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Virkkunen V, Kero K, Koivisto M, Niiranen T, Heinonen O, Stenholm S, Polo‐Kantola P. Associations between arterial health and sexual function in women aged 60-64 years. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:1132-1141. [PMID: 38482868 PMCID: PMC11103145 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14826] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Female sexual dysfunction is very common, but its determinants remain under-investigated. Vasculogenic impairments are suggested to be related to female sexual dysfunction, but previous literature regarding the association is scarce. This study aims to study the association between arterial health and female sexual function in women in their 60s. MATERIAL AND METHODS The sample for this cross-sectional study comprised 117 women (aged 60-64 years) who participated in the Finnish Retirement and Aging study. Arterial health was measured according to the participants' pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index, blood pressure, and pulse pressure. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index, which resulted in a total score and six sub-scores. Associations were examined using multivariable regression analyses, which were adjusted for age, relationship happiness, systemic menopausal hormone therapy and/or local estrogen, smoking, alcohol risk use, body mass index, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS Higher diastolic blood pressure was associated with a higher total Female Sexual Function Index score (β = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07-0.41) and with higher desire (β = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.04), arousal (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.08), lubrication (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.002-0.08), satisfaction (β = 0.03, 95% CI 0.003-0.05), and pain (β = 0.06, 95% CI 0.02-0.10) sub-scores. Also, higher ankle-brachial index was associated with higher satisfaction sub-score (β = 2.10, 95% CI 0.44-3.73) and lower pulse pressure was associated with higher orgasm sub-score (β = 0.03, 95% CI 0.0002-0.06). Other associations between ankle-brachial index and Female Sexual Function Index scores were statistically insignificant, but considering the magnitude the findings may imply clinical significance. Systolic blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were not associated with sexual function. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested a plausible association between higher diastolic blood pressure and female sexual function, but considering clinical significance our findings suggest an association between higher ankle-brachial index and good sexual function in women in their 60s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viivi Virkkunen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTurku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Katja Kero
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTurku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Mari Koivisto
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Teemu Niiranen
- Department of Internal MedicineTurku University Hospital, University of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Department of Public Health SolutionsFinnish Institute for Health and WelfareHelsinkiFinland
| | - Olli Heinonen
- Paavo Nurmi Center & Unit for Health and Physical ActivityUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Sari Stenholm
- Department of Public HealthTurku University Hospital, University of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Center for Population Health ResearchTurku University Hospital, University of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Research ServicesTurku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Päivi Polo‐Kantola
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTurku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
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Behn M, Kielhofner J, Panicker JN, Kaplan TB. Sexual dysfunction and commonly used drugs in neurology. Pract Neurol 2024; 24:207-214. [PMID: 38212111 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-003760] [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] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is common in men and women with neurological diseases. Medications used in neurology can cause sexual dysfunction independently of the disease process and this may adversely affect patients' quality of life. This review focuses on medications commonly prescribed to neurological patients that may contribute to altered sexual function, and discusses how they may differ in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Behn
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jalesh N Panicker
- Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Tamara B Kaplan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Dilixiati D, Cao R, Mao Y, Li Y, Dilimulati D, Azhati B, Rexiati M. Association between cardiovascular disease and risk of female sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2024; 31:782-800. [PMID: 38297501 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwae042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a considerably underestimated condition. It has been repeatedly reported that patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) may suffer from an increased risk of FSD. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic evaluation of various CVD and FSD. We aimed to elucidate the association between CVD and FSD through a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to 28 February 2023. We identified all relevant studies reporting the risk of FSD in subjects with or without CVD. The associations between CVD and the risk of FSD were assessed by calculating pooled odds ratios (ORs) (cross-sectional studies) and risk ratios (RRs) (longitudinal studies) with 95% CIs. We employed random-effects models to account for potential heterogeneity, and the quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Fifty-four articles with 148 946 individuals were included in our meta-analysis. Compared with control subjects, subjects with CVD had a 1.51-fold increased risk of FSD (OR 1.51 95% CI, 1.34-1.69, P < 0.001, heterogeneity I2 = 91.4%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that the association between CVD and FSD remained significant in longitudinal studies (RR 1.50 95% CI, 1.21-1.86, P < 0.001, heterogeneity I2 = 86.7%, P < 0.001). Particularly, hypertension (OR 1.41 95% CI, 1.23-1.62, P < 0.001, heterogeneity I2 = 82.7%, P < 0.001), stroke (OR 1.81 95% CI, 1.54-2.12, P < 0.001, heterogeneity I2 = 0%, P < 0.423), and myocardial infarction (OR 2.07 95% CI, 1.60-2.67, P < 0.001 heterogeneity I2 = 82.4%, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with FSD. Meta-regression revealed that the primary sources of heterogeneity in FSD are attributable to adjustments for covariates, study design, and study population. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis indicated that patients with CVD suffer from a greater risk of developing FSD. Meanwhile, we validated these findings in longitudinal queues. Notably, conditions such as hypertension, stroke, and myocardial infarction demonstrated a significant association with the incidence of FSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diliyaer Dilixiati
