| 1. |
- Adebahr, Roberth, et al.
(author)
-
Reaching Men and Women at Risk of Committing Sexual Offences : Findings From the National Swedish Telephone Helpline PrevenTell
- 2021
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 18:9, s. 1571-1581
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In 2012 the Swedish Helpline project PrevenTell, targeting men and women with self-identified out-of-control and paraphilic sexual behavior, was launched by ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital. The overall purpose was to reach the target group and via a telephone-contact encourage further on-site assessment and treatment.Aim: To describe men and women contacting PrevenTell during the first 7 years by delineate sexuality-related risk-factors for sexual violence, gender differences, and age-and gender-preferences when reporting a pedophilic interest.Method: A 52-item semi-structured telephone interview was conducted by experts in sexual medicine with individuals who contacted the helpline. The interview covered sociodemographic characteristics, problematic sexual behavior(s), and mental health and based on the information reported, interventions included recommending an appointment at ANOVA, supporting other appropriate healthcare, or motivation of individuals still ambivalent to treatment.Results: Data collection took place between March 2012 and October 2019. A total of 1573 respondents in the main target group (1454 men and 119 women) gave informed consent for participation. Compulsive sexual behavior was reported by 69% of respondents and 56% described at least one paraphilic interest. The prevalence of concomitant compulsive sexual behavior and a paraphilic interest was high, varying between 65% and 83%. Significant gender differences were found in socioeconomic and mental health variables, in which women showed fewer positive and stable life factors compared to men. A sexual preference for minors was reported by 24% of respondents. In this group, 63% reported use of child sexual exploitation material and 15% committed child sexual abuse. Respondents were offered anonymity, however 55% disclosed their identity and were enrolled for further assessment and treatment at ANOVA.Clinical Implications: The result of this study is of substantial relevance when developing secondary preventive initiatives targeting sexual violence in the community.Strengths and Limitations: This is the first study to present data from a national helpline targeting both men and women with a wide range of self-identified problematic sexual behaviors. Limitations include the lack of diagnostic confirmation on-site, hence, presented data provides only an indication of clinical conditions. Furthermore, the main objective of the interview was to motivate participants to seek further treatment, sometimes necessary to prioritize this over adherence to the semi-structured questionnaire, explaining the relatively high absence rate in some variables.Conclusion: Men and women at risk of committing sexual crimes can be reached through a national helpline service and motivated to undergo further assessment and treatment.
|
|
| 2. |
- Bohm-Starke, Nina, et al.
(author)
-
Development of a core outcome set for treatment studies for provoked vestibulodynia.
- 2024
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Oxford University Press. - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 21:6, s. 556-565
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There is an inconsistency in treatment outcomes used in clinical trials for provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), which makes it impossible to compare the effects of different interventions.AIM: In this study, we completed the first step in creating a core outcome set (COS), defining what outcomes should be measured in clinical trials for PVD.METHODS: Identification of outcomes used in studies was done by extracting data from clinical trials in a recently published systematic review and via review of clinical trials for PVD registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The COS process consisted of 2 rounds of Delphi surveys and a consensus meeting, during which the final COS was decided through a modified nominal group technique.OUTCOMES: Consensus on what outcomes to include in a COS for PVD.RESULTS: Forty scientific articles and 92 study protocols were reviewed for outcomes. Of those, 36 articles and 25 protocols were eligible, resulting in 402 outcomes, which were then categorized into 63 unique outcomes. Participants consisted of patients, relatives/partners of patients, health care professionals, and researchers. Out of 463 who registered for participation, 319 and 213 responded to the first and second surveys, respectively. The consensus meeting consisted of 18 members and resulted in 6 outcomes for the COS to be measured in all treatment trials regardless of intervention: insertional pain (nonsexual), insertional pain (sexual), provoked vulvar pain by pressure/contact, pain-related interference on one's life, pain interference on sexual life, and sexual function.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Critical outcomes to be measured in clinical trials will allow for accurate comparison of outcomes across treatment interventions and provide solid treatment recommendations.STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The major strengths of the study are the adherence to methodological recommendations and the intentional focus on aspects of diversity of participating stakeholders (eg, status such as patients with lived experience and researchers, inclusiveness with respect to sexual identity), the latter of which will allow for broader application and relevance of the COS. Among the limitations of the study are the low rate of participants outside North America and Europe and the lower response rate (about 50%) for the second Delphi survey.CONCLUSION: In this international project, patients, health care professionals, and researchers have decided what critical outcomes are to be used in future clinical trials for PVD. Before the COS can be fully implemented, there is also a need to decide on how and preferably when the outcomes should be measured.
|
|
| 3. |
- Bohm-Starke, Nina, et al.
