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Body Image and Quality of Life in Women with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154506. [PMID: 35956120 PMCID: PMC9369850 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH) may have poor quality of life (QoL) and low satisfaction with body appearance. We investigated the influence of the patients’ satisfaction with their support on their QoL and body image. Design: Retrospective, comparative, Europe-wide study as part of the multicenter dsd-LIFE study. Methods: 203 women with CAH were included in this study. We investigated the patients’ QoL and body image compared to a healthy control group. The patients’ satisfaction with their treatment and support in childhood and adolescence as well as in adulthood was assessed by questionnaire and its influence on the patients’ body image and QoL was analyzed by multiple regression models. Results: Women with CAH showed worse body image and poorer physical, psychological and social QoL compared to a healthy reference population. The patients’ satisfaction with professional care in the last 12 months was a significant positive predictor for all four domains of QoL (psychological, physical, social, environmental). Dissatisfaction with care in childhood and adolescence and with general support through different stages of life was a significant negative predictor for QoL and body image. Conclusions: These results show that women with CAH have poor QoL and body image compared to a healthy reference population. Psychosocial factors such as general and family support, and social interactions with professionals have a substantial impact on QoL and body image in adult females with CAH. This should be taken into account regarding patient care and multimodal therapy.
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de Neve-Enthoven NGM, Callens N, van Kuyk M, Verhaak CM, van der Ende J, Drop SLS, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Dessens AB. Sexual Self-Concept in Women with Disorders/Differences of Sex Development. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2213-2229. [PMID: 35362786 PMCID: PMC9192466 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many women born with disorders or differences of sex development (DSD) report sexual problems, in particular women who have undergone extensive genital reconstruction. Examining cognitions and emotions that hinder or promote sexuality may facilitate understanding these sexual problems and may contribute to the development of specific interventions. In this study, sexual self-concept, body image, and sexual functioning were investigated in relation to genital surgery. To conduct the study, the women's Sexual Self-Concept Scale was translated to Dutch. Evaluation of psychometric properties was conducted in a sample of healthy Belgian and Dutch women participating in an anonymous web-based survey (N = 589, Mdn age, 23 years). The resulting three-factor structure corresponded largely to that of the original version. Compared to control women, women born with a DSD who were included in the Dutch DSD study (N = 99, Mdn age, 26 years) described themselves as being less interested in sex and less sexually active. These women also harbored more negative emotions and cognitions regarding their sexuality and were less satisfied with their external genitalia. In women with a DSD, sexual self-concept was associated with compromised outcomes on sexual functioning and distress. Women who were in a steady relationship, and/or had been sexually active in the past 4 weeks had a more positive sexual self-concept, took a more active role in their sexual relationship, experienced more sexual desire and arousal and less sexual distress than women who were not involved in a partner relationship. Findings in this study indicate that cognitions and emotions related to sexual self-concept play a role in sexual functioning of women with a DSD. A cognitive behavioral counseling approach with focus on coping and exploration of their own sexual needs could prove useful in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nita G M de Neve-Enthoven
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Sh-1058, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Callens
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maaike van Kuyk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center-Amalia Children's Hospital Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris M Verhaak
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center-Amalia Children's Hospital Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van der Ende
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Sh-1058, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stenvert L S Drop
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis
- Department of Medical Psychology and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria Amsterdam, UMC-Free University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arianne B Dessens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Sh-1058, P.O. Box 2060, 3000 CB, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
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Markantes GK, Stamou MI, Barouti K, Georgakopoulou D, Vasileiou V, Georgopoulos NA. A manless adultery: the story of Bassa as related in a Marcus Valerius Martialis' epigram. Hormones (Athens) 2021; 20:825-829. [PMID: 34297347 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00310-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
During the Golden Age of the Roman Empire, Rome was transformed into a magnificent city where architecture, the arts, and commerce flourished. An inconceivable amount of wealth was accumulated by a handful of noble families, while the masses starved. In such a context, moral values inevitably decline, while sexual mores are liberalized and ever more veer towards salacity. This reality was elegantly illustrated in short, often sarcastic poems known as epigrams. Herein, we present a case of a woman with enigmatic appearance of the external genitalia, exhibiting unrestrained homosexual activity, as described in an epigram by Marcus Valerius Martialis (a contemporary poet who lived in the 1st century AD). Based on the information provided in the ancient text, we formulate a differential diagnosis and deduce that this woman was, in fact, a case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). To our knowledge, this is the earliest literary description worldwide of a case of CAH as a cause of homosexuality and unquenchable lust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios K Markantes
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece
| | - Maria I Stamou
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Konstantina Barouti
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece
| | - Danai Georgakopoulou
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Vasileiou
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Neoklis A Georgopoulos
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece.
