Sexuality Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2016;38(3):140-146
The aim of this study was to study the effects of Tribulus terrestris on sexual function in menopausal women.
This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that included 60 postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. The women were divided into two groups, placebo group and Tribulus group, and evaluated by using the Sexual Quotient-female version (SQ-F) and Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI) questionnaires.
There was no significant difference between the groups in age, age at menopause, civil status, race, and religion. In the evaluation with the SQ-F questionnaire, there were significant differences between the placebo (7.6±3.2) and Tribulus (10.2±3.2) groups in the domains of desire and sexual interest (p d" 0.001), foreplay (3.3±1.5 versus 4.2±1.0) (p d" 0.01), arousal and harmonious interaction with the partner (5.7±2.1 versus 7.2±2.6) (p d" 0.01), and comfort in sexual intercourse (6.5±2.4 versus 8.0±1.9) (p d" 0.01). There was no significant difference between the placebo and Tribulus groups in the domains of orgasm and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.28). In the FIEI questionnaire, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the domains of vaginal lubrication during coitus and/or foreplay (20 versus 83.3%), sensation in the genitalia during sexual intercourse or other stimuli (16.7 versus 76.7%), sensation in the genital region (20 versus 70%), sexual intercourse and/or other sexual stimulations (13.3 versus 43.3%), and the ability to reach orgasm (20% versus 73.3%). There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups.
After 90 days of treatment, at the doses used, we found Tribulus terrestris to be effective in treating sexual problems among menopausal women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2016;38(3):140-146
The aim of this study was to study the effects of Tribulus terrestris on sexual function in menopausal women.
This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that included 60 postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. The women were divided into two groups, placebo group and Tribulus group, and evaluated by using the Sexual Quotient-female version (SQ-F) and Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI) questionnaires.
There was no significant difference between the groups in age, age at menopause, civil status, race, and religion. In the evaluation with the SQ-F questionnaire, there were significant differences between the placebo (7.6±3.2) and Tribulus (10.2±3.2) groups in the domains of desire and sexual interest (p d" 0.001), foreplay (3.3±1.5 versus 4.2±1.0) (p d" 0.01), arousal and harmonious interaction with the partner (5.7±2.1 versus 7.2±2.6) (p d" 0.01), and comfort in sexual intercourse (6.5±2.4 versus 8.0±1.9) (p d" 0.01). There was no significant difference between the placebo and Tribulus groups in the domains of orgasm and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.28). In the FIEI questionnaire, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the domains of vaginal lubrication during coitus and/or foreplay (20 versus 83.3%), sensation in the genitalia during sexual intercourse or other stimuli (16.7 versus 76.7%), sensation in the genital region (20 versus 70%), sexual intercourse and/or other sexual stimulations (13.3 versus 43.3%), and the ability to reach orgasm (20% versus 73.3%). There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups.
After 90 days of treatment, at the doses used, we found Tribulus terrestris to be effective in treating sexual problems among menopausal women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(11):497-502
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004985
To evaluate the sexual function and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in climacteric women.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 173 women aged 35 to 65 years old, with a steady partner during the last 6 months, who are literate, without cognitive impairment, and with sexual activity for at least 6 months. The instrument used to assess sexual performance was the Sexual Quotient, female version. The association between sexual dysfunction and sociodemographic data, personal, obstetric and sexual history was determined by Pearson's χ2 test and strength of association by the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).
In this study, 46.2% of the women reported sexual dysfunction. There was a decrease in the chance of sexual dysfunction for the age group between 35 and 49 years old (OR=0.3; 95%CI 0.2–0.6) and for women who felt comfortable talking about sex (OR=0.5; 95%CI 0.2–0.8). However, the presence of osteoporosis (OR=3.3; 95%CI 1.5–7.6), urinary incontinence (OR=2.0; 95%CI 1.1–3.7), and surgical corrections of the pelvic floor (OR=2.2; 95%CI 1.1–4.5) increased this chance.
The frequency of sexual dysfunction in women aged 35 to 65 years old was 46.2% and factors such as osteoporosis, urinary incontinence and surgical corrections of the pelvic floor increased the chance of sexual dysfunction.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(11):497-502
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004985
To evaluate the sexual function and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in climacteric women.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 173 women aged 35 to 65 years old, with a steady partner during the last 6 months, who are literate, without cognitive impairment, and with sexual activity for at least 6 months. The instrument used to assess sexual performance was the Sexual Quotient, female version. The association between sexual dysfunction and sociodemographic data, personal, obstetric and sexual history was determined by Pearson's χ2 test and strength of association by the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).