(author)
-
Treatment of provoked vulvodynia : A systematic review
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 19:5, s. 789-808
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Treatment recommendations for provoked vulvodynia (PVD) are based on clinical experiences and there is a need for systematically summarizing the controlled trials in this field.Aim: To provide an overview of randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of intervention for PVD, and to assess the certainty of the scientific evidence, in order to advance treatment guidelines.Data Sources: The search was conducted in CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, Embase (Embase.com), Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Scopus. Databases were searched from January 1, 1990 to January 29, 2021.Study Eligibility Criteria: Population: Premenopausal women with PVD. Interventions: Pharmacological, surgical, psychosocial and physiotherapy, either alone or as combined/team-based interventions. Control: No treatment, waiting-list, placebo or other defined treatment. Outcomes: Pain during intercourse, pain upon pressure or touch of the vaginal opening, sexual function/satisfaction, quality of life, psychological distress, adverse events and complications. Study design: Randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions with a control group.Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: 2 reviewers independently screened citations for eligibility and assessed relevant studies for risk of bias using established tools. The results from each intervention were summarized. Studies were synthesized using a narrative approach, as meta-analyses were not considered appropriate. For each outcome, we assessed the certainty of evidence using grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE).Results: Most results of the evaluated studies in this systematic review were found to have very low certainty of evidence, which means that we are unable to draw any conclusions about effects of the interventions. Multimodal physiotherapy compared with lidocaine treatment was the only intervention with some evidential support (low certainty of evidence for significant treatment effects favoring physiotherapy). It was not possible to perform meta-analyses due to a heterogeneity in interventions and comparisons. In addition, there was a heterogeneity in outcome measures, which underlines the need to establish joint core outcome sets.Clinical Implications: Our result underscores the need of stringent trials and defined core outcome sets for PVD.Strength and Limitations: Standard procedures for systematic reviews and the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome model for clinical questions were used. The strict eligibility criteria resulted in limited number of studies which might have resulted in a loss of important information.Conclusion: This systematic review underlines the need for more methodologically stringent trials on interventions for PVD, particularly for multimodal treatments approaches. For future research, there is a demand for joint core outcome sets.
|
|
| 4. |
- Carlsson, Sigrid, 1982, et al.
(author)
-
Towards Wiser Use and Interpretation of P Values
- 2020
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 17:1, s. 1-3
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)
|
|
| 5. |
- Deogan, Charlotte, et al.
(author)
-
Meeting sexual partners online and associations with sexual risk behaviors in the Swedish population
- 2020
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 17:11, s. 2141-2147
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Online arenas may facilitate sexual encounters. However, to what extent finding sexual partners online is associated with sexual risk behavior and sexual health outcomes is still not fully explored. Methods: A stratified randomized population based study on sexual and reproductive health and rights of 50,000 Swedes was conducted in 2017. The final sample consisted of 14,537 women and men aged 16-84 years. We identified sexual health factors associated with finding sexual partners online and estimated prevalences thereof. Results: Having used the internet to meet sexual partners was reported by 11% (95% confidence interval: 10.1-12.3) of men and 7% (95% confidence interval: 6.0-7.4) of women and was most common among men aged 30-44 years (13.7%). After adjustment, those reporting a non-heterosexual identity were most likely to meet sexual partners online. Meeting sexual partners online was also associated with reporting several sexual risk behaviors: condomless sex with temporary partner during the past 12 months, adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.1 (3.8-6.8) for women and AOR: 6.0 (4.5-7.9) for men, and having had a test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) generated a 4-fold AOR for both sexes, STI diagnosis showed a 2-fold AOR, ever having paid or given other compensation for sex AOR: 4.8 (2.7-8.8) for women and AOR: 4.2 (2.9-6.1) for men as well as ever having received money or other compensation for sex AOR: 4.0 (1.3-11.9) for women and AOR: 6.0 (2.4-15.1) for men. Clinical translation: Meeting sexual partners online was associated with sexual risk behaviors, which is of importance in tailoring sexual health interventions and STI/HIV-control activities. Strengths and limitations: Few studies of online sexual behaviors are based on population-based surveys of the general population with results stratified by sexual identity. However, the use of lifetime prevalence of ever having used the internet, smartphone, or app to meet sexual partners has limitations. Conclusion: Meeting sexual partners online was associated with sexual risk behaviors in a randomized sample of the Swedish population, which is of importance to tailoring sexual health interventions. Copyright (C) 2020, The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the International Society for Sexual Medicine.