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Kreukels BPC, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Roehle R, van de Grift TC, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Claahsen-van der Grinten H, Lindén Hirschberg A, de Vries ALC, Reisch N, Bouvattier C, Nordenström A, Thyen U, Köhler B, Group OBOTDL. Sexuality in Adults with Differences/Disorders of Sex Development (DSD): Findings from the dsd-LIFE Study. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2019; 45:688-705. [PMID: 31034334 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2019.1610123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
For various reasons, sexuality of individuals with differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) may be affected. The aim of the study was to describe sexual activity, satisfaction with sex life, satisfaction with genital function, and sexual problems in people with different DSD conditions. Data were collected from 1,040 participants in Europe. Many people with a variety of DSD conditions do not appear to be satisfied with their sex life, experience a variety of sexual problems, and are less sexually active than the general population; therefore sexuality should be explicitly addressed in the care of people with DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis
- Medische psychologie, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Robert Roehle
- Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Koordinierungszentrum fur Klinische Studien (KKS Charite) , Berlin , Germany
| | - Tim C van de Grift
- Medische psychologie, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
- Plastische, Reconstructieve en Handchirurgie, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Annelou L C de Vries
- Kinderpsychiatrie, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - Claire Bouvattier
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris-Sud University, France , Le Kremlin Bicêtre , France
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ute Thyen
- Klinik fur Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitat zu Lubeck , Lubeck , Germany
| | - Birgit Köhler
- Klinik fur Pädiatrie mit Schwerpunkt Endokrinologie und Diabetologie, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - On Behalf Of The Dsd-Life Group
- The dsd-LIFE group: Birgit Köhler, Berlin; Peggy Cohen-Kettenis and Annelou de Vries, Amsterdam; Wiebke Arlt, Birmingham and Claudia Wiesemann, Göttingen; Jolanta Slowikowska-Hilczer, Lodz; Aude Brac de la Perriere, Lyon; Charles Sultan and Francoise Paris, Montpellier; Claire Bouvattier, Paris; Ute Thyen, Lubeck; Nicole Reisch, Munich; Annette Richter-Unruh, Munster; Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten, Nijmegen; Anna Nordenström, Stockholm; Catherine Pienkowski, Toulouse ; and Maria Szarras-Czapnik , Warsaw
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Pastoor H, Timman R, de Klerk C, M Bramer W, Laan ET, Laven JS. Sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:750-760. [PMID: 30420168 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We present the first systematic review and meta-analysis of sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with women without PCOS. Data on this topic are limited and often contradicting. Sexual function is influenced by endocrine, mental and social factors, which are often compromised in women with PCOS. The main outcome measures were validated sexual function questionnaires and visual analogue scales (VAS). We identified and assessed 1925 original articles; 18 articles were included. Significant small effect sizes were found on sexual function subscales (total score: P = 0.006; arousal: P = 0.019; lubrication: P = 0.023; satisfaction: P = 0.015; orgasm: P = 0.028), indicating impaired sexual function in women with PCOS. Large effect sizes for the effect of body hair on sex were shown on VAS (P = 0.006); social effect of appearance (P = 0.007); sexual attractiveness (P < 0.001). Satisfaction with sex life was impaired (P < 0.001), but sexual satisfaction was rated equally important in women with PCOS and controls. We conclude that a satisfying sex life is important for women with PCOS; however, sexual function and feelings of sexual attractiveness are impaired. The findings imply that sexual function, sexual satisfaction and psychosocial functioning need to be part of every clinical assessment of women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester Pastoor
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Room Na-1516, 3000 CA Rotterdam 2040, The Netherlands.
