Dynamics of Female Sexuality;Hidden Emotional Issues

Sexual satisfaction following Laser or RF vaginal rejuvenation is usually assessed by straightforward self-report questionnaires that may not offer a deeper insight into female dynamics. Our randomized double-blind longitudinal clinical trial on 14 menopausal women with high FSFI satisfaction scores following laser or RF vaginal interventions, demonstrated a high positive correlation between the subjects’ FSFI scores and the Hy (hysteria), D (Depression) and L (Lie) validity scales of the MMPI-2. Such high positive correlation between the FSFI and the L-scale negates the reported increase in female sexual satisfaction following laser or RF vaginal rejuvenations. The high positive correlations of the FSFI with the Hy and D scales indicate that despite reports of increased sexual satisfaction, the vaginal procedures did not improve psychological wellbeing or quality of life. Results on the Differential Emotions Scale (DES) reveal that 98% of the subjects were organized around the emotions of shame, sadness and joy. Such results indicated a multilayered emotional organization that possibly reflects joy on the outside and shame and sadness on the inside. Results of Laser or RF vaginal rejuvenation procedures should be evaluated by a battery of tests that take into account females’ often prominent tendency to focus on satisfying their partners rather than themselves. Going down the path that starts with a dismissal of self-fulfillment to focus on their partners’ satisfaction, may bring several women to the endpoint of disingenuous interpersonal relationships tainted by repressed disillusionment.

Factors Influencing the Resumption of Postpartum Female Sexuality in Women Who Have Given Birth Once or Several Times at the Ignace Deen Maternity Hospital of the Conakry University Hospital Centre (Guinea)

Introduction: Sexuality in the postpartum period is a taboo subject that raises many questions, especially among women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of factors such as mode of delivery, parity, type of household and level of education on the resumption of sexuality, by comparing our results with those in the literature. Methods: This is a prospective descriptive and analytical study, which took place from 3 April to 2 June 2023 in the maternity ward of the Ignace Deen National Hospital of the University Hospital Centre of Conakry. The sample included married women who had given birth once or several times. Results: Of 118 married women who had given birth once or several times and who were questioned about their sexuality in the postpartum period, 75.42% (89 cases) stated that they had resumed sexual activity in the postpartum period. (The majority were aged 20 - 29 years (46.61%), pauci pares (51.69%), living in a monogamous household (88.14%), with secondary education (44.92%) and self-employed (38.98%). More than half (58.47%) of these women had a normal vaginal delivery with vulvo-perineal tear (5.80%), episiotomy (15.94%) and instrumental extraction (8.69%). The main reasons for resuming sexual activity were the desire to satisfy their partner (50.56%) and to maintain the harmony of the couple (29.21%). Resumption of sexual activity was more common in patients who had given birth by caesarean section (p = 0.007) and in patients with a higher level of education (p = 0.03). However, it was not influenced by parity or household type. Conclusion: Sexuality remains a taboo subject, and its resurgence in the postpartum period is influenced by the mode of delivery and the level of education and perception of women. Certain practices and complications related to childbirth can also influence the resumption of sexuality in the postpartum period.

Morphological characteristics,developmental dynamics,and gene temporal expressions across various development stages of Aphis gossypii sexual female

Background Aphis gossypii(Hemiptera:Aphididae)is a worldwide polyphagous phloem-feeding agricultural pest,and it can produce offspring by sexual or asexual reproduction.Compared with dozens of generations by parthenogenesis,sexual reproduction is performed in only one generation within one year,and little is known about the sexual reproduction of A.gossypii.In this study,sexual females of A.gossypii were successfully obtained through a previously established induction platform,and the morphological characteristics,developmental dynamics,and temporal gene expression were examined.Subsequently,signaling pathways potentially involved in regulating the growth,development,and reproduction of sexual females were investigated.Results The morphological observation showed that from the 1st instar nymph to adult,sexual females exhibited a gradually deepened body color,an enlarged body size,longer antennae with a blackened end,and obviously protruding cauda(in adulthood).The anatomy found that the ovaries of sexual females developed rapidly from the 2^(nd)instar nymph,and the embedded oocytes matured in adulthood.In addition,time-course transcriptome analysis revealed that gene expression profiles across the development of sexual females fell into 9 clusters with distinct patterns,in which gene expression levels in clusters 1,5,and 8 peaked at the 2^(nd)instar nymphal stage with the largest number of up-regulated genes,suggesting that the 2^(nd)instar nymph was an important ovary development period.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis revealed that a large number of genes in the sexual female adult were enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway and Forkhead box O(FoxO)signaling pathway,highlighting their important role in sexual female adult development and reproduction.Conclusion The morphological changes of the sexual female at each developmental stage were revealed for the first time.In addition,time-course transcriptomic analyses suggest genes enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway probably contribute to regulating the development and oocyte maturation of sexual females.Overall,these findings will facilitate the regulating mechanism research in the growth and development of sexual females by providing candidate genes.

