Physical,Mental and Sexual Health Among Transgender Women: A Comparative Study Among Operated Transgender and Cisgender Women in a National Tertiary Referral Network

BackgroundFew studies have investigated how physical, mental and sexual function are associated with each other in operated transgender women (oTW).AimTo provide information on the physical, mental and sexual health of oTW in comparison with a group of cisgender women (cisW).MethodsAn age-matched control study was carried out, recruiting 125 oTW in 7 national referral centers and 80 volunteer women. Beck Depression Inventory Primary Care (BDI-PC), General Health Survey (SF-36), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and operated Male to Female Sexual Function Index (oMtFSI) questionnaires were web-based administered. Data included: age, area of origin, educational level, sexual orientation, years since surgery and hormone therapy.OutcomesT-test was applied to inspect mean score differences between oTW and cisW, in mental, sexual and physical health; simple correlations and multiple regression analysis revealed how mental, sexual and physical health were concurrently associated in the two groupsResultsResponse rate 60% (52% oTW, 71% cisW). oTW mean age 38.5 years (SD = 9.3), cisW 37.7 years (SD = 11.5). Both cisW and oTW reported average values in the range of mental, physical and sexual health. Statistical comparisons revealed no significant group differences in mental and physical health. oTW who referred a worse sexual function also reported worse overall mental well-being and higher levels of depressive symptoms. FSFI scores were negatively associated with years since surgery, but not with age. Multiple regression analysis showed that FSFI Pain accounted for a significant unique variance proportion of risk of depression in oTW. FSFI Sexual Pain was the strongest estimator of inter-individual differences in BDI-PC among oTW (P < .01).Clinical ImplicationsNo significant differences in the levels of depressive symptoms, physical and mental well- being were found in oTW and cis-W. The relation between depressive symptoms and sexual function in oTW is stronger than in cisW, and sexual pain substantially predicts risk of depression in oTW.Strengths & LimitationsThe evaluation of outcomes using validated questionnaires and the relatively large sample size. The convenience control group reported mental, physical and sexual health levels within the range of Italian normative data. Since this is a cross-sectional study, we must be careful in drawing conclusions from our results.ConclusionsSexual pain and lubrication difficulties are the main causes of worse sexual function in oTW, highlighting the importance of perioperative counseling to make surgical expectations realistic and to educate to a proper neovagina management.Vedovo F, Di Blas L, Aretusi F, et al. Physical, Mental and Sexual Health Among Transgender Women. A comparative Study Among Operated Transgender and Cisgender Women in a National Tertiary Referral Network. J Sex Med Rev 2021;18:982–989.     

A profile of adolescent females with a history of sexual assault in texas: familial environment, risk behaviors, and health status

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and correlates of sexual assault among adolescent females. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: A university family planning clinic in south Texas. PARTICIPANTS: Female adolescents <18 years who initiated care at a university family planning clinic in south Texas between June 28, 1992, and April 28, 1994. The adolescents' lifetime sexual assault experience. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Of the 791 adolescents interviewed, 167 (21%) reported a history of sexual assault. Sexual assault was found to be highly associated with multiple risky behaviors and depressive symptoms. Among assaulted adolescents, nonsexual risk behaviors (e.g., substance use) were more common among those who also experienced physical assault than among those who did not. Sexual risk behaviors (e.g., earlier age at sexual debut) and related gynecological infections (e.g., STDs) were more prevalent among women reporting forced sexual intercourse than in those who reported molestation only. Furthermore, adolescents assaulted by a stranger had participated in the most risky behaviors and reported the worst health status, while those assaulted by a date/acquaintance reported higher rates of inconsistent condom use and gynecological infections but lower rates of substance use and depressive symptoms than those assaulted by a family member. CONCLUSION: A deeper understanding of the links between the characteristics of assault, risk behaviors, and health conditions may provide opportunities to design more individualized interventions.     

