Sexual health and intimacy

أَئِنَّكُمۡ لَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَهۡوَةࣰ مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمࣱ تَجۡهَلُونَ

How can you lust after men instead of women? What fools you are!’

إِنَّكُمۡ لَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلرِّجَالَ شَهۡوَةࣰ مِّن دُونِ ٱلنِّسَآءِۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمࣱ مُّسۡرِفُونَ

You lust after men rather than women! You transgress all bounds!’

What! Do you read a-innakum pronouncing both hamzas or by not pronouncing the second and inserting an alif between the two in both cases come unto men in lust instead of women? Nay but you are truly a people in ignorance’ of the consequence of your action.

Do you read a-innakum pronouncing both hamzas or by not pronouncing the second one but in both cases inserting an alif between the two; a variant reading has innakum ‘indeed you … ’ come lustfully to men instead of women? Nay you are a wanton folk’ transgressing the bounds going from what is lawful to what is unlawful.

And (remember) Lut! When he said to his people: "Do you commit immoral sins while you see? (54)"Do you practice your lusts on men instead of women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly. (55)There was no other answer given by his people except that they said: "Drive out the family of Lut from your city. Verily, these are men who want to be clean and pure! (56)So, We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind (57)And We rained down on them a rain. So, evil was the rain of those who were warned (58) Lut and His People Allah tells us about His servant and Messenger Lut, peace be upon him, and how he warned his people of Allah's punishment for committing an act of immorality which no human ever committed before them – intercourse with males instead of females. This is a major sin, whereby men are satisfied with men and women are

And (remember) Lut, when he said to his people: "Do you commit lewdness such as none preceding you has committed in all of the nations (80)"Verily, you practice your lusts on men instead of women. Nay, but you are a people transgressing beyond bounds. (81) Allah said, We sent, وَ (And) لُوطًا إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ (Lut, when he said to his people..) Lut (Lot) is the son of Haran the son of Azar (Terah), and he was the nephew of Ibrahim, peace be upon them both. Lut had believed in Ibrahim and migrated with him to the Sham area. Allah then sent Lut to the people of Sadum (Sodom) and the surrounding villages, to call them to Allah, enjoin righteousness and forbid them from their evil practices, their sin, and wickedness. It this area, they did things that none of the children of Adam or any other creatures ever did before them. They used to have sexual intercourse with males instead o

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مَنِيعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَرَّمَ مِنَ الرَّضَاعِ مَا حَرَّمَ مِنَ النَّسَبِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ وَابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ وَأُمِّ حَبِيبَةَ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى حَدِيثُ عَلِيٍّ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏

Ali (bin Abi Talib) narrated that The Messenger of Allah said:“Indeed Allah has made unlawful through suckling whatever He made unlawful through lineage.”

حَدَّثَنَا بُنْدَارٌ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ الْقَطَّانُ، حَدَّثَنَا مَالِكٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ مُوسَى الأَنْصَارِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مَعْنٌ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ دِينَارٍ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ بْنِ الزُّبَيْرِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَرَّمَ مِنَ الرَّضَاعَةِ مَا حَرَّمَ مِنَ الْوِلاَدَةِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ وَالْعَمَلُ عَلَى هَذَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَغَيْرِهِمْ لاَ نَعْلَمُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِي ذَلِكَ اخْتِلاَفًا ‏.‏

Aishah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:“Indeed Allah has made unlawful through suckling whatever He made unlawful through birth.”

