Exercise Improves Self-Reported Sexual Function Among Physically Active Adults

Fergus, Kirkpatrick B.; Gaither, Thomas W.; Baradaran, Nima; Glidden, David V.; Cohen, Andrew J.; Breyer, Benjamin N.

doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.04.020

Cited by 25 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 43 publications

(45 reference statements)

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“…On the one hand, it is possible that cardiometabolic and psychological benefits of exercise through cycling improve sexual function and possibly reduce sexual pain. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 On the other hand, vulnerable patients susceptible to genital numbness while cycling are at risk of sexual pain and FSD. Prior studies have identified muscle hypertonus as a risk factor for sexual pain, 22 which may be increased in cyclists and other athletes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 9 Yet frequency and duration of cycling were notably not associated with FSD, 9 and other studies have identified exercise as a protective factor against FSD of which sexual pain is a sub-component. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 However, using the composite outcome variable of FSD may mask the effect of exercise on sexual pain, and it remains unknown whether exercise is protective against sexual pain specifically, and if not, what factors influence pain.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Risk Factors for Sexual Pain Among Physically Active Women

et al. 2020

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Introduction: Sexual pain is common among women but little is known about associations with exercise and physical activity. Aim: To determine the prevalence of sexual pain among physically active women and to evaluate cycling and other potential risk factors. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis of a study on the urinary and sexual wellness of physically active women recruited through sporting clubs and targeted social media advertising. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the role of cycling and exercise in reporting any, frequent, or severe sexual pain, controlling for demographic, relationship, and health risk factors. Main outcome measure: Sexual pain, including frequency and severity, was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index. Results: A total of 2,039 women were included, with 1,097 (54%) reporting any level of sexual pain, 364 (18%) experiencing frequent pain, and 378 (19%) reporting severe pain. Less than 5% of women reported diabetes or hypertension, and the cohort had a median body mass index of 23.3 (interquartile range 21.4e25.7). Increasing age and body mass index were protective against any sexual pain, as was cycling (odds ratio [OR] 0.73 [95% CI 0.59e0.90]). Participants who reported being "moderately satisfied" (OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.31e0.91]) or "very satisfied" (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.19e0.56]) with their emotional closeness to a sexual partner had decreased odds of any sexual pain. Conclusion: Experiencing any sexual pain is common in physically active women, with a prevalence of over 50%; however, weekly energy expenditure from exercise was not associated with sexual pain. Cycling participation and higher levels of emotional closeness and intimacy were associated with less pain. Patients between the ages of 18 and 30 years who were normal or underweight incurred the highest risk of sexual pain. Fergus KB, Cohen AJ, Cedars BE, et al. Risk Factors for Sexual Pain Among Physically Active Women. Sex Med 2020;8:501e509.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk Factors for Sexual Pain Among Physically Active Women

et al. 2020

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“…Both sexes were examined simultaneously in the present study, but there is little evidence in this regard. Fergus et al (2019) showed the effect of exercise on reducing erectile dysfunction in men and protecting women against sexual dysfunction [ 47 ]. Exercise seems to activate the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine stimulates sexual function in women physiologically [ 46 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Exercise is also assumed to improve the arterial supply of the penis [ 47 ] and it is well known that the penis and clitoris are common in embryonic origin and both organs have erectile tissue, skeletal muscle, and nervous system [ 48 ]. On the other hand, reflexologists believe that the foot is a reduced map of the whole body and reflects all the organs and parts of the body, and the arrangement of the body parts on the foot corresponds to their orders in the body [ 49 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Sexual Function of Patients under Hemodialysis: A Randomized Parallel Controlled Clinical Trial

Zeidabadinejad

Shahrbabaki

Dehghan

2021

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Introduction. Hemodialysis patients experience sexual dysfunction due to the nature of their disease and its complications. Dialysis patients have reported sexual dysfunction as one of the most important stressors, which leads to many psychological and physiological problems. Sexual function in hemodialysis patients has been improved with pharmaceutical and nonpharmacological therapies. Foot reflexology is a complementary and alternative treatment that can be used in conjunction with contemporary care. By activating the chemical nerve system, reflexology may balance enzymes and regulate endocrine function. Objectives. To determine the effect of foot reflexology on the sexual function of hemodialysis patients. Methods. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 47 patients on chronic hemodialysis referred to Imam Reza Hospital in Sirjan, Iran, who were divided into two groups of reflexology (n = 24; male = 19 and female = 5) and sham (n = 23; male = 18, and female = 5). The intervention group received foot reflexology during dialysis for four weeks, three times a week, 30 minutes each time (15 minutes per foot). The sham group received nonspecific foot massage without applying pressure on standard reflex points with the same condition and duration as the intervention group. The international index of erectile function and female sexual function index was assessed before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. Results. The results showed that immediately after the intervention, male orgasm function, sexual desire, and intercourse satisfaction in the reflexology group was significantly higher than those of the sham group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding erectile function and overall satisfaction. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of different aspects of female sexual function. Conclusions. Foot reflexology, as an effective intervention treatment, can reduce some aspects of sexual dysfunction of male patients under hemodialysis.

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“…3,4 Particularly in patients with these metabolic morbidities, lifestyle adjustments are thought to reduce the burden of ED and its progression by decreasing low-grade clinical inflammation and improving overall body habitus. [7][8][9][10] Through these shared biologic pathways, reduction of oxidative stress, and subclinical inflammation through lifestyle intervention can ameliorate endothelial dysfunction and improve insulin insensitivity. 7,8 In this regard, it is clear that weight loss, regular exercise, and smoking cessation can significantly improve ED.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%