In this study, 46.2% of the women reported sexual dysfunction. There was a decrease in the chance of sexual dysfunction for the age group between 35 and 49 years old (OR=0.3; 95%CI 0.2–0.6) and for women who felt comfortable talking about sex (OR=0.5; 95%CI 0.2–0.8). However, the presence of osteoporosis (OR=3.3; 95%CI 1.5–7.6), urinary incontinence (OR=2.0; 95%CI 1.1–3.7), and surgical corrections of the pelvic floor (OR=2.2; 95%CI 1.1–4.5) increased this chance.
The frequency of sexual dysfunction in women aged 35 to 65 years old was 46.2% and factors such as osteoporosis, urinary incontinence and surgical corrections of the pelvic floor increased the chance of sexual dysfunction.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(11):484-488
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004952
To evaluate sexual function in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
This is a case-control study including 278 women assisted in Human Reproduction services and at the Gynecology Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. The women were divided into a study group (168 infertile women) and a control group (110 fertile women), and they answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire used the assess the sexual function. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) for the chance of sexual dysfunction in infertile women (p<0.05).
Out of the analyzed women, 33.09% reported sexual dysfunction, with no difference in the FSFI score between groups (p=0.29). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was of 36.30% among infertile women and 28.18% among fertile women; however, there was no difference between FSFI scores (p=0.36). The desire and arousal domains were significantly different among infertile women (p=0.01). Infertile women had the same chances of having sexual dysfunction as fertile women (OR=1.4, 95%CI 0.8–2.4; p=0.2).
There were no differences between infertile and fertile women. Infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques require professional approach to sexual health regarding desire and arousal.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(11):484-488
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004952
To evaluate sexual function in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
This is a case-control study including 278 women assisted in Human Reproduction services and at the Gynecology Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. The women were divided into a study group (168 infertile women) and a control group (110 fertile women), and they answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire used the assess the sexual function. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) for the chance of sexual dysfunction in infertile women (p<0.05).
Out of the analyzed women, 33.09% reported sexual dysfunction, with no difference in the FSFI score between groups (p=0.29). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was of 36.30% among infertile women and 28.18% among fertile women; however, there was no difference between FSFI scores (p=0.36). The desire and arousal domains were significantly different among infertile women (p=0.01). Infertile women had the same chances of having sexual dysfunction as fertile women (OR=1.4, 95%CI 0.8–2.4; p=0.2).
There were no differences between infertile and fertile women. Infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques require professional approach to sexual health regarding desire and arousal.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):152-156
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140050.0004
It was to compare pregnant women who experienced recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and those who did not in terms of the prevalence of depressive symptoms and sexual behavior.
A prospective case-control study was carried out. The first group consisted of women with RSA and the second, of primigravidae. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and one more questionnaire, developed by the authors themselves, about emotional aspects resulting from sexual intercourse during pregnancy were applied. The Student t-test was used to compare quantitative variables with normal distribution, and categorical variables were compared by the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.
The BDI showed (19.9 versus 10.0%) approximately twice the incidence of depression in the RSA group. Regarding sexual function, the average scores of the FSFI were 21.1 and 16.4 (p<0.05) for the study and control groups, respectively, although no significant difference was observed only in the desire domain (average 3.4±1.3 for the RSA group and 3.7±1.1 for control group) (p=0.1). We observed that, regardless the presence or absence of an RSA history among the pregnant women, the higher the depression score, the lower the sexuality score (r=-0,3).
The RSA pregnant group often experiences twice higher depression and more impaired sexual function. There is an inverse association between depression and sexual function.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):152-156
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140050.0004
It was to compare pregnant women who experienced recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and those who did not in terms of the prevalence of depressive symptoms and sexual behavior.
A prospective case-control study was carried out. The first group consisted of women with RSA and the second, of primigravidae. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and one more questionnaire, developed by the authors themselves, about emotional aspects resulting from sexual intercourse during pregnancy were applied. The Student t-test was used to compare quantitative variables with normal distribution, and categorical variables were compared by the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.
The BDI showed (19.9 versus 10.0%) approximately twice the incidence of depression in the RSA group. Regarding sexual function, the average scores of the FSFI were 21.1 and 16.4 (p<0.05) for the study and control groups, respectively, although no significant difference was observed only in the desire domain (average 3.4±1.3 for the RSA group and 3.7±1.1 for control group) (p=0.1). We observed that, regardless the presence or absence of an RSA history among the pregnant women, the higher the depression score, the lower the sexuality score (r=-0,3).