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ كُنْتُ أُرَجِّلُ رَأْسَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَأَنَا حَائِضٌ‏.‏

Narrated `Aisha:While in menses, I used to comb the hair of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)

حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ مُوسَى، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَنَّ ابْنَ جُرَيْجٍ، أَخْبَرَهُمْ قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي هِشَامٌ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، أَنَّهُ سُئِلَ أَتَخْدُمُنِي الْحَائِضُ أَوْ تَدْنُو مِنِّي الْمَرْأَةُ وَهْىَ جُنُبٌ فَقَالَ عُرْوَةُ كُلُّ ذَلِكَ عَلَىَّ هَيِّنٌ، وَكُلُّ ذَلِكَ تَخْدُمُنِي، وَلَيْسَ عَلَى أَحَدٍ فِي ذَلِكَ بَأْسٌ، أَخْبَرَتْنِي عَائِشَةُ أَنَّهَا كَانَتْ تُرَجِّلُ ـ تَعْنِي ـ رَأْسَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَهِيَ حَائِضٌ، وَرَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم حِينَئِذٍ مُجَاوِرٌ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ، يُدْنِي لَهَا رَأْسَهُ وَهْىَ فِي حُجْرَتِهَا، فَتُرَجِّلُهُ وَهْىَ حَائِضٌ‏.‏

Narrated `Urwa:A person asked me, "Can a woman in menses serve me? And can a Junub woman come close to me?" I replied, "All this is easy for me. All of them can serve me, and there is no harm for any other person to do the same. `Aisha told me that she used to comb the hair of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) while she was in her menses, and he was in I`tikaf (in the mosque). He would bring his head near her in her room and she would comb his hair, while she used to be in her menses

أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ الْقَاسِمِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ الصِّدِّيقِ، - رضى الله عنه - عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ خَرَجْنَا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لاَ نُرَى إِلاَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَمَّا كُنَّا بِسَرِفَ حِضْتُ فَدَخَلَ عَلَىَّ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَأَنَا أَبْكِي فَقَالَ ‏"‏ مَا لَكِ أَنَفِسْتِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ نَعَمْ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ هَذَا أَمْرٌ كَتَبَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَلَى بَنَاتِ آدَمَ فَاقْضِي مَا يَقْضِي الْحَاجُّ غَيْرَ أَنْ لاَ تَطُوفِي بِالْبَيْتِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated that 'Aishah said:"We went out with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) with no intention other than Hajj. When he was in Sarif I began menstruating. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered upon me and I was weeping. He said: 'What is the matter with you? Has you Nifas begun?' I said: 'Yes.' He said: 'This is something that Allah the Mighty and Sublime has decreed for the daughters of Adam. Do what the pilgrims do but do not perform Tawaf around the House

أَخْبَرَنَا عِمْرَانُ بْنُ يَزِيدَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ سَمَاعَةَ - قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا الأَوْزَاعِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي هِشَامُ بْنُ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، أَنَّ فَاطِمَةَ بِنْتَ قَيْسٍ، مِنْ بَنِي أَسَدِ قُرَيْشٍ أَنَّهَا أَتَتْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَذَكَرَتْ أَنَّهَا تُسْتَحَاضُ فَزَعَمَتْ أَنَّهُ قَالَ لَهَا ‏ "‏ إِنَّمَا ذَلِكِ عِرْقٌ فَإِذَا أَقْبَلَتِ الْحَيْضَةُ فَدَعِي الصَّلاَةَ وَإِذَا أَدْبَرَتْ فَاغْتَسِلِي وَاغْسِلِي عَنْكِ الدَّمَ ثُمَّ صَلِّي ‏"‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Fatimah bint Qais from Banu Asad Quraish that she came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and mentioned that she suffered from Istihadah. She said that he said to her:"That is a vein, so when the time of menstruation comes, stop praying, and when it goes, take your bath and wash the blood from yourself then pray

ونضرب لك مثالا، فنقول: إذا افتقر الإنسان إلى الصبر عن شهوة الجماع، وقد غلبت عليه بحيث لا يملك فرجه ولا عينه ولا قلبه، فعلاج ذلك بثلاثة أشياء:

وقصر بقوم في خلطة الناس حتى اعتزلوهم في الطاعات كالجمعة والجماعات والجهاد وتعلم العلم وتجاوز بقوم حتى خالطوهم في الظلم والمعاصي والآثام

