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Traditional sexual scripts (TSS) are associated with gender inequality for exposing women to vulnerabilities. Higher adherence to TSS has also been associated with deficits in sexual agency, contributing for decrease women's sexual health and problems with sexual satisfaction. The sexual agency is achieved through sex education, and comparing Portugal and Brazil that treat this issue in different ways may contribute to understand the role of sex education policies. This study verified and compared the association between TSSs, sexual agency and sexual satisfaction in Portuguese and Brazilian women and analyzed the predictive power of the variables on female sexual satisfaction. A cross-sectional online survey with 322 women university students, 161 Brazilian and 161 Portuguese, aged between 18 and 29, was made using measures to verify sexual scripts, sexual agency and sexual satisfaction, and data were analyzed using statistical analyses. Results indicate a significant moderate positive association between sexual satisfaction and initiation, and communion in both groups. Initiation, refusal, communion, instrumentality, and permissiveness were predictors of sexual satisfaction in Portuguese, and initiation, communion were predictors of sexual satisfaction in the Brazilian group. Despite higher rates of sex education and practices to prevent STIs and early pregnancy in the Portuguese group, there was no significant difference in adherence to sexual scripts in the groups. Compulsory sex education in Portugal contributes to increasing sexual agency in sexual practices, but programs focused on STI prevention and early pregnancy are not enough to change TSS, promote an integral agency, and sexual satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditions such as violence, drug abuse, sexual satisfaction, anxiety, depression, and disability interfere with a healthy pregnancy and can also account for maternal morbidity. The instrument WOICE was built by WHO to measure it. We applied WOICE in a prospective cohort of 125 pregnant women, using a before-after approach, during the third trimester of pregnancy, and after 42 until 90 days of childbirth. 60% had anxiety during pregnancy, decreasing to 48.8% after delivery (p = 0.07), and depression scores decreased from 7.56 to 5.80 (p = 0.014). Disability affected 62.4% and 56, respectively. 9.6% used drugs during pregnancy, reducing to 4.0% after delivery (RR 0.69, IC 0.49 − 0.69). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quilombola communities are descended from African slaves who escaped in resistance to imperial rule in Brazil. Today, these communities suffer from inadequate health care and health promotion programs due to socioeconomic, geographic, and political factors. This generates greater vulnerability among these groups because they have limited information about prevention to improve their quality of life. This research aimed to analyze the sexuality of young quilombola adults and the impact on their quality of life through an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study with descriptive and inferential analyses. Our study is the first to address these issues among quilombolas in the Eastern Amazon region. The participants were 79 individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 to 35 years, belonging to seven communities in the state of Pará. The questionnaires were designed to assess sexual behavior and satisfaction, values and beliefs about sexuality, prejudice regarding sexual and gender diversity, knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), beliefs about maternity, and quality of life. Women reported greater sexual dissatisfaction and lower quality of life than men. Men reported no dysfunctions; however, they were highly prejudiced towards sexual and gender diversity. Low education negatively impacts the health of quilombola populations, as knowledge about STIs and values and beliefs influence sexual behavior, exposing individuals to diseases. The research also confirms that, both among quilombolas and other groups, factors such as sexual satisfaction, values and beliefs about reproduction, and affectivity directly influence the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Health professionals treating sexual dysfunction and relational dissatisfaction recognize that they are multifactorial phenomena, and depression can be bidirectionally associated with both. Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate sexual dysfunction in heterosexual couples in relation to the quality of their marital relationship and depression symptoms. Methods The sample consisted of 100 heterosexual couples recruited in Brazil. Both partners of each couple completed the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction and the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Marital Satisfaction, which were translated and adapted, and the Beck Depression Inventory, which was validated for the Brazilian population. Both partners completed their questionnaires separately, and the couple's surveys were linked to preserve conjugal data for dyadic analysis. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was used to understand how sexual dysfunction in couples is related to depression and relationship quality among and between partners. Results Sexual dysfunction was found to be strongly associated with dissatisfaction in the relationship (husbands, β = 0.57, P  < 0.001; wives, β = 0.60, P  < 0.001), and a positive association was found between depressive symptoms and marital dissatisfaction (husbands, β = .32, P  < .001; wives β = .40, P  < .001). Clinical Implication The results suggest that it is important for health professionals to be aware of the dyadic impact of struggles with both sex and the relationship and the presence of depression symptoms in patients who seek care for sexual complaints or depression and who are in a marital relationship. Strengths and Limitations The different results found for men and women may shed light on the biopsychosocial dimensions of human sexuality. When treated as a purely physical experience, sex is myopic. In this study we demonstrated psychosocial aspects associated with gender and sexuality, and the partner's variables were found to have a greater impact on women than they did on the men. A limitation of this study is that the sample is not generalizable as it is not demographically representative of all socioeconomic groups in Brazil. Furthermore, the participants in this sample did not have clinical levels of depression, so the results cannot be extended to couples in which one or both spouses have depressive disorder. Conclusion It was found that sexual dysfunction is strongly associated with the quality of the couple relationship, and that the quality of relationship plays a mediating role between depression and marital quality, especially for the women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions (FSD) and associated factors in young women attending a healthcare degree course. Sexual function and sexual discomfort of 187 young college women were assessed by The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). A total of 23% of participants reported FSD, and the most affected area was pain, followed by orgasm and lubrication, arousal, desire, and satisfaction. This study provides valuable insights into the sexual behavior of young women in Brazil, including the number of lifetime sexual partners, duration of relationships, type of sexual activities and their frequency, sexual orientation, use of antidepressant, and contraceptives methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although the majority of older adults experience sexual satisfaction regardless of their sexual activity, there are few studies that address sexuality in aging, especially in Latin America. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexual activity and satisfaction among older adults in two time-points, as well as their sociodemographic and health predictors. Method: We analyze data from 1,464 older adults aged 60 years or over from the Health, Well-Being, and Aging (SABE) cohort study conducted in Brazil. Multivariable regression models were used to determinate the factors associated with sexual activity and sexual satisfaction, stratified by gender. Results: Among older adults, the prevalence of sexual activity was 48%, while the vast majority reported feeling sexually satisfied (80%). Men had more sexual activity than women, while women presented greater sexual satisfaction than men. After the follow-up, older adults that were married were more likely to have sexual activity. In women, being older than 71 years was associated with lower sexual activity. In men, those with mobility problems and depression were less likely to have sexual activity. Regarding sexual satisfaction, having depression remained a leading factor for lower sexual satisfaction in men. Conclusion: Despite beliefs, a high percentage of older adults reported being sexually active and feeling sexually satisfied. Our results highlight the gender difference in the predictors of sexual activity and sexual satisfaction. Since sexuality is important for well-being throughout life, preventing factors that decrease sexual activity and sexual satisfaction in aging could help improve the quality of life of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paideia (0103863X) is the property of Paideia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: A significant percentage of postmenopausal women suffer from urinary incontinence (UI), which can impair sexual function. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the main treatment to improve UI, and it can also be used to improve sexual function. On the other hand, other forms of intervention, such as Pilates exercises, which require activation of the pelvic floor muscles, have been suggested as a possible adjuvant in UI-related outcomes. Objectives: To verify the effectiveness of PFMT vs. Pilates on sexual function in postmenopausal women with UI. Methods: 40 postmenopausal women with UI were randomized into two groups: PFMT (n = 20) and Pilates (n = 20). Interventions in both groups were performed for 12 weeks, three times a week, for 30 minutes. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon U tests were used for inter and intragroup comparisons, respectively. Results: There was no difference in the intergroup comparison, for any FSFI domain (p > 0.05). There was a significant intragroup difference, in both groups, in the desire, lubrication and total score domains, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. There were also significant intragroup results for the orgasm and pain domains in the PFMT group, with a small effect size. Conclusion: There was no evidence that PFMT is different from Pilates in the sexual function of postmenopausal women with UI, therefore, the choice between PFMT or Pilates may be based on preferences and costs for the patient or health professional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an integrative review of psychometric instruments targeting sexual function and clinical measures of sexuality available to the Brazilian population. Our aim was to summarize the existing measures, indicating current development needs related to the quality of psychometric evidence, research design and untapped theoretical ground that could be relevant for clinical practice and research in sexuality. Electronic databases were searched. Additional records were found through a manual search. The general search terms and operators were (scale OR inventory OR questionnaire) AND (validation) AND (sexual beliefs OR sexuality OR sexual behavior OR sexual function OR sexual satisfaction) AND (Brazil or Brazilian). The results indicate a total of 18 developed or transculturally adapted and/or validated scales and questionnaires available in Brazilian Portuguese, covering sexual dysfunctions and clinical measures. Despite development, adaptation and validation efforts, there is a critical need for better psychometric and sampling strategies as well as norms for the clinical interpretation of test results. Ecological validity is also a challenge. At present, sexual assessments in Brazil offer some useful information, but reaching the applied clinical field remains a challenge.