Female sexual function varies over time and is dependent on partner-specific factors: a population-based longitudinal analysis of six sexual function domains

Background Most studies examining female sexual functions (FSFs) have used cross-sectional designs, not allowing for studying temporal stability and possible relationships between different FSFs over time. Our aim was to study these relationships using a longitudinal approach.Method The study sample consisted of 2173 Finnish women from two large-scale, population-based data collections 7 years apart. The Female Sexual Function Index was used. Analyses were further conducted separately for women in different relationship constellations.Results Standardized autoregressive paths ranged from 0.136 (sexual satisfaction) to 0.447 (orgasm function) in the full sample, suggesting that most of the variance in FSF was explained by something other than previous function. Orgasm, desire and satisfaction were the strongest predictors of other functions in the full sample and for women in the same relationship at both time points (higher orgasm function predicted higher function in other domains; greater sexual desire and satisfaction predicted lower function in other domains), however, with small effects sizes. For single women, orgasm function and sexual desire were the only significant autoregressive paths. Significant unidirectional cross-domain paths were found for women in the same relationship at both time points. One significant cross-domain path, not confirmed as unidirectional, was found for single women.Conclusions FSFs varied considerably over 7 years and relationship status was of importance when assessing temporal stability and cross-domain effects. Our results advocate tailored psychobehavioural treatment interventions for female sexual dysfunctions that take partner-specific factors into account.</div

Physical Exercise is Negatively Correlated with Premature Ejaculation Symptom Severity

Objective: To examine associations between symptoms of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction and the lifestyle factors alcohol use and physical exercise. Design and Method: An invitation to an online survey was sent out to a population-based sample of Finnish twins and siblings of twins in 2012. Of the 2559 individuals invited, 1054 responded, giving a response rate of 41%. Individuals who used SSRI-medication for any reason were excluded, leaving a final sample of 843. Premature ejaculation was measured by the validated Multiple Indicators of Premature Ejaculation questionnaire, erectile dysfunction by the International Index of Erectile Function – 5, alcohol use by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and physical exercise by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Bivariate correlations were used to test associations between variables. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and premature ejaculation symptoms. Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction were significantly positively correlated. Effect sizes were moderately small. No significant correlations were found between the other variables. Conclusions: Our results indicate that physical exercise may possibly prevent or counteract premature ejaculation. Future studies could incorporate physical exercise in treatment trials.</jats:p

Effectiveness of Psychobehavioral Interventions for Female Sexual Dysfunctions: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: Female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs; difficulties related to sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain) are prevalent and associated with both relationship quality and overall wellbeing. Psychobehavioral interventions are widely used to treat FSDs; however, little is known about the effectiveness of these interventions. Our objective was to conduct a meta-analysis on existing randomized clinical trials of psychobehavioral treatment interventions for FSDs. Design and Method: We used the electronic databases PubMed and PsycINFO in the search of relevant studies. One researcher conducted the literature search in June 2015. The search yielded 1235 hits in PubMed and 789 hits in PsycINFO. Abstract and/or title analysis reduced the possibly relevant studies to 104. A review of the reference lists in these studies was subsequently carried out. Data of interest were coded by one researcher. In order to evaluate the accuracy of the coding, an interrater reliability test was carried out on a randomly selected part of the data. Before analyzing, another search was carried out in order to find studies published after the original literature search. Results: We calculated effect sizes expressing the difference between treatment and control group scores. At present, data analyses are still in progress. Conclusions: This is, to our knowledge, the first meta-analysis of psychobehavioral treatment for FSDs that includes more recent studies, published after 2009.</jats:p

Research priorities for public mental health in europe: recommendations of the roamer project

Background: The ROAdmap for MEntal health Research in Europe project aimed to create an integrated European roadmap for mental health research. Leading mental health research experts across Europe have formulated consensus-based recommendations for future research within the public mental health field. Methods: Experts were invited to compile and discuss research priorities in a series of topic-based scientific workshops. In addition, a Delphi process was carried out to reach consensus on the list of research priorities and their rank order. Three web-based surveys were conducted. Nearly 60 experts were involved in the priority setting process. Results: Twenty priorities for public mental health research were identified through the consensus process. The research priorities were divided into summary principles-encompassing overall recommendations for future public mental health research in Europe-and thematic research priorities, including area-specific top priorities on research topics and methods. The priorities represent three overarching goals mirroring societal challenges, that is, to identify causes, risk and protective factors for mental health across the lifespan; to advance the implementation of effective public mental health interventions and to reduce disparities in mental health. Conclusions: The importance of strengthening research on the implementation and dissemination of promotion, prevention and service delivery interventions in the mental health field needs to be emphasized. The complexity of mental health and its broader conceptualisation requires complementary research approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration to better serve the needs of the European population