The RSA pregnant group often experiences twice higher depression and more impaired sexual function. There is an inverse association between depression and sexual function.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(10):469-474
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001000008
PURPOSE: It was to test the validity and reliability of an online version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: An online version of the FSFI was compared to the pen and paper traditional version. Physiotherapy students in three cities were randomly allocated to two groups - G-pp/ol (n=126) and G-ol/pp (n=147). G-pp/ol women replied to th FSFI using the traditional pen and paper method, while G-ol/pp women answered an online version of the same questionnaire. Data were collected ageing after 15 days, when G-pp/ol women answered the online version while G-ol/pp women answered on paper. All data were transferred to SPSS software. Demographic differences between the test two groups were determined by Student's t-test or Fisher exact (95%CI; p>0.05). Association and correlation between the responses of G-pp/ol and G-ol/pp were assessed for each sample by the t-test and Pearson's coefficient. An identical strategy was used for intragroup comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 273 women participated in the study and 28 (10.2%) giving up the second collection. There were no demographic differences between groups. Fifteen of the 19 FSFI questions were associated and correlated between the two groups in both test and the retest. The intragroup analysis revealed that all FSFI questions and scores were associated and weakly correlated for the same group during both test and retest. CONCLUSION: The online version of the FSFI showed acceptable validity and reliability when compared to the paper version, and can justify the choice of this modality, especially in studies involving private questions.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(10):469-474
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001000008
PURPOSE: It was to test the validity and reliability of an online version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: An online version of the FSFI was compared to the pen and paper traditional version. Physiotherapy students in three cities were randomly allocated to two groups - G-pp/ol (n=126) and G-ol/pp (n=147). G-pp/ol women replied to th FSFI using the traditional pen and paper method, while G-ol/pp women answered an online version of the same questionnaire. Data were collected ageing after 15 days, when G-pp/ol women answered the online version while G-ol/pp women answered on paper. All data were transferred to SPSS software. Demographic differences between the test two groups were determined by Student's t-test or Fisher exact (95%CI; p>0.05). Association and correlation between the responses of G-pp/ol and G-ol/pp were assessed for each sample by the t-test and Pearson's coefficient. An identical strategy was used for intragroup comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 273 women participated in the study and 28 (10.2%) giving up the second collection. There were no demographic differences between groups. Fifteen of the 19 FSFI questions were associated and correlated between the two groups in both test and the retest. The intragroup analysis revealed that all FSFI questions and scores were associated and weakly correlated for the same group during both test and retest. CONCLUSION: The online version of the FSFI showed acceptable validity and reliability when compared to the paper version, and can justify the choice of this modality, especially in studies involving private questions.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(7):301-308
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000700004
PURPOSE: To evaluate sexual function in postmenopausal women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Case-control study with 195 postmenopausal women (amenorrhea ≥1 year, FSH≥30 mIU/mL, aged 43 to 69 years) seen at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo and in the Basic Units of the Family Health Program of São Paulo. Clinical data were collected, and body mass index and waist circumference were evaluated. Total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterols, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were determined for biochemical analysis. We considered women to have the metabolic syndrome when they met three or more diagnostic criteria: waist circumference>88 cm and triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; cholesterol HDL <50 mg/dL; blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg, and fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL. The participants were divided into Control Group (n=87) and Metabolic Syndrome Group (n=108). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was employed to assess the sexual function. RESULTS: Mean age was 54.0±4.7 years. The rate of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in women with the metabolic syndrome than in the Control Group, both when considering FSFI <26.5 (90/108 [83.3%] versus 42/87 [48.2%], p<0.0001) and FSFI <23 (62/108 [57.4%] versus 16/87 [18.39%], p<0.001). The domains desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm (p<0.001), and satisfaction (p=0.002) had lower scores in women with the metabolic syndrome. For the pain scores, there was no significant difference (p=0.57) between groups. All components of the metabolic syndrome diagnosis were associated with higher levels of sexual dysfunction (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome present more frequently sexual dysfunction than those of the same age who do not have it.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(7):301-308
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000700004
PURPOSE: To evaluate sexual function in postmenopausal women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Case-control study with 195 postmenopausal women (amenorrhea ≥1 year, FSH≥30 mIU/mL, aged 43 to 69 years) seen at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo and in the Basic Units of the Family Health Program of São Paulo. Clinical data were collected, and body mass index and waist circumference were evaluated. Total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterols, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were determined for biochemical analysis. We considered women to have the metabolic syndrome when they met three or more diagnostic criteria: waist circumference>88 cm and triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; cholesterol HDL <50 mg/dL; blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg, and fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL. The participants were divided into Control Group (n=87) and Metabolic Syndrome Group (n=108). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was employed to assess the sexual function. RESULTS: Mean age was 54.0±4.7 years. The rate of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in women with the metabolic syndrome than in the Control Group, both when considering FSFI <26.5 (90/108 [83.3%] versus 42/87 [48.2%], p<0.0001) and FSFI <23 (62/108 [57.4%] versus 16/87 [18.39%], p<0.001). The domains desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm (p<0.001), and satisfaction (p=0.002) had lower scores in women with the metabolic syndrome. For the pain scores, there was no significant difference (p=0.57) between groups. All components of the metabolic syndrome diagnosis were associated with higher levels of sexual dysfunction (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome present more frequently sexual dysfunction than those of the same age who do not have it.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(5):205-209