Minority Stress and Sexual Functioning Among African American Women With At-Risk Partners in South Los Angeles

BackgroundPreliminary evidence indicates that acute and chronic psychological stress affect sexual arousal and satisfaction. African American women, in particular, are vulnerable to the impacts of gender- and race-related stress, given their socially constructed identities as African Americans and as women.AimWe examined associations between minority stress and sexual function using data from 248 African American women.MethodsSurveys were conducted with 248 African American women in South LA with male partners at risk for acquiring HIV. We analyzed self-reports on (i) stress indicators: chronic burden, perceived racism/sexism, and histories of trauma/sexual abuse; (ii) Female Sexual Function Index domains: desire, arousal, and satisfaction; and (iii) potential moderators: social support and spirituality. We used multiple regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors, to examine the relationships between stress indictors, potential moderators, and sexual function domains. Outcomes: The outcomes were the female sexual function index domains of desire, arousal, and satisfaction.ResultsThis largely low-income sample experienced significant chronic and acute stressors, was highly spiritual and reported strong social support. Moderate-high chronic burden and increasing sexism scores were independently associated with decreased arousal (B = -0.38, 95%CI = -0.75, -0.02) and satisfaction (B = -0.03, 95%CI = -0.06, 0.00) scores, respectively.Clinical ImplicationsProviders may want to explore chronic burden in patients who complain about low sexual arousal. Additionally, to develop effective HIV- and other STI-related interventions that impact behaviors that can confer sexual risk, prevention strategies are needed that either reduce contextual stressors or mitigate their impact.StrengthsStrengths of this research are that it focuses on sexual function among previously under-studied, low-income African American women and that it takes into account the unique set of stressors faced by these women.LimitationsA limitation is that the sample size may have been too small to capture the effects of potential moderators.ConclusionsLow-income African American women accumulate life stressors that may harm sexual function.Schrode K, Poareo E, Li M, et al. Minority Stress and Sexual Functioning Among African American Women With At-Risk Partners in South Los Angeles. J Sex Med 2022;19:603–612.     

Characterizing Multiple Perpetrator Sexual Assaults in the Adolescent Female Population

Study ObjectiveTo determine whether differences exist between the acute presentations and post-assault needs of youth presenting to an emergency department (ED) following multiple perpetrator sexual assault (MPSA) compared with those presenting after single perpetrator sexual assault.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of all female adolescents evaluated in an urban pediatric ED between 2014 and 2021 for acute sexual assault was conducted. Demographic characteristics and assault outcomes were assessed using bivariate analyses.ResultsSurvivors of MPSA were not more likely than survivors of single perpetrator assaults to be diagnosed with an anal-genital injury or sexually transmitted infection but were more likely to re-present in the subsequent year for an emergent mental health concern (31% vs 11%, P = .001), including suicide attempt (6% vs 1%, P = .022).ConclusionThe high rate of subsequent ED visits for mental health concerns among female adolescent survivors of MPSA highlights the need for providing specialized support to this population.     

History of Sexual and Physical Abuse in Women with Dyspareunia: Association with Pain,Psychosocial Adjustment,and Sexual Functioning

AimDyspareunia is a women's sexual health problem that still often goes undiagnosed despite its high prevalence and its detrimental impact on sexual, relationship, and psychological adjustment. Although sexual and physical abuse may constitute risk factors for the development of dyspareunia, the effects of past abuse on current pain and associated sexual and psychosocial impairments have never been examined. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the relation between a history of sexual and physical abuse and a series of pain, psychological, dyadic, and sexual functioning variables in a sample of women with dyspareunia.MethodsA hundred and fifty-one women took part in the study via health professional referrals and advertisements in local newspapers. Each participant underwent a standardized gynecological examination and a structured interview in order to confirm the diagnosis of dyspareunia. They also completed self-report questionnaires investigating past sexual and physical abuse, in addition to current pain, psychosocial adjustment, and sexual functioning. Dependent measures included: (i) The Brief Symptom Inventory; (ii) the Sexual History Form; and (iii) the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale. Pain was assessed via the McGill Pain Questionnaire and a visual analogue scale.ResultsResults revealed that a history of sexual abuse involving penetration was associated with poorer psychological adjustment and sexual functioning. Additionally, findings showed that women who perceived a link between their dyspareunia and their past sexual abuse reported worse sexual functioning than those who did not. Finally, the experience of sexual abuse was not associated with pain intensity and physical abuse was not associated with any of the outcome measures.ConclusionsFindings suggest that the presence of a sexual abuse history in women with dyspareunia is associated with increased psychological distress and sexual impairment, although there is no relation between a history of physical abuse and these outcomes. Leclerc B, Bergeron S, Binik YM, and Khalifé S. History of sexual and physical abuse in women with dyspareunia: Association with pain, psychosocial adjustment and sexual functioning.     