Study on Female Sexual Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Chinese Women

Objective To investigate the female sexual dysfunction(FSD)in type 2 diabetes patients,by comparing the sexual function between type 2 diabetic women and non-diabetic women with Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI).Methods 215 type 2 diabetic women and 107 age-matched non-diabetes women were enrolled with similar backgrounds.Their sexual functions were evaluated with FSFI.Metabolic parameters such as body mass index,blood lipid profile,hemoglobin AlC,plasma glucose were also collected.Results Total score of FSFI of the type 2 diabetic women were significantly lower than that of the non-diabetic controls(18.27±8.96 vs.23.02±5.78,P=0.000).Scores of the FSFI domains(desire,arousal,lubrication,orgasm,satisfaction,pain)of the type 2 diabetic group were also lower than those of the control group.According to the FSD criterion(FSFI〈25)available in China,the percentage of FSD in the type 2 diabetic group was significantly higher than that of the control group(79.2%vs.55.0%,P〈0.001).These trends seemed more prominent in pre-menopause subgroups.The logistic regression analysis indicated that age and diabetes were independent risk factors of FSD.Body Mass Index(BMI)also had influence in the diabetes group.Conclusion Findings from this study showed that there are more FDS in Chinese type 2 diabetic women than in their non-diabetic counterparts,especially in pre-menopause participants.

Assessment of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Premenopausal Female Pattern Hair Loss

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a serious problem that affects negatively the quality of life, interpersonal relationships and female self- confidence and might be a direct cause of psychopathological disturbances. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common cosmetically disturbing condition affecting many women with social and psychological consequences. Aim of the Work: Assessment of the relationship between female sexual dysfunction and Female pattern hair loss in premenopausal females. Methods: A case-control study was carried on 47 female patients with FPHL and 43 age- matched control women without FPHL among premenopausal women attending dermatology and Andrology outpatient’s clinics, Suez Canal University hospital during the period from May 2018 to January 2019. History taking, clinical examination and hormonal investigation (Free Testosterone, Total Testosterone, and SHBG) were performed to all participants in the study. Main Outcome Measures: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess the key aspects of female sexual function in patients and controls. FPHL was diagnosed and graded by Ludwig’s classification. Results: Mean age of patients group was 30.12 ± 5.49 years, Regarding FPHL grading, 55.3%, 42.6% & 2.1% of patients were grades 1, 2 and 3 Ludwig’s classification respectively. FSD was found in 44.7% of patients while it was 44.2% in control group (P > 0.05). FSFI score in patients group was 26.40 ± 4.61 and in control group was 27.05 ± 3.12 (P > 0.05). Correlation between FSD prevalence and grade of FPHL by Ludwig’s classification was statistically insignificant. FSD was significantly compromised by increasing age and parity in patients and control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The present study suggests that FSD was not significantly related to FPHL. Increased age and parity may have strong impact on sexual function in premenopausal women, while androgen hormones levels were not determinant factor.