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000500003
PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of pregnancy on female sexual function. METHODS: An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on 181 non-pregnant and 177 pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years. The study included premenopausal, sexually active women with a steady partner and excluded those taking antidepressants or with a diagnosis of depression. Eleven of these women (6.2%) were in the first trimester, 50 (28.2%), in the second trimester and 116 (65.5%), in the third trimester of pregnancy. The evaluation consisted of an interview in which the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was applied. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 16.0. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the mean FSFI values of pregnant and non-pregnant women. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction was 40.4% among pregnant women and 23.3% among non-pregnant women, with a significant difference between the scores of the studied groups (p=0.01). The difference in the mean global FSFI values between the groups was also significant (p<0.0001). There were significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women regarding desire (p<0.0001), excitation (p=0.003), lubrication (p=0.02), orgasm (p=0.005) and satisfaction (p=0.03). The same was not observed regarding pain. CONCLUSION: We conclude that pregnancy negatively influences female sexual function, particularly the desire and excitement domains, revealing the importance of addressing the issue by professionals dealing with pregnant women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(5):205-209
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000500003
PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of pregnancy on female sexual function. METHODS: An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on 181 non-pregnant and 177 pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years. The study included premenopausal, sexually active women with a steady partner and excluded those taking antidepressants or with a diagnosis of depression. Eleven of these women (6.2%) were in the first trimester, 50 (28.2%), in the second trimester and 116 (65.5%), in the third trimester of pregnancy. The evaluation consisted of an interview in which the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was applied. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 16.0. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the mean FSFI values of pregnant and non-pregnant women. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction was 40.4% among pregnant women and 23.3% among non-pregnant women, with a significant difference between the scores of the studied groups (p=0.01). The difference in the mean global FSFI values between the groups was also significant (p<0.0001). There were significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women regarding desire (p<0.0001), excitation (p=0.003), lubrication (p=0.02), orgasm (p=0.005) and satisfaction (p=0.03). The same was not observed regarding pain. CONCLUSION: We conclude that pregnancy negatively influences female sexual function, particularly the desire and excitement domains, revealing the importance of addressing the issue by professionals dealing with pregnant women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(2):78-83
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000200007
PURPOSE: To understand the reproductive and sexual life of women treated for breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 139 women with a diagnosis made at least 6 months ago were interviewed after being randomly selected in a rehabilitation service. The interviews were carried out between 2006 and 2010. The inclusion criteria were: to have used a rehabilitation service between 2006 and 2010, to be a Unified Health System user, to have been a patient at a regional hospital and to be resident in the area of DRS XIII-Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo. The interviewees were visited at home where a face to face questionnaire regarding sociodemographic features and questions about the disease and reproductive and sexual life was administered. For the last one, the Female Sexual Function Index instrument was used. Data were analyzed statistically by the χ² test, Fisher exact test, Student's t test, multivariate analysis by logistic regression, factorial analysis and the Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Most patients had between 2 to 3 children and 80% used some contraceptive. About half of them had had sexual intercourse in the last month, 45.3% had interrupted sexual intercourse during treatment and 25.9% did not. There were reports of decreasing sexual activity, although half of the interviewees had re-started sexual life during the first six months after treatment. About half presented sexual dissatisfaction. An active sexual life is associated with being younger than 40 years of age and to have a partner. No association was found between active sexual life and diagnosis and types of treatment. CONCLUSION: Sexual activity of women treated for breast cancer is not associated with the treatments, but with age and with the opportunity of having sex.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(2):78-83
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000200007
PURPOSE: To understand the reproductive and sexual life of women treated for breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 139 women with a diagnosis made at least 6 months ago were interviewed after being randomly selected in a rehabilitation service. The interviews were carried out between 2006 and 2010. The inclusion criteria were: to have used a rehabilitation service between 2006 and 2010, to be a Unified Health System user, to have been a patient at a regional hospital and to be resident in the area of DRS XIII-Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo. The interviewees were visited at home where a face to face questionnaire regarding sociodemographic features and questions about the disease and reproductive and sexual life was administered. For the last one, the Female Sexual Function Index instrument was used. Data were analyzed statistically by the χ² test, Fisher exact test, Student's t test, multivariate analysis by logistic regression, factorial analysis and the Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Most patients had between 2 to 3 children and 80% used some contraceptive. About half of them had had sexual intercourse in the last month, 45.3% had interrupted sexual intercourse during treatment and 25.9% did not. There were reports of decreasing sexual activity, although half of the interviewees had re-started sexual life during the first six months after treatment. About half presented sexual dissatisfaction. An active sexual life is associated with being younger than 40 years of age and to have a partner. No association was found between active sexual life and diagnosis and types of treatment. CONCLUSION: Sexual activity of women treated for breast cancer is not associated with the treatments, but with age and with the opportunity of having sex.