Results from a Secondary Data Analysis Regarding Satisfaction with Health Care among African American Women Living with HIV/AIDS

ObjectiveTo analyze satisfaction with health care among African American women living with HIV/AIDS.DesignSecondary analysis of baseline data of African American women who participated in Protect and Respect, a sexual risk reduction program for women living with HIV/AIDSSettingHIV Care Clinic in an urban city in the northeast United States.ParticipantsOne hundred fifty‐seven (157) African American women living with HIV/AIDS.MethodsRegression analyses were used to examine the relationships between demographic variables, self‐reported health characteristics, communication with health care providers, and satisfaction with health care provider.ResultsA majority of women reported satisfaction with medical services (88%, n = 140). Communication with health care providers, detectable viral load, education, income, self‐reported health status, and sexual orientation were significantly bivariately associated with satisfaction with healthcare (all ps < .05). In the multivariate models, no variables significantly predicted satisfaction with healthcare.ConclusionBecause satisfaction with health care can influence the quality of care received, health outcomes, and adherence to provider recommendations among patients living with HIV/AIDS, health care providers’ ability to elicit satisfaction from their patients is just as important as the services they provide. This project is one of the first studies to find high rates of satisfaction with health care among African American women living with HIV/AIDS. Further examination of satisfaction with health care among African American women living HIV/AIDS may help in narrowing health care disparities and negative treatment outcomes.     

Prevalence and correlates of recent vaginal douching among African American adolescent females

Study ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence and correlates of vaginal douching among urban African American adolescents and to examine the association between douching and sexually transmitted infection (STI) status.DesignDemographic, psychosocial, and behavioral data were collected through cross-sectional, self-administered surveys. Self-collected vaginal swabs were assayed using nucleic acid amplification tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.SettingSexual health clinic in a large metropolitan area of the southeastern United States.ParticipantsAfrican American females (N = 701), ages 14–20, participating in a human immunodeficiency virus prevention intervention.Main Outcome MeasureThe outcome of interest was the association between vaginal douching (lifetime, past 90 days, and past 7 days) with demographic characteristics (eg, age, education, and socioeconomic status), physical and mental health status, STI status, sexual behavior (eg, number of vaginal sexual partners, age of sex partners, consistent condom use in the past 90 days, sex while self/partner was high on drugs or alcohol), and psychosocial characteristics (eg, sexual adventurism, social support, peer norms, sexual satisfaction, self-efficacy for sex refusal, self-esteem, relationship power, risk avoidance).ResultsForty-three percent reported ever douching, and 29% reported douching in the past 90 days. In bivariate analyses, recent douching was associated with demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial variables, but not current STI status. In multivariate analyses, recent douching was associated with age (odds ratio [AOR] = 1.13, confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.25), lower socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.25, CI = 1.05–1.47), and having sex with much older partners (AOR = 1.87, CI = 1.22–2.86).ConclusionIncreased age, lower socioeconomic status, and older partners may be salient risk factors for douching behavior among African American young women.     

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PAIN: Sexual Functioning in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: The Role of Anxiety and Depression

IntroductionChronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is a long lasting and often disabling condition. It seems reasonable to expect that as a result of the pain, extreme fatigue and/or emotional problems, women with CPP may report a variety of sexual problems.AimThe present study investigated differences in the report of sexual problems in women with CPP compared with healthy controls, and whether the association of CPP with sexual problems was moderated or mediated by somatic and psychological factors as manifested in women suffering from CPP.MethodOne hundred fifty-four women with CPP and 58 age-matched controls completed self-report measures for sexual functioning, pain, physical impairment, anxiety, depression, and sexual and physical abuse.Main Outcome MeasureGolombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction.ResultsWomen with CPP reported higher levels of vaginistic complaints, sexual avoidance, nonsensuality and sexual dissatisfaction than healthy controls. Sexual problems were associated with anxiety, depression, and sexual abuse history but not with somatic factors as pain and physical impairment. Anxiety as well as depression, irrespective of the report of sexual abuse experiences, mediated the effect of CPP on sexual problems. Sexual abuse was a general predictor of sexual problems in both women with CPP and controls.ConclusionsAnxiety and depression constitute important factors in the evaluation of sexual problems in women with CPP. ter Kuile MM, Weijenborg PTM, and Spinhoven P. Sexual functioning in women with chronic pelvic pain: The role of anxiety and depression.     

