Phosphodiesterase inhibitors in female sexual dysfunction

Based on the increasing knowledge on both the physiology of penile erection and the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction, selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors have been successfully introduced in the oral treatment of male erectile dysfunction. Because of their central role in smooth muscle tone regulation, PDEs remain an attractive target for drug development in urology. Since the distribution and functional significance of PDE isoenzymes vary in different tissues, selective inhibitors of the isoenzymes have the potential to exert at least partially specific effects on the target tissue. Currently, PDE inhibitors are under investigation with potential uses in urinary stone disease, overactive bladder and the so-called benign prostatic syndrome. The convincing clinical data on the use of the orally active PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil (VIAGRA), vardenafil (LEVITRA) and tadalafil (CIALIS) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction are accompanied by boosting research activities on intracellular signal transduction and PDE characterisation in female genital tissues with the aid of immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry and molecular biology. The expression of various PDE isoforms in the human clitoris, vagina and labia minora was shown by means of immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analyses and it was concluded from functional studies that an increase in cGMP or cAMP might be involved in the regulation of female genital blood flow and the control of genital non-vascular smooth muscle. As a consequence, the efficacy and safety of the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil in the treatment of symptoms of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), including female sexual arousal disorders (FSAD), have been evaluated. Although the experiences from these early clinical studies have so far not been conclusive, they suggest that, after appropriate evaluation of patients, inhibition of PDE5 might be of benefit for selected individuals with FSAD. Such research efforts will possibly allow the identification of efficacious and diagnostic tools for erectile dysfunction and of even more selective drugs in its therapy.     

女性性功能障碍的常见病因

女性的性功能障碍是一种常见和多发疾病,给夫妻生活带来显著的不良影响,而明确其病因是合理诊治的基础。本文介绍了女性性功能障碍的常见病因,主要包括心理与社会因素、神经因素、性激素异常、疾病因素、药物因素和产后。     

Lifestyle/dietary recommendations for erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction

Sexual problems are diffuse in both genders. Although epidemiologic evidence seems to support a role for lifestyle factors in erectile dysfunction, limited data are available suggesting the treatment of underlying risk factors may improve erectile dysfunction. The results are sparse regarding associations between lifestyle factors and female sexual dysfunction, and conclusions regarding influence of healthy behaviors on female sexual dysfunction cannot be made before more studies have been performed. Beyond the specific effects on sexual dysfunctions in men and women, adoption of these measures promotes a healthier life and increased well-being, which may help reduce the burden of sexual dysfunction.     

女性性功能障碍的治疗进展

随着社会的进步和性医学的发展,女性性功能障碍的治疗水平不断提高。本文综述了女性性功能障碍的基本治疗方法,包括心理治疗、性行为疗法、机械治疗、生活方式调整和体育锻炼、针灸、药物、手术及基因治疗,提出要客观认识现有治疗手段的局限性,强调以患者为中心的综合治疗原则,以及加强患者认知教育,全面改善女性性功能障碍的治疗现状。     

Female sexual dysfunction

Female sexual dysfunction is a common problem with detrimental effects on woman’s quality of life. It also has an economical and societal impact. It is defined as disorders of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain, which lead to personal distress. The etiology of sexual dysfunction is frequently multifactorial as it relates to general physical and mental well-being, quality of relationship, past sexual functioning, social class, education, employment, life stressors, personality factors, the presence of a sexual partner, and partner’s age and health. It is very important to adopt the most efficient approach to gather information, and this may be achieved via standardized questionnaires or open-ended questions. Therapy should be tailored according to the patient’s needs and may involve a multidisciplinary team approach including psychosexual counselor/sexologist/therapist and the physician. There is still more work needed to optimize the care of women with this problem. Priority should be given to international standardization and training of health care professionals.     

