Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue after prostate surgery, known as radical prostatectomy (RP), with rates varying widely between 10% and 87%. This range is due to factors like patient age, differing definitions of ED, and sometimes overly positive self-reports. ED after RP significantly impacts quality of life and can contribute to depression, as it affects men’s sense of self and masculinity.

Introduction

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to evaluate treatments for low sexual interest and arousal in women. PROs are questionnaires that measure symptoms and treatment effects based on what participants report. The FDA suggests recording these frequently to avoid inaccuracies due to memory issues. Shorter recall periods, like 24-hour diaries, may capture more accurate details but can become tiring for participants, reducing their willingness to complete the study. Longer recall periods, such as monthly reports, are easier to complete but one’s memory of their experience may be influenced by unrelated events or recent experiences.

Introduction

Gender incongruence (GI) occurs when a person’s gender identity doesn’t match the gender they were assigned at birth, sometimes leading to significant mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. These issues often stem from both the internal conflict of gender misalignment and external pressures such as stigma and hiding one’s true identity.

Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, especially among women, with up to 60% experiencing one at some point. About 25% of these women will have recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), which negatively affect their quality of life, social relationships, sexual relationships, and self-esteem, causing issues like irritability and tiredness. Women with rUTIs often experience sexual problems, such as pain during intercourse, anxiety or fear about getting another UTI, and lubrication issues.

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the ongoing inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It affects up to 47% of men and becomes more common with age, increasing from 5% in men in their 40s to 15% in their 70s. Factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels contribute to ED and also to heart disease. Both conditions involve problems with blood vessels, making ED a potential early warning sign for heart disease.

Introduction

As people live longer, the global population of older adults is increasing rapidly. In 2019, there were 703 million individuals aged 65 and older, a number expected to double by 2050. Promoting health and well-being for this age group is a public health priority.