Introduction

When women enter menopause (the period of life when menstruation stops for at least 12 consecutive months), they experience several changes to their bodies. Declines in the body’s estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, night sweats, vulvovaginal atrophy, and an increased risk of depression, osteoporosis, and sexual dysfunction.

Introduction

The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is the gold standard for the treatment of chronic erectile dysfunction (ED) that does not respond to oral medications. Nevertheless, IPP implantation is not without risk of infection, a complication that can cause significant side effects and distress for patients.

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is fairly common and affects between 10-40% of women. It encompasses multiple conditions that cause marked interpersonal distress or difficulty in at least one area of sexuality: desire, interest, arousal, orgasm, or pain.

Introduction

Life-altering events such as experiencing an injury or a serious diagnosis can have an impact on a person’s sexual and mental health. For example, women who have had a traumatic pelvic fracture may experience damage to the pelvic neurovascular structures that negatively affects their sexual functioning. Additionally, pain, stress, limited mobility, and changes in body image (e.g., feeling less attractive) may give rise to issues with sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction.

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.