Relationship between Female Sexual Function and Depression or Anxiety in Japan

Background: Sexual dysfunction is sexual complaints or disorders. There are various causes, but the onset leads to deterioration of relationships and quality of life with partners. There is still a deep-rooted awareness that sexuality is a secret in Japan. Aim: This study aims to clarify the relationship between female sexual function and depression or anxiety. Method: Four hundred and fifty-eight Japanese healthy women who worked in four randomly selected medical institutions in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan from March to May 2012 were asked to agree to a consent form of their own free will and participate in self-reported questionnaires. For their evaluation, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI;Rosen et al. 2000, which includes the six domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, and satisfaction) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6;Kessler, 2002, which includes the following six items: felt nervous, hopeless, restless or fidgety, worthless, depressed, and felt that everything was an effort) was used. Moreover, participants’ characteristics showed age, marriage, menopause, annual income, and drinking. In addition, JMP16.2 and R 4.2.0 was used to perform Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Steel-Dwass test, Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation, and Cronbach’s alpha. This study was approved by the university and the medical institutional review board (IRB). Results: 178 women were included in the final analysis, and the median (IQR, interquartile range) was 39 (32 - 48) years old, and the mean ± SD (standard deviation) was 40.2 ± 10.4 years old. The median (IQR) and mean ± SD of FSFI Total Score were 22.0 (9.3 - 26.6) and 19.2 ± 9.6. The median (IQR) and the mean ± SD of K6 Total Score were 3 (0 - 7) and 4.2 ± 4.5. 16% of all women with a K6 Total Score of 10 and more, and 5% of all women with a K6 Total Score of 13 and more considered a serious mental illness. There was no clear association between female sexual function and depression or anxiety in all health worker participants between FSFI Total Score and K6 Total Score by Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation Coefficient (ρ). However, there was a moderate correlation between the K6 Total Score and the FSFI Total Score in health worker participants with a K6 Total Score of 11 or more (n =19, ρ = ?0.62, P = 0.005). Moreover, there was a weak correlation between them in both married and drinking women or married and non-menopausal women. In the Mann-Whitney U test where few participants had morbid depression, significant relationships were found in the association between a sexual function with high depression or anxiety, whereas the low group had a K6 cut-off value of 11. Conclusion: Female sexual morbidity for high depression or anxiety should be managed with interventions. Especially, the intervention for decreasing female sexual function in the K6 Total Score of 11 or more will be needed, and a randomized study is required for more evidence.

Therapeutic Approach in Female Sexual Dysfunctions in an Outpatient Clinic of Sexology in the Public Health System: A Longitudinal and Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION: Sexuality is one of the parameters of quality of life, and it is essential to include care for sexual dysfunctions in primary health care. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic approach in female sexual dysfunction in a public health outpatient clinic. DESIGN: A prospective cohort of women with sexual dysfunctions in an outpatient clinic of sexology in the Public Health System. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and scored 0 - 10 their sexual satisfaction were applied at the beginning and end of the follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-nine women were included with a median age of 45 years, 69 (77.5%) had less than 11 years of schooling and 95.5% lived with a partner. The main reasons for referral for follow-up at the outpatient clinic of sexuality were dysfunction of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in 67.4% and pain related to sexual function in 46%. The average number of consultations was five and the main therapeutic interventions were guidance and clarification on sexuality (86.5%), use of topical estrogen (56.2%), and relaxation techniques (37.1%). All FSFI-19 domains had better post-intervention rates (p ≤ 0.005). Considering the domains of the FSFI-19, the medians of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pleasure and pain were higher in the post-intervention period in relation to the pre-intervention period (p ≤ 0.0001 for all analysis). In addition, the score given by the participant on their sexual satisfaction was higher at the post-intervention time compared to the pre-intervention period (p ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In public health, even with the care being performed by different professionals in each consultation, we conclude that through simple interventions, it is possible to improve the sexualities of the women attended. Still, offering care in sexuality is fundamental as part of primary health care and the training of medical professionals.

“Do You Want This Life of Yours?”-Quest for Identity in Chenmo Zhi Dao

The novel Islands of Silence by Wei-chen Su,a female writer from Taiwan,explores the identity and roles of women by portraying two characters with the same name,Chenmian,who struggles with her unbearable reality from her family,desperately trying to build a“solid”identity for herself.The character is so eager to have ways out that she imagines another totally different self,with a happy marriage in a lovely family.In the novel,the single Chenmian travels around the world while the alter ego lives a stable life in Taiwan.Through the intertwined story lines of both Chenmians,Su challenged our traditional understanding of female identity;attempted to destabilize the traditional concepts of womanhood.This concept starts with Chenmian’s quest for an essential womanhood,but ends with her realization of its indefiniteness.

