Publications by authors named "Alexandra Aponte Varnum"

Background: Reproductive health technology has evolved significantly since the introduction of in vitro fertilization in 1978, enhancing the possibility of conceiving children at later stages in life. Despite these advancements, there remains a critical gap in fertility knowledge among young adults, as demonstrated by recent studies. This gap is compounded by the growing influence of social media on health information, where misinformation can distort public understanding of fertility-related issues.

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Purpose: Intracavernosal injections are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Patient compliance with intracavernosal injections is required for success, though factors influencing compliance are unknown. This study aimed to identify factors that influence compliance with intracavernosal injections among men with erectile dysfunction.

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The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread implications on various aspects of life; however, there is a paucity of longitudinal data regarding its impact on sexual behavior. To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on changes in frequency of sexual activity and partner dynamics in the United States, we utilized data from the General Social Survey (GSS). This biannual survey of adults in the United States, provided responses from 12,791 participants, enabling a comparative analysis of sexual behaviors between pre-COVID-19 (2016 and 2018, n = 5215 respondents) and COVID-19 periods (2021 and 2022, n = 7576 respondents).

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Article Synopsis
  • The rising issue of microplastics (MPs), tiny particles less than 5 mm, poses serious risks to both the environment and human health, finding their way into food and drink.
  • A study aimed to investigate the presence of MPs in human penile tissue sampled from patients undergoing surgery for inflatable penile prosthetics, using advanced imaging techniques for analysis.
  • Results showed that MPs were detected in 80% of samples, with common types found being polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene, prompting concerns about the impact of these pollutants on sexual health.
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Purpose Of Review: This narrative review aims to outline the current available evidence, challenges, and future perspectives of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis and management of priapism, a condition marked by prolonged and often painful erections that presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Recent Findings: Recent advancements in AI offer promising solutions to face the challenges in diagnosing and treating priapism. AI models have demonstrated the potential to predict the need for surgical intervention and improve diagnostic accuracy.

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-Obesity is a prevalent health concern that notably impairs male fertility through hormonal disruptions and other pathophysiological alterations. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can significantly reduce weight. This narrative review synthesizes the existing literature discussing the impact of glucagon-like peptide-GLP-1 RAs on the male reproductive system, particularly on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenesis, highlighting their potential impact on male fertility.

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