Menopause and its transition represent significant risk factors for the development of sexual dysfunction. FSD impacts greatly on a patient's quality of life. Consequently, it is receiving more attention thanks to the development of effective treatments. Non-pharmacological approaches should be used first, focusing on lifestyle and psychosexual therapy. If required, proven effective hormonal and non-hormonal therapeutic options are available.

Introduction The anatomy and function of the G-spot remain highly controversial. Ultrasound studies of the clitoral complex during intercourse have been conducted to gain insight into the role of the clitoris and its relation to vagina and urethra during arousal and penetration. Aim Our task was to visualize the anterior vaginal wall and its relationship to the clitoris during intercourse. Methods The ultrasound was performed during coitus of a volunteer couple with the Voluson® General Electric® Sonography system (Zipf, Austria) and a 12-MHz flat probe. The woman was in a gynecologic position, and her companion penetrated her with his erected penis from a standing position. We performed a coronal section on the top of the vulva during the penetration. Main Outcome Measure We focused on the size of the clitoral bodies before and after coitus. Results The coronal section demonstrated that the penis inflated the vagina and stretched the root of the clitoris that has consequently a very close relationship with the anterior vaginal wall. This could explain the pleasurable sensitivity of this anterior vaginal area called the G-spot. Conclusions The clitoris and vagina must be seen as an anatomical and functional unit being activated by vaginal penetration during intercourse.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on patients’ sexuality and identify disease and other factors such as fatigue that most influence sexual relationships.MethodsA specific pretested questionnaire was sent to all members of a French patient association (ANDAR). Questions related to demographics, disease status, quality of life (utility, EQ-5D), pain, psychological status (mood), fatigue and emotional and sexual relationships. To isolate the impact of RA, an attempt was made to include a matched sample from the general population.ResultsThe analysis included 1271 patients, but only 70 controls agreed to participate and comparisons should therefore be considered with caution. The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender distribution, living conditions and diseases other than RA. However, patients scored worse for global health, mood, fatigue, had a lower utility (0.55 versus 0.65). Controls were more active sexually (69% versus 63%), in particular women (71% versus 60%). Age, gender, living alone, physical function and mood were significant predictors for being sexually active for patients; for controls, age and overall quality of life (utility) were significant predictors.ConclusionsWhile it is known that RA has a negative impact on patients’ sexuality, there have been few attempts to quantify the problem. Our study highlights the negative impact of RA on patients’ sexuality, and triggers the question how to include this aspect into care.

To date there is no international guideline on chronic pelvic pain available that focuses on medical, psychosomatic and psychological diagnostics and treatment of this complicated disease pattern. In this paper, a European working group, which was established in October 2010, aims to bridge this gap. The working group decided to use the current German guideline as source text and to transform it into a European consensus statement by deleting parts that apply only to the conditions of the German health system. The literature search included papers published up to and including December 2010, using Medline search and by adding some new search terms. This manuscript reports the essential facts of the above-mentioned consensus statement. Within this article we use the term "psychosomatic" as the integrated concept of medical and psychosocial aspects of a disease.

Improved treatments for early breast cancer have led to a significant increase in overall survival. While evidence regarding potential long-term sequelae of adjuvant treatments exists, relatively little research reports patients' own perceptions of change before and after adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). This study aimed to identify key ongoing issues associated with AC in daily life. An online survey developed for this study was completed by 198 women (mean age 49.7 years) in the UK, France and Germany who had AC 1-5 years previously for oestrogen receptor positive, HER2 negative early breast cancer. Women without AC and endocrine therapy, those treated with Trastuzumab or who had recurrent disease were excluded. A third of women who responded were currently unable to perform their former family role. The majority had needed support, particularly with child care, during treatment. While 54% were in full-time employment before diagnosis this had reduced to 32% following AC. Of those women still working, over half reported difficulties with tiredness or concentration. Most (85.8%) were satisfied with healthcare professionals' treatment information, but only 29.7% received information about returning to work. This exploratory survey highlights areas of women's lives affected 1-5 years following AC for early breast cancer. The impact on returning to work and issues surrounding childcare particularly, require further study.