وقال أيضا : من ترك قراءة القرآن ولزوم الجماعات وحضور الجنائز وعيادة المرضى وادعى بهذا الشأن فهو مدع

قال وربما شغله بوسواسه حتى تفوته الجماعة وربما فاته الوقت ويشغله بوسوسته في النية حتى تفوته التكبيرة الأولى وربما فوت عليه ركعة أو أكثر ومنهم من يحلف أنه لا يزيد على هذا ثم يكذب

وكذلك عزمه على تحريق المتخلفين عن الصلاة معه في الجماعة ولم يقل لو قضى لهم الصلاة لكانت

وأعمال الجوارح كالصلاة والجهاد ونقل الأقدام إلى الجمعة والجماعات ومساعدة العاجز والإحسان إلى الخلق ونحو ذلك

Gender differences in pornography use and sexual health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.: Background: Pornography consumption is increasingly prevalent worldwide, yet its gender-specific associations with sexual health outcomes remain poorly understood. Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate gender differences in pornography use and its associations with sexual function, sexual satisfaction, masturbation frequency, and psychological parameters among adult men and women. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 statement, systematic searches were conducted across PubMed

Couple-Based Psychosexual Support Following Prostate Cancer Surgery: Results of a Feasibility Pilot Randomized Control Trial.: Introduction: Surgery for prostate cancer can result in distressing side effects such as sexual difficulties, which are associated with lower levels of dyadic functioning. The study developed and tested an intervention to address sexual, relational, and emotional aspects of the relationship after prostate cancer by incorporating elements of family systems theory and sex therapy. Aims: To develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of relational psychosexual treatment for couples with pros

INFERTILITY AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW.: This study aimed to investigate whether infertility and its treatment affect couple sexuality. A systematic literature review was performed, focusing on female and male sexual dysfunctions due to infertility. The method was descriptive, using a meta-synthesis of scientific research published between 2012 and 2017 in the English language. The search for suitable studies was carried out with the research databases Medline, CINAHL, PubMed and ScienceDirect using the following keywords: infertility,

Sexual dysfunction related to psychiatric disorders: a systematic review.: Background: Sexual dysfunction is thought to be highly prevalent in patients with psychiatric disorders. Factors such as the use of psychotropic substances (ie, psychopharmaceuticals and drugs), age, or somatic diseases may contribute to sexual problems, but the extent to which psychopathology itself affects sexual functioning is not well understood. Aim: The study sought to provide an overview of the literature on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in psychotropic-free and somatic disease-fre

Psychological and Interpersonal Dimensions of Sexual Function and Dysfunction.: Introduction: Psychological, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors play a significant role in making one vulnerable to developing a sexual concern, in triggering the onset of a sexual difficulty, and in maintaining sexual dysfunction in the long term. Aim: To focus on psychological and interpersonal aspects of sexual functioning in women and men after a critical review of the literature from 2010 to the present. Methods: This report is part 1 of 2 of our collaborative work during the 2015 Int

Meta-analysis of Results of Testosterone Therapy on Sexual Function Based on International Index of Erectile Function Scores.: Context: The interpretation of available clinical evidence related to the effect of testosterone (T) treatment (TTh) on sexual function has been inconsistent, in part due to the use of different and self-reported measures to assess outcomes. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is the most frequently used validated tool to assess male sexual function. Objective: To perform a meta-analysis of available data evaluating the effect of TTh on male sexual function using IIEF as the prim

Quality of life and psychological issues in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Both peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients have diminished quality of life (QOL) scores compared to healthy patients. QOL tends to decline over time, with the perception of the quality of physical health deteriorating more than mental health. However, many patients continue to feel hopeless, anxious, and worry about finances, loss of sexual function, family burden, and loss of independence. Depression is the most widely acknowledged psychosocial factor seen in patients with chronic kidney disease. Major depression occurs in 25% of patients facing impending dialysis. Once on PD, the proportion with major depression sharply declines to approximately 6%. This may be due to adjustment to dialysis, but may also be because depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of death. A low QOL score and depression are associated with higher comorbidity, poorer nutrition…

matched on Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological (mesh)

Sleep Disorders Are Associated with Female Sexual Desire and Genital Response - A U.S. Claims Database Analysis.