Impact du traitement carcinologique sur le fonctionnement sexuel et l’image du corps des patientes tunisiennes en rémission d’un cancer du sein localiséImpact of Cancer Treatment on Sexual Functioning and Body Image of Tunisian Patients in Remission from Localized Breast Cancer

The diagnosis and the management of breast cancer(BC)affect in a complex way women’s sexual lives and touch the symbol of femininity,which is very important in the constitution of the body image.Our objectives were to assess the sexual functioning and the body image of patients in remission of localized BC,to determine the links between these two parameters,and to study their relationship with the therapeutic modalities.We conducted a cross-sectional,descriptive,and analytical study in the medical oncology and radiotherapy departments of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital Center in Sfax(Tunisia),between February and August 2022.Patients were assessed based on a clinical information sheet and two psychometric scales exploring sexual functioning and body image:Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI)and Body Image Scale(BIS).The sample comprised 74 patients with a mean age of 51.55 years.They were treated by conservative or radical surgery(44.6%and 55.4%,respectively),chemotherapy(87.8%),hormone therapy(79.7%),targeted therapies(36.5%),and radiotherapy(97.3%).A rate of 51.4%of women had sexual dysfunction(SD),87.8%had hypoactive sexual desire and 36.5%had body image disorder.The body image disorder was significantly associated with DS(p=0.001).The total FSFI score(p=0.001)as well as the subscores of desire(p=0.005),arousal(p=0.003),orgasm(p=0.002),satisfaction(p<0.001),and pain(0.03)were significantly lower in patients with body image disorder.The presence of a SD was not associated with any therapeutic modality.In contrast,the presence of body image disorder was significantly associated with the radical type of surgery(p=0.003)and chemotherapy(p=0.001).Our results showed a relatively high frequency of SD and body image disorder in women in remission from BC.These two parameters seem to be closely linked,and this link would be maintained by mastectomy and chemotherapy,which appear to be therapeutic modalities incriminated in the disturbance of body image.Hence the importance of medical follow-up and psychological support for these operated patients to help them overcome all the physical,psychological,and sexual difficulties to which they are exposed.

Assessment the Female Sexual Function among Libyan Women at Tripoli, Libya, 2024

Background: The sexual function is an essential aspect of life for women irrespective of age because it is closely correlated with overall wellbeing and relationship satisfaction. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a common public health issue that is defined as one or more problems of female sexual desire, arousal, orgasm and/or sexual pain/discomfort that leads to significant distress. Aim: This study aimed to assess the female sexual function among Libyan women. Methods and materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Tripoli University Hospital over six months duration between January and June 2024. It included 314 female participants who attended the hospital during that period. The data underwent analysis and prescription via a computerized program of SPSS version 24. Results: The most frequent age range was between 26 to 35 years accounting for 54.8% (172). The mean duration of marriage was 7.42 years ± 7.228 SD. The majority of participants were multipara accounting for 79.9% (251). Based on the classification of female sexual dysfunction severity, 41.7% (131) of participants had mild to moderate severity followed by 32.2% (101) had mild severity with an overall female sexual dysfunction rate of 81.2% (255). Based on female sexual function characteristics, 28.3% (89) had abnormal desire, 22% (69) had abnormal arousal, 55.4% (174) had abnormal lubrication, 24.5% (77) had undetected orgasm, 23.2% (73) had inappropriate satisfaction and 19.1% (60) had pain. Conclusion: The overall rate of female sexual dysfunction among Libyan women was (81.2%) which is considered high but with low severity, (41.7%) had mild to moderate dysfunction followed by (32.2%) with mild dysfunction. These findings had significant effects on sexual life and marital status which require a basic strategy approach to increase sexual awareness and marital counseling among couples and to avoid adverse sexual dysfunction consequences such as divorce, marital problems, insufficient sexual satisfaction, and psychosocial concern.

What Makes a Mother a Monster？ Mrs. Gant＇s Grotesque Masculinity and the Cult of Womanhood

This paper1 reevaluates the portrayal of Mrs. Gant in William Faulkner＇s short story ＂Miss Zilphia Gant＂ （1932）. It argues that Faulkner represents her as ＂the mother as a monster＂ and looks at the features of that representation. More specifically, the paper devotes attention to this abusive mother＇s curious masculinity, employing feminist readings from two angles. That is, on the one hand, the paper reexamines the nature of Mrs. Gant＇s unfemininity by considering the immense responsibility of child-rearing that mothers bear in modern societies. On the other hand, it attempts to locate the origin of her bodily manliness by considering the prism of images of women as evil and destabilizing that pervaded Western culture early in the twentieth century. Such approaches have revealed that making a monster of a mother requires a conspiracy taking advantage of both the inconsistencies inherent in the ideals of motherhood and the bizarre processes through which femininity itself is masculinized. In conclusion, this paper argues that Mrs. Gant＇s monstrosity is a reflection of a predicament which many women in modern times whether Faulkner＇s or our own share, that is, being expected to be a perfect mother while still being viciously castigated as sexually threatening.