|
|
| 6. |
- Ekholm, Elin, 1981-, et al.
(author)
-
Sexual communication patterns in couples with vulvodynia : a case-control behavioral observation study
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 20:8, s. 1103-1114
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Sexual communication is a common target in psychological treatments for vulvodynia, and associations with sexual function and distress, as well as pain intensity, have been demonstrated. However, structured observations of the communication patterns of couples with vulvodynia are lacking, as these are needed to guide treatment efforts.AIM: To explore (1) the sexual communication patterns in couples with vulvodynia in terms of observed communication quality (operationalized as validating and invalidating responses), self-reported sexual assertiveness, and self-disclosure and (2) associations between sexual communication quality and pain intensity.METHODS: In a case-control design with within- and between-group comparisons, 62 couples engaged in videotaped discussions about their sexual relationship. Trained coders assessed the discussions by rating sexual communication (validation and invalidation) according to a structured behavioral coding scheme. Group differences in sexual communication quality were examined with parametric and nonparametric tests. Dyadic associations among observed communication quality, self-rated sexual assertiveness, and self-disclosure were examined within the actor-partner interdependence model. Multiple regression was used to test the predictive value of partners' validation/invalidation on the pain intensity of the women with vulvodynia.OUTCOMES: Observed communication quality (ie, validation and invalidation), self-reported sexual assertiveness, self-disclosure, and pain intensity.RESULTS: Partners of women with vulvodynia were more invalidating toward their partners than those of women without pain. There were no significant differences in validating/invalidating communication between women in the 2 groups or in validation between partners. Partners' validating communication were significantly associated with women's lower pain intensity. The sexual communication patterns differed between couples with and without vulvodynia, and the associations between validating/invalidating responses and sexual assertiveness were stronger in the vulvodynia group than in the group without pain. Results on validation/invalidation and self-disclosure were inconclusive.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results indicate a need to direct treatment interventions toward couples' sexual communication quality (ie, levels of validation and invalidation).STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include systematic behavioral coding and dyadic analyses. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and self-selection of participants.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated sexual communication patterns specific to couples with vulvodynia, and we conclude that validation and invalidation are important components of the sexual communication of couples with vulvodynia as they relate to sexual assertiveness, women's self-disclosure, and pain intensity.
|
|
| 7. |
- Hallberg, Jonas, et al.