The effects of bilateral caudal epidural S2–4 neuromodulation on female sexual function

This is a pilot study to evaluate the effects of caudal epidural S2–4 neuromodulation on female sexual function in a population of women with voiding dysfunction. We prospectively studied 36 consecutive female patients who underwent caudal epidural sacral neuromodulation. Patients received the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Six months after permanent implantation, the overall score on the FSFI improved by 52% (p = 0.05). Results were better in patients who underwent the treatment for voiding dysfunction compared to those who had pain as their primary complaint. In this group, the overall score improved by 157% (p = 0.004). Stimulation of S2–4 by bilateral caudal epidural neuromodulation in this small group of women with voiding dysfunction, retention, and/or pelvic pain resulted in self-reported improvements in sexual function. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of S2–4 sacral stimulation in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction.     

Practice patterns of physician members of the American Urogynecologic Society regarding female sexual dysfunction: results of a national survey

The purpose of the study was to evaluate practice patterns of members of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) with respect to female sexual dysfunction (FSD). A brief self-administered survey of 20 questions was mailed to 966 physician members of the AUGS in the United States of America and Canada; 471 surveys were returned (49% response rate). The majority of responders see urogynecology (19%) or urogynecology and general gynecology patients (43%). Sixty-eight percent of physicians were familiar with questionnaires to assess FSD; however, only 13% said they use these for screening purposes. Most said they believed screening for FSD was somewhat (47%) or very important (42%). Despite having these beliefs, only 22% of the responding physicians stated they always screen for FSD, while 55% do so most of the time and 23% admitted they never or rarely screen. Similar results were obtained regarding screening following urogynecologic surgery. Several barriers to screening for FSD existed, the most common being lack of time. The majority of respondents (69%) underestimated the prevalence of FSD in their patient population. Finally, although more than half of responders had received post-residency training in urogynecology (59%), 50% of them stated the training with respect to FSD was unsatisfactory, while only 10% were satisfied. Overall, many urogynecologists do not consistently screen for FSD, underestimate its prevalence, and feel they received unsatisfactory training.     

Female sexual dysfunction, voiding symptoms and depression: common findings in partners of men with erectile dysfunction

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), urinary symptoms, and depressive symptoms in female partners of men presenting with erectile dysfunction (ED). A multi-component questionnaire was administered to female partners of men with erectile dysfunction presenting to a urology center. It contained a standardized sexual function component (the Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women), a depression scale (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression, CES-D), a demographics questionnaire and a general medical questionnaire. A total of 73 consecutive female partners of male patients presenting with ED, were surveyed using the questionnaire at their counterpart’s visit. Fifty-two women responded, of whom 50 filled out the questionnaire adequately for proper evaluation. This indicated a response rate of 68% (50/73). The mean age was 44.8 years (range 20.0–83.0). Thirty-eight of the 50 women (76%) reported being sexually active. A variety of sexual behaviors were reported including 40% (20/50) of women engaging in vaginal intercourse. Sexual dysfunction symptoms included: anxiety/inhibition (26%), hypoactive desire (20%), arousal/lubrication difficulty (30%), orgasmic difficulty (24%), dyspareunia (18%), incontinence during intercourse (8%), and sexual dissatisfaction (34%). Eight women (16%) reported difficulty communicating sexual issues with their partners. Forty-one women (82%) rated sexual activity as an important part of their lives. Urinary symptoms of frequency and urgency were reported by 18/50 (36%). Depressive symptoms were present in 22/50 (44%). FSD disorders, urinary symptoms and depressive symptoms are common in partners of men with erectile dysfunction.     

