Physical Activity and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Lot Helps, But Not Too Much.

Background: Research on the relationship between physical activity (PA) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is lacking.

Aim: To investigate the clinical, psychological, and sexual correlates of PA in women with FSD.

Methods: A non-selected series of n = 322 pre- and post-menopausal patients consulting for FSD was retrospectively studied.

SHBG as a Marker of NAFLD and Metabolic Impairments in Women Referred for Oligomenorrhea and/or Hirsutism and in Women With Sexual Dysfunction.

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders and NAFLD is one of its most dangerous metabolic consequences. The diagnosis of NAFLD is not a practical task and the condition is at risk of being overlooked. The use of simpler but still reliable surrogate markers is necessary to identify women with a high likelihood of NAFLD.

Insight on the Intracrinology of Menopause: Androgen Production within the Human Vagina.

In this study, we investigated steroidogenic gene mRNA expression in human vaginas and verified the ability of human vagina smooth muscle cells (hvSMCs) to synthesize androgens from upstream precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). As a readout for androgen receptor (AR) activation, we evaluated the mRNA expression of various androgen-dependent markers. hvSMCs were isolated from vagina tissues of women undergoing surgery for benign gynecological diseases.

Obesity and hormonal contraception: an overview and a clinician's practical guide.

Background: The growing prevalence of obesity among the fertile female population poses a considerable problem to contraceptive providers. Obese women, who are more at risk for venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular events due to their condition, might be at an even higher risk of developing thromboembolic events when on medical contraception. Combined hormonal contraceptives might be less effective in obese women and may lead to unacceptable metabolic side effects for this population.

Sexual Health in Menopause.

Sexual function worsens with advancing menopause status. The most frequently reported symptoms include low sexual desire (40-55%), poor lubrication (25-30%) and dyspareunia (12-45%), one of the complications of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Declining levels of sex steroids (estrogens and androgens) play a major role in the impairment of sexual response; however, psychological and relational changes related with aging and an increase in metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities should also be taken into account.

Nomegestrol acetate/17beta-estradiol does not negatively alter the vascular resistance of clitoral arteries: a prospective, exploratory study.

The effect of nomegestrol acetate/estradiol (NOMAC/E2) on clitoral and uterine vascularization has never been evaluated. We aimed to investigate, in women consulting for contraceptive needs, the possible changes in clitoral and uterine arteries hemodynamic parameters after 6 months treatment with NOMAC/E2 as compared with other hormonal contraceptives (HCs). In this observational, prospective pilot study, ten women were enrolled.

Outcome of Medical and Psychosexual Interventions for Vaginismus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Although vaginismus is a condition with a great impact on psychosexual well-being, the evidence on the efficacy of interventions is lacking.

Aim: To review all information on vaginismus treatment, including data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.

Cardiometabolic Risk and Female Sexuality-Part I. Risk Factors and Potential Pathophysiological Underpinnings for Female Vasculogenic Sexual Dysfunction Syndromes.

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is recognized as an opportunity for preventing cardiovascular (CV) events, and assessing the impairment of penile vascular flow by Doppler ultrasound is an important tool to ascertain CV risk. Conversely, the role of genital vascular impairment in the pathophysiology of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) remains contentious.

Aim: To focus on the current scientific support for an association between CV risk factors and female sexual health in the 1st part of a 2-part review.

Cardiometabolic Risk and Female Sexuality-Part II. Understanding (and Overcoming) Gender Differences: The Key Role of an Adequate Methodological Approach.

Introduction: Although basic science and clinical research indicate that the vascular physiopathology of male and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is similar, to date the association between FSD and cardiovascular (CV) diseases has been only marginally explored.

Aim: To discuss the potential reasons for differences in the role of CV diseases and risk factors in sexual function in women vs men in the 2nd part of a 2-part review.

Methods: A thorough literature search of peer-reviewed publications on the topic was performed using the PubMed database.

Psychobiological Correlates of Vaginismus: An Exploratory Analysis.

Background: Evidence concerning the determinants of vaginismus (V), in particular medical conditions, is inconclusive.

Aim: To investigate, in a cohort of subjects consulting for female sexual dysfunction, whether there is a difference in medical and psychosocial parameters between women with V and women with other sexual complaints.

Methods: A series of 255 women attending our clinic for female sexual dysfunction was consecutively recruited.

Cardiometabolic Risk and Female Sexuality: Focus on Clitoral Vascular Resistance.

Introduction: The relation between sexual and cardiovascular health in women is not well defined. Clitoral color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) with assessment of the pulsatility index (PI), reflecting resistance to blood flow, has been proposed as an objective measurement of sexual functioning.

Aim: To investigate associations between clitoral PI and cardiometabolic risk factors, sexual and intrapsychic parameters, and self-perception of body image.