| | - Reinier Timman
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone V0-P, 2300 RC, Leiden 9600, The Netherlands
| | - Cora de Klerk
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone V0-P, 2300 RC, Leiden 9600, The Netherlands
| | - Wichor M Bramer
- Medical Library, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Room Ae-324, 3000 CA Rotterdam 2040, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Tm Laan
- Department of Sexology and Psychosomatic OBGYN, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Room H4-140, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, AZ 1105, The Netherlands
| | - Joop Se Laven
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Room Na-1516, 3000 CA Rotterdam 2040, The Netherlands
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Wang LC, Poppas DP. Surgical outcomes and complications of reconstructive surgery in the female congenital adrenal hyperplasia patient: What every endocrinologist should know. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 165:137-144. [PMID: 26995108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Surgical management of classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in 46, XX females has evolved significantly. Virilization of the genitalia of 46, XX females with CAH begins prenatally as a result of excess fetal androgen production. Improved understanding of anatomy and surgical outcomes has driven changes in surgical techniques as well as the timing of surgery. For endocrinologists treating these patients, it is important to understand the outcome of genitoplasty, identify patients who need further treatment and direct these patients to experienced surgeons. We performed a literature search on PubMed of publications addressing CAH and genital reconstruction published in the English language from 1990 to the present. In accordance with our institutional review board, we performed a retrospective analysis of clitoroplasty and/or vaginoplasty procedures performed by a single surgeon at our institution from 1996 to 2015. We found that genital reconstruction in 46, XX CAH patients is associated with few immediate post-operative, infectious, and urinary complications. Vaginal stenosis is a common complication of vaginal reconstruction and requires evaluation by an experienced surgeon. Clitoral pain or decreased sensation can be associated with clitoral recession and clitorectomy. Outcomes in sexual satisfaction and gender identity can also be impacted by surgical technique and success. Long term follow up and patient reported feedback are crucial to our understanding and management of this special group of patients. Improved awareness and understanding of the complications of genital surgery will allow endocrinologists to know what to ask patients and be ready to provide them with a resource with the understanding and experience to help them improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily C Wang
- The Comprehensive Center for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, The Komansky Center for Children's Health, Department of Urology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Dix P Poppas
- The Comprehensive Center for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, The Komansky Center for Children's Health, Department of Urology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
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Khadilkar VV, Phanse-Gupte S. Issues in the diagnosis and management of disorders of sexual development. Indian J Pediatr 2014; 81:66-75. [PMID: 24052180 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-013-1168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of sexual development (DSD) are a complex group of disorders to manage, not only because the diagnosis is difficult, but also because it involves many factors related to the psychosexual well being, the social stigma associated with the disorder, confusion and reluctance on the part of medical professionals in dealing with this issue, catastrophic experience of parents of these children and difficult interpersonal relationships between parents and children born with this disorder. This brief review attempts to throw light on the recent advances in understanding and management of these disorders to help improve immediate and long term care of these patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaman V Khadilkar
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Jehangir Hospital, 32 Sassoon Road, Pune, 411001, India,
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Schönbucher V, Schweizer K, Rustige L, Schützmann K, Brunner F, Richter‐Appelt H. Sexual Quality of Life of Individuals with 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development. J Sex Med 2012; 9:3154-70. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Bley AM, Turato ER, Rivorêdo CRSFD, Silva RBDPE, Maciel-Guerra AT, Marques-de-Faria AP, Guerra-Junior G, Baptista MTM. Sexual difference, identification and object choice in individuals with sex differentiation disorders. REVISTA LATINOAMERICANA DE PSICOPATOLOGIA FUNDAMENTAL 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47142012000300002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate how sexual identity is structured and also to investigate the relationship between sexual identity, choice of sex object and sexual difference. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were held with seven adult patients who were born with sex differentiation disorders: Two had 5-alpha-reductase type-2 deficiency and five had congenital adrenal hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Sex is trauma. Neither male nor female nor any other gender identification implies the choice of sex object, genders of partners or sexual practices.