Differing effects of partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health

This study contrasted the effects of intimate partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health among a sample (N=835) of low-income, ethnically diverse community women. Compared to sexual assault by a previous partner or by a non-intimate partner, sexual assault by a current partner was the strongest predictor of PTSD, stress, and dissociation. Non-intimate partner sexual assault was only a significant predictor of PTSD and only for African American women. These findings suggest that the victim-offender relationship is important when considering the impact of sexual assault. Specifically, sexual assault perpetrated by an intimate partner may be especially traumatic.     

Sexual Health Care for People with Physical Disabilities

BackgroundPeople with physical disabilities make up a large and heterogeneous population, many with specific sexual health needs that differ from the general population.MethodsTo conduct a review of current definitions and statuses relating to the sexual well‐being of people with physical disabilities. Medical, social, and behavioral literature was searched and included to address the specific sexual health needs and disparities in this population.ResultsPeople with physical disabilities encompass a broad population, including those with concomitant mental and cognitive impairments. People with physical disabilities have significant sexual and reproductive health disparities when compared with the general population and higher rates of sexual distress. There are specific sexual health concerns for men and women with physical disabilities and approach to their care needs to be interdisciplinary.ConclusionsSexual health needs for people with physical disabilities should be a priority for healthcare providers. Continued education is essential to ensure disparities and health needs are addressed and treated. Rowen TS, Stein S, and Tepper M. Sexual health care for people with physical disabilities. J Sex Med 2015;12:584–589.     

Sexual function and satisfaction in adults based on the definition of child sexual abuse

IntroductionThe literature shows a discrepancy in the association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and adult sexual function. One of the proposed explanations for this discrepancy is the different ways in which CSA is assessed. While some studies explicitly ask potential participants whether they are sexual abuse survivors, others ask whether participants experienced specific unwanted sexual behaviors.AimThis study investigated the differences between women who self-identified as CSA survivors, women who experienced similar unwanted sexual experiences but did not identify as CSA survivors (NSA), and women with no history of sexual abuse (control). CSA was defined as unwanted touching or penetration of the genitals before the age of 16.MethodsA sample of 699 college students anonymously completed a battery of questionnaires on sexuality and sexual abuse history.Main Outcome MeasuresSexual function was measured with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and sexual satisfaction was measured with the Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Women. History of CSA was measured with a modified version of Carlin and Ward's childhood abuse items.ResultsDifferences emerged between women who experienced sexual abuse before age 16 and women who never experienced sexual abuse (control) on the personal distress subscale of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale. The CSA group (N = 89) reported greater sexual distress compared to the NSA (N = 98) group, and the NSA group reported more distress than the control group (N = 512). No significant group differences were observed in the FSFI. Characteristics of the abuse that predicted whether women identified as CSA survivors included vaginal penetration, fear at the time of the abuse, familial relationship with the perpetrator, and chronic frequency of the abuse. These abuse characteristics were associated with sexual satisfaction but not with sexual function.ConclusionsDifferences in levels of sexual satisfaction between women with and without a history of CSA were associated with the type of CSA definition adopted. It remains unexplained why the CSA group showed more personal distress about their sexuality but not more sexual dysfunction. Rellini A, and Meston C. Sexual function and satisfaction in adults based on the definition of child sexual abuse.     

Sexual violence in women's lives. Findings from the Women's Safety Project,a community-based survey

This paper presents a community-based study, which aims to determine the interconnections between women's experiences of sexual abuse in childhood, sexual assault in adulthood, and physical assault in intimate relationships in Toronto, Canada. An in-depth face-to-face interview was conducted with 420 women who comprised the random sample of the women living in Toronto, Canada. Findings on the prevalence and effects of various forms of sexual abuse and violence revealed that 97.6% of the woman interviewed reported that they personally experienced some form of sexual violation. Sexual abuse in childhood (including incest), sexual assault, sexual harassment, and physical assault in intimate relationships were documented. Among the findings were that one-fourth of the women in the sample were physically assaulted by a male intimate, one-half of the women reported being raped or almost raped, and nearly half of the respondents reported experiencing some kind of sexual abuse before reaching age 16.     

