Introduction

Numerous studies have documented the associations between poor physical or mental health and sexual dysfunctions. Given the importance of the mind and body in successful sexual interactions, perhaps this is not surprising.

Introduction

Gender dysphoria is the distress that a person may experience when their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and gender-affirming surgery (GAS) are two treatment options that aim to align the characteristics of an individual with their gender identity. Studies suggest that these two medical interventions can reduce distress and improve the quality of life of people who are experiencing gender dysphoria.

Introduction

Pregnancy is a time of great physical and hormonal change for women. These physiological changes naturally impact a woman’s sexuality as well, which may result in changes in sexual frequency and other sexual behaviors.

Introduction

The experience of female orgasm is still somewhat poorly understood and described in medical literature. While several studies have examined orgasm occurrence, frequency, and/or dysfunction in women, few have explored the physical and psychological sensations associated with the experience.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted government-mandated lockdowns and social restrictions in countries all over the world. While lockdown measures helped to reduce the spread of this highly contagious virus, they also had an effect on many individuals’ mental and sexual health.

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects a person’s central nervous system and damages neural pathways that carry information between the brain and the rest of the body. This nerve damage can cause several health issues including pain, fatigue, impaired vision, tremors, lack of coordination, unsteadiness, problems with bladder and bowel function, and sexual dysfunction.

Introduction

Depression is one of the most frequent health disorders in the world, according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). In fact, a 2017 GBD study revealed that approximately 258.2 million people worldwide were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) at the time of the study, and this number is almost certainly lower than the actual count, as depression is an underreported/underdiagnosed condition.

Introduction

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is the most common form of vulvodynia, occurring in an estimated 8%-10% of women of all ages worldwide. It is a chronic pain condition that results in painful sexual intercourse because PVD causes sharp, cutting, or burning pain for a woman whenever pressure is applied to the vestibule (PVD can even make putting in a tampon painful).

Introduction

In recent years, there has been much debate in the medical/scientific community regarding the potential addictiveness of pornography. While some experts argue that pornography consumption can become an addiction in the form of a compulsive sexual behavior, others disagree and assert that pornography does not involve all of the components of an addiction and that the term “addiction” is too ill-defined to accurately describe this behavior. However, regardless of whether or not it can be addictive, there are instances in which excessive pornography use leads to personal and/or relational distress. For the purposes of the present study, this is referred to as problematic pornography use.

Introduction

Sexual function is typically assessed within the context of partnered sexual activity for both men and women. Nevertheless, masturbation is a very common sexual activity that could provide valuable information about an individual’s sexual response/function. For example, determining if/how a person’s sexual response differs during partnered sex versus masturbation could have big implications regarding the potential causes of and possible treatments for any sexual dysfunctions. To this end, the authors of a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine study explored the differences in sexual response during masturbation and partnered sex for a large, multinational sample of men with and without sexual dysfunction.

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity, is a relatively common condition that affects men worldwide. In recent years, researchers have been testing the efficacy of restorative therapies aimed at regenerating damaged tissues, vessels, and nerves that may be contributing to ED. One such therapy is low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiST).

Introduction

Sexual difficulties are a common and distressing side effect of prostate cancer and its treatment. Patients who experience sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of sexual desire, or both) after having a prostatectomy or undergoing radiation or hormone therapy may also struggle with the psychological and relational ramifications of this change. For example, they may experience a loss of self-confidence regarding their body image and sexual performance and/or worry about not being able to satisfy their sexual partner(s).