Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Monika Ruszala, Dominik Franciszek Dluski, Izabela Winkler, Jan Kotarski, Tomasz Rechberger, Marek Gogacz
Summary: Quality of life is influenced by health, family relations, self-esteem, and coping abilities. Endometriosis has a negative impact on various aspects of life, mainly due to constant pain. Women with endometriosis experience impaired quality of life compared to the general female population, with psychological consequences including depression, anxiety, and deterioration of interpersonal relations. A multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to care is necessary to address the physical and psychological effects of this condition.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Claire Shackleton, Soshi Samejima, Tiev Miller, Rahul Sachdeva, Ann Parr, Uzma Samadani, Theoden Netoff, Shea Hocaloski, Stacy Elliott, Matthias Walter, David Darrow, Andrei Krassioukov
Summary: Sexual dysfunction is common in women with spinal cord injury (SCI) and current treatments are ineffective, particularly for those with severe SCI. This case series investigated the effect of epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) on sexual function and distress in three women with chronic, thoracic, sensorimotor complete SCI. After 13 months of daily tonic ESCS, there was significant improvement in sexual function and reduction in sexual distress, without aggravating dyspareunia. However, further large-scale investigations are needed to understand the long-term safety and feasibility of ESCS as a viable therapy for sexual dysfunction.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ernesto Gonzalez-Mesa, Davinia Moya-Bejarano, Carmen Aisha Butron-Hinojo, Pilar Marin-Sanchez, Marta Blasco-Alonso, Jesus Salvador Jimenez-Lopez, Emilia Villegas-Munoz, Daniel Maria Lubian-Lopez
Summary: This study analyzed the sexual function of 196 Spanish women with endometriosis using the Female Sexual Function Inventory. While physical sexual pain and dyspareunia were factors influencing sexual function, the impairment was found to be multifactorial, with deep endometriosis, depression, age, and unemployment being the strongest predictive factors for poor sexual function.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Alice B. Walton, Gabriel Z. Leinwand, Omer Raheem, Wayne J. G. Hellstrom, Steven B. Brandes, Cooper R. Benson
Summary: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is prevalent after pelvic fracture, with a reported rate between 25% and 62%. Various issues such as difficulty with intercourse, dyspareunia, orgasmic dysfunction, and genitourinary pain were commonly reported. Limited standardized assessment, follow-up, and treatment options for FSD after pelvic fracture were identified as limitations in the current literature. Prospective studies are needed for a better understanding and management of FSD in trauma survivors.
JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
L. Cattani, L. De Maeyer, J. Y. Verbakel, J. Bosteels, J. Deprest
Summary: Based on the study findings, perineal trauma rather than mode of birth is associated with sexual dysfunction in the first year after childbirth. Anal sphincter injury, episiotomy, and instrumental vaginal birth all increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Virginia Zamponi, Pina Lardo, Roberta Maggio, Chiara Simonini, Rossella Mazzilli, Antongiulio Faggiano, Giuseppe Pugliese, Antonio Stigliano
Summary: Women with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) have a higher prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) compared to healthy women, with desire being the most impaired aspect, and it is related to sexual distress and cortisol levels in this population.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anne Oppenheimer, Stephane Verdun, Mathilde Perot, Joseph Du Cheyron, Pierre Panel, Arnaud Fauconnier
Summary: In this observational study, high-dose progestins were found to impair the sexual function of women treated for endometriosis, despite improving dyspareunia.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
F. Facchin, G. Barbara, L. Buggio, D. Dridi, A. Frassineti, P. Vercellini
Summary: This study examines the reliability of the Subjective Impact of Dyspareunia Inventory (SIDI) in assessing the experience of dyspareunia in the context of endometriosis. The SIDI demonstrates good structural and psychometric properties and can be used to evaluate the impact of endometriosis-related dyspareunia on various dimensions, such as sexuality and intimate relationships.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Ibrahim Alananzeh, Heidi Green, Shahla Meedya, Alex Chan, Hui Chen (Rita) Chang, Zhoumei Yan, Ritin Fernandez
Summary: This review aims to synthesize the best available evidence on the prevalence, predictors, and information needs regarding sexual health among female Arab cancer survivors. The study found a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among Arab female cancer survivors, and a lack of sexual knowledge and communication with healthcare providers was also reported.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Rossi, Roberta Galizia, Francesca Tripodi, Chiara Simonelli, Maria Grazia Porpora, Filippo Maria Nimbi
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between cognitive and psycho-emotional factors and sexual functioning of women with endometriosis. The results showed that women with endometriosis had worse scores in terms of pain, sexual distress, and negative emotions, while scoring lower in emotion identification and sexual cognition. These findings suggest that sexual health professionals should address patients' psychological, emotional, and cognitive factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ana Cristina Fernandez Risquez, Antonio Carballo Garcia, Jesus Joaquin Hijona Elosegui, Nicolas Mendoza Ladron de Guevara, Jesus Carlos Presa Lorite
Summary: This study explored the sexual experiences of postmenopausal patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in our setting. The results indicated a high rate of sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal patients with POP, suggesting an association between POP and female sexual dysfunction.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Deborah C. Marshall, Elizabeth S. Tarras, Ayesha Ali, Julie Bloom, Mylin A. Torres, Jenna M. Kahn
Summary: This scoping review highlights the lack of scientific research on the impacts of radiotherapy on female erectile tissues and the difficulty in designing studies due to the lack of biomedical data. Collaborative interdisciplinary research is needed to generate radiobiologic and clinical evidence to improve sexual outcomes in female patients.
