Sexuality after Childbirth: Analysis of the Experiences of Central African Women in Bangui

Introduction: In many societies, sexuality is still a taboo subject. In the Central African Republic, this topic is rarely discussed outside the context of gynecological consultations and infertility, whereas the sexual life of couples is often disrupted by the arrival of a child, particularly by the ordeal of childbirth. The aim of the study is to analyze the sexual experience of Central African women after childbirth in order to contribute to improving the health of the population, in particular that of mother and child, and to facilitate harmony within the couple. Methodology: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study covering the period from July 1 to August 30, 2023, at the maternity ward of the Center University Hospitalier Communautaire. The study concerned only women who had given birth between the second week and the sixth month postpartum. The sampling was exhaustive. Results: A total of 303 women agreed to take part in our study, aged between 15 and 44, more than half of whom had completed secondary school. The eagerness of the women to take part in the study shows that they are ready to express themselves about their sexuality despite certain biases linked to the method of patient selection. Resumption of sexual relations was initiated by the partners within six weeks in the vast majority of cases. Conclusion: Resumption of sexual intercourse was delayed, often at the partner’s initiative. Further studies are needed to understand the cultural, religious and psychological dimensions of postpartum sexuality in the Central African context.

The sexually dimorphic expression of glutamate transporters and their implication in pain after spinal cord injury

In addition to the loss of motor function,~60% of patients develop pain after spinal cord injury.The cellular-molecular mechanisms are not well understood,but the data suggests that plasticity within the rostral,epicenter,and caudal penumbra of the injury site initiates a cellularmolecular interplay that acts as a rewiring mechanism leading to central neuropathic pain.Sprouting can lead to the formation of new connections triggering abnormal sensory transmission.The excitatory glutamate transporters are responsible for the reuptake of extracellular glutamate which makes them a critical target to prevent neuronal hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity.Our previous studies showed a sexually dimorphic therapeutic window for spinal cord injury after treatment with the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen.In this study,we investigated the anti-allodynic effects of tamoxifen in male and female rats with spinal cord injury.We hypothesized that tamoxifen exerts anti-allodynic effects by increasing the expression of glutamate transporters,leading to reduced hyperexcitability of the secondary neuron or by decreasing aberrant sprouting.Male and female rats received a moderate contusion to the thoracic spinal cord followed by subcutaneous slow-release treatment of tamoxifen or matrix pellets as a control(placebo).We used von Frey monofilaments and the“up-down method”to evaluate mechanical allodynia.Tamoxifen treatment decreased allodynia only in female rats with spinal cord injury revealing a sexdependent effect.The expression profile of glutamatergic transporters(excitatory amino acid transporter 1/glutamate aspartate transporter and excitatory amino acid transporter 2/glutamate transporter-1)revealed a sexual dimorphism in the rostral,epicenter,and caudal areas of the spinal cord with a pattern of expression primarily on astrocytes.Female rodents showed a significantly higher level of excitatory amino acid transporter-1 expression while male rodents showed increased excitatory amino acid transporter-2 expression compared with female rodents.Analyses of peptidergic(calcitonin gene-related peptide-α)and non-peptidergic(isolectin B4)fibers outgrowth in the dorsal horn after spinal cord injury showed an increased calcitonin gene-related peptide-α/isolectin B4 ratio in comparison with sham,suggesting increased receptive fields in the dorsal horn.Although the behavioral assay shows decreased allodynia in tamoxifen-treated female rats,this was not associated with overexpression of glutamate transporters or alterations in the dorsal horn laminae fibers at 28 days post-injury.Our findings provide new evidence of the sexually dimorphic expression of glutamate transporters in the spinal cord.The dimorphic expression revealed in this study provides a therapeutic opportunity for treating chronic pain,an area with a critical need for treatment.