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Jordan-Young RM. Hormones, context, and "brain gender": a review of evidence from congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Soc Sci Med 2011; 74:1738-44. [PMID: 21962724 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain organization theory suggests that steroid hormones during fetal development permanently organize the brain for gender, including patterns of sexuality, cognition, temperament, and interests that differ by sex. This widely-accepted theory has important implications for health, ranging from medical management of infants with intersex conditions to suggested etiologies for sex differences in autism, depression, and other mental health problems. Studies of genetic females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), in which high prenatal androgens have been linked to both atypical genitals and "masculine" patterns of gender and sexuality, are particularly important. Based on a comprehensive review of research on CAH, this article demonstrates that such studies have neglected four broad categories of variables that plausibly affect psychosexual development: (1) physiological effects of CAH, including complex disruption of steroid hormones from early development onwards; (2) intensive medical intervention and surveillance, which many women with CAH describe as traumatic; (3) direct effects of genital morphology on sexuality (versus indirect effects that "masculine" genitals may have on gender socialization); and (4) expectations of masculinization that likely affect both the development and evaluation of gender and sexuality in CAH. Complex and iterative interactions among postnatal biological variables, medical interventions, and social context provide a more plausible explanation for atypicalities in psychology and behavior that have been reported for genetic females with CAH than the conventional explanation that early androgens have "masculinized" their brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Jordan-Young
- Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Barnard College, Columbia University, 3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Niehaus AF, Jackson J, Davies S. Sexual self-schemas of female child sexual abuse survivors: relationships with risky sexual behavior and sexual assault in adolescence. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2010; 39:1359-1374. [PMID: 20229148 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-010-9600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2008] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Childhood sexual trauma has been demonstrated to increase survivors' risk for engaging in unrestricted sexual behaviors and experiencing adolescent sexual assault. The current study used the sexual self-schema construct to examine cognitive representations of sexuality that might drive these behavioral patterns. In Study 1 (N = 774), we attempted to improve the content validity of the Sexual Self Schema Scale for child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors, introducing a fourth sexual self-schema factor titled the "immoral/irresponsible" factor. In Study 2 (N = 1150), the potential differences in sexual self-views, as assessed by the four sexual self-schema factors, between CSA survivors and non-victims were explored. In addition, Study 2 evaluated how these sexual self-schema differences may contribute to participation in unrestricted sexual behaviors and risk for sexual assault in adolescence. Results indicated that a history of CSA impacted the way women viewed themselves as a sexual person on each of the four factors. CSA survivors were found to view themselves as more open and possessing more immoral/irresponsible cognitions about sexuality as compared to women who did not have a CSA history. In addition, the CSA survivors endorsed less embarrassment and passionate/romantic views of their sexual selves. The interaction of CSA severity and the sexual self-schemas explained variance in adolescent sexual assault experiences above and beyond the severity of CSA history and participation in risky sexual behaviors. The findings suggest that sexual self-views may serve to moderate the relationship between CSA and adolescent sexual assault. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley F Niehaus
- Psychology Service (116B), Boston VA Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: classification of studies employing psychological endpoints. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2010; 2010:191520. [PMID: 20976294 PMCID: PMC2952788 DOI: 10.1155/2010/191520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Psychological outcomes in persons with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have received substantial attention. The objectives of this paper were to (1) catalog psychological endpoints assessed in CAH outcome studies and (2) classify the conceptual/theoretical model shaping the research design and interpretation of CAH-related psychological effects. A total of 98 original research studies, published between 1955 and 2009, were categorized based on psychological endpoints examined as well as the research design and conceptual model guiding analysis and interpretation of data. The majority of studies (68%) investigated endpoints related to psychosexual differentiation. The preponderance of studies (76%) examined a direct relationship (i.e., inferring causality) between prenatal androgen exposure and psychological outcomes. Findings are discussed in relation to the observed imbalance between theoretical interest in the role of prenatal androgens in shaping psychosexual differentiation and a broader conceptual model that examines the role of other potential factors in mediating or moderating the influence of CAH pathophysiology on psychological outcomes in both affected females and males. The latter approach offers to identify factors amenable to clinical intervention that enhance both health and quality of life outcomes in CAH as well as other disorders of sex development.
