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Dickstein DR, Edwards CR, Rowan CR, Avanessian B, Chubak BM, Wheldon CW, Simoes PK, Buckstein MH, Keefer LA, Safer JD, Sigel K, Goodman KA, Rosser BRS, Goldstone SE, Wong SY, Marshall DC. Pleasurable and problematic receptive anal intercourse and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:377-405. [PMID: 38763974 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00932-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The ability to experience pleasurable sexual activity is important for human health. Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) is a common, though frequently stigmatized, pleasurable sexual activity. Little is known about how diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus and their treatments affect RAI. Engaging in RAI with gastrointestinal disease can be difficult due to the unpredictability of symptoms and treatment-related toxic effects. Patients might experience sphincter hypertonicity, gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, altered pelvic blood flow from structural disorders, decreased sensation from cancer-directed therapies or body image issues from stoma creation. These can result in problematic RAI - encompassing anodyspareunia (painful RAI), arousal dysfunction, orgasm dysfunction and decreased sexual desire. Therapeutic strategies for problematic RAI in patients living with gastrointestinal diseases and/or treatment-related dysfunction include pelvic floor muscle strengthening and stretching, psychological interventions, and restorative devices. Providing health-care professionals with a framework to discuss pleasurable RAI and diagnose problematic RAI can help improve patient outcomes. Normalizing RAI, affirming pleasure from RAI and acknowledging that the gastrointestinal system is involved in sexual pleasure, sexual function and sexual health will help transform the scientific paradigm of sexual health to one that is more just and equitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Dickstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Collin R Edwards
- Department of Radiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine R Rowan
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bella Avanessian
- Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara M Chubak
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher W Wheldon
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Priya K Simoes
- The Dr. Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael H Buckstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laurie A Keefer
- The Dr. Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keith Sigel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karyn A Goodman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - B R Simon Rosser
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Stephen E Goldstone
- Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serre-Yu Wong
- The Dr. Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah C Marshall
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Hensel DJ, von Hippel CD, Lapage CC, Perkins RH. Vaginal Squirting: Experiences, Discoveries, and Strategies in a U.S. Probability Sample of Women Ages 18-93. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:529-539. [PMID: 37606312 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2243939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal squirting is a phenomenon in which women expel fluid during the sexual response process, but it remains poorly understood in the extant literature. The study purpose was to use nationally representative data to investigate adult women's experiences with vaginal squirting. We assessed the prevalence of women who have ever squirted in their lifetime, the level of pleasure and concurrency of orgasm women reported during squirting, the ways in which women discovered squirting, and the challenges and/or concerns women experience with squirting. Forty percent of U.S. adult women (M = 47.6 years, SD = 16.8; Md = 24 years) had ever squirted in their lifetime (Md frequency = three to five times). Two thirds of women reported unintentional discovery of squirting, and most (75%) used specific techniques to promote build up and release of squirting versus squirting spontaneously. About 60% of participants reported squirting to be very or somewhat pleasurable, but only 20% "always" experienced squirting and orgasm together. Women reported different challenges with squirting, such as the time required to reach squirting or the experience being too emotionally intense. Our findings contribute to the growth of much needed, detailed literature on the ways in which women discover and enjoy squirting as part of their sexual lives. Knowledge of these techniques can enable women to better identify their own preferences, communicate about them with their partners, and advocate for their sexual pleasure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon J Hensel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis
- OMGYES Research Group, For Goodness Sake LLC
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Gaither TW, Siapno AED, Kianian R, Vincent N, Williams KC, Piquerias E, Russell MM, Litwin MS. Relationship between pelvic sensations and lifetime exposure to receptive anal intercourse among people with prostates. