Web based research in sexual medicine: a position statement of the European Society for Sexual Medicine.

Background: Although the use of the Web has brought major advances in every step of the research process, this also comes with several methodological challenges.

Aim: The article presents the European Society for Sexual Medicine's position statements on key methodological concerns relative to Web-based research in sexual medicine.

Methods: The authors conducted a systematic scoping review of articles using Web-based research methods in sexual medicine.

The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health Process of Care for Management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women.

The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health process of care (POC) for management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) algorithm was developed to provide evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of HSDD in women by health care professionals. Affecting 10% of adult females, HSDD is associated with negative emotional and psychological states and medical conditions including depression. The algorithm was developed using a modified Delphi method to reach consensus among the 17 international panelists representing multiple disciplines.

[Women's sexual function through sexual response models: From DSM-IV to DSM-5].

Until recently, DSM classifications regarding women's sexual dysfunctions were based on definitions that mainly derived from experts opinions, rather than clinical or epidemiological studies. Additionally, this classification was the same for men and women, taking for granted the existence of a single sexual response model for men and women. More specifically, the main models that were described and prevailed were the linear models of Master's & Johnson and Kaplan, as well as the circular model of Rosemary Basson that followed.

Translation and validation of the Greek version of the female sexual function index questionnaire.

The clinical evaluation of female sexual dysfunctions should be supplemented by validated questionnaires; however, there is no specific instrument available in Greek language. The study was designed to linguistically validate the Greek version of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Ninety-nine healthy women and eighteen women with a sexual dysfunction were recruited through a survey and were asked to voluntarily complete the FSFI questionnaire in Greek (FSFI-Gr) at baseline and after 2 weeks.

Sexual Response Models: Toward a More Flexible Pattern of Women's Sexuality.

Introduction: Recent research suggests that none of the current theoretical models can sufficiently describe women's sexual response, because several factors and situations can influence this.

Aim: To explore individual variations of a sexual model that describes women's sexual responses and to assess the association of endorsement of that model with sexual dysfunctions and reasons to engage in sexual activity.

Methods: A sample of 157 randomly selected hospital employees completed self-administered questionnaires.

Diagnosing Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women: Sexual History Taking and the Role of Symptom Scales and Questionnaires.

Introduction: A detailed sexual history is the cornerstone for all sexual problem assessments and sexual dysfunction diagnoses. Diagnostic evaluation is based on an in-depth sexual history, including sexual and gender identity and orientation, sexual activity and function, current level of sexual function, overall health and comorbidities, partner relationship and interpersonal factors, and the role of cultural and personal expectations and attitudes.

Aim: To propose key steps in the diagnostic evaluation of sexual dysfunctions, with special focus on the use of symptom scales and questionnaires.

What is the profile of patients thinking of litigation? Results from the hospitalized and outpatients' profile and expectations study.

Background: Patients vary considerably in their intentions to pursue legal action following a medical error. The aim of this study was to explore predictors of litigious intentions in both hospitalized patients and outpatients, determining the relative influences of patients' characteristics, help-seeking behavior, information-seeking attitudes and general health status factors.

Methods: A representative cross-section of the urologic clinic of a general academic hospital and the associated outpatient clinic was used (a total of 226 patients, 145 outpatients).

Determinants of patients' attitudes toward patient-centered care: a cross-sectional study in Greece.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate - for the first time in Greece - patients' attitudes toward patient-centered care, by identifying the impact of socio-demographic factors, health condition, social support and religious beliefs.

Methods: 454 Hospitalized patients were interviewed on the first day of their scheduled admission, answering demographic questions and the following questionnaires: Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS), Autonomy Preference Index (API), Short Form SF-12v2 Health Survey, God Locus of Health Control (GLHC) and Perceived Available Support (PAS).

Results: Mean PPOS and API scores were: PPOS Sharing 3.

Level of bother and treatment-seeking predictors among male and female in-patients with sexual problems: a hospital-based study.

Introduction: Despite its importance for epidemiological and clinical reasons, relatively few studies investigated determinants of bother or distress associated with sexual problems.

Aim: To assess perception of bother from sexual concerns and examine its role in predicting treatment-seeking.

Main Outcome Measures: The Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist and two single-item questions were used to assess type of sexual problems, level of bother, and treatment-seeking behavior.

Subjective well-being as a determinant of individuals' responses to symptoms: a biopsychosocial perspective.

Background: Although many models have been developed to explain health behaviour, differences in individual response to symptoms remain largely unexplained; moreover, they tend to underestimate affective (i.e., emotional) processes and they neglect the construct of well-being, despite its predominant role in the definition of health.

Gender and age differences in the perception of bother and health care seeking for lower urinary tract symptoms: results from the hospitalised and outpatients' profile and expectations study.

Background: Few comparisons have been made of health care seeking behaviour for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) between men and women, as well as trends across age groups.

Objective: To investigate the bother from LUTS and effect on health care seeking in both men and women of different age groups and in comparison between the two genders.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A representative cross section of each of 13 clinics of a general academic hospital, with equal numbers of subjects recruited in each of six design cells that were defined by age (18-40, 41-60, 61-80 yr) and gender.

A conceptual framework for the evolution of sexual medicine and a model for the development of alternative sexual health services: 10-year experience of the center for sexual and reproductive health.

Introduction: Sexual health services are limited and inadequate to reduce factors that hinder treatment and adequate care, despite the growing interest for public awareness and prevention strategies.

Aim: The aim of this study was to present an integrative conceptual framework, which led to the development of a model of alternative sexual health services and the 10-year experience of the practice of the service.

Main Outcome Measures: Multiple-level needs assessments.

Factors associated with sexuality in later life: An exploratory study in a group of Greek married older adults.

The present study aimed to investigate factors associated with sexual interest and behaviors in married older adults. The study recruited older adults from the Open Protection Centers for Elderly. A 30-items questionnaire addressing sexuality, emotional and physical intimacy, demographics, and background data was constructed.

Moderate and severe erectile dysfunction equally affects life satisfaction.

Purpose: To explore the life satisfaction of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and to examine the relation between severity of ED and life satisfaction.

Materials And Methods: The study sample was recruited from patients who presented in an andrologic outpatient clinic complaining of ED. All patients underwent the basic clinical evaluation and were assessed by the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) and the Life Satisfaction Inventory (LSI).

Women's sexual concerns: data analysis from a help-line.

Purpose: To report female sexual problems and concerns, as presented by women calling a help-line, and to evaluate women's help-seeking behavior regarding sexual matters.

Materials And Methods: The study included all telephone calls from women who called for sexual concerns to a help-line dedicated to sexual problems during a 5-year period. During the call, the counselor addresses demographic characteristics of the caller, the sexual problem reported, their sexual function, any previous doctor contacts, coexisting physical and mental health problems, couple's relationship, and lifestyle factors that may influence sexual function.

Educating physicians to treat erectile dysfunction patients: development and evaluation of a course on communication and management strategies.

Purpose: To describe the development and assess the outcome of a workshop on erectile dysfunction (ED) management based on participating physicians evaluations.

Method: The study involved physicians who attended a workshop offered throughout the country, during a 3-year period. The workshop included tutorials, video-based dramatizations, and role-play sessions.

Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are the most frequently self-reported sexual concerns: profiles of 9,536 men calling a helpline.

Objectives: To describe the range of sexual problems, as reported by men calling a help-line and to investigate factors associated with help seeking behaviour.

Methods: The study included all calls between 1999 and 2004. The information used for analysis comprised caller's demographic characteristics, the sexual problem reported, previous doctor contacts, coexisting physical and mental health problems.