation, and dyspareunia in men, for lubrication insufficiency, anorgasmia, dyspareunia, and vaginismus in women, and for sexual dysfunction and sexual difficulties overall in both sexes. RESULTS Sexual dysfunction was significantly more common among participants with poor self-rated health (OR(adj) 1.86, 95% CI 1.05-3.33 in men, OR(adj) 1.91, 1.08-3.37 in women). Physical health problems were significantly associated with male sexual dysfunctions (OR(adj) 1.75, 1.18-2.61), whereas mental health problems were significantly associated with female sexual dysfunctions (OR(adj) 2.59, 1.60-4.22). CONCLUSION Among sexually active Danes, poor self-reported overall health is associated with increased rates of sexual dysfunction in both sexes, with physical health problems mainly affecting men's sex lives, and mental health problems being strongly associated with female sexual dysfunction.
Collapse
|
15
|
Costa RM, Brody S. Immature Defense Mechanisms Are Associated with Lesser Vaginal Orgasm Consistency and Greater Alcohol Consumption before Sex. J Sex Med 2010; 7:775-86. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01559.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|