Sexual dysfunctions and their treatment in liver diseases

Sexual dysfunction(SD)is a prevalent but very commonly ignored aspect in the treatment of liver diseases and cirrhosis.The etiology of SD is multifactorial and therefore treatment strategies are complex,especially in females.Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are useful and effective in erectile dysfunction in males but in females,no single drug is available for SD,therefore multimodal treatment is required depending upon the cause.The foremost and fundamental requirement in both genders is to be stress-free and have adequate control of liver diseases.Improved quality of life is helpful in improving SD and vice versa is also true.Therefore,patients suffering from liver diseases should come forward and ask for treatment for SD,and physicians should actively enquire about SD while history taking and evaluating these patients.SD results in deterioration of quality of life,and both are modifiable and treatable aspects of liver diseases,which are never addressed actively,due to social taboos and fears of SD treatment in the presence of liver diseases.The diagnosis of SD does not require costly investigations,as the diagnosis can be established based on validated questionnaires available for both genders,therefore detailed targeted history taking using questionnaires is essential.Data are emerging in this area but is still at an early stage.More studies should be dedicated to SD in liver diseases.

Surgical Management of Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Women: Outcome and Quality of Life Assessment

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or Acne inversa sometimes referred to as Verneuil’s disease, is a rare and debilitating condition arising in the intertriginous folds that bear apocrine glands (axillae, groin, perineum, pubis, ano-genital area). It has a deleterious impact on the life of affected persons who tend to be more depressive and poorly socially and sexually connected because of pain, malodor and stigmatization. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in Henri Mondor Hospital in Créteil, France, in order to assess the effectiveness of surgery as a radical treatment and also assess the factors related to recurrence and the surgical and sexual satisfaction in women operated for severe HS of perineum and genitalia. Results: Fifty-five women were included. We got a recurrence rate of 23.6%. 66.7% of recurrence occurred after localized excision. 83% of patients were satisfied with surgery results and would undergo a revision surgery or recommend it. The factors significantly associated with recurrence were overweight (p = 0.0046), location in groin (p = 0.0040), localized excision (p = 0.02), total excision (p = 0.009), healing via secondary intention (p = 0.001) and disability due to HS (p = 0.006). Assessment of sexual response thanks to the FSFI showed an alteration of all the domains of sexual response but the composite index of 18.51 was below the threshold to diagnose pathologic sexual condition.

Better renal replacement therapy to improve sexual function in female patients with end-stage renal disease:A cross-sectional study

Background Sexual dysfunction is commonly observed in patients with end-stage renal disease(ESRD).Sexual dysfunction in correlation with ESRD is associated with physiological and psychological problems resulting in low sexual desire,arousal,difficulties in achieving orgasm,and pain during intercourse.Studies on female sexual dysfunction(FSD)in correlation with renal replacement therapy are limited,and previous studies reporting contradictive results have indicated that the best modality for providing better outcomes(especially on FSD)remains unclear.Thus,this study aimed to compare the sexual function between female patients with ESRD who were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis(CAPD)and those on hemodialysis(HD).Materials and methods This study enrolled female patients who were randomly selected from the urology and renal division of the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic of our hospital from January 2020 to August 2021 and divided into the following groups:predialysis,HD,CAPD,and control groups.The participants were asked to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI)questionnaires,and their data were recorded and analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9.0.0.Results Of the 280 patients,200 female patients were included in this study.The rate of FSD(cutoff:26.55)was 42%in the control group,72%in the predialysis group,62%in the CAPD group,and 66%the in HD group.The control group had a higher mean score in all parameters(p<0.05).The total FSFI mean score indicated no significant difference(p>0.05)between the patients on HD and those on CAPD;the mean of each point was almost identical except for satisfaction,which was higher among patients on CAPD(p<0.05).Significant differences in the components of desire,arousal,orgasm,and satisfaction were observed between the groups.Conclusions Patients on CAPD had better FSFI scores than the female patients with ESRD who were on HD,and the scores of both groups of patients were better than those of the predialysis group.