中国性别失衡与Sexuality:一个新的研究视角与框架

比较了性别失衡研究与sexuality研究在学科层面、研究视角、研究对象以及政策实践等方面的异同,探讨了在性别失衡研究领域引入sexuality视角的可行性。最后,以sexuality视角为着眼点,围绕性别失衡的理论拓展和政策实践,进行了性别失衡研究框架的创新。新研究框架的提出可以开拓性别失衡研究视野,纳入新的研究主题和内容,也有利于在多元化性差异的社会变迁中,准确把握社会舆论走向和社会需求,提升性别失衡研究和实践工作的科学性和长期性。

男性性障碍与Sexuality理念在中国的普及(二)

五、某论坛部分网民的观念分析 本节材料均来自名为"猫头鹰两性论坛"的网上论坛,虽然只是少数网友的观点,但亦可以从一个侧面让我们了解两性知识比较丰富、热衷于两性问题思考与讨论的现代青年的性存在理念.这个论坛中曾有一次多人参与的关于男人性障碍的讨论,写作本文时,我又专门针对该论坛网友进行了一次明确的男人性障碍观点的调查.现分别做分析如下.

男性性障碍与Sexuality理念在中国的普及(一)

一、性存在理念及其它 Sexuality在英文中出现的历史不过三十年,它的出现与被普遍使用是西方性学长期发展的结果.这一词汇尚无公认的标准汉译,潘绥铭教授使用的"性存在"这一译法是目前流行最广的汉译.

KAP Survey of Turkish University Students on Sexuality,reproductive Health,Drug Addiction and Violence

Objective To investigate the attitudes, behaviours and reflections of the university students, on sexuality, reproductive health, violence, smoking, alcohol and drug use, and to find out their expectations from a youth health service. Methods A total of 5 300 students （1 880 girls, 3 420 boys）from various Jaculties of Kyrykkale University were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. Students completed the self-administered questionnaire as one of the researchers was present at the classroom. Research monitors five categories of priority health-risk behaviours among youth and young adults. Results Mean age of 3 420 male （64.5%） and 1 880female （35.5%） students were 20.3 years. Among all 4 380 （82,9%） students [1 350 girls （71.8%）, 3 030 boys （88.5%）] had some kinds of information about sexuality, however this dropped to 2 730 students （51.5%） within the context of adequacy. Friends were the major source （34%） for the first information on sexuality. Using a condom was the mostly heard method of contraception （46.9%） and interestingly 1.1% of the students had no knowledge on any of the protection methods. Among all 25.3% of the students （33.0% boys, 11.4% girls） had some kind of sexual intercourse, and within this group 58.8% experienced his/her first sexual relationship at 18 years of age and over; 53.9% were protected in all intercourses. Using a condom was the main way of protection for boys （63.7%） and pills were for the girls （73.9%）. None of the female students mentioned having an abortion but 8% had friends who had undergone abortion. Tobacco use was 35.1% among the group, and 8. 7% of the male and 3.6% of the female students were using drugs. Although 67. 4% students claimed they never witnessed violence between their parents, 43.2% witnessed violence among their siblings, 67.0% beween friends, 72.6% in the streets and 64.2% in the school. About 30.0% of the students reported having weight problems, and 14.7% admitted visiting a doctor for that problem. If there would be a service providedfor the adolescents in the university, 67% of the students would attend in case of a problem. Past experiences were important for us and we saw that among all 8% of the participants had some kind of sexual problem, within this group 50.7% felt uncomfortable during the visit and only 60.4% were satisfied with the care of the physician. Conclusion Our study results show the current situation of adolescents in Kyrykkale University and will be used to improve policies and programs to reduce priority healthrisk behaviours among youth of our and surrounding provinces and establish a youth friendly service in Kyrykkale University within this purposes.

Internet Through Mobile Phone and Its Cognitive and Behavioral Impact： Changing Sexuality

This study investigates how Internet media in the mobile phone influence on the cognitive and behavioral aspects of human sexuality. Sex is being deviating from socially accepted behaviors; ranging from bisexuality to homosexuality. Based on the qualitative methodology using particular case studies and textual analysis as well as survey research leading to quantitative methodology, this assumes of a transition of cultures as a result of the thorough impact of Internet towards society. In conclusion, lnternet implicit practices in the Mobile Phone in youth and teen societies storms a big change in sexuality, is also affecting towards the human cognitive and behavioral phases of the social life in traditional Buddhist rural village setting in Sri Lanka.