Objective: To assess the association of common sleep disorders with female sexual dysfunction. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the TriNetX Diamond Network. Adult women diagnosed with insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or circadian rhythm sleep disorder were assessed to determine the association with female sexual dysfunction, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female orgasmic disorder, and female sexual arousal disorder. A propensity-score matched control cohort for age, race, ethnicity, tobacco use, outpatient service utilization, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disease, ischemic heart disease, and surgical procedures on the female genital system was generated, excluding those with any sleep disorders, sleep deprivation, or morbid obesity with alveolar hypoventilation. All cohorts excluded those with any antidepressant or ant…

matched on Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological (mesh), Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological (mesh), sexual desire (text)

Is committed desire intentional? A qualitative exploration of sexual desire and differentiation of self in couples.

The question of what heightens or diminishes sexual desire has long been a passionate theme across cultures in literature, arts, media, and medicine. Yet, little research has been conducted to determine what affects level of desire within couples. The degree of differentiation of self has been suggested as an important variable in shaping partners' level of desire. Through a qualitative analysis of dyadic couple interviews, this study provides an account of characteristics, processes, and trajectories of sexual desire and differentiation in 33 heterosexual couples of varying ages and relationship duration. Factors associated with high desire were change and autonomy, whereas conflict and children were reported to be desire-diminishing factors. Innovation, sharing, autonomy, and effort emerged as desire-promoting strategies, while fostering personal interests, investing in a positive conn…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Libido (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh), sexual desire (text)

Hormonal and psycho-relational aspects of sexual function during menopausal transition and at early menopause.

Objective: The aim of the present observational, cross-sectional study was to examine the effects of hormonal and psycho-relational variables on sexual function during menopausal transition and at early postmenopause in women with hot flushes. Study design: The sample comprised 138 women referred to a clinic for the treatment of hot flushes. They were categorised according to their stage of menopausal transition using the STRAW criteria: early menopausal transition (EMT) if their menstrual cycle was 7 or more days different from normal; late perimenopause (LMT) if they had experienced 60 days or more of amenorrhoea; and early postmenopause (EPM) if their amenorrhoea had lasted for at least 12 months but less than 4 years. Main outcome measures: Sexual function was measured by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), while anxiety (state and trait), depression, eating disorder and m…

matched on Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological (mesh), Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological (mesh), sexual desire (text)

Psychobiologic correlates of the metabolic syndrome and associated sexual dysfunction.

Objectives: The association of low testosterone level and erectile dysfunction (ED) with metabolic syndrome (MS) is receiving increasing attention. The present study determined the psychobiologic characteristics of sexual dysfunction (SD) associated with MS (as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III criteria) in a series of 803 consecutive male outpatients. Methods: Several hormonal, biochemical, and instrumental (penile Doppler ultrasound [PDU]) parameters were studied, along with general psychopathology scores (Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire modified [MHQ]). The Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY) was also applied. Results: Among the 236 patients (29.4%) diagnosed as having a MS, 96.5% reported ED, 39.6% hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), 22.7% premature ejaculation, and 4.8% delayed ejaculation. Patients with MS were character…

matched on Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological (mesh), Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological (mesh), sexual desire (text)

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Behaviors: Findings From a National Survey in the United States.

Background: Studies from the first months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting lockdown and social distancing measures have shown that there have been decreases in sexual frequency and relationship satisfaction. Aim: To evaluate the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual behavior, relationship satisfaction, and intimate partner violence in the United States using a large national convenience sample. Methods: About 1,051 participants across the United States were recruited in October 2020 to complete a cross-sectional online survey. Outcomes: Participants were asked to retrospectively report their sexual behavior frequency, relationship satisfaction, and intimate partner violence during the pandemic and prior to the pandemic RESULTS: There was a small but significant decrease in some retrospectively-reported partnered sexual activities, and men …

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Sexual Behavior (keyword), Sexual Partners (mesh), sexual desire (text)

Effects of Pornography Use and Demographic Parameters on Sexual Response during Masturbation and Partnered Sex in Women.