Incidence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction in urban and rural China:a 4-year prospective cohort study

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for female sexual dysfunction(FSD)in urban and rural China.A prospective cohort study was conducted from February 2014 to January 2016,with follow-up from June to December 2018.Women aged≥20 years were recruited from urban and rural areas in six provinces of China using a multistage,stratified,cluster sampling method.Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire.A total of 16827 women without sexual dysfunction at baseline participated in this study,9489 of them(urban,5321;rural,4168)who had complete information from baseline to follow-up were included in the final analysis.The rate of follow-up was 68.81%,and the median follow-up time was 4.13 years.The 4-year incidence of FSD was 43.07%,with an incidence density of 12.02 per 100 person-years.In particular,the 4-year incidence and incidence density of FSD were 41.03%and 11.88 per 100 person-years in the urban group and 45.68%and 12.17 per 100 person-years in the rural group.Among women with sexual dysfunction,difficulties in sexual desire,satisfaction,and arousal were the main symptoms.In urban women,the risk factors for FSD included age≥45 years(adjusted relative risk 1.69,95%confidence interval 1.57-1.81),hypertension(1.31,1.14-1.49),previous delivery(1.26,1.13-1.41),post-menopausal status(1.20,1.10-1.32),pelvic inflammatory disease(1.13,1.05-1.21),and multiparity(1.11,1.03-1.19).In the rural group,the risk factors significantly associated with FSD were age≥45 years(1.50,1.40-1.61),previous delivery(1.39,1.17-1.65),hypertension(1.18,1.06-1.30),multiparity(1.16,1.07-1.27),and post-menopausal status(1.15,1.07-1.23).FSD is a hidden epidemic condition in China,and the development of prevention strategies should consider the distinct risk factors present in rural and urban areas.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Female Sexual Dysfunction in Beijing, China

Background： Female sexual dysfunction （FSD） is a highly prevalent and often underestimated problem. However, large-scale, population-based epidemiological surveys of FSD are scarce in China. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and the potential risk factors of FSD across a selection of social groups in Beijing, China, based on the Female Sexual Function Index （FSFI）. Methods： A cross-sectional study based on the multiple-stage cluster sampling was performed with adult women throughout the Dongcbeng and Shunyi districts of Beijing. The Chinese version of FSFI was used, as well as questions on demographic characteristics, the disease-related context, and social relationships. Results： A total of 6000 consecutive women entered this study, with an actual response from 5024 women, corresponding to a response rate of 83.7%. A total of 4697 （78.3%） questionnaires were effective. The prevalence of adult FSD in Beijing was 2973 （63.3%） using a score of 26.55 as the boundary value, whereas the total mean FSFI score was 23.92 ~ 6.37. However, 1423 （30.3%） women did not seek help. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, the possible potential risk factors included age （odds ratio [OR] = 1.051 ）, dissatisfaction with the spouse＇s sexual ability （OR = 3.520）, poor marital affection （OR = 2.087）, spouse sexual difficulties （OR = 1.720）, dissatisfaction with married life （OR = 1.476）, living in a rural area （OR = 1.292）, chronic pelvic pain （OR = 1.261）, chronic disease （OR = 1.534）, previous pelvic surgery （OR = 1.605）, vaginal delivery （OR = 2.285）, lower education （OR = 3.449） and postmenopausal （OR = 3.183）. Conclusions： As suggested by the FSFI scores, female sexual problems are highly prevalent in Beijing. Dissatisfaction with the spouse＇s sexual ability, poor marital affection, sexual difficulties of the spouse, dissatisfaction with the marriage, rural life, CPP, and postmenopausal were conceivable risk factors for FSD in Beijing women.

Serotonin Signaling Modulates Sexual Receptivity of Virgin Female Drosophila

The choice of females to accept or reject male courtship is a critical decision for animal reproduction.Serotonin(5-hydroxytryptamine;5-HT)has been found to regulate sexual behavior in many species,but it is unclear how 5-HT and its receptors function to regulate different aspects of sexual behavior.Here we used Drosophila melanogaster as the model animal to investigate how 5-HT and its receptors modulate female sexual receptivity.We found that knockout of tryptophan hydroxylase(Trh),which is involved in the biosynthesis of 5-HT,severely reduced virgin female receptivity without affecting post-mating behaviors.We identified a subset of sexually dimorphic Trh neurons that co-expressed fruitless(fru),in which the activity was correlated with sexual receptivity in females.We also found that 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors regulate virgin female receptivity.Our findings demonstrate how 5-HT functions in sexually dimorphic neurons to promote virgin female receptivity through two of its receptors.