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Cohen-Kettenis PT, Pfäfflin F. The DSM diagnostic criteria for gender identity disorder in adolescents and adults. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2010; 39:499-513. [PMID: 19838784 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-009-9562-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Apart from some general issues related to the Gender Identity Disorder (GID) diagnosis, such as whether it should stay in the DSM-V or not, a number of problems specifically relate to the current criteria of the GID diagnosis for adolescents and adults. These problems concern the confusion caused by similarities and differences of the terms transsexualism and GID, the inability of the current criteria to capture the whole spectrum of gender variance phenomena, the potential risk of unnecessary physically invasive examinations to rule out intersex conditions (disorders of sex development), the necessity of the D criterion (distress and impairment), and the fact that the diagnosis still applies to those who already had hormonal and surgical treatment. If the diagnosis should not be deleted from the DSM, most of the criticism could be addressed in the DSM-V if the diagnosis would be renamed, the criteria would be adjusted in wording, and made more stringent. However, this would imply that the diagnosis would still be dichotomous and similar to earlier DSM versions. Another option is to follow a more dimensional approach, allowing for different degrees of gender dysphoria depending on the number of indicators. Considering the strong resistance against sexuality related specifiers, and the relative difficulty assessing sexual orientation in individuals pursuing hormonal and surgical interventions to change physical sex characteristics, it should be investigated whether other potentially relevant specifiers (e.g., onset age) are more appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis
- Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Disorders of sex development are medical conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex varies from normal and may be incongruent with each other. This article primarily addresses the medical conditions where infants may be born with ambiguous genitalia leading to decisions with regard to gender assignment. The approach to investigations and diagnosis in the newborn period will be stressed within an interprofessional team. Policies with regard to surgery have developed, with techniques evolving and data emerging from long-term outcome studies. Current medical and surgical management are reviewed. Finally, a developmental approach to disclosure is presented.