The effect of pornography on sexual response is understudied, particularly among women. A multinational, community-based sample of 2433 women at least 18 years of age completed a 42-item, opt-in questionnaire collecting information on demographic and sexual history characteristics, use of pornography during masturbation, frequency of pornography use, and sexual response parameters. Pornography use and average frequency were compared across demographic variables. We also examined how pornography frequency predicted differences in self-reported arousal difficulty; orgasmic difficulty, latency, and pleasure; and the percent of sexual activities ending in orgasm during both masturbation and partnered sex. On average, women using pornography were younger, and reported more interest in sex. Pornography frequency differed significantly by menopausal status, sexual orientation, anxiety/depressio…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Erotica (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh), Orgasm (keyword)

Perceived Partner Responsiveness Mediates the Association Between Sexual and Marital Satisfaction: A Daily Diary Study in Newlywed Couples.

Sexuality is an integral part of intimate relationships, yet surprisingly little is known about how and for whom sexuality matters. The present research investigated the interplay of sexual and non-sexual factors that contribute to relationship satisfaction. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that the association between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction is mediated by a non-sexual factor-namely, perceived partner responsiveness (PPR). Additionally, we tested the role of gender as a possible moderator of this mediated association. Thirty-four newlywed couples completed diaries with each spouse reporting their sexual satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and PPR every day for 30 days. We tested our predictions at both the person level (i.e., the mean level across 30 days) and the daily level. At the person level, we found that sexual satisfaction and PPR separately predicted …

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), sexual satisfaction (text), Sexual Partners (mesh), Sexuality (mesh)

Infidelity in heterosexual couples: demographic, interpersonal, and personality-related predictors of extradyadic sex.

This study aimed to assess the relative importance of demographic, interpersonal, and personality factors in predicting sexual infidelity in heterosexual couples. A total of 506 men (M age = 32.86 years, SD = 10.60) and 412 women (M age = 27.66 years, SD = 8.93), who indicated they were in a monogamous sexual relationship, completed a series of questionnaires, including the Sexual Excitation/Inhibition (SES/SIS) scales and the Mood and Sexuality Questionnaire, and answered questions about, among others, religiosity, education, income, relationship and sexual satisfaction, and sexual compatibility. Almost one-quarter of men (23.2%) and 19.2% of women indicated that they had "cheated" during their current relationship (i.e., engaged in sexual interactions with someone other than their partner that could jeopardize, or hurt, their relationship). Among men, a logistic regression analysis, ex…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), sexual satisfaction (text), Heterosexuality (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh)

Mood and sexual function in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) fail to conform with societal norms for outer appearance. Many PCOS patients thus feel stigmatized in the sense of a loss of "feminine identity." In addition to somatic impairment, mood disturbances such as depression and limitations in emotional well-being, quality of life, and life satisfaction, the diagnosis of PCOS also has a negative impact on sexual self-worth and sexual satisfaction. Both obesity and hirsutism are major determinants of the physical component of quality of life in affected women. However, its psychological aspect appears to be inherent and specific for PCOS. Confirmation of the diagnosis and provision of detailed information to affected women, together with the availability of interdisciplinary treatment aimed at improving PCOS-related symptoms, such as hirsutism, obesity, menstrual irregularity, and infertility, will als…

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Polycystic ovary syndrome and mental health: A review.