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2022.2035869 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is an austere public health problem, representing the most incident and prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Objective: To evaluate the health-related quality of life of women with breast cancer undergoing initial and final stages of chemotherapy treatment. Methods: It was descriptive, correlational, analytical, prospective cross-sectional study that included 80 women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Health-related quality of life was assessed in two phases. The first one was on the initial day of the treatment and the second, 120 days after started the chemotherapy. Results: Eighty adult women were part of the study, whose average age was 52.54. Overall quality of life decreased due to chemotherapy. It was noted the negative impact that the emotional role, the sexual function and the concern about hair loss on health-related quality of life. It was observed that fatigue, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhea were frequent symptoms in comparison between the phases. Sexual function and satisfaction were dissatisfying and worsened during chemotherapy. Conclusion: The quality of life related to the health of patients is negatively influenced during chemotherapy treatment, hence, requiring interventions in oncology and research in this sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationships among men's sexual coercion, men's performance of mate retention behaviors, and their partner's relationship satisfaction in Brazil (Study 1) and the United States (Study 2). In addition, we adapted the Sexual Coercion in Intimate Relationships Scale (SCIRS) to the Brazilian context (Escala de Coerção Sexual em Relacionamentos Amorosos [ECSRA]; Study 1) and investigated the suitability of the adapted version in the American context (Sexual Coercion in Intimate Relationships Scale–Short Form [SCIRS-SF]; Study 2). Study 1 included 181 Brazilians, aged between 18 and 49 years (M = 23.5; SD = 5.1), mostly female (60.8%). Study 2 included 508 Americans, aged between 19 and 70 years (M = 34.7; SD = 9.7), mostly male (52.6%). Participants were in a heterosexual, romantic relationship for at least 3 months. Participants completed the SCIRS, a 34-item measure assessing how often participants experienced each sexually coercive behavior, the MRI-SF, a 38-item measure assessing how often participants performed each mate retention act, and several items regarding relationship satisfaction. The results indicated that American (but not Brazilian) men's sexual coercion is positively correlated with their performance of cost-inflicting and benefit-provisioning mate retention behaviors. Men's sexual coercion did not affect their partner's relationship satisfaction in either the American or Brazilian contexts. The SCIRS-SF (nine items) reliably represents the SCIRS (34 items) in the American context. We recommend the SCIRS-SF for assessing performance frequency of sexual coercion. The SCIRS-SF may be used as a screening tool to identify patterns of sexual coercion in couples from Brazil and the United States. We highlight limitations of the current research and identify directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several factors are associated with sexual satisfaction during the postpartum period. However, there is a lack of studies among low-income women with depression during the previous pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of Decline of Sexual Life (DSL) and its relationship with postpartum depression (PPD), at 6 to 9 months after childbirth, in a primary care sample of mothers who had antenatal depression. We performed a cross-sectional, secondary analysis from a cluster, with 356 postpartum women from public primary care clinics in São Paulo, Brazil. The main outcome measure was the women's perception of DSL after pregnancy/delivery. The main exposure variable was PPD assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire. A questionnaire evaluated self-perception of partner relationship and obstetric and socio-demographic maternal characteristics. Crude and adjusted Prevalence Ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated using Poisson regression. DSL occurred in 25.0% of postpartum women. In the multivariable analysis, PPD was associated with DSL and self-perception of partner relationship. In conclusion, DSL is common among postpartum women with a history of antenatal depression. The screening of sexual problems after childbirth should include assessment of PPD and perception of partner relationship, both variables amenable to interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to relate the type of breastfeeding in the women's sexual function. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with 150 women in the postpartum period registered in the Family Health Strategy of a large Brazilian municipality. Two instruments were used: one for characterizing sociodemographic, obstetric and breastfeeding variables, and the Female Sexual Function Index for the sexual function. Descriptive data analysis was performed, comparing the variables of interest using the Analysis of Variance, Brown-Forsythe and Tukey tests. Results: there was statistical significance between the groups that practiced different types of breastfeeding in the vaginal lubrication domain (p = 0.015), with the mothers in mixed or partial breastfeeding presenting a higher score for this domain (3.8). Conclusion: there is a difference in the female sexual function between different types of breastfeeding. Women who presented better vaginal lubrication belonged to the mixed breastfeeding group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In several spinal injuries, motor impairments significantly compromise the individual's activities. Thus, in an individual with a spinal cord injury (SCI) some sexual mechanisms are compromised, such as erectile capacity, ejaculation, semen quality, orgasm, fertility, and psychological changes. To understand the sexuality and the personal history of sexual function of the individual is crucial, since the recovery of sexual function is reported as a priority by individual with an SCI. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the practices, orientation, satisfaction, and sexual response in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). This is a cross-sectional study. The Human Sexuality Questionnaire LM (LM-QSH) was used to compare the responses before and after an SCI. The paired t-test was used to compare responses before and after the SCI. After SCI, it was observed that 94%, of men maintained an active sex life, with 50% having sex ≤ 1 time per week. After SCI individuals reported greater pleasure in the mouth, neck, and ears, and there was a reduction in sexual responses. Of men reporting, 90% made medium to large sexual adjustments, both physically and psychologically. The results of the present study demonstrated that men with SCI maintained an active sex life and unchanged sexual desire. Most of men with SCI were not advised about physical and psychological sexual adjustments when adapting to sex, both physical and emotional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide, and this condition may be compromising female sexual function. However, there are controversial findings regarding the impact of GDM diagnosis and proposed treatments on sexual function during pregnancy. Therefore, this study seeks to elucidate the impact of GDM on sexual function in pregnant women by making a comparison between GDM and non-GDM groups using pregnancy sexual response inventory (PSRI). Materials and Methods: A case–control study involved 303 [168 women without GDM (control group) and 108 women diagnosed with GDM (case group)] Brazilian pregnant women at the Perinatal Diabetes Research Centre-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brazil. PSRI was used to collect the data. The sexual function was scored in 10 domains as composite and specific scores by domains, categorized into quartiles (0 < 25 "very low," 25 < 50 "low," 50 < 75 "high," and 75–100 "very high"), for "before pregnancy" and "during pregnancy." The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using Student's t-, F-, and chi-square tests. Results: GDM women (PSRI composite score <50) are at risk of decreased sexual function during pregnancy, while non-GDM women are not at risk (PSRI composite score >50). There were no significant differences in the sexual functions between the two groups before pregnancy (p > 0.0001). After GDM diagnosis and proposed treatment, the differences were significant (p < 0.0001), notably in the frequency, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and dyspareunia score. Conclusions: This study showed that GDM diagnosis and proposed treatment resulted in decreased sexual functions during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence of nonsevere maternal morbidity (including overall health, domestic and sexual violence, functionality, and mental health) in women during antenatal care and further analyze factors associated with compromised mental functioning and clinical health by administration of the WHO's WOICE 2.0 instrument. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a referral center in Brazil with an interview and questionnaire administered to pregnant women at 28 weeks of gestation and beyond. Data collection and management were supported by REDCAP software. A descriptive analysis was performed, and a multiple regression analysis also investigated factors associated with impairment in mental conditions, functionality, and clinical health. Results. 533 women at a mean age of 28.9 years (±6.7) were included, and the majority had a partner (77.1%) and secondary education (67.7%). Exposure to violence occurred in 6.8%, and 12.7% reported substance use. Sexual satisfaction was reported by the vast majority (91.7%), although almost one-fifth were sexually abstinent. Overall, women reported very good and good health (72%), despite being told that they had a medical condition (66%). There was an overall rate of anxiety in 29.9%, depression in 39.5%, and impaired functioning in 20.4%. The perception of an abnormal clinical condition was the only factor independently associated with impaired functioning and mental health in the multiple regression model. Obesity was independently associated with clinical impairment. Conclusion. During antenatal care, pregnant women in the study reported having a high rate of anxiety, depression, impaired functioning, and substance use. These issues can affect a woman's health and should be further addressed for specific interventions and improved quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the accuracy of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis of sexual dysfunction in women undergoing pharmacological treatment for breast cancer. Methods: A cross‐sectional accuracy study with statistical analysis. Findings: Alteration in sexual satisfaction was the defining characteristic with the highest sensitivity value, while perceived sexual limitation was the defining characteristic with the highest value for both sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Perceived sexual limitation is a good clinical indicator to infer initial stages of sexual