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
- Xinjiang Clinical Medical Research Center of Urogenital Diseases, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Ruotong Cao
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
- Xinjiang Clinical Medical Research Center of Urogenital Diseases, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Yishen Mao
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
- Xinjiang Clinical Medical Research Center of Urogenital Diseases, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
- Xinjiang Clinical Medical Research Center of Urogenital Diseases, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Daniyaer Dilimulati
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
- Xinjiang Clinical Medical Research Center of Urogenital Diseases, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Baihetiya Azhati
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
- Xinjiang Clinical Medical Research Center of Urogenital Diseases, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
| | - Mulati Rexiati
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
- Xinjiang Clinical Medical Research Center of Urogenital Diseases, No. 137, Li Yushan South Road, Xinshi district, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830054, China
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Armeni A, Armeni E, Augoulea A, Delialis D, Angelidakis L, Papaioannou M, Kaparos G, Alexandrou A, Georgopoulos N, Vlahos N, Stamatelopoulos K, Lambrinoudaki I. Sexual function scores are associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. J Sex Med 2024; 21:145-152. [PMID: 38048636 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad158] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has been suggested to be correlated with the burden of cardiovascular risk factors. AIM We aimed to evaluate the possible association between functional indices of vascular function and FSD scores in apparently healthy postmenopausal women. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 116 postmenopausal women who underwent assessment of endothelial function with measurement of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the branchial artery and arterial stiffness estimation with measurement of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). We used the Greene Climacteric Scale to evaluate vasomotor symptomatology, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to evaluate FSD and the Beck Depression Inventory to evaluate mood disorder. Low sexual function was defined as an FSFI score <26.55. OUTCOMES These included FSFI and low sexual function scores as well as measures of PWV and FMD. RESULTS Sexual function scores were associated with measures of blood pressure (normal vs low sexual function; systolic blood pressure: 120.2 ± 15.0 mm Hg vs 113.4 ± 14.6 mm Hg; analysis of covariance P = .026; diastolic blood pressure: 75.9 ± 10.5 mm Hg vs 70.3 ± 9.9 mm Hg; analysis of covariance P = .012; both adjusted for age, body mass index, current smoking, and PWV). Systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic blood pressure, was associated with FSFI (B = 0.249, P = .041) and PWV (B = 0.392, P < .001). PWV measures were associated with FSFI (B = -0.291, P = .047) and pulse pressure (B = 0.355, P = .017). FMD measures were also associated with FSFI (B = 0.427, P = .033). All models were adjusted for age, body mass index, current smoking, insulin resistance, vasomotor symptomatology, and Beck Depression Inventory. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Our findings demonstrate that lower scores of sexual function are associated with deteriorated vascular function mainly manifested as arterial stiffening, further contributing to systolic blood pressure changes. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The strength of this study is the carefully selected healthy sample of postmenopausal women, with simultaneous assessment of climacteric symptomatology and mood disorders. The limitations include the small sample size, the cross-sectional design, and the recruitment of consecutive outpatients of a university menopause clinic. CONCLUSION Longitudinal studies and interventions to improve FSD should further assess the clinical relevance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Armeni
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School, GR-26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Armeni
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieio Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
- Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Medical School, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
| | - Areti Augoulea
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieio Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Delialis
- Laboratory of Vascular Pathophysiology, Department of Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Lasthenis Angelidakis
- Laboratory of Vascular Pathophysiology, Department of Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Papaioannou
- Laboratory of Vascular Pathophysiology, Department of Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - George Kaparos
- Biochemical Laboratory, Aretaieio Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Alexandrou
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieio Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Neoklis Georgopoulos
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School, GR-26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Nicolaos Vlahos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieio Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Laboratory of Vascular Pathophysiology, Department of Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Lambrinoudaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieio Hospital, University of Athens, GR-11528 Athens, Greece
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