Endorphins, oxytocin, sexuality and romantic relationships: An understudied area

Endorphins are the body's natural opioids that are created and released by the central nervous system, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Endorphins have a reputation for pain reduction, enhancing excitement or satisfaction, boosting confidence, enabling control of emotions and generating feelings of euphoria, and are involved in the natural reward cycle. There is also evidence in the literature suggesting the role of endorphins in sexuality(including sexual function and sexual behaviours), as they may regulate the release of sex hormones, prolactin and growth hormone, which are involved in sexual function and love. Endogenous oxytocin is another intrinsic hormone whose role in inducing labour contractions, the delivery of the baby and stimulating lactation has been well studied. However, the potential impact of endorphins and oxytocin on sexuality and romantic relationships is not well understood. This article reviews the research on endorphins and endogenous oxytocin and how they relate to human sexuality and romantic relationships. Some animal studies report the effect of endorphin and oxytocin on sex hormones and mating behaviours, but these findings have not been supported by research into human behaviour, indicating many gaps in knowledge relating to the association between these hormones and human sexuality.

A time to look within curricula—Nursing students’ perception on sexuality and gender issues

Nursing students could be viewed as dynamic change agents given the knowledge and skills they would be equipped with. Amongst all areas to be addressed in their clientele of the hospital or community setting, one key area that a nurse could focus on is sexuality. This however is often neglected for simple reasons such as lack of knowledge, embarrassment, fear of intrusion on privacy, or it is perceived as an un-important concern of the patient. Focus groups discussions combined with self report were conducted on 84 nursing students selected by the faculty from three institutions of nursing to assess their perceptions related to sexuality and gender issues, and thus extrapolate on their learning needs within the curriculum. Student expressed discomfort in caring for patients who had sexual expressions and relationships different from the accepted cultural norm;perceived sexuality primarily as heterosexual relationship;helplessness when faced with sexual harassment in the health care field and gaps in their present curricula in relation to contextualization of sexuality and gender issues.

The Correlation between Sexuality and Family Functioning among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Japan

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between the sexuality of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and family functioning. Methods: The study took the form of a self-administered questionnaire survey, utilizing the Sexuality Satisfaction Index for IBD (SEXSI-IBD) for measuring sexuality and the Survey of Family Environment Survey of Family Environment (SFE) for measuring family functioning. SEXSI-IBD consists of 28 items and five domains, and SFE consists of 30 items and five domains. The participants were recruited at 15 self-help groups and 14 hospitals. Results: Of 146 participants, 48.6% were male and 52.4% female, with an average age of 41.1 years. A significant correlation was observed between the item average score of SEXSI-IBD and Overall Satisfaction Score (OSS) of SFE. Significant correlations were observed in two domains of the SEXSI-IBD, “Daily interaction” and “Sexual communication,” and in all five domains of the SFE. In particular, for “Daily interaction,” the strongest correlation was observed in the SFE’s “Macro system” and “Family internal environment system.” A correlation was observed between the “Physical contact importance” in SEXSI-IBD and the “Macro system” in the OSS of the SFE. Conclusions: Sexuality correlates with family functioning not only in the family internal environment system but also in the family external environment system. Through an approach aimed at elevating the degree of satisfaction for sexuality, it becomes possible to improve family functioning and realize a sense of family well-being.

