Introduction

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a baby after a year (12 months) of trying with regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. It is a significant issue, especially for women, causing psychological stress due to expensive treatments, uncertainty, and social pressure. Infertility can also harm a woman’s self-esteem, sexual confidence, and overall well-being, thereby increasing the risk of sexual problems.

Introduction

Urinary incontinence is a common problem that affects many people’s lives. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent type, especially among women. It can cause physical discomfort and impact one’s mental health and overall quality of life. SUI can also affect a person’s sexual function in about 50% of cases.

Introduction

Gender-affirming surgeries like metoidioplasty and phalloplasty are important for transgender or gender nonbinary people assigned female at birth who wish to achieve gender identity congruence.

Introduction

Prostate cancer can have a negative effect on a man’s sexual health, and an estimated 85% of prostate cancer survivors report sexual dysfunction in the form of erectile dysfunction (ED), changes in orgasm, anejaculation, sexual incontinence, changes in penile length or shape (including increased penile curvature), and decreased libido.

Introduction

Child sexual abuse is a serious public health problem that can cause significant negative health outcomes such as psychiatric disorders and sexual dysfunction.

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.