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1195-1205. [PMID: 37548267 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the negative stigma on receptive anal intercourse (RAI), this behavior has a positive influence on individuals' sexual and relationship health. No large studies have previously looked at specific sensations experienced during RAI and how these sensations may change with experience. AIM In this study we aimed to quantify commonly reported pelvic sensations during RAI and determine whether their presentation changes with increasing experience of RAI. METHODS An internet survey was conducted on sensations felt during RAI among people with prostates from July 2022-January 2023. The survey content was developed based on a mixed-methods qualitative study and inquired about demographic and sexual histories as well as sensations (pleasure, pain, urinary, and bowel) experienced during RAI. We used descriptive statistics to describe demographic and sexual histories. All data were stratified by lifetime exposure to RAI. OUTCOMES The primary outcomes assessed included the quantification of both the primary sensations experienced during RAI and the associated bother. RESULTS In total, 975 participants completed the survey. The median age was 32 (range 18-78) years. The average age of first participation in RAI was 21 ± 6.6 years. Most respondents were having sex at least once a week (65%). Nine percent of respondents reported fewer than 10 experiences with RAI, 26% reported 11-50 RAI experiences, 32% reported 51-200 experiences, 16% reported 201-500 experiences, and 18% reported >500 experiences. As the number of experiences with RAI increased (from <10 to >500 exposures), the reported frequency of pleasurable sensation increased from 41% to 92% (P < .0001), whereas severe insertional pain and symptoms of bowel urgency decreased from 39% to 13% and from 21% to 6%, respectively (P < .0001). Urinary urgency sensation did not differ by lifetime RAI experience. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Lifetime RAI exposure can be readily assessed and correlates not only with pelvic sensation but also many other aspects of sexual health. These results imply that the etiology of dissatisfaction with pleasure or anodyspareunia during RAI may differ by lifetime RAI exposure. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This is the first study to our knowledge to assess pelvic sensations experienced during RAI among a large sample of individuals. This is a cross-sectional study, and we cannot conclude how pelvic sensations change over time among individuals. Internet-based participants may not be representative of clinical populations. CONCLUSION Lifetime exposure to RAI is positively associated with pleasure and is negatively associated with pain and bowel urgency. Pelvic sensations experienced during RAI appear to be dependent on lifetime RAI exposure history regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Gaither
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Allen E D Siapno
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Reza Kianian
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | | | - Kristen C Williams
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Eduardo Piquerias
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Marcia M Russell
- Department of Surgery, Section of Colorectal Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Surgical and Perioperative Careline, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, United States
| | - Mark S Litwin
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Hensel DJ, Misseri R, Wiener JS, Roth JD, Whittam BM, Cain MP, Szymanski KM. Solo and Partnered Sexual Behavior Among an International Sample of Adults With Spina Bifida. J Sex Med 2022; 19:1766-1777. [PMID: 36216747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.08.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spina bifida (SB) may differentially impact adults' participation in solo and partnered sexual behaviors, but little research investigates this topic. AIM Describe solo and partnered sexual behaviors among an international sample of adult men and women with SB. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Ever participated (no/yes) and recent participation (>1 year ago/within last year) in solo masturbation, cuddled with a partner, held hands with a partner, kissed a partner, touched a partner's genital, had genitals touched by a partner, gave a partner oral sex, received oral sex from a partner, vaginal sex, anal sex, and sex toy use. METHODS Data were drawn from a larger cross-sectional, internet-based survey assessing the sexual behaviors of an international sample of men and women with SB. We used logistic regression to examine the impact of background (gender, age, independent living, and relationship status) and health (shunt status, ambulation, and genital sensation) factors on each outcome. RESULTS The sample consisted of 345 respondents aged 18-73 years from 26 nations. Very few (<3%) had no lifetime experience with any solo or partnered behaviors; 25.0% reported participating in all behaviors at some point in their lives. The median number of past year sexual behaviors (of 16 total) was 7. Lifetime and recent participation were associated with demographic and health factors. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Despite impairment, adults with spina bifida do participate in solo and partnered sexual behaviors. Medical personnel who work with this population should include discussions about sexuality as part of routine care. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Although this research measured solo and partnered sexual behavior in large international sample of adults with spina bifida, it is limited by its cross-sectional retrospective design and non-clinical convenience sample. CONCLUSION Despite disability, many adults with SB participate in solo and partnered sexual behavior. Medical and psychosocial supports are needed to help adults in this population enjoy sexuality in a healthy and safe manner. Hensel DJ, Misseri R, Wiener JS, et al. Solo and Partnered Sexual Behavior Among an International Sample of Adults With Spina Bifida. J Sex Med 2022;19:1766-1777.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon J Hensel
- Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Sociology, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Rosalia Misseri
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - John S Wiener
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joshua D Roth
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Benjamin M Whittam
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mark P Cain
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Konrad M Szymanski
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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