Elderly Men Sexuality in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background: In general, sexuality is a taboo subject. It is more so in elderly people, as it is believed that they do not complain about sexual disorder. Objective: To analyse the sexual activity of elderly men in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on the sexual activity of men aged at least 60 years old. The study was carried out in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 1st June to 31st August 2014. All consenting males who were aged 60 and above at the time of the study were included. Results: We contacted 652 men, but only 200 responded i.e. a response rate of 30.67%. The age of the respondents was between 60 years and 89 years with a mean age of 66.38 ± 5.72 years. 80.15% of the respondents had at least one sexual intercourse in a month. Erection was considered satisfactory or very satisfactory in 45.8% (60/131) of respondents and 63.36% of them always had orgasm during sexual intercourse. Premature ejaculation was noted in 23.66% of respondents, while a decline in libido was noted in 82.44% of them. Conclusion: This study which is the first of its kind in Burkina Faso has helped reveal the importance of sexuality in the lives of elderly men.

Sexuality of Repartnered Men and Women in France: Sexual Behaviors, Perceptions, Expectations and Sexual Dysfunctions

Introduction. Although many epidemiological studies on sexuality have been published, none have specifically addressed male and female sexuality in repartnered couples. Aim. To investigate men and women’s sexual behaviors, perceptions and expectations, and the frequency of their sexual dysfunctions, with a focus on repartnered couples, i.e, subjects living with a partner in a stable relationship after divorce or widowhood (including both remarried couples and cohabitating unmarried couples). Methods. Analysis of telephone survey data collected from 1,002 French subjects (483 men, 519 women) ≥35years. Of these, 748 were living with their partner as part of a heterosexual couple. For these subjects, the sexuality of 149 repartnered subjects was compared to that of the other 599 subjects. Main Outcome Measures. A 39-item questionnaire assessing subjects' perceptions, expectations, sexual behaviors and dysfunctions. Results. Compared with other subjects, men and women in repartnered couples had more active sexuality and more interest in sexuality (men 93% vs 80%, P < 0.01, women 73% vs 65%, P < 0.05). They were generally more sensitive to feelings and emotions linked to their sexuality, and these feelings seemed to increase steadily with age. Their sexuality was more attuned to their partner’s pleasure (men 79% vs. 59% P < 0.001, women 50% vs. 34% P < 0.01). Concern for the future of the relationship and for sexuality was equally present for both groups, although repartnered couples were more often concerned about potential inadequacy and conflicts between the two partners. Although repartnered men seemed to be less affected by diminished desire, they had slightly higher rates of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, and considered their quality of life to be more affected by these problems. Conclusion. The sexuality of repartnered couples remains poorly studied, but seems to differ from that of non-repartnered couples. Our findings open interesting avenues of research on the diagnosis and management of repartnered couples.

Assessing the Impact of Pregnancy on Sexuality Using the Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory

Introduction: Pregnancy is a state when body undergoes biopsychosocial and hormonal changes which affect pregnant women and her partner. The aim of this study was assessing the changes in sexual life of pregnant women and their partners. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at 8 public hospitals in Kosovo. Mostly, pregnant women in third trimester attending hospitals between July and December 2017 were eligible. The questionnaires have been distributed and supervised by the Kosovo Midwife Association, while have been fulfilled by pregnant women in the delivery room or in their rest rooms. Categorical data were expressed by percentage and comparisons were made by the T-test. Statistical significance was considered as p Results: Out of 1510 participants, who took part in this study, it is shown that the majority of them were between the age of 18 and 35. Only 7.7% were under 18 years old. The 66.2% of the surveyed women have previously planned their pregnancies. The frequency of sexual intercourse per week shows a considerable changing among participants in the study. The number of women who are not satisfied with their sexual lives has increased from 7.9% before the pregnancy to 18.6% during pregnancy. The number of women who have never or rarely experienced orgasm has increased from 9.6% to 16.4% while the percentage of those who have often experienced orgasm before pregnancy has decreased from 38% to 22.5% during pregnancy. From the analyzed parameters only the sexual desire has not undergone changes before and during pregnancy. Moreover, the sexual desire has shown increase, into the option once a day. Conclusion and Recommendation: Apart of sexual desire which remains the same all other parameters have been decreased during the pregnancy. The role of health professionals in consulting sexual activity problems needs to be improved.