(author)
-
Internet-Administered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hypersexual Disorder, With or Without Paraphilia(s) or Paraphilic Disorder(s) in Men : A Pilot Study
- 2020
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 17:10, s. 2039-2054
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Hypersexual disorder (HD) is a condition in which the individual experiences loss of control over engagement in sexual behaviors, leading to negative effects on various areas of life. Paraphilias often present concomitantly with HD, and although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven to reduce engagement in hypersexual behavior, no studies have investigated the effects of Internet-administered CBT (ICBT) on HD, with or without paraphilia(s) or paraphilic disorder(s). Aim: To investigate the effects of Internet-administered CBT on HD, with or without paraphilia(s) or paraphilic disorder(s). Methods: Male participants (n = 36) evaluated positive according to the proposed diagnostic HD criteria, with or without paraphilia(s) or paraphilic disorder(s), received 12 weeks of ICBT. Measures were administered weekly over the treatment period, with an additional follow-up measurement 3 months after completion of treatment. An assessment interview was performed 2 weeks after treatment. Outcomes: The primary outcome was the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI-19), and secondary outcomes were the Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale (HD:CAS), the Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS), as well as a tentative composite of 6 Severity Self-rating Measures, for Paraphilic Disorders and depression (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS-S]), psychological distress (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure [CORE-OM]), and treatment satisfaction (CSQ-8). Results: Large, significant decreases in HD symptoms and sexual compulsivity were found, as well as moderate improvements in psychiatric well-being and paraphilic symptoms. These effects remained stable 3 months after treatment. Clinical Implications: ICBT can ameliorate HD symptoms, psychiatric distress, and paraphilic symptoms, which suggests that the ICBT for HD, with or without paraphilia(s) or paraphilic disorder(s), may constitute a valuable addition of treatment options in clinical settings. Strengths and Limitations: This is the first study evaluating the efficacy ofICBT on a sample of men suffering from HD. In addition, a proportion of the sample reported concomitant paraphilic interests and disorders, thus mirroring an everyday clinical practice in the field of sexual medicine. No control group was assigned, and some of the outcome measures are still to be validated. The long-term effects of ICBT and its efficacy in hypersexual women are unknown. Conclusions: This study gives support for ICBT as an effective treatment option for HD. Future evaluations of the treatment program should include women and larger samples in randomized controlled procedures and investigate the long-term effects. Copyright (C) 2020, International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 8. |
- Haraldson, Philip, et al.
(author)
-
Botulinum Toxin A for Provoked Vestibulodynia : 12 Months’ Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 19:11, s. 1670-1679
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common pain disorder afflicting primarily young women, and botulinum toxin A (BTA) has been to a limited extent tested as a treatment. Aim: Evaluate outcome 12 months after injection with BTA as a treatment for PVD. Methods: We conducted a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of twice repeated injections of 50 units of BTA or placebo in the bulbocavernosus muscles, 3 months apart, in women with PVD. Treatment outcome after six months’, failed to show any significant difference in pain reduction between the groups, as previously reported. Here, we report treatment outcomes 12 months after the first injections. In addition to injections, participants where instructed to perform pelvic floor exercises during month 6-12. 38 participants/group was calculated to achieve a statistical power of 80% based on an effect size of 20 VAS units (mean score range 56-76±31 SD). Outcomes: Primary outcome was self-reported dyspareunia or pain at tampon use, using a visual analogue scale (VAS) 0-100. Secondary outcomes were vaginal pressure measurements, psychological health, sexual function and distress. Results: From the initial 88 randomized women with PVD, 75 remained at 12 months; 38 in the BTA and 37 in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in primary outcome between the groups. Vaginal pressure in the BTA group had been restored to pre-treatment levels, with no differences between the groups at 12 months. There was an increase in sexual function in the BTA group, with a Female Sexual Function Index of 22.8 (±4.8) compared to the placebo group to 19.7 (±5.0), P=.048. No differences were observed in sexual distress, stress and anxiety. There was an increase in number of women attempting intercourse in the BTA group (74%) compared with placebo (43%), P=.005. Too few patients performed the pelvic floor exercises for this intervention to be analyzed. Clinical Implications: This study highlights BTA as a safe treatment option for patients with PVD. Strengths and limitations: The randomized, double-blinded design and repeated treatments are the major strengths of this study and it is the first study to objectively evaluate muscular effect after BTA injections. The major shortcoming is that few participants performed the pelvic floor exercises, preventing analyses. Conclusion: At 12 months’ follow up, no significant difference in reduction of dyspareunia or pain at tampon use was observed. Women receiving BTA attempted intercourse more often and improved their sexual function compared with women receiving placebo. Haraldson P, Mühlrad H, Heddini U, et al. Botulinum Toxin A for Provoked Vestibulodynia: 12 Months’ Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2022;19:1670–1679.
|
|
| 9. |
- Hess Engström, Andrea, et al.
