Does MDMA have treatment potential in sexual dysfunction? A systematic review of outcomes across the female and male sexual response cycles.

Introduction: Sexual health, an integral component of overall well-being, is frequently compromised by common yet underdiagnosed sexual dysfunctions. Traditional interventions encompass pharmaceutical and psychological treatments. Unconventional therapies, like MDMA, offer hope for sexual dysfunction.

Characterizing the innervation of the vulvar vestibule and the immunohistochemical features of neuroproliferative vestibulodynia.

Background: Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a chronic pain condition characterized by allodynia localized to the vulvar vestibule. The finding of increased densities of nerve fibers in the vestibular mucosa of patients with PVD has led to the identification of a neuroproliferative subtype. The etiology of PVD, including neuroproliferative vestibulodynia (NPV), is not fully understood.

Menstrual cycle-driven vs noncyclical daily changes in sexual desire.

Background: Past research on the association between sexual desire and the menstrual cycle has provided inconclusive results and has not considered the potential influence of psychological and physical changes that are frequently associated with the menstrual cycle.

Aim: To test the strength of association between the menstrual cycle (and associated symptoms) and changes in sexual desire.

Methods: Prospective daily reports across 2 full menstrual cycles (2 months) from a sample of female university students (n = 213), were analysed.

Patient and provider perspectives on LEEP/LLETZ treatment and outcomes: an interview study.

Background: The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) effectively treat cervical dysplasia, though some women have reported negative outcomes postoperatively (e.g., sexual dysfunction, psychosexual sequalae).

The contribution of the cervix to sexual response: an online survey study.

Background: The role of the cervix in sexual response has been poorly studied, despite previous research indicating that some women experience pleasurable sexual sensations from cervical stimulation; given previous reports of sexual issues after cervix electrocautery, it is possible that cervical injury may compromise the role of the cervix in sexual functioning.

Aim: The aims of this study were to examine locations of pleasurable sexual sensations, to identify sexual communication barriers, and to investigate if cervical procedures are associated with negative impacts on sexual function.

Methods: Women with (n = 72) and without (n = 235) a history of a gynecological procedure completed an online survey assessing demographics, medical history, sexual function (including locations of sexual pleasure and pain on diagrams), and barriers.

The prostate in women: an updated histological and immunohistochemical profile of the female periurethral glands and their relationship to an implanted midurethral sling.

Background: There is evidence of glandular tissue in the region of the anterior vaginal wall-female periurethral tissue (AVW-FPT) that has similar morphology and immunohistochemistry to the prostate in men. Surgical injury to this tissue has been suggested as a potential cause of sexual dysfunction following midurethral sling (MUS) procedures. However, the anatomy and embryology of these glands have not been fully resolved.

Lumbar endoscopic spine surgery for persistent genital arousal disorder/genitopelvic dysesthesia resulting from lumbosacral annular tear-induced sacral radiculopathy.

Background: Persistent genital arousal disorder/genitopelvic dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is characterized by distressing, abnormal genitopelvic sensations, especially unwanted arousal. In a subgroup of patients with PGAD/GPD, cauda equina Tarlov cyst-induced sacral radiculopathy has been reported to trigger the disorder. In our evaluation of lumbosacral magnetic resonance images in patients with PGAD/GPD and suspected sacral radiculopathy, some had no Tarlov cysts but showed lumbosacral disc annular tear pathology.

Hiding in plain sight? A review of post-convulsive leukocyte elevations.

During physiological stress responses such as vigorous exercise, emotional states of fear and rage, and asphyxia, the nervous system induces a massive release of systemic catecholamines that prepares the body for survival by increasing cardiac output and redirecting blood flow from non-essential organs into the cardiopulmonary circulation. A curious byproduct of this vital response is a sudden, transient, and redistributive leukocytosis provoked mostly by the resultant shear forces exerted by rapid blood flow on marginated leukocytes. Generalized convulsive seizures, too, result in catecholamine surges accompanied by similar leukocytoses, the magnitude of which appears to be rooted in semiological factors such as convulsive duration and intensity.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies in Sexual Medicine: A Primer.

Background: Over the past 30 years, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has emerged as a powerful tool to non-invasively study the activity and function of the human brain. But along with the potential of fMRI to shed light on neurological, psychiatric, and psychological processes, there are methodological challenges and criticisms.

Aim: We herein provide an fMRI primer designed for a diverse audience, from the neuroimaging novice to the experienced user.

Should We Call It a Prostate? A Review of the Female Periurethral Glandular Tissue Morphology, Histochemistry, Nomenclature, and Role in Iatrogenic Sexual Dysfunction.

Introduction: There is evidence of glandular tissue within the region of the anterior vaginal wall-female periurethral tissue (AVW-FPT) having similar morphology and immunohistochemistry to the prostate in men and having physiological roles in the female sexual response (FSR). Whether this tissue should be called a prostate in women has been debated. Iatrogenic injury to structures of the AVW-FPT, including these glands and the associated neurovasculature, could be a cause of female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Vagus nerve afferent stimulation: Projection into the brain, reflexive physiological, perceptual, and behavioral responses, and clinical relevance.

The afferent vagus nerves project to diverse neural networks within the brainstem and forebrain, based on neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and functional (fMRI) brain imaging evidence. In response to afferent vagal stimulation, multiple homeostatic visceral reflexes are elicited. Physiological stimuli and both invasive and non-invasive electrical stimulation that activate the afferent vagus elicit perceptual and behavioral responses that are of physiological and clinical significance.

The Use of Pramipexole to Treat Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder: A Case Report.

Introduction: Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) is defined as "spontaneous, intrusive, and unwanted genital arousal (tingling, throbbing, pulsating) in the absence of sexual interest and desire" and traditionally causes marked distress, embarrassment and shame. PGAD may be caused by starting, discontinuing, or making adjustments in certain antidepressants or other medications.

Aim: To report the case of a 36- year- old woman with PGAD, likely due to changes in her psychiatric medications, who was treated with pramipexole and experienced improvement in her PGAD symptoms.

Threshold for copulation-induced analgesia varies according to the ejaculatory endophenotypes in rats.

Analgesia may be modulated by multiple internal and external factors. In prior studies, copulatory-induced analgesia was demonstrated using the vocalization threshold to tail shock (VTTS) in male and female rats. Three ejaculatory endophenotypes have been characterized in male Wistar rats based upon their ejaculation latency (EL).

Increasing the antinociceptive effect of ingested glycinamide in female rats by increasing its palatability.

Background: These studies were undertaken to investigate whether the ingestion of glycinamide, a precursor of glycine, made more palatable by mixing with a chocolate suspension, improves antinociception in rats.

Methods: Two nociception threshold models were employed: the tail-flick latency and vocalization to tail shock, in restricted and freely-moving rats. Glycinamide in a highly palatable commercial chocolate aqueous suspension was provided for ad-lib ingestion after 24 hours of water deprivation.

Male Urogenital System Mapped Onto the Sensory Cortex: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence.

Introduction: The projection of the human male urogenital system onto the paracentral lobule has not previously been mapped comprehensively.

Aim: To map specific urogenital structures onto the primary somatosensory cortex toward a better understanding of sexual response in men.

Methods: Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we mapped primary somatosensory cortical responses to self-stimulation of the penis shaft, glans, testicles, scrotum, rectum, urethra, prostate, perineum, and nipple.