dysfunction and to confirm its presence. Implications For Nursing Practice: Accurate diagnostics allow devising an action plan directed to the patients' real needs, helping prescribe and deliver the appropriate nursing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence, a phase of transition to adulthood, is the period in which there is great personal, intellectual, social and also sexual development. Once adolescents are more open regarding sexuality, through the media, in addition to his critical maturity in development, there is a greater predisposition to believe in myths related to the theme. The aim of this study was to identify myths and beliefs related to sexuality, in the adolescents’ and young adults’ point of view. An integrative review of the literature was carried out and manuscripts published in the last ten years were included. A total of 2,260 participants, aged 11 to 25 years, were included in studies conducted in Brazil, Ghana and Turkey. Among the myths and beliefs studied are: female virginity is important for male sexual satisfaction; circumcision is necessary for intimate hygiene; dress and behavior encourage sexual harassment; alcoholic beverages and/ or illicit drugs increase sexual desire; a boy always has more pleasure than a girl; the bigger the boy’s penis, the greater the girl’s pleasure; girls don’t get pregnant in their first sexual intercourse; masturbation is bad for health, among others. Studies show the need for educational interventions in order to demystify young people’s erroneous beliefs about sexuality so that they can experience it safely and responsibly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigacion & Educacion en Enfermeria is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Enfermeria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse appointed a Working Group on Sexual Disorders and Sexual Health in order to revise and propose changes to ICD-10 categories. Analyze ethical and legal implications in Brazil of the proposed ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for paraphilic disorders. A forensic working group of Brazilian experts in collaboration with representatives of WHO reviewed the proposed modifications to the classification of Disorders of Sexual Preference in ICD-10 (F65), which is recommended to be replaced by Paraphilic Disorders in ICD-11. Proposals were reviewed through a medicolegal lens, using a legal and policy analysis guide put forth by WHO. The premise of this review was to understand that, although the ICD classification is intended to provide a basis for clinical and statistical health interventions, medical diagnostics may also be entangled in the complex legal, normative, and political environment of various countries. The most important proposed change to this section is to limit the concept of paraphilic disorders primarily to patterns of sexual arousal involving a focus on others who are unwilling or unable to consent, but this change has not affected the ethical and legal aspects of psychiatric functioning in the Brazil. Because Brazilian criminal law is directed toward criminal behavior and not to specific psychiatric diagnoses, the changes proposed for ICD-11 are not expected to create obstacles to health services or to modify criminal sentencing. Although ICD-11 has a number of changes in its content, there are no significant clinical implications in the Brazilian context, but a better clarity of conceptual definitions and diagnostic criteria. The study is conducted with people from different Brazilian states, which is important for a comprehensive view. On the other hand, considering that it is a very heterogeneous country, there is the limitation that an even wider scope of the study is not possible. In the Brazilian context, the new guidelines for paraphilic disorders contribute to clinical utility and are not expected to create difficulties related to the legal, social, and economic consequences of sexual offenses in the country. Abdalla-Filho E, de Jesus Mari J, Diehl A, et al. Forensic Implications of the New Classification of ICD-11 Paraphilic Disorders in Brazil. J Sex Med 2019; 16:1814–1819. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Paulista de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Eletrônica de Enfermagem is the property of Revista Eletronica de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Infertility has been negatively associated with sexual satisfaction. This study aimed to estimate the relation of infertility to sexual satisfaction from a cross-cultural perspective, comparing Italian and Brazilian women. Between June 2012 and January 2013, 528 women seeking assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment in Italy (39%) or Brazil (61%) completed self-reports of sexual satisfaction (ISS) and infertility-related stress in the marital domain (IRS). IRS was the same across countries. ISS differed, with 34.31% of the Italians and 43.52% of the Brazilians being sexually dissatisfied at a clinical level (ISS score >30). Multiple logistic regression models showed that being sexually dissatisfied at a clinical level was associated with lower education and higher IRS among Italian women, regardless of having a diagnosed cause of infertility. It was instead associated with higher IRS only among the Brazilian women who had a diagnosed cause of infertility. These findings suggest that, regardless of nationality, sexual satisfaction and infertility-related stress need to be addressed in the treatment of infertile women turning to ART. However, as factors associated with these dimensions vary across countries, interventions to promote sexual satisfaction among infertile women should be adapted to their specific socio-cultural context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weakening of perineal muscles results in disorders of gynecological, urinary and gastrointestinal systems. Women often undergo changes labeled as sexual disfunctions, generating discomfort and dissatisfaction. Rehabilitation and strengthening of these muscles have a positive effect in the sexual life of women. It was our objective to investigate the strength of pelvic floor and its effects in female sexual disfunctions. 