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Ronghe V, Pannase K, Gomase KP, Mahakalkar MG. Understanding Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in Women: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Cureus 2023; 15:e49690. [PMID: 38161863 PMCID: PMC10757759 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49690] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a complex and multifaceted condition that significantly impacts the sexual well-being and overall quality of life of women. This comprehensive review aims to provide a holistic understanding of HSDD by exploring its etiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment approaches, and broader societal implications. The review delves into the intricate interplay of biological factors, including hormonal changes and neurotransmitter imbalances, that contribute to HSDD. Psychological factors, such as relationship issues, body image, and stress, are examined with sociocultural factors like societal norms, cultural influences, and media portrayals of sexuality. Diagnostic criteria and assessment methods, including The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria, and self-report questionnaires, are explored to facilitate accurate identification of HSDD and differentiation from other sexual disorders. The impact of HSDD on women's quality of life and relationships is examined, highlighting the emotional strain and interpersonal challenges associated with the disorder. Societal and personal consequences of untreated HSDD underscore the need for increased awareness and support. Treatment approaches encompass non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, sex therapy, and couples therapy and pharmacological interventions like hormone therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Novel treatments like bremelanotide, flibanserin, and integrative strategies combining psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are discussed. Challenges and controversies surrounding HSDD, including the lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria, debates about the medicalization of sexuality, ethical concerns regarding pharmaceutical interventions, and cultural considerations, are addressed. Future directions in research, including advances in neurobiological understanding, personalized medicine, long-term treatment studies, and destigmatization initiatives, offer promising pathways for enhancing the management of HSDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Ronghe
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Smt. Radhikabai Meghe Memorial College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Krutika Pannase
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Smt. Radhikabai Meghe Memorial College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Kavita P Gomase
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Smt. Radhikabai Meghe Memorial College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Manjusha G Mahakalkar
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Smt. Radhikabai Meghe Memorial College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Velten J, Margraf J. Exploring barriers and facilitators to women's intention and behavior to seek treatment for distressing sexual problems. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288205. [PMID: 37463132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Many women experience distressing problems with sexual functioning, most commonly in the form of low sexual desire or arousal, difficulties reaching orgasm, or genito-pelvic pain with sexual activity. Although effective treatments are available, more than half of the women who experience distressing sexual problems do not seek professional help. Understanding help-seeking patterns, experiences with treatment providers, and barriers to treatment is crucial to address this underutilization. Examining the role of personal characteristics, sexual problem symptoms, and cognitive factors in explaining the intention to seek treatment can help identify individuals who are most reluctant to seek help. Psychological online interventions are a promising resource to increase the availability of effective treatments. Knowledge about the predictors of women's intention to use internet-delivered treatments, as well as information about personal preferences regarding their scope, can help tailor them to women's needs. To address these research questions, cross-sectional data of 800 women (Mage = 30.49, range = 18-73) were analyzed. While many women considered clinical psychologists to be the most qualified treatment providers, gynecologists were cited as the most likely first point of contact. Among women not utilizing any treatments, many reported a preference for dealing with a sexual problem on their own as a reason not to seek help. Higher help-seeking intention was related to living in a larger city, experiencing higher sexual distress, experiencing pain or difficulties with vaginal penetration, higher self-stigma. and lower sexual assertiveness. Women who were convinced of the effectiveness of psychological online interventions and who appreciated the benefits of anonymity indicated that they were more likely to use them. Understanding what factors influence women's decisions about whether or not to seek professional help for distressing sexual problems is key to reducing the underutilization of available resources and developing treatments that meet their needs and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
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Meyers M, Margraf J, Velten J. Subjective effects and perceived mechanisms of change of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based online interventions for low sexual desire in women. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 49:902-916. [PMID: 37260167 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2217174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) are effective treatments for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD) in women. To date, evidence regarding the mechanisms of these treatments for improving low sexual desire is still lacking. To gain comprehensive information on the subjective effects and perceived mechanisms of change of CBT and MBT for HSDD, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 cis-women who participated in a trial investigating internet-based CBT and MBT for HSDD. Data were analyzed with deductive and inductive content analysis. Subjective treatment effects included increased desire, improved communication, and greater self-acceptance. Different mechanisms of change for CBT and MBT were endorsed by participants. This study provides tangible evidence of the different pathways through which CBT and MBT can improve women's sexual desire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Meyers