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Crouch NS, Liao LM, Woodhouse CRJ, Conway GS, Creighton SM. Sexual function and genital sensitivity following feminizing genitoplasty for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. J Urol 2008; 179:634-8. [PMID: 18082214 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2007.09.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Female sex assignment followed by cosmetic genitoplasty to feminize the genitalia in infancy remains standard practice in the clinical management of ambiguous genitalia. The effects of surgery on genital sensitivity have never been objectively evaluated. To our knowledge the current study is the first to evaluate genital sensitivity and sexual function in women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 28 women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 10 normal controls were recruited. Details of prior genital surgery were obtained from medical records. Sensitivity thresholds for the clitoris and upper vagina were measured using a GenitoSensory Analyzer (Medoc, Ramat, Israel). Sexual function was assessed using a standardized measure. RESULTS Of 28 women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia 24 had undergone feminizing genital surgery. In women who underwent surgery there was significant impairment to sensitivity in the clitoris compared to controls. No difference was observed for the sensitivity threshold in the upper vagina, where surgery had not been done in any of the women. Data on the 4 women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who had not undergone surgery were similar to those in controls. Sexual function difficulties were more severe in women who underwent surgery, especially vaginal penetration difficulties and intercourse frequency. Linear relationships were observed for impairment to sensitivity and severity of sexual difficulties. CONCLUSIONS Genital sensitivity is impaired in areas where feminizing genital surgery had been done and impairment to sensitivity are linearly related to difficulties in sexual function. The new information may help inform clinicians and parents making difficult decisions about genital surgery for infants with ambiguous genitalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi S Crouch
- Middlesex Centre, University College London Institute of Women's Health, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Obstetric Hospital, and Institute of Urology, University College London Hospital (CRJW), London, United Kingdom
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Sanchez DT, Kiefer AK. Body concerns in and out of the bedroom: implications for sexual pleasure and problems. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2007; 36:808-20. [PMID: 17657464 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-007-9205-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2006] [Revised: 08/15/2006] [Accepted: 12/21/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Objectification theory (Fredrickson B. L., & Roberts, T. A. (1997). Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21, 173-206) proposes that body image concerns impair sexual function and satisfaction. The present study was designed to test whether body shame was related to sexual problems and pleasure among heterosexual men and women (N = 320). Using structural equation modeling, we tested whether adult men and women's body shame was linked to greater sexual problems (lower sexual arousability and ability to reach orgasm) and less pleasure from physical intimacy. Although women were significantly more likely to report appearance concerns than men across sexual and non-sexual contexts, appearance concerns were positively related to both men and women's sexual problems. The relationship between body shame and sexual pleasure and problems was mediated by sexual self-consciousness during physical intimacy. Men and women's body shame was related to greater sexual self-consciousness, which in turn predicted lower sexual pleasure and sexual arousability. Results persisted controlling for relationship status and age. Being in a relationship was associated with less sexual self-consciousness and less orgasm difficulty for men and women. Although some paths were significantly stronger for women than for men, results largely supported the proposition that body concerns negatively affect sexual pleasure and promote sexual problems for both men and women. Findings were discussed in terms of objectification theory and the increased cultural emphasis on physical appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana T Sanchez
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 53 Avenue E, Piscataway, New Brunswick, NJ 08854-8040, USA.
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Abstract
Our understanding of the process and initiation of sexual arousal is being enhanced by both animal and human studies, inclusive of basic science principles and research on clinical outcomes. Sexual arousal is dependent on neural (sensory and cognitive) factors, hormonal factors, genetic factors and, in the human case, the complex influences of culture and context. Sexual arousal activates the cognitive and physiologic processes that can eventually lead to sexual behavior. Sexual arousal comprises a particular subset of central nervous system arousal functions which depend on primitive, fundamental arousal mechanisms that cause generalized brain activity, but are manifest in a sociosexual context. The neurophysiology of sexual arousal is seen as a bidirectional system universal to all vertebrates. The following review includes known neural and genomic mechanisms of a hormone-dependent circuit for simple sex behavior. New information about hormone effects on causal steps related to sex hormones' nuclear receptor isoforms expressed by hypothalamic neurons continues to enrich our understanding of this neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine M Schober
- Hamot Medical Center, 333 State Street, Suite 201, Erie, PA 16507, USA.