Examining Links between Sexual Risk Behaviors and Dating Violence Involvement as a Function of Sexual Orientation

Study ObjectiveTo examine the association between dating violence perpetration and victimization and sexually risky behaviors among sexual minority and heterosexual adolescent girls.DesignAdolescent girls reported on sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, and risk-taking, and their use of, and experience with, dating violence in the past year. Data were analyzed using multinomial regression adjusted for race, poverty, living in a single parent household, and gender of current partner to examine (1) whether sexual minority status was associated with sexual risk behaviors after sociodemographic correlates of sexual risk were controlled; and (2) whether dating violence context accounted for elevated risk.SettingUrban, population-based sample of girls interviewed in the home.Participants1,647 adolescent girls (38% European American, 57% African American, and 5% other) aged 17 years. Over one-third of the sample lived in poverty.InterventionsNone.Main Outcome MeasureSexual risk-taking.ResultsSexual minority status differentiated girls engaging in high sexual risk-taking from those reporting none, after controlling for sociodemographic and relationship characteristics. Dating violence perpetration and victimization made unique additional contributions to this model and did not account for the elevated risk conferred by sexual minority status.ConclusionsSexual minority girls (SMGs) were more likely than heterosexual girls to report high sexual risk-taking and teen dating violence victimization. As with heterosexual girls, sexual risk-taking among SMGs was compounded by dating violence, which was not explained by partner gender. Adolescent girls' risky sexual behavior may be reduced by interventions for teen dating violence regardless of sexual minority status.     

Physical and Mental Health Problems and Their Associations With Inter-Personal Sexual Inactivity and Sexual Dysfunctions in Denmark: Baseline Assessment in a National Cohort Study

BackgroundPhysical and mental health are important to sexual function and wellbeing. Yet, associations of ill-health with sexual inactivity and dysfunctions are scarcely researched at population level.AimTo explore and document associations of self-rated health and physical and mental health problems with inter-personal sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunctions.MethodsWe used data from a probability-based, nationally representative sample of 60,958 sexually experienced Danes aged 15–89 years who participated in the 2017–18 Project SEXUS cohort study. Logistic regression analyses provided demographically weighted odds ratios for associations between health measures and sexual outcomes adjusted for partner status and other potential confounders.OutcomesInter-personal sexual inactivity and a range of male and female sexual dysfunctions.ResultsInter-personal sexual inactivity was more common among individuals with bad or very bad self-rated health compared to peers rating their health as good or very good (men: adjusted odds ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.66–2.25; women: 1.66, 1.42–1.94). Individuals rating their health as bad or very bad were also consistently more likely to report sexual dysfunctions, with associated statistically significant adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.66 to 6.38 in men and from 2.25 to 3.20 in women. Patient groups at high risk of sexual dysfunctions comprised individuals afflicted by cardiovascular diseases, pain conditions, diabetes, gastrointestinal and liver diseases, cancer, skin diseases, nervous system diseases, gynecological diseases, benign prostatic hyperplasia, other physical health problems, stress, anxiety, affective disorders, self-injury or suicide ideation and attempts, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychoses and other mental health problems.Clinical ImplicationsThese findings warrant heightened awareness among healthcare professionals, public health promoters and researchers concerning insufficiently appreciated sexual challenges among individuals with poor health.Strengths & LimitationsThe major strengths of our investigation include the large size of the study cohort, the detailed assessment of health-related variables, potential confounders and sexual outcomes, and the fact that we provide new population-based knowledge about less common and sparsely researched sexual dysfunctions and diseases. Limitations of our study include its cross-sectional nature and its modest response rate (35%).ConclusionFindings from our large and nationally representative cohort study provide evidence that poor self-rated health and a range of specific physical and mental health problems are associated with statistically significantly increased rates of inter-personal sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunctions.Bahnsen MK, Graugaard C, Andersson M, et al. Physical and Mental Health Problems and Their Associations With Inter-Personal Sexual Inactivity and Sexual Dysfunctions in Denmark: Baseline Assessment in a National Cohort Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:1562–1579.     

Understanding Sexual Help-Seeking for Women With Breast Cancer: What Distinguishes Women Who Seek Help From Those Who Do Not?