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Voutskidou A, Kirkou G, Dagla M, Orovou E, Sarella A, Palaska E, Iliadou M, Antoniou E. COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on the Quality of Women's Sexual Life: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020185. [PMID: 36673553 PMCID: PMC9858633 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects, including onphysical and mental health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's health, especially on women's sexual life includingdesire, arousal, orgasm and satisfaction. The initial research in PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus yielded 573 articles from Europe (Portugal, Poland, Italy, Greece), America (U.S, Brazil) and Africa (Egypt), of which 14 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Results from the studies suggest that the pandemic negatively affected sexual functioning and satisfaction, while it increased sexual distress, sexual avoidance and solitary sexual approach behaviors. The desire to have children decreased during the pandemic, but so didthe use of contraception. There is conflicting evidence as to whether or not the pandemic has had an impact on sexual desire and frequency among women. However, some major factors associated with sexual life were psychological factors and working status. It is well documented that the pandemic has had a great psychological impact. Therefore, both of these factors are expected to significantly affect women's sexual life.
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Meyers M, Margraf J, Velten J. A Qualitative Study of Women's Experiences with Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Online Interventions for Low Sexual Desire. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:1082-1091. [PMID: 35435791 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2056565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) are among the most researched types of psychological interventions for low sexual desire in women. While both have been found effective in improving women's sexual desire, little is known about how women personally experience these treatments. To closely examine both approaches from a participant's perspective, semi-structured telephone-based interviews were conducted with 51 cis-women (Mage = 39, SD = 11, range = 22 to 69) who participated in a randomized controlled study comparing internet-based CBT and MBT for low sexual desire with a waitlist. Interview data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis. Most women (n = 44, 86.3%) evaluated their respective treatment (i.e., CBT or MBT) as helpful in improving their sexual desire. CBT-techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, were mentioned as being helpful for challenging maladaptive thinking patterns, while formal mindfulness-exercises allowed women to disengage from negative sexuality-related thoughts. Elements of sex therapy, including self-stimulation exercises and sensate focus, were perceived as crucial for getting women in touch with their sexual desires and preferences. Strengths of the online format included anonymity, flexibility, and convenient access. Overall, women's personal accounts supported feasibility, acceptability, and clinical usefulness of CBT- and MBT-based internet interventions targeting low sexual desire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Meyers
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum
| | - Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum
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Fathalian M, Lotfi R, Faramarzi M, Qorbani M. The effect of virtual cognitive-behavioral sexual counseling on sexual function and sexual intimacy in pregnant women: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:616. [PMID: 35927705 PMCID: PMC9351073 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & aim Pregnancy is associated with numerous physical and psychological changes and affects the sexual function of couples. Since the root of many marital problems lies in the quality of the relationship and sexual function, the present study investigates the effect of virtual cognitive-behavioral sexual counseling on pregnant women’s sexual function and intimacy. Methods & Materials This study is a randomized clinical trial, and 80 pregnant women aged 18 to 35 years and in 16–24 weeks of pregnancy were assigned to two intervention and control groups based on randomized blocks from June 2021 to July 2021. The control group received routine prenatal care, but the intervention group, in addition to routine prenatal care, underwent virtual counseling with a cognitive-behavioral approach during eight sessions of 90 minutes. Data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and sexual intimacy questionnaire. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results The comparison of mean scores of sexual function and intimacy in the two groups before the intervention was not statistically significant with each other. However, after the intervention, the mean scores of sexual function and intimacy in the intervention group were significantly increased compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The effect size of the intervention was 0.52 for sexual function and 0.272 for sexual intimacy. Conclusion Virtual cognitive-behavioral counseling can be used as an effective treatment to promote sexual function and intimacy of women during pregnancy. Trial registration IRCT20161230031662N10. Registry date: 21/06/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manizheh Fathalian
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Razieh Lotfi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. .,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, 1st Golestan- Eshteraki Boulevard- Baghestan, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Mahbobeh Faramarzi
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mostafa Qorbani
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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Behavioral Therapies for Treating Female Sexual Dysfunctions: A State-of-the-Art Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102794. [PMID: 35628920 PMCID: PMC9144766 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Many possible factors impact sexual wellbeing for women across the lifespan, and holistic approaches are being utilized to promote health and to address sexual concerns. Female sexual dysfunction disorders, including female orgasmic disorder, female sexual interest/arousal disorder and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, negatively impact quality of life for many women. To reduce distress and improve sexual functioning, numerous behavioral therapies have been tested to date. Here, we present a state-of-the-art review of behavioral therapies for female sexual dysfunction disorders, focusing on empirically validated approaches. Multiple psychotherapies have varying degrees of support, with cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies arguably having the most empirical support. Nonetheless, several limitations exist of the studies conducted to date, including the frequent grouping together of multiple types of sexual dysfunctions in randomized clinical trials. Thus, additional research is needed to advance treatment development for female sexual dysfunctions and to promote female sexual health.