34 women aged from 20 to 40 years old volunteered. The study was performed in a private clinic in the city of F Fortaleza- CE. The volunteers replied to a Sexual Quocient questionnaire - female version (QS - F). It was performed an assessment of the strength of the pelvic floor muscles with the use of a PERINA 996-2® device. It was found that 62% of women reported a regular to good sexual performance; and that the higher the strength of the perineal muscles the better the sexual satisfaction. There is a direct correlation between muscle strength of the pelvic floor muscles and the degree of sexual satisfaction of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia e Pesquisa is the property of Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The occurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is associated with changes in health-related quality of life, including psychological factors, such as fear and shame, and changes in sexuality and sexual satisfaction, such as decreased sexual desire and frequency of sexual intercourse. Personal relationships are the most affected because CIN is sexually transmitted and many women tend to blame their partner for disease transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FACIT-CD questionnaire in Brazilian women diagnosed with CIN.Methods: The properties of the FACIT-CD questionnaire were tested on a sample of 439 women seen at the Department of Prevention of Barretos Cancer Hospital, including 329 patients who were diagnosed with CIN and 110 women who were not diagnosed with the disease. The analysed parameters included internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient), structural validity, convergent validity (correlation with the SF-12 and EORTC QLQ-CX24 questionnaires), discriminant validity (according to disease status, and self-rating of health), sensitivity, and responsiveness.Results: The Cronbach alpha values ​​of the FACIT-CD scales were higher than 0.70 with the exception of the relationship scale (0.66). The FACIT-CD reproducibility was satisfactory, with variation in the intraclass correlation coefficients ranging between 0.50 and 0.83, although the 95% confidence interval (CI) was lower than 0.40 (0.33-0.64) on the treatment satisfaction scale. Regarding structural validity, only one item on the physical well-being scale was not kept in the original domain. The expected correlations between the FACIT-CD and SF-12 were not confirmed, whereas the correlations between the FACIT-CD and EORTC QLQ-CX24 were confirmed. The questionnaire was able to discriminate the groups according to disease status and self-rating of health. The sensitivity was low for the relationship scale and moderate for the other scales. The responsiveness of the FACIT-CD questionnaire varied between the groups that denominate the self-perception of health as no change, improvement or worsening.Conclusion: Our results are encouraging and indicate that the FACIT-CD questionnaire is a promising tool for the analysis of the quality of life of women with CIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer has a high prevalence among women. It is known that breast cancer survivors can undergo a several alterations due to the treatment, including sexual dysfunction. Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of sexual dysfunction in women after breast cancer surgery, and assess the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) contraction, as well to verify if hormone therapy caused long-term occurrence of PFM weakness or sexual dysfunction. Methods: The sample was composed by 26 women with 48.4 ± 6.8 years which using hormone therapy treatment at least six months. Data on sexual dysfunction were collected through the Female Sexual Function Index- FSFI questionnaire and a section composed by demographic information. Furthermore, the PFM contraction was assessed using the PERFECT scale. Results: The results demonstrated a high rate of sexual dysfunction (64.3%) and a weak PFM contraction (2.31±1.3) among the women. In addition, a long-term hormone therapy had a negative association with PFM endurance and with the orgasm and satisfaction domains of the FSFI questionnaire. Conclusion: women using hormone therapy after breast cancer surgery had a high rate of sexual dysfunction and the long-term treatment of hormone treatment can be associated with a worsening of orgasm and sexual satisfaction in these women. Also, the use at long-term of hormone therapy had a negative association with the PFM endurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To evaluate the effect of sociodemographic and clinical factors on body image, sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women following breast cancer treatment. Background Women with breast cancer may experience a wide range of symptoms associated with body image and sexuality that can severely affect their quality of life. Therefore, the health care professional's ability to understand the patient's complaints and her sexual history is highly relevant in specialised multidisciplinary care. Design A cross-sectional survey. Methods Seventy-seven participants were included. Body image, sexual function and sexual satisfaction were evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire. Results were shown as means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. Cronbach's alpha was calculated. Spearman's correlation test, the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis, conducted using the spss statistical software package, version 17.0. Results Low scores were found in the desire (34·63), frequency (32·03) and sexual satisfaction (45·91) domains, while body image scores