BackgroundSexual problems are extremely common for women after breast cancer (BC).AimTo determine, in a sample of BC outpatients, how commonly women sought help for sexual concerns, from a health care provider (HCP), from other individuals, or from alternate sources; and to examine whether help-seeking was associated with women's sexual function/activity, self-efficacy for clinical communication about sexual health, or sociodemographic/medical characteristics.MethodsBC patients participating in a sexual/menopausal health communication intervention trial completed web-based baseline self-report surveys. One-way analysis of variances compared effects of the level of sexual help-seeking (none; 1 outlet; 2–3 outlets) on sexual function domains. Chi-square or t-tests compared women seeking help with those not seeking help on other study variables.Main Outcome MeasuresPatient-reported outcome instruments assessed sexual help-seeking (past month), sexual function and activity (PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Brief Profile Version 2.0), and self-efficacy (confidence) for communicating with their BC clinician about sexual health.Results144 women (mean age = 56.0 years; 62% partnered; 67% white; 27% black/African American; 4% Hispanic/Latina; 15% stage IV) participated in this study. 49% of women sought help for sexual concerns, most often from intimate partners, family and/or friends (42%), followed by HCPs (24%), or online/print materials (19%); very few women (n = 4; 3%) sought help only from a HCP. Women seeking help were younger and more likely to be partnered and sexually active than those not seeking help. Sexual function was impaired for all domains but was most impaired for sexual interest. Among sexually active women, those seeking help from 2 to 3 sources reported worse sexual function in certain domains (sexual interest, lubrication, vaginal discomfort, vulvar discomfort–labial, satisfaction). Women seeking help from outlets other than HCPs had significantly lower self-efficacy than those who did not.Clinical ImplicationsBC patients with access to a partner and who are sexually active but find sex unsatisfying, uncomfortable, or lack interest may be in particular need of sexual help. Further, women may turn to outlets other than HCPs for sexual help partly because they lack the confidence to do so with a HCP. Sexual health information should be made available to women's partners, family, and friends, so they may effectively discuss such issues if needed.Strengths & LimitationsStrengths of the study included examination of a range of sexual function domains and a theoretical construct in relation to BC patients' sexual help-seeking and a medically diverse sample. Limitations include a cross-sectional design.ConclusionWomen treated for BC should receive accurate and timely sexual health information.Reese JB, Sorice KA, Pollard W, et al. Understanding Sexual Help-Seeking for Women With Breast Cancer: What Distinguishes Women Who Seek Help From Those Who Do Not? J Sex Med 2020;17:1729–1739.     

Lack of Evidence for a Relationship Between Salivary CRP and Women's Sexual Desire: An Investigation Across Clinical and Healthy Samples

BackgroundInflammation has been linked to a variety of mental and physical health outcomes that disproportionately impact women, and which can impair sexual function; thus, there is reason to expect a link between inflammation and women's sexual functioning.AimTo test the hypothesis that higher concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), a general biomarker of inflammation, would predict women's lower sexual desire.MethodAs 2 independent research teams, we conducted 3 separate studies (total n = 405) that assessed salivary CRP and various measurements of sexual desire in different women populations.OutcomesFemale Sexual Function Index, Sexual Desire Inventory-2, Decreased Sexual Desire Screener, and Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory.ResultsRegardless of the way sexual desire was measured (e.g., state vs trait; general desire vs. desire functioning) and the population sampled (i.e., healthy vs. clinically diagnosed with sexual dysfunction), all the studies revealed null results.Clinical ImplicationsWhile exploratory, the convergence of these null results across studies and researchers suggests that if there is an association between inflammation and women's sexual desire, it is likely very subtle.Strengths & LimitationsAcross 2 independent research teams, 3 unrelated studies, and various measurements of sexual desire, results were consistent. These points lend to the generalizability of the results. However, study designs were cross-sectional.ConclusionsFuture research may reveal (i) a non-linear threshold effect, such that inflammation does not begin to impact women's sexual desire until it is at a high level, (ii) inflammatory biomarkers other than CRP might be more sensitive in detecting associations between inflammation and desire, should they exist, or (iii) the mechanisms underlying sexual dysfunction may differ between sexes.Clephane K, et al. Lack of Evidence for a Relationship Between Salivary CRP and Women's Sexual Desire: An Investigation Across Clinical and Healthy Samples. J Sex Med 2022;19:745–760.