妇科良性疾病与女性性功能障碍相关性分析

目的探讨妇科良性疾病与女性性功能障碍(FSD)相关性,为防治FSD的发生及防治提供理论依据。方法采用横断面调查方法,选取中等收入城市及农村居民区20岁及其以上女性进行问卷调查,收集其人口学特征及目前所患妇科疾病(经诊断确诊过的疾病)等信息。采用中文版女性性功能量表(FSFI)进行FSD评估,总分小于26.55说明存在FSD。应用多因素非条件Logistic回归模型分析妇科良性疾病与FSD相关性。结果发放问卷1 130份,收回1 068份(回收率94.5%),去除不符合要求问卷80份,共纳入有效问卷988份。988例被访者中妇科良性疾病患者占39.8%(393/988),为患病组,其余为健康组。393例患者中,性功能障碍者占71.2%(280/393),高于健康组性功能障碍患病率(P0.05)。与健康组相比,患病组在总分及性欲、性唤起、性高潮方面的评分分值均较健康组低(P0.05)。多因素非条件Logistic回归分析显示,妇科良性疾病、年龄(≥40岁)及绝经是FSD的独立危险因素,较高的教育水平是其保护性因素。结论 FSD是一个重要的公共卫生问题,甘肃省在妇科良性疾病者中FSD现患率较高,应加强性健康教育,降低FSD发生率。     

南京市城区女性性功能障碍的调查

目的:女性性功能障碍(FSD)是影响女性生活质量的常见疾病,有关中国女性FSD的报道少见。本研究探讨南京城区女性FSD的发病情况,为制定中国女性FSD的防治策略提供依据。方法:本研究为回顾性调查,调查对象为2008年8月至2009年3月在南京医科大学附属南京市妇幼保健院进行健康体检的20岁以上女性及其女性陪护人。采用女性性功能指数(FSFI)问卷评估性功能,以FSFI评分总分<25分作为FSD的诊断标准。以各单项评分的中位数作为诊断各类型性功能障碍的标准。结果:共发放问卷1 002份,收回有效问卷609份,有效问卷回收率60.8%。本组女性FSFI得分(24.21±4.40)分,随着年龄增长,FSFI评分及各单项评分逐渐下降。本调查各年龄组总的FSD发生率为56.8%,随年龄增长,FSD发生率逐渐增加,<29岁组为47.1%,30~39岁组为57.0%,40~49组为75.0%,50岁以上高达90.3%。最常见的性功能障碍类型为性满意度下降(43.2%),其次为性高潮障碍(41.7%)、性交疼痛(40.2%)、性欲低下(35.1%)、阴道润滑障碍(31.4%)及性唤起困难(29.6%)。结论:FSD是困扰中国城市女性的常见问题,最常见的类型为性满意度下降及性高潮障碍。     

产妇对产后盆底功能与性功能障碍认知现状调查

目的了解产妇对产后盆底功能与性功能障碍及相关影响因素的认知,探索降低产后女性盆底功能障碍性疾病发生的干预措施。方法对150名产后回院随访的产妇进行产后盆底功能知识问卷调查,并选择其中11名进行半结构式访谈,了解产妇对产后盆底功能与性功能障碍相关认知、问题及影响因素。结果产妇对盆底功能知识总得分为(64.61±10.73)分。得分最高的3个条目为性功能障碍的表现形式、粪失禁会影响患者身心健康、脱垂后有下坠感休息后减轻;得分最低的3个条目为增加腹压来排尿属于女性盆底功能障碍性疾病、排尿不尽感为下尿路功能障碍、疾病锻炼方法。访谈中产妇认为盆底相关知识健康教育来源仅限于孕妇学校及产后出院宣教;对产后性功能关注较少,不了解盆底功能与性功能的相关性。结论产妇对产后性功能障碍、盆底功能及锻炼认知不足;对产后盆底锻炼及产后性生活需求不高,主要受到自身认知、产后哺乳、家庭支持系统及专业指导的影响。护理工作者应对产妇采用多元化盆底功能健康教育,落实效果评价,指导产妇建立产后性生活与盆底功能的正确观念。     

高血压对女性性功能的影响

女性性功能障碍(FSD)是一种与年龄相关的进展性疾病,可能影响多达半数的成年妇女,长期以来,FSD未得到重视.高血压是一种常见病、多发病.高血压及抗高血压药物与FSD有密切关系,其中高血压引起的动脉粥样硬化和内皮功能障碍、抗高血压药物对女性性功能的影响尤为显著,现就高血压对女性性功能的影响机制及研究进展作一综述.     