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Fischer VJ, Andersson G, Billieux J, Vögele C. A randomized controlled trial of an Internet-based emotion regulation intervention for sexual health: study protocol. Trials 2021; 22:706. [PMID: 34654460 PMCID: PMC8518194 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05586-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emotion regulation difficulties have been associated with mental disorders and sexual dysfunctions. Traditional face-to-face transdiagnostic emotion regulation interventions have shown positive results for emotional and personality disorders. Only recently have the effects of these interventions on sexual health started to be investigated. Internet-delivered psychological interventions have several advantages over face-to-face interventions, such as cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and suitability for people who experience shame because of their stigmatized problematic behaviors and those who avoid seeking help. The aims of the SHER 2—TREpS (Portuguese acronym for Emotion Regulation training for sexual health) project are as follows: (a) determine the efficacy of an Internet-based emotion regulation intervention for sexual health and sexual satisfaction and (b) explore the effects of the intervention on (1) emotion regulation skills, (2) mental health, and (3) sexual self-perception. Methods and analysis The study will use a randomized controlled trial design. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: intervention (Internet-based emotion regulation training) or waitlist control. Assessments will take place before the start of the trial, at the end of the trial, and at 6-month follow up, after which participants assigned to the waitlist control condition will receive the same intervention. Primary outcomes include sexual function and satisfaction and secondary outcomes self-report measures of depression, anxiety, difficulties in emotion regulation, and sexual self-perception. This intervention study is financed by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNS). Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Panel of the University of Luxembourg. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Jobim Fischer
- Institute for Health and Behaviour, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg - Campus Belval, 11, Porte des Sciences, L-4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, Sweden.
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Science and Learning, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Joël Billieux
- Cognitive and Affective Regulation Lab (CARLA), Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, uartier UNIL-Mouline - Bâtiment Géopolis - Bureau 4240, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claus Vögele
- Institute for Health and Behaviour, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg - Campus Belval, 11, Porte des Sciences, L-4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, Sweden
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Pettigrew JA, Novick AM. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women: Physiology, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Midwifery Womens Health 2021; 66:740-748. [PMID: 34510696 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nearly half of women in the United States report problems with sexual function. Many health care providers do not ask about sexual concerns during routine clinical encounters because of personal discomfort, lack of familiarity with treatment, or the belief that they lack adequate time to address this complex issue. This may be especially true for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), the most commonly identified sexual problem among women. HSDD is characterized by a deficiency of sexual thoughts, feelings, or receptiveness to sexual stimulation that has been present for at least 6 months, causes personal distress, and is not due to another medical condition. This is an up-to-date overview of HSDD for clinicians, discussing its physiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Although a definitive physiology of HSDD is still unknown, multiple hormones and neurotransmitters likely participate in a dual-control model to balance excitation and inhibition of sexual desire. For assessment and diagnosis, validated screening tools are discussed, and the importance of a biopsychosocial assessment is emphasized, with guidance on how this can be implemented in clinical encounters. The 2 recently approved medications for HSDD, flibanserin and bremelanotide, are reviewed as well as off-label treatments. Overall, HSDD represents a common yet likely underrecognized disorder that midwives and other health care providers who care for women across the life span are in a unique position to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Pettigrew