CA-A CANCER JOURNAL FOR CLINICIANS
(2022)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Juliana M. Kling, Summer Ghaith, Taryn Smith, Ekta Kapoor, Megan Wasson, Kristin Mara, Felicity T. Enders, Stephanie Faubion, Carol Kuhle
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between self-reported endometriosis and female sexual dysfunction (FSD), and found that endometriosis only increased the risk of FSD in premenopausal women. These findings highlight the opportunity for healthcare practitioners to evaluate sexual function in premenopausal women with endometriosis.
JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Siti Nuryati Che Ya, Rosediani Muhamad, Rosnani Zakaria, Norhasmah Mohd Zain, Azlina Ishak, Intan Idiana Hassan, Imisairi Ab Hadi, Wah Yun Low, Pranee Liamputtong
Summary: This study explores the impact of breast cancer and its treatment on the sexuality and sexual health of women with breast cancer, identifying changes in sexual response cycle, fear, guilt, and marital struggles. Recognizing and addressing sexual health issues can improve the overall experience for survivors.
ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sheila A. Dugan, Kelly Karavolos, Yanyu Zhang, Elizabeth Avery, Imke Janssen, Mary Farhi, Sioban D. Harlow, Howard M. Kravitz
Summary: Research has shown a link between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and lower urinary tract and sexual disorders in clinical settings. This study aimed to examine the association between CSA and two specific aspects of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in community-dwelling women. The results revealed that in midlife women, pain with sexual activity was associated with a history of CSA, but urgency urinary incontinence was not.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Massimo Candiani, Paolo Vercellini, Francesco Fedele, Marta Parma, Stefano Salvatore, Luigi Fedele
Summary: This study described the surgical technique and long-term results of laparoscopically assisted uterovestibular anastomosis in patients with cervical atresia and complete absence of the vagina. All patients underwent the surgery without perioperative complications. Follow-up assessments showed that the length of the neovagina was satisfactory and iodine-positive epithelium was present in all patients. The continuity of the neovagina, neocervix, and uterine body was maintained without further interventions in most patients, and some patients were able to engage in sexual activity and achieve pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Paola Vigano, Marco Reschini, Marta Ciaffaglione, Veronica Cuce, Maira Casalechi, Laura Benaglia, Paolo Vercellini, Edgardo Somigliana
Summary: This study aimed to compare the factors underlying infertility in women with endometriosis. The results showed that there were no significant differences in fertilization rate, embryo quality, and clinical pregnancy rate between women with and without endometriosis. Therefore, conventional IVF can still be used in endometriosis patients unless there is a male factor involved.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Veronica Boero, Riccardo Cavalli, Carlotta Caia, Alfredo Berrettini, Giulia Emily Cetera, Ermelinda Monti, Giussy Barbara, Giorgia Carlotta Albertini, Elisa Restelli, Giada Libutti, Tiziano Motta, Caterina Lazzari, Paolo Vercellini
Summary: This study aims to investigate the evolution of pediatric vulvar lichen sclerosus (pVLS) after menarche. The majority of patients in our study still had pVLS after menarche, suggesting the importance of long-term follow-up even among those who experience symptom resolution following menarche.
PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Luca Giannella, Giovanni Delli Carpini, Jacopo Di Giuseppe, Giorgio Bogani, Francesco Sopracordevole, Nicolo Clemente, Giorgio Giorda, Rosa Pasqualina De Vincenzo, Maria Teresa Evangelista, Barbara Gardella, Mattia Dominoni, Ermelinda Monti, Chiara Alessi, Lara Alessandrini, Alessio Pagan, Marta Caretto, Alessandro Ghelardi, Andrea Amadori, Massimo Origoni, Maggiorino Barbero, Francesco Raspagliesi, Tommaso Simoncini, Paolo Vercellini, Giovanni Scambia, Andrea Ciavattini
Summary: This study examined the impact of HPV status on the prognosis of early stage cervical glandular lesions. The results showed that HPV status did not affect the recurrence rate, but most adenocarcinomas were positive for high-risk HPV.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paola Vigano, Maira Casalechi, Paolo Vercellini, Edgardo Somigliana
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alba Nicolas-Boluda, Enora Le Roux, Arounie Tavenet, Jerome Bouaziz, Paolo Vercellini, Pamela Stratton, Arnaud Fauconnier
Summary: This study aims to identify a set of patient-centered outcomes for routine endometriosis care that are relevant to all patient profiles. The final set of outcomes includes six patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and ten clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) that capture the common features for all endometriosis patients.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Giulia Emily Cetera, Camilla Erminia Maria Merli, Giussy Barbara, Carlotta Caia, Paolo Vercellini
Summary: This review aims to identify central sensitization questionnaires used in clinical endometriosis studies and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each questionnaire. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is the most frequently used questionnaire, validated in patients with endometriosis. However, there is ongoing debate about the construct validity of these questionnaires and the need for a gold standard diagnostic tool for central sensitization.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Giulia Emily Cetera, Camilla Erminia Maria Merli, Federica Facchin, Paola Vigano, Elisa Pesce, Francesca Caprara, Paolo Vercellini
Summary: Approximately 25-33% of women with endometriosis do not have an adequate response to first-line hormonal treatment for resolution of painful symptoms. The concept of progesterone resistance has been proposed but is controversial. A broader perspective of endometriosis is emerging, questioning whether the lack of response is due to altered signaling pathways or other pain contributors.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alessandra Chine, Marco Reschini, Gianfranco Fornelli, Ludovica Basili, Andrea Busnelli, Paola Vigano, Ludovico Muzii, Edgardo Somigliana
Summary: Low ovarian reserve, indicated by anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) or antral follicle count (AFC), does not increase the risk of miscarriage in young women conceiving with ART.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Paolo Vercellini, Veronica Bandini, Laura Buggio, Giussy Barbara, Nicola Berlanda, Dhouha Dridi, Maria Pina Frattaruolo, Edgardo Somigliana
Summary: This study aimed to investigate a cost-saving measure for the treatment of endometriosis by using a non-standard dosing regimen of a 3.75 mg depot formulation of triptorelin. The extended-interval dosing regimen, with injections every 6 weeks instead of every 4 weeks, reduced the cost by one-third without compromising pain relief.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
G. E. Cetera, C. E. M. Merli, F. Facchin, G. Barbara, C. Caia, G. Libutti, V. Boero
Summary: The purpose of this systematic review was to understand the disease trajectory of vulvodynia and identify potential risk factors. The study found that symptoms of vulvodynia tend to improve over time, regardless of treatment. This finding is important for both patients and physicians.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Paolo Vercellini, Veronica Bandini, Paola Vigano, Giorgia Di Stefano, Camilla Erminia Maria Merli, Edgardo Somigliana
Summary: Repetitive ovulation and menstruation provided an advantage in the Palaeolithic era, but societal changes have created a mismatch between genetic adaptation and environment, leading to an increased risk of estrogen-related diseases.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Paolo Vercellini, Veronica Bandini, Paola Vigano, Deborah Ambruoso, Giulia Emily Cetera, Edgardo Somigliana
Summary: According to epidemiological data, the incidence of endometriosis increases rapidly around the age of 25. The delay in diagnosis is usually between 5 and 8 years in adult women and over 10 years in adolescents. Ovulation and menstruation, which are inflammatory events, may contribute to the early development of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Therefore, secondary prevention targeting severely symptomatic adolescents is crucial for reducing suffering, limiting lesion progression, and preserving future reproductive potential.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Francesco Fedele, Fabio Parazzini, Paolo Vercellini, Valentino Bergamini, Luigi Fedele
Summary: The authors discuss the incidence, embryological development, classification, presentation, and treatment options of a rare reproductive tract abnormality. In the past, hysterectomy and subsequent neovagina construction were almost unanimously proposed as the treatment. However, recent experiences with conservative therapies have shown potential for restoring menstrual function and achieving pregnancy. This review emphasizes the importance of conservative surgery as the first-line treatment option, but highlights the lack of conclusive evidence regarding the superiority of one technique over another.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2023)