Unlabelled: Although physical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are increasingly recognized by practicing clinicians, little attention has focused on psychological correlates of this frequent endocrine disorder. This review of medical and psychological literature indicates that PCOS is associated with several mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, diminished sexual satisfaction, and lowered health-related quality of life. Although the causal direction of these relationships has not been established, it is clear that effective and comprehensive treatment of women with PCOS must encompass careful attention to psychological symptomatology. Recommendations for the assessment of specific mental health problems, management of related physical concerns, and treatment of obesity among women with PCOS are presented. Target a…

matched on sexual satisfaction (text), Sexuality (mesh)

Racial Differences in Pregnancy Intention, Reproductive Coercion, and Partner Violence among Family Planning Clients: A Qualitative Exploration.

Background: Unintended pregnancy (UIP) is a persistent public health concern in the United States disproportionately experienced by racial/ethnic minorities and women of low socioeconomic status. UIP often occurs with experiences of reproductive coercion (RC) and intimate partner violence (IPV). The purpose of the study was to qualitatively describe and compare contexts for UIP risk between low-income Black and White women with histories of IPV/RC. Study design: Semistructured interviews were conducted with low-income Black and White women with histories of IPV or RC, ages 18 to 29 years, recruited from family planning clinics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Results: Interviews with 10 non-Hispanic Black women and 34 non-Hispanic White women (N = 44) were included in the analysis. Differences between White and Black women emerged regarding IPV/RC experiences, gender roles in intimate relati…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Contraception (mesh), Reproductive Health (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh)

The Effects of Medical Male Circumcision on Female Partners' Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Purpose of review: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces the risk of HIV acquisition by 60% among heterosexual men, provides protection against certain sexually transmitted infections (STI), and leads to penile microbiome composition changes associated with reduced risk of HIV infection. Intuitively, the benefits of VMMC for female sex partners in relation to STI are likely and have been evaluated. The purpose of this review is to examine emerging findings of broader sexual and reproductive health (SRH) benefits of VMMC for female sex partners. Recent findings: Systematic reviews find strong evidence for beneficial effects of VMMC on female sex partners risk of HPV, cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, and with likely protection against trichomoniasis and certain genital ulcerative infections. Few studies assess the direct impact of VMMC on the vaginal microbiome (VMB), thou…

matched on Reproductive Health (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh)

Substance use among men who have sex with men: patterns, motivations, impacts and intervention development need.

Objectives: In this narrative review we illustrate the patterns of substance use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), including comparisons with heterosexual populations, subgroup analyses and settings of substance use. We also consider explanations and motivations for substance use and the impact of use on sexual health as well as wider health and well-being. Finally, we consider the implications for the provision of MSM-tailored substance use and harm reduction services. Methods: We undertook a narrative review of diverse literature across the fields of public health, psychology and sociology to synthesise complex findings relating to the use and impacts of illicit drugs and alcohol among MSM. Attempts were made to draw on literature from across the globe, including all income settings. Results: Global evidence relating to the use of substances among MSM is li…

matched on Heterosexuality (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh)

Impact of vulvovaginal atrophy on sexual health and quality of life at postmenopause.

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) or atrophic vaginitis is a medical challenge because it is under-reported by women, under-recognized by health-care providers and, therefore, under-treated. More or less 50% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal discomfort attributable to VVA. Very recent surveys suggest health-care providers should be proactive in order to help their patients to disclose the symptoms related to VVA and to seek adequate treatment when vaginal discomfort is clinically relevant. Women are poorly aware that VVA is a chronic condition with a significant impact on sexual health and quality of life and that effective and safe treatments may be available. Indeed, female sexual dysfunction and genitourinary conditions are more prevalent in women with VVA. That being so, it is very important to include VVA in the menopause agenda, by encouraging an open and sensible conversation on…

matched on Reproductive Health (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh)

Anxious and avoidant attachment, vibrator use, anal sex, and impaired vaginal orgasm.