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Prause N, Graham CA. Asexuality: classification and characterization. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2007; 36:341-56. [PMID: 17345167 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-006-9142-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The term "asexual" has been defined in many different ways and asexuality has received very little research attention. In a small qualitative study (N = 4), individuals who self-identified as asexual were interviewed to help formulate hypotheses for a larger study. The second larger study was an online survey drawn from a convenience sample designed to better characterize asexuality and to test predictors of asexual identity. A convenience sample of 1,146 individuals (N = 41 self-identified asexual) completed online questionnaires assessing sexual history, sexual inhibition and excitation, sexual desire, and an open-response questionnaire concerning asexual identity. Asexuals reported significantly less desire for sex with a partner, lower sexual arousability, and lower sexual excitation but did not differ consistently from non-asexuals in their sexual inhibition scores or their desire to masturbate. Content analyses supported the idea that low sexual desire is the primary feature predicting asexual identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Prause
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Gastaud F, Bouvattier C, Duranteau L, Brauner R, Thibaud E, Kutten F, Bougnères P. Impaired sexual and reproductive outcomes in women with classical forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:1391-6. [PMID: 17284631 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-1757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study were 2-fold: 1) a detailed description of sexual and reproductive outcomes in adult women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) of different phenotypic severity at birth; and 2) comparisons of these outcomes among CAH subtypes and between CAH women and non-CAH control women. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study using a face-to-face interview, a written questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and a gynecological examination. PATIENTS Patients included 35 women with CAH, representing Prader stages I-V at birth, aged 18-43 yr, who had been treated from birth to adolescence in the same pediatric endocrine clinics. Sixty-nine non-CAH healthy control women were selected from hospital-staff families. RESULTS None of the CAH women expressed doubts about their gender assignment. Twenty percent (seven of 35) had homosexual inclinations; 23% (eight of 35) were married; three reported a complete lack of sexual activity; and 37% (13 of 35) said they never had heterosexual intercourse with vaginal penetration. Sexual functioning as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index was much lower in CAH women than controls and lowest in CAH women with high Prader stages. Eighty-one percent (18 of 22) experienced pain during vaginal penetration. Only eight women became pregnant, and 17% (six of 35) had children. CONCLUSIONS Despite expert medical and surgical care by physicians dedicated to this rare disease, women with CAH still suffer major limitations in their sexual function and reproductive life.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gastaud
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de la Différenciation Sexuelle, Lyon-Paris, Department of Pediatric and Adult Endocrinology, Necker Hospital, Paris V University, France
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Brauer M, Laan E, ter Kuile MM. Sexual arousal in women with superficial dyspareunia. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2006; 35:191-200. [PMID: 16752121 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-005-9001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2004] [Revised: 04/11/2005] [Accepted: 06/05/2005] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The role of sexual arousal in the etiology and/or maintenance of superficial dyspareunia is still unclear. Lack of sexual arousal may be both the cause and the result of anticipated pain. This study compared genital and subjective sexual responses to visual sexual stimuli of women with dyspareunia and women without sexual complaints. We investigated whether women with dyspareunia were less genitally and subjectively responsive to noncoital (oral sex) as well as coital visual sexual stimuli than women without sexual problems, or whether they exhibited a conditioned anxiety response such that sexual arousal responses were lower only to stimuli that may induce fear of pain (i.e., coitus). A total of 50 women with dyspareunia and 25 women without sexual problems were shown two sexual stimuli, one depicting oral sex and the other one depicting coitus. Genital arousal was assessed as vaginal pulse amplitude using vaginal photoplethysmography. Self-reported ratings of subjective sexual arousal were collected after each erotic stimulus presentation. Women with dyspareunia had comparable levels of genital arousal to two different visual sexual stimuli as women without sexual complaints. Contrary to expectation, there was an indication that women with dyspareunia reacted with higher levels of genital arousal to the explicitly depicted coitus stimulus than controls, whereas controls had higher genital responses to the oral sex stimulus. With respect to subjective sexual arousal, it was found that women with dyspareunia reported less positive feelings in response to both erotic stimuli than controls. We conclude that, with adequate visual sexual stimulation, women with dyspareunia showed equal levels of genital sexual arousal to visual sexual stimuli as women without sexual complaints. Therefore, there was no evidence for impaired genital responsiveness associated with dyspareunia. Also, we found no evidence for a conditioned anxiety reaction in response to exposure to a coitus scene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Brauer
- Department of Psychosomatic Gynecology and Sexology, Leiden University Medical Center, Poortgebouw Zuid, Rijnsburgerweg 10, 2300, RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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