(author)
-
Internet-based Treatment for Vulvodynia (EMBLA) – A Randomized Controlled Study
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 19:2, s. 319-330
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Internet-based ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy) treatment may improve accessibility and reduce stigma related to seeking health care, but there are a lack of studies investigating internet-based treatment using ACT principles for women with vulvodynia.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an internet-based treatment of pain during intercourse for women with provoked vulvodynia compared with no intervention during the waiting period before clinical treatment.Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted during 2016 to 2020, in which 99 participants were included. Participants were randomized to either a 6 week guided internet-based treatment using ACT principles or usual care. Data were collected at baseline, 6 weeks after baseline, and approximately 10 months after baseline.Outcomes: Pain-related (pain during intercourse, tampon test, impact of pain on sexual function) and pain behavior-related outcomes (attempts at intercourse, sexual activities besides intercourse, willingness to perform the tampon test, chronic pain acceptance questionnaire) were used as outcomes.Results: Treatment was efficacious in what concerns pain during intercourse and pain acceptance. Less pain during intercourse among women in the intervention group was observed at both post-treatment (primary endpoint, P = .01, Cohen's d = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.33, 2.4), and follow-up (P = .04). Absolut mean difference between groups for pain during intercourse at post-treatment was -2.84, 95 % CI = -4.91, -0.78), and -1.58 at follow-up, 95 % CI = -3.17, 0.02), where the intervention group rated less pain than controls. No differences between groups over time were found for tampon test measures or impact of pain on sexual function. There was a significant difference between groups at all timepoints indicating fewer attempts at intercourse among participants in the intervention group. At post-treatment, women who underwent internet-based treatment reported higher pain acceptance and a rise in activity engagement compared with the control group.Clinical Implications: There is an indication that internet-based treatment could be incorporated into clinical practice as a complement to clinical treatment.Strengths & Limitations: Study strengths included using several forms of recruitment and an intervention built by different professions with long experience of treating patients with vulvodynia. High dropout rate was a limitation of this study.Conclusion: Internet-based treatment may have an impact on pain during intercourse and positive effects on pain acceptance. However, conclusions must be drawn with caution due to the small sample size.
|
|
| 10. |
- Lynch, K. A., et al.
(author)
-
Suggestions for modifications to the Female Sexual Function Index based on cognitive interviews with sexual and gender minority individuals and cisgender, heterosexual persons
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 20:6, s. 871-877
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Patient-reported outcome measures for sexual health were often designed for research studies that included only heterosexual, partnered, and cisgender participants; as such, they may have limited applicability for clinical use among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals or those without a partner.Aim We aimed to conduct cognitive interviews with SGM persons and heterosexual women to determine the readability, comprehension, and applicability of questionnaire items to assess sexual function among diverse sexual and gender identities.Methods We conducted 4 rounds of cognitive interviews with 52 participants (28 SGM; 24 cisgender, heterosexual) who provided feedback on the comprehension and wording of questionnaire items and response scales. We used items from the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and focused on establishing content validity of a modified measure. Participants made recommendations for changes to the questionnaire, which was iteratively revised between interview rounds. Two independent coders analyzed the transcripts using structural coding based on 5 predefined codes: satisfaction with item, specificity/language change needed, missing/suggested item, patient definitions of concepts, and confusion with item.Outcomes Content validity.Results After 3 rounds of cognitive interviews and revisions to the questionnaire, participants found the final version acceptable and understandable, thereby reaching thematic saturation and establishing content validity of the modified FSFI. Modifications included the following: replacing all instances of "sexual stimulation" and "intercourse" with "sexual activity (alone or with a partner)," broadening the definition of "vaginal penetration" beyond penile-vaginal penetration, and adding skip logic to include the option "no sexual activity." Participants identified missing concepts important to their sexual health, such as use of an external lubricant.Clinical Implications The FSFI and similar questionnaires need to be adapted to broader clinical practice populations such that all persons' experiences are accurately reflected and assessed, ensuring that sexual health needs can be met more inclusively.Strength and Limitations A strength of the study was using cognitive interviews engaging patient perspectives, which is considered the gold standard for establishing content validity. One limitation is that participants included predominantly White and highly educated women.Conclusion Feedback from interviews supports modifying FSFI items and further psychometric testing, and future studies should evaluate the measure among racially and educationally diverse groups.
|
|