were higher (63·57). No strong correlation was found between body image and any of the other domains. Patients without a steady partner experienced more sexual desire ( p < 0·04) and more frequent sexual activity ( p < 0·01). Sexual activity was also more frequent ( p < 0·03) in women with a higher education level and in those using aromatase inhibitors. Conclusions Sexual function and satisfaction were affected to a greater extent than body image. No association was found between body image and sexual performance. The effect of marital status and education level on sexual function merits particular attention. Relevance to clinical practice A well-trained multidisciplinary team should be available to evaluate women's need for support and to provide information on the disease, its treatment and its impact on their lives and on their sexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the practice of marriage and family therapy is spreading across the world, it is important for knowledge regarding marital processes and patterns to expand to countries outside of North America and Europe. This study examined common marital problems faced by Brazilian couples. The sample consisted of 80 married couples living in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Results showed that money, children, jealousy, and sex were common problems faced by Brazilian couples. There were few gender differences found. Sex and alcohol had a significant impact on marital satisfaction of wives, and sex had a significant impact on marital satisfaction of husbands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Eroticism - more present in some human types than others - may be defended as able to bring together people from different cultures and ethnicities and promote dialogue between them. More than just a simple hypothesis, this is a affirmation central to Gilberto Freyre's remarkable book Casa Grande & Senzala regarding the attitude displayed by Portuguese colonisers towards the conquered lands, and in particular, Brazil. Translated for the first time to English as The Masters and the Slaves, the book became the subject of widespread criticism in 1930 for its intellectual flights and creating an almost realistic vision of Brazilian colonial society and therefore masking the conflicts inherent to slavery. It also served to develop a concept of racial democracy which is supposedly predominant in modern Brazil. The book has however come back into favour among readers, and not just due to its exceptional literary force. The originality of its contradictory arguments has also come to light as a type of zigzag criticism. From another point of view, the pathology of a patriarchal society emerges from Casa Grande & Senzala to reveal to its readers how the sexual relations in such a society were governed by domination and exploitation. Considering what Foucault says in The History of Sexuality (Vol. II) allows us to see the principle of isomorphism in sexual relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynecologic cancer treatment can lead to anatomical changes in the genitalia that may impair sexual response. As a result, the authors aimed to assess women's self-perceptions of their sex lives following gynecologic cancer treatment and the impact of such treatment on sexual function. Thirty sexually active women were examined. At the first meeting with a physician sex therapist, women were asked about their satisfaction with their sexual activities prior to and after gynecologic cancer treatment, either with a partner or alone, and how many times per month they had sexual intercourse prior to the cancer diagnosis and after treatment. Women reported significantly worse sex lives and a significantly lower frequency of sexual relations following cancer treatment. All participants reported pain on vaginal penetration and feeling uncomfortable in discussing their sexual difficulties with the oncologist. The findings show that women experienced impaired sexual function, as well as poorer quality of sexual function, following gynecologic cancer treatment. Nurses should provide basic guidelines about sexual function to all patients who undergo treatment for gynecologic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This research describes the data of a model to predict the global satisfaction with romantic relationships from a set of variables related to love feeling, sexual relationship and satisfaction with life. Data regarding the validity and reliability of a measure of sexual satisfaction for the Brazilian culture are also presented. In total, 344 participants from two Brazilian cities took part in the survey, including 195 (57%) males. The average age of participants was 29.1 years (SD = 9.2 years). The measure validated in this study presented two resulting dimensions arising from the analysis of principal components and exploratory factor analysis: sexual satisfaction in relationships (SSR) and sexual dissatisfaction in relationships (ISR), with levels of Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.89 and 0.86 respectively. Finally, a multiple regression analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between the investigated dimensions of variables and a measure of global satisfaction in the relationship. The resulting model explained 50.9% of the variance in satisfaction with the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to extend knowledge regarding sexual satisfaction, comparing the findings among pre- and post-lesion periods and a control group. From Brazil, the participants were 90 men, of whom 40 had a spinal cord injury (SCI) and 50 had no physical disability. The instrument used was a structured open and closed–ended questionnaire. Of the 40 men with SCI, 29 had paraplegia and 11 had tetraplegia. The participants were asked about their level of sexual satisfaction: 72% of the control group declared themselves to be very satisfied; 80% of the men with