Caretaker-Adolescent Communication on Sexuality and Reproductive Health: My Perceptions Matter;A Qualitative Study on Adolescents’ Perspectives in Unguja-Zanzibar

This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of adolescents on caretaker-adolescent communication on sexuality. Using an Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills model, this article highlights areas to emphasise when planning strategies to improve caretaker-adolescent communication on sexuality. Twelve focus group discussions were held with adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years, and data were analysed using content analysis. The participants found it important for caretakers to communicate with adolescents about sexuality to avoid sexual and related health risks. Caretakers were the most preferred communicators, by adolescents, on sexuality matters. It became apparent that information about the use of condoms was the most unpopular topic during the discussions, while information about the use of contraceptives seemed to be more interesting to the majority of the participants. From the adolescents’ point of view, the barriers to communication about sexuality on the caretakers’ side, include, the belief that such information might encourage promiscuity;some caretakers do not find it easy to discuss matters related to sexuality with their children;and others feel that some adolescents know more about sexuality than themselves. On the other hand, barriers on adolescents’ side include, “fear” of the caretakers, some of whom seem harsh, unfriendly, and sometimes unapproachable. Following the findings, it is being suggested that intervention strategies that would help to alleviate communication barriers would consequently facilitate caretaker-adolescent discussions about sexuality and reproductive health.

Sexuality of People with Spinal Cord Injury: Knowledge, Difficulties and Adaptation

Expressing sexuality is an important part of life, whether the person has a spinal cord injury (SCI) or not. This study investigated the sexual activity before and after SCI, the difficulties, and adjustments made by these people in relation to their sexuality. This is a qualitative study conducted with 14 people with SCI through semi-structured interviews, which we analyzed in light of pertinent literature and organized into three themes: sexual activity before and after SCI;difficulties in performing sexual activities;and adjustments in sexual activity after SCI. We conclude that, although there may be many difficulties, with the partner’s support they can get sexual satisfaction and adapt to the new reality. Nonetheless, it is necessary and essential that the patient receive guidance about the possible changes and adaptive methods, and nurses can play a critical role in this process.

African Woman Sexuality: Assessment after Hysterectomy for Uterine Benign Disorders Based on Two Scales;PISQ 12/DFSI

Background: Several authors are studying sexual activity of hysterectomies women. However, the review of literature reveals few data in sub-Saharan Africa on the psychological and sexual impact of this treatment option. Objective: To assess sexual activity and sexual satisfaction of women after hysterectomy for benign disorders. Methods: Single center analytical study based on patient opinion. It was conducted in a five-year period: from January 2012 to December 2016 at the Yopougon teaching Hospital. Results: Hysterectomy accounted for 15.9% of gynecological surgical activities. Hysterectomy for benign pathology accounted for 3.3% of hysterectomies. The average age was 47.6 years old. The indications were dominated by uterine fibroid (88.68%). Hysterectomy was performed by the abdominal route in 86.79% of cases. Sexual activity was resumed in the second trimester post-operative in 69.81%. After hysterectomy, dyspareunia was reduced (p 0.05), orgasm was more intense (p 0.05) with a greater sexual satisfaction (p 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that there is no significant difference for women’s sexuality before and after hysterectomy.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Sexuality and Modern Contraceptive Methods among the Young People at Cotonou (Benin)

Introduction: Youth is the period of life when one usually experiences sexual relations for the first time. Lack of preparation and inexperience lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The aim was to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of sexuality and modern contraceptive methods among young people in Cotonou. Method: This was a descriptive and prospective study that was conducted from August to September 2017 among young people living in Cotonou. Results: We had questioned 500 young people. The sex ratio was 0.6 with 267 girls (61.1%). 27.9% of young people surveyed do not know the fertility period. 76.2% of young people are sexually active and 39.8% have at least 2 sexual partners. Most of these young people had early sexual intercourse at an average age of 16.73 ± 2.85 years. Half of the boys have sex for pleasure and half of the girls have sex for love. 100% of young people know at least one STI, especially HIV/AIDS. Of the 15.10% of cases of reported pregnancy, 49.2% resulted in an abortion. 99% are aware of modern contraceptive methods for the prevention of pregnancy. But 53.7% are unaware that modern contraceptive methods prevent STIs. The main sources of information on contraception are the media and teachers. The main modern contraceptive method used is the condom in 73%. Young people surveyed do not use modern contraceptive methods in 57.5%. Conclusion: The practices of sexuality and modern contraceptive methods remain quite limited among young people. It is important to intensify information and awareness activities.