Introduction: Disturbances in intimate relationships are among the risk factors for female sexual dysfunction. Insecure styles of anxious attachment (preoccupations about abandonment) and avoidant attachment (avoidance of closeness in relationships) are robustly associated with sexual problems, relationship difficulties, and several indices of poorer physical and mental health. Similar indices of poorer sexual, relationship, and health functioning are associated with impairment of orgasm triggered by penile-vaginal stimulation (vaginal orgasm), but unrelated or related to greater frequency of other sexual behaviors. However, research examining the differential association of sexual activities with insecure attachment styles has been lacking. Aims: The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that insecure attachment styles are associated with lesser vaginal orgasm consistency, and ar…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Coitus (mesh), Orgasm (mesh)

A Scoping Review to Assess Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes, Challenges and Recommendations in the Context of Climate Migration.

Background: As growing numbers of people may be forced to migrate due to climate change and variability, it is important to consider the disparate impacts on health for vulnerable populations, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH). This scoping review aims to explore the relationship between climate migration and SRH. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health and Google for peer-reviewed and gray literature published before 2nd July 2021 in English that reported on SRH in the context of climate migration. Data were extracted using a piloted extraction tool and findings are reported in a narrative synthesis. Results: We screened 1,607 documents. Ten full-text publications were included for analysis: five peer-reviewed articles and five gray literature documents. Reported SRH outcomes focused on maternal health, access to famil…

matched on Sexual Health (keyword), Reproductive Health (keyword)

Diverse Sexual Behaviors and Pornography Use: Findings From a Nationally Representative Probability Survey of Americans Aged 18 to 60 Years.

Background: Convenience sample data indicate that substantial portions of adults have engaged in sexual behaviors sometimes described as rough; little is known about these behaviors at the population level. Aim: To describe, in a U.S. probability sample of Americans aged 18 to 60 years, (i) the prevalence of diverse sexual behaviors, described here as dominant and target behaviors; (ii) the age at first pornography exposure as well as prevalence, range, and frequency of pornography use; (iii) the association between past year pornography use frequency and dominant/target sexual behaviors; and (iv) associations between lifetime range of pornography use and dominant/target sexual behaviors. Methods: A confidential cross-sectional online survey was used in this study. Outcomes: Lifetime engagement in dominant behaviors (eg, spanking, choking, name calling, performing aggressive fellatio, fa…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Erotica (mesh), Sexual Behavior (keyword)

Young Australians' use of pornography and associations with sexual risk behaviours.

Objectives: Amid public health concern that rising pornography use may have a negative impact on young people's health and wellbeing, we report prevalence of pornography viewing and explore factors associated with viewing frequency and age at first viewing. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey in a convenience sample of Victorians aged 15 to 29 years recruited via social media. Results: Ever viewing pornography was reported by 815 of 941 (87%) participants. The median age at first pornography viewing was 13 years for men and 16 years for women. More frequent pornography viewing was associated with male gender, younger age, higher education, non-heterosexual identity, ever having anal intercourse and recent mental health problems. Younger age at first pornography viewing was associated with male gender, younger current age, higher education, non-heterosexual identity, younger age at fir…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Erotica (mesh), Sexual Health (keyword)

Frequency of Pornography Use and Sexual Health Outcomes in Sweden: Analysis of a National Probability Survey.

Background: Little is known about pornography use and its relationship with sexual health outcomes in the general population. Aim: To assess frequency of pornography use and the association of sexual health outcomes with frequent pornography use in Sweden. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 14,135 participants (6,169 men and 7,966 women) aged 16-84 years in a Swedish nationally representative survey from 2017. We used logistic regression to assess the association of sexual health outcomes with use of pornography ≥3 times/wk. Outcomes: Frequency of pornography use (never; less than once/mo to 3 times/mo; 1-2 times/wk; 3-5 times/wk; and daily or almost daily) and sexual health outcomes (eg, sexual satisfaction and sexual health problems). Results: In total, 68.7% of men and 27.0% of women used pornography. Among men aged 16-24 years, 17.2% used pornography daily or almost daily, 24.7% us…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Erotica (mesh), sexual satisfaction (text)

Cyberpornography: Time Use, Perceived Addiction, Sexual Functioning, and Sexual Satisfaction.