SCI in the pre-lesion period also reported being very satisfied, while in the postlesion period this number fell to 47.5%. In the pre-lesion period and in the control group sexual satisfaction exhibited positive correlations with: sexual frequency; sexual stimulation; sexual desire and intensity of orgasm. Meanwhile, in the post-lesion period there were correlations between variables that are modified by the SCI: erection sufficient for penetration; reaching orgasm; achieving penetration and finding sex possible without penetration. Noteworthy, the study found that there are changes in the sexual satisfaction of men with SCI. In many cases this change results from the difficulty in maintaining a sex life similar to that experienced pre-lesion. Furthermore, new correlations with sexual satisfaction appear in the post-lesion period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the evaluation of supplementary cueing as a technique to increase recall of sex partners. It discusses that volunteers at a clinic in Brazil were asked to freely recall all regular and casual sex partners. It infers that the cue technique can improve sexual partners' recall in cultural contexts different than the United States because individuals already reporting several partners before the cue. An overview on the supplementary technique on increasing recall of sex partners in Brazil is presented.

Introduction: The bladder and prostate cancer have similar invasive treatments, which imply in psychological alterations for the patient. They face changes in their way of life, have their male fragility exposed and they still charge themselves as the provider role in their families. Objectives/aims: To discussemotional meanings related to cistectomized and/or prostatectomized outpatients who exercise the leading condition in their family structure. Method: Clinical-qualitative with semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions and using saturation sampling closed with 9 married patients between 40 and 77 years old. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for later psychological interpretation. Results: It is emerged five topics as patients’ biggest concerning on postoperative: (1) Ego and Probe: There is a physiological and psychological discomfort about using a probe. They are afraid of what people will think, affecting their self-esteem and making them feel incapable; (2) Lack of Bladder Control: They reported “moral decay” and prefer being away of their day-to-day activities instead of using a diaper and deal with limitations; (3) Sexuality: The most important topic. There is an important loss of sexual practice and frustration. There is a connection between fear of being impotent and development of new ways to find pleasure and sexual satisfaction; (4) Relationship: Marriages were not shaken by the situation and intimacy increased; and (5) Escape of Reality: They said they had “lived life” as a way not to feel private about everything they had lost. Conclusion: It is important to have a bigger emotional and psychosocial support for these patient’s postoperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the sexual practices and the knowledge level in regard to sexual arousal in Brazilian women. Design and method: 726 women responded to www.terapiadosexo. med.br 4 questions about female psychological and physical (lubrication) sexual arousal and 7 questions on the knowledge and practices relative to the clitoris before and during sexual intercourse. Results: The age mean was 27.5 years old; 72.27% were white; 71.94% worked; 64.81% worked and studied; 48.37% were single with a sexual live; 36.24% were married or were in a committed relationship. 15.80% of them said that between 50% and 70% of the times, 34.12% of them in more than 70% and 24.33% of them in 100% of the times “Got excited and lubricated before intercourse and kept lubricated during intercourse”. 62.78% of them have knowledge that “Some clitoris stimulation helps physical and emotional arousal and use the clitoris before and during intercourse”, and 20.73% of them “Have some knowledge that the clitoris helps lubrication and touch it during foreplay”. 57.26% of the partners “Massage the clitoris before and during penetration”, and 38.06% only do it “Before the coitus”. Conclusions: Most women reported to be healthy in relation to emotional and physical arousal, during foreplay and the intercourse. Most couples know that the clitoris helps sexual arousal and use it before and during intercourse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To examine which behaviors and factors help women in their sexual arousal. Design and method: 726 women responded to www.terapiadosexo.med.br on what helps their emotional and physical arousal. Among 39 choices, they chose 10 behaviors/factors and then the 5 most important ones. Results: Out of the 10 behaviors that help sexual arousal, 11.86% were “His keeping the foreplay caress during intercourse” and “His massaging your clitoris during intercourse”. In 10.60%, “Performing oral sex before intercourse”; in 10.52%, “His kissing you at a specific place”; in 10.36%, “To watch his pleasure, his arousal”; in 9.99%, “His pronouncing certain words”; in 9.64%, “Focusing on the intercourse. Involvement in the intercourse”; in 8.80%, “His moaning”; in 8.26%, “His smell”; in 8.01%, “His body”. The 5 most important behaviors that help sexual arousal were, in 20.78%, “His keeping the foreplay caress during intercourse”; in 20.65%, “His massaging your clitoris during intercourse”; in 16.62%, “His saying certain words”; in 16.50%, “Performing oral sex before intercourse”; and the last two, in 12.71% of the choices, “His kissing you at a specific place”, and “Focusing on the intercourse. Involvement in the intercourse”. Conclusions: The factors the most arouse women are related to men''s sexual behavior and not to their own sexual behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]