Sexuality and Menopause, a Belgian Study

Aim: Until the 1980s, due largely to prejudice, post-menopausal women were believed to experience significantly less sexual desire and thus to have sexual intercourse less often than before menopause. Since the 1990s, this type of prejudices seems to have decreased. The aim of our study is to examine the sexuality of post-menopausal women by comparing it to same aged men’s sexual behaviour and the importance of sexuality in their life. Methods: A sample of 1,526 women and 1,151 men aged 55 and over. Results: Female subjects reported having sexual intercourse as often as women in the general population (once a week for 64% of them). The same proportion of women as men consider that a successful sexual life: is essential for a successful couple life (90%), needs continuous creativity (80%), has a deep positive impact on their well-being (87%). For most of them (82%), a satisfying sex life is possible only if there is a deep love relationship. 55% say they have never met sexual problems. The main complaints cited are vaginal dryness (45%) and a lack of desire (42%). Only 20% of those who had sexual problems report that age and time passing by are responsible for their troubles. In second place, they mention stress (19%), followed by relationship problems, and nervous breakdown (13%). Conclusion: Our study suggests that nowadays, there is no marked difference between post-menopausal women and men’s sexuality either in terms of frequency, or in terms of its importance in their life. Whenever physical problems linked to sexuality arise, they are more often attributed to stress added to relationship problems rather than to ageing. This study shows once again how sexuality is influenced by prejudices.

Socio-Cultural Identities, Perceptions of Sexuality/Sexual Behavior and Cultural Contexts as Determinants of HIV and AIDS Prevalence in Southern Africa

This paper attempts to examine the connection between one’s socio cultural setting and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Often, local communities form the contexts within which people negotiate their social and sexual lives and identities. These communities also play a key role in enabling or restraining people from taking control over their health. The paper will try to demonstrate through specific examples that in African societies, sexual behavior is a product of one’s socio-cultural environment and structural contexts and not the cognitive properties of the individual. The article draws from the qualitative study (Focus group sessions, individual interviews) conducted in three high schools in the Boland area of the Western Cape with about 18 learners, 3 Life skills teachers, 3 Performer-Educators on the efficacy of the HIV/AIDS intervention by The Centre for HIV/AIDS Management theatre group based at the University of Stellenbosch. The aim of the study was to ascertain the cultural content of their campaign model as well as their knowledge of the determinants of sex and sexuality of their target areas. Based on the findings of this study, I argue that theatre will achieve greater success in its campaign against HIV/AIDS in South Africa if the designers of the campaign models adopt a more participatory approach, make indigenous culture central to the design of their intervention model and pay closer attention to what Campbell refers to as “community level of analysis” which simply put implies a greater understanding of the target audiences local communities and its determinants of sex and sexuality.

Impacts of social desirability response bias on sexuality care of cancer patients among Chinese nurses

The purpose of this study was to detect social desirable response bias on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. A cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire based survey was used. Measures included a 12-item Inventory of Sexuality Attitude and Belief Survey (SABS) and a 10-item Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Total social desirability scores were significantly correlated with four individual items of the SABS, and significantly predicted the total SABS scores (β=﹣0.155, p= 0.028). Before controlling social desirability variable, nurses’ age, marital status, years of working experience, and working units were significantly correlated with total SABS scores. After controlling social desirability variable, only nurses’ age and working units were statistically significant predictors of SABS. Social desirable response bias had impacts on Chinese nurses’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care of cancer patients. Study findings demonstrated that social desirable response bias would potentially jeopardize human sexuality assessment and counseling in nursing practice. Controlling social desirable response should consider using a social desirability scale to detect and control potential social desirability bias during data analysis.