The journal of sexual medicine
-
Although erectile dysfunction (ED) has been associated with low circulating total testosterone (TT) levels, the utility of free testosterone (FT) over TT is debatable. ⋯ Although normal cFT was not associated with signs and symptoms suggestive of testosterone deficiency, even when concomitant with low TT or low cFT irrespective of TT values, it was indicative of poorer clinical profiles and impaired sexual and depressive parameters compared with normal TT and normal cFT in a cohort of patients with ED. Boeri L, Capogrosso P, Ventimiglia E, et al. Does Calculated Free Testosterone Overcome Total Testosterone in Protecting From Sexual Symptom Impairment? Findings of a Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2017;14:1549-1557.
-
Comparative Study
A Longitudinal Study of Motivations Before and Psychosexual Outcomes After Genital Gender-Confirming Surgery in Transmen.
Genital dissatisfaction is an important reason for transmen to undergo genital gender-confirming surgery (GCS; phalloplasty or metoidioplasty). However, little is known about motives for choosing specific techniques, how transmen benefit postoperatively, and whether psychosexual outcomes improve. ⋯ Counseling and decision making for GCS in transmen should be a highly personalized and interdisciplinary practice. van de Grift TC, Pigot GLS, Boudhan S, et al. A Longitudinal Study of Motivations Before and Psychosexual Outcomes After Genital Gender-Confirming Surgery in Transmen. J Sex Med 2017;14:1621-1628.
-
Studies have suggested that dopamine plays a role in the neurobiological mechanism that triggers ejaculation, leading scientists to hypothesize that dopamine-related genetic polymorphisms could contribute to symptoms of premature ejaculation (PE). ⋯ We report an association between 2 COMT gene-linked loci and PE symptoms, but our results should be treated with caution until independently replicated. Jern P, Johansson A, Strohmaier J, et al. Preliminary Evidence for an Association Between Variants of the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Gene and Premature Ejaculation. J Sex Med 2017;14:1558-1565.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an emerging medical technology in which non-thermal laser irradiation is applied to treat pain. Because LLLT has been found effective in treating various pain syndromes without known side effects, we conducted a study evaluating the effect of LLLT on provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), a complex sexual pain disorder characterized by pain confined to the vulvar vestibule in response to contact or pressure. ⋯ Given the results of this pilot study, LLLT cannot currently be recommended as a treatment for PVD. Further studies with a larger population, various treatment protocols, and evaluation of LLLT in different subgroups of PVD are needed to define which patients can benefit from this therapy. Lev-Sagie A, Kopitman A, Brzezinski A. Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Provoked Vestibulodynia-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. J Sex Med 2017;14:1403-1411.
-
Comparative Study
A Comparison of Approach and Avoidance Sexual Goals in Couples With Vulvodynia and Community Controls.
Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a prevalent form of vulvodynia that interferes with the sexual and relational functioning of affected couples. Approach and avoidance sexual goals are associated with the sexual and relationship well-being of women with PVD and their partners. However, whether sexual goals differ in couples coping with PVD compared with community couples is unknown. ⋯ Findings suggest that the sexual goals of women affected by PVD differ from those of community women and from their partners and support sexual goals as targets for psychological interventions to help couples coping with PVD. Dubé JP, Bergeron S, Muise A, et al. A Comparison of Approach and Avoidance Sexual Goals in Couples With Vulvodynia and Community Controls. J Sex Med 2017;14:1412-1420.