平凉市中老年男性性功能调查报告

目的 调查平凉市中老年男性性欲低下、勃起功能障碍(erectile dysfunction,ED)、射精障碍的患病情况.方法 采用分层多阶段整群不等比例随机抽样方法,选择城区6个居委会和郊区20个行政村1539名年龄≥50岁男性作为调查对象,分别记录国际勃起功能问卷(IIEF-5)评分及男性性功能问卷(O'Leafy ...     

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese men with chronic prostatitis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in Chinese men with chronic prostatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 2000 men diagnosed as having chronic prostatitis using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Index and analysis of expressed prostatic secretions. The survey was designed to elicit information about age, height, weight, occupation and history of disease and treatment. The erectile capacity of the men was assessed using the five-question version of the International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: Of the 2000 men with chronic prostatitis selected, 1786 completed the survey; the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction in these patients was 49%. The prevalence of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction accounted for 26% and 15%, respectively; 7.7% had both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. There was a negative correlation between prevalence and age, and with the duration of chronic prostatitis (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction in Chinese men with chronic prostatitis is high and related to age.     

Assessment of sexual dysfunction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent condition in ageing men that considerably affects their quality of life, although it is a frequently neglected aspect of healthcare. The main predictors of sexual dysfunction are age and cardiovascular comorbidities such as hypertension, heart disease, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes. Recently, the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has also been identified as a crucial risk factor for sexual dysfunction, independent of age and comorbidities. Despite the increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction with age, health-related problems and psychological factors, there is evidence that many older men remain sexually active. Currently available self-administered questionnaires assessing male sexual dysfunction focus almost exclusively on erectile function. There is evidence from recent large-scale epidemiological studies that ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) is almost as prevalent as erectile dysfunction (ED), affecting nearly half of men aged > or = 50 years. Other domains such as orgasm, desire, and satisfaction with sex life are important and should be considered. There is thus a need to develop and validate more comprehensive and multidimensional instruments for assessing sexual dysfunction in ageing men. A new instrument, the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ), was developed and validated to assess these specific aspects of male sexual dysfunction . It consists of a 25-item self-administered questionnaire including three core domains (erection, ejaculation, satisfaction with sex life) and additional items related to sexual activity, desire and bother related to sexual dysfunction. The MSHQ scale has excellent psychometric properties and is well suited for use in clinical and research settings. A short form of the MSHQ scale is currently under development.     

Success of sildenafil treatment in neurogenic female sexual dysfunction caused by L5-S1 intervertebral disk rupture: A case report

Female sexual dysfunction can be founded by disorders of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain. Physiologic sexual dysfunction can, in many cases, be the result of impaired neurovascular tone to the clitoris and vagina. The vagina and clitoris both contain erectile tissue and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Accordingly, the use of sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, has been studied in relation to neurogenic female sexual dysfunction. The present case report addresses neurogenic female sexual dysfunction from the result of a ruptured L5-S1 intervertebral disk. The patient was treated with sildenafil, and her symptoms were recorded using a Female Sexual Function Index score. Discussion of the use of sildenafil in women, with an emphasis on female neurovascular sexual physiology and function, is reviewed.     

Multiple sclerosis and sexual dysfunction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system characterized by episodic and progressive neurologic dysfunction resulting from inflammatory and autoimmune reactions. The underlying pathogenesis of MS remains largely unclear. However, it is currently accepted as a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Among other clinical manifestations, sexual dysfunction (SD) is a painful but still underreported and underdiagnosed symptom of the disorder. SD in MS patients may result from a complex set of conditions and may be associated with multiple anatomic, physiologic, biologic, medical and psychological factors. SD arises primarily from lesions affecting the neural pathways involved in physiologic function. In addition, psychological factors, the side effects of medications and physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscular weakness, menstrual changes, pain and concerns about bladder and bowel incontinence may also be involved. Since MS primarily affects young people, SD secondary to MS may have a great impact on quality of life. Thus, maintaining a healthy sexual life with MS is an important priority. The treatment of SD requires multidisciplinary teamwork and cooperation among specialists, individual patients, partners and the society.