Using pornography through the Internet is now a common activity even if associated sexual outcomes, including sexual satisfaction, are highly variable. The present study tested a two-step sequential mediation model whereby cyberpornography time use is related to sexual satisfaction through the association with, in a first step, perceived addiction to cyberpornography (i.e., perceived compulsivity, effort to access, and distress toward pornography) and with, in a second step, sexual functioning problems (i.e., sexual dysfunction, compulsion, and avoidance). These differential associations were also examined across gender using model invariance across men and women. A sample of 832 adults from the community completed self-report online questionnaires. Results indicated that 51 percent of women and 90 percent of men reported viewing pornography through the Internet. Path analyses showed ind…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Erotica (mesh), sexual satisfaction (text)

Impersonal Sex and Pornography: Potential Confounding, Moderation, and Implications for Public Health.

Following the recent exhortations of health communication scholars to continue the study of pornography and its potential impact on health-related behaviors, the present study investigated associations between the frequency of pornography use and six indicators of impersonal sex among a national probability sample of US adults. Impersonal sex has been linked to a variety of important public health outcomes, including STD risk and sexual aggression perpetration. In this study, pornography use was positively correlated with the likelihood of engaging in group sex, having sex with a casual partner, having sex without emotional intimacy, experiencing heightened sexual pleasure during non-relational sex, relational infidelity, and perceiving the receipt of sexual pleasure from others as the best thing about sex. No evidence emerged that these associations were spuriously due to high sex drive…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Erotica (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh)

Let's Talk About Sex(ual Health): Young Adult Women's Disclosure of Their Pornography Use to Their Romantic Partners.

Within romantic relationships, secret-keeping has been related to negative outcomes whereas self-disclosure has been related to positive outcomes. Exploring young adult women's pornography use disclosures to their romantic partners can provide further avenues for understanding aspects of sexual and relational health. Using an open-ended survey informed by the Revelation Risk Model (RRM), this study explored young adult women's reasons and perceived relational outcomes of disclosing their pornography use to their romantic partners. Data from 32 young adult women (M = 20.8 years old), were thematically analyzed. Women in our sample reported disclosing for three main reasons: disclosed to be close, disclosed because we are intimate, and speaking our minds. They also reported that their disclosures resulted in emotional, sexual, or no relational changes. Further, we found that women who enga…

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Erotica (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh)

Women Reporting on Their Use of Pornography: A Qualitative Study Exploring Women's Perceived Precursors and Perceived Outcomes.

The aim of this study was to explore motivations women describe for using pornography. A qualitative online interview study was conducted with 30 women (Mean age 30.23, range 20-47; residing in the UK and in Greece; of varied sexual orientations and relationship status) about their pornography use, motivations for use, and preferences. Reflexive thematic analysis was used. Results were organized into four themes: Sexual Precursors, Non-sexual Precursors, Intended Outcomes, and Unintended Outcomes. The findings highlight that pornography use for women can have both positive and negative ramifications for women's sexual lives. Implications for clinical practice and education are discussed.

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Erotica (mesh), Sexual Partners (mesh)

'Sweden has changed me': a qualitative study exploring the sexual health needs and associated mental health aspects of young male former unaccompanied minors, asylum seekers and refugees in Region Stockholm, Sweden.

Objectives: Sexual health needs of young refugees and asylum-seeking men are seldom explored or addressed, adversely affecting their mental and physical well-being. By interviewing young male former unaccompanied minors, refugees and asylum seekers in Stockholm, Sweden, this study aimed to get a deeper understanding of what they needed to achieve a positive and respectful approach to sexuality, romantic and consensual relationships. Additionally, we explored how their sexual health needs were related to their mental health, as well as the factors influencing both. Design: An exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was employed. Theoretical sampling was used for participant selection. Analysis of the data was performed using constructivist grounded theory. Setting: The study took place in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants: A total of 32 young male (aged 16-28) former …

matched on Sexual Behavior (mesh), Sexual Health (mesh)