Introduction

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a skin disease that typically affects the anogenital area of the body and occurs more commonly in women. This condition causes whitish patches of skin that are more fragile than other areas of skin and can tear easily. One of the most distressing symptoms of LS is dyspareunia, or painful intercourse. Other symptoms include itching, pain, burning, and bleeding, and the anatomy of the genitals might also change over time. For example, the clitoral hood may adhere to the clitoris or the labia minora may appear to be reabsorbed by the body.

Introduction

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men. While advancements in treatments have led to much higher survival rates (specifically 5-year survival rates of 97% and 93% in the U.S. and Canada, respectively), prostate cancer and its treatments can have a big impact on a man’s sexual functioning.

Introduction

When women enter menopause (the period of life when menstruation stops for at least 12 consecutive months), they experience several changes to their bodies. Declines in the body’s estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, night sweats, vulvovaginal atrophy, and an increased risk of depression, osteoporosis, and sexual dysfunction.

Introduction

The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is the gold standard for the treatment of chronic erectile dysfunction (ED) that does not respond to oral medications. Nevertheless, IPP implantation is not without risk of infection, a complication that can cause significant side effects and distress for patients.

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is fairly common and affects between 10-40% of women. It encompasses multiple conditions that cause marked interpersonal distress or difficulty in at least one area of sexuality: desire, interest, arousal, orgasm, or pain.

Introduction

Life-altering events such as experiencing an injury or a serious diagnosis can have an impact on a person’s sexual and mental health. For example, women who have had a traumatic pelvic fracture may experience damage to the pelvic neurovascular structures that negatively affects their sexual functioning. Additionally, pain, stress, limited mobility, and changes in body image (e.g., feeling less attractive) may give rise to issues with sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction.

Introduction

Numerous studies have documented the associations between poor physical or mental health and sexual dysfunctions. Given the importance of the mind and body in successful sexual interactions, perhaps this is not surprising.

Introduction

Gender dysphoria is the distress that a person may experience when their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and gender-affirming surgery (GAS) are two treatment options that aim to align the characteristics of an individual with their gender identity. Studies suggest that these two medical interventions can reduce distress and improve the quality of life of people who are experiencing gender dysphoria.

Introduction

Pregnancy is a time of great physical and hormonal change for women. These physiological changes naturally impact a woman’s sexuality as well, which may result in changes in sexual frequency and other sexual behaviors.

Introduction

The experience of female orgasm is still somewhat poorly understood and described in medical literature. While several studies have examined orgasm occurrence, frequency, and/or dysfunction in women, few have explored the physical and psychological sensations associated with the experience.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted government-mandated lockdowns and social restrictions in countries all over the world. While lockdown measures helped to reduce the spread of this highly contagious virus, they also had an effect on many individuals’ mental and sexual health.

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects a person’s central nervous system and damages neural pathways that carry information between the brain and the rest of the body. This nerve damage can cause several health issues including pain, fatigue, impaired vision, tremors, lack of coordination, unsteadiness, problems with bladder and bowel function, and sexual dysfunction.