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Andrew M Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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Velten J, Hirschfeld G, Meyers M, Margraf J. Psychometric Properties of a Self-Report Version of the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F-SR). J Sex Med 2021; 18:990-995. [PMID: 33903043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F) is a clinician-administered scale that allows for a comprehensive assessment of symptoms related to Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD). As self-report questionnaires may facilitate less socially desirable responding and as time and resources are scarce in many clinical and research settings, a self-report version was developed (Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory- Female Self-Report; SIDI-F-SR). AIM To assess the psychometric properties of the SIDI-F-SR and to investigate the agreement between the SIDI-F and SIDI-F-SR. METHODS A total of 170 women (Mage = 37, SD = 11, range = 20-69) with HSDD answered the SIDI-F, administered by a clinical psychologist via telephone, first, followed by the SIDI-F-SR, delivered as an Internet-based questionnaire. A subset of 19 women answered the SIDI-F-SR twice over a period of 14 weeks. OUTCOMES Convergent validity of the SIDI-F-SR was assessed via correlations with the desire subscale of the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale Revised. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability as well as intraclass correlation and predictors of absolute agreement between SIDI-F and SIDI-F-SR were examined. RESULTS Test-retest-reliability was good (r = 0.74). Convergent validity was low but comparable between SIDI-F and SIDI-F-SR. Internal consistency of the SIDI-F-SR was acceptable (α = 0.76) and comparable to the SIDI-F (α = 0.74). When corrections for the restriction of range were applied, internal consistency of the SIDI-F-SR increased to 0.91. There was high agreement between SIDI-F and SIDI-F-SR (ICC = 0.86). On average, women scored about one point higher (indicated more desire) in the self-report vs the clinician-administered scale. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The SIDI-F-SR can be used in settings where time and resources are limited. Whether the clinical cutoff point for the SIDI-F is adequate for the SIDI-F-SR has yet to be determined. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Large sample of diverse women with HSDD. Lack of control groups (ie, healthy controls, women with other sexual dysfunctions). CONCLUSION The SIDI-F-SR showed promising psychometric properties in a sample of women with HSDD. Velten J, Hirschfeld G, Meyers M, et al. Psychometric Properties of a Self-Report Version of the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F-SR). J Sex Med 2021;18:990-995.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velten
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Gerrit Hirschfeld
- Faculty of Business and Health, CareTech OWL Center for Health, Welfare and Technology, University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Milena Meyers
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Mental Health Research and Treatment Center, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Li G, Li W, Song B, Wang C, Shen Q, Li B, Tang D, Xu C, Geng H, Gao Y, Wang G, Wu H, Zhang Z, Xu X, Zhou P, Wei Z, He X, Cao Y. Differences in the Gut Microbiome of Women With and Without Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Case Control Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25342. [PMID: 33629964 PMCID: PMC7952237 DOI: 10.2196/25342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The gut microbiome is receiving considerable attention as a potentially modifiable risk factor and therapeutic target for numerous mental and neurological diseases. Objective This study aimed to explore and assess the difference in the composition of gut microbes and fecal metabolites between women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and healthy controls. Methods We employed an online recruitment method to enroll “hard-to-reach” HSDD populations. After a stringent diagnostic and exclusion process based on DSM-IV criteria, fecal samples collected from 24 women with HSDD and 22 age-matched, healthy controls underwent microbiome analysis using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and metabolome analysis using untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results We found a decreased abundance of Ruminococcaceae and increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus among women with HSDD. Fecal samples from women with HSDD showed significantly altered metabolic signatures compared with healthy controls. The abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and several fecal metabolites correlated negatively with the sexual desire score, while the number of Ruminococcaceae correlated positively with the sexual desire score in all subjects. Conclusions Our analysis of fecal samples from women with HSDD and healthy controls identified significantly different gut microbes and metabolic signatures. These preliminary findings could be useful for developing strategies to adjust the level of human sexual desire by modifying gut microbiota. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800020321; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=34267
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weiran Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Song
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Li
- Taikang Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Hefei, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Gao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Wu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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