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Most studies on chemsex focus on the health risks associated with the practice, whereas less attention has been paid to the perception of sexual gratification in men who have sex with men (MSM) who use these substances. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of chemsex substances on sexual response, motivations to engage in chemsex and the relationship with sober sex. Thirty-one Italian cisgender MSM involved in sexualized drug use were interviewed and transcripts were thematically analyzed. An ad hoc grid exploring sociodemographic data, chemsex sexual experience, motives, and relationships with sober sex was used during telephone-based interviews. Participants showed significant individual differences in how chems may affect their sexual experience. The most reported effects were an increase in sexual desire and subjective arousal, access to higher disinhibition, possible erection and ejaculation difficulties, significant extension of the sexual experience duration, and an intensified perception of intimacy and pleasure. All the positive outcomes of substances on sex creates a great curiosity around chemsex, which is among the primary motives to engage in chemsex for the first time. Over time, other motives may emerge, also connected to substance abuse and craving. Some men reported to be motivated by their partners and friends and to use chemsex to cope with depressive mood/anxiety symptoms, stress and sexual problems. Many differences were reported between chemsex and sober sex. Chemsex seems to embody the idea of transgressive and exciting sex, while sober sex is outlined as a more intimate encounter, that can be significantly affected by performance anxiety. These results offer some new perspectives that may add interesting information to the literature and be fundamental for future prevention and harm-reduction projects. Although this study is based on a small group of Italian MSM and the interviews were not audio-recorded, transcripts were consistent with scientific literature that considers it important to pay attention to the positive links between sex and substance use. The promotion of safer sexual behavior should contemplate an in-depth discussion and recognition of both pleasurable and distressing aspects of chemsex sexual experience, its motivations over time and perceived differences with sober sex. Nimbi FM, Rosati F, Esposito RM, et al. Sex in Chemsex: Sexual Response, Motivations, and Sober Sex in a Group of Italian Men Who Have Sex With Men With Sexualized Drug Use. J Sex Med 2021;18:1955–1969. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemsex is a novel phenomenon referring to the consumption of illicit drugs to facilitate, enhance, and prolong the sexual experience in men who have sex with men (MSM). The present study aims to investigate contexts, patterns of substance use, first chemsex experience, and harm reduction in a group of MSM practicing chemsex in Italy. Thirty MSM involved in chemsex activities were interviewed between February and July 2019. The interviews were conducted using an ad hoc grid exploring general characteristics of Italian chemsex, patterns of substance use, first chemsex experience, and harm reduction opinions. Chemsex in Italy showed important peculiarities and patterns because of sociocultural background. Chemsex was mainly reported in private venues within couple and group sexual activities. Most participants attended chemsex sessions about 1-2 times per month often concurring with men-only club events. Freebase cocaine emerged among the most relevant substances consumed together with gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone, crystal methamphetamine, and mephedrone. A rare use of injected substances compared with other European Union countries was shown. Given the high prevalence of erectile problems, a large use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors was reported, and noncoital sexual activities were usually preferred (eg, oral sex, fist fucking). The first chemsex experiences were usually accessed by geolocation-based dating apps and sexual partners and were generally described as positive experiences, with some negative consequences at the end of the session (dysphoric mental states, guilt, craving). Taking part in international gay events seems to favor the first experience of chemsex for some participants. Moreover, some MSM practiced chemsex only abroad or in other cities in Italy so as not to be recognized as chem users in their daily environment. Implications for ad hoc harm reduction programs are discussed. Despite the methodological limitations due to participants' number and the absence of interviews audio recording, results highlighted some relevant characteristics of chemsex in Italy, such as freebase cocaine use, attitudes regarding slamming, geographical movements, and secrecy. The results revealed a need for greater scientific and public attention on chemsex to act with the most specific and effective prevention and harm reduction tools. Nimbi FM, Rosati F, Esposito RM, et al. Chemsex in Italy: Experiences of Men Who Have Sex With Men Consuming Illicit Drugs to Enhance and Prolong Their Sexual Activity. J Sex Med 2020;17:1875–1884. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genital pain (GP) is a common symptom in women of reproductive age. The prevalence of GP is difficult to gauge as it has been underreported by both patients and clinicians and neglected in clinical studies despite wide recognition of the adverse effects to women's health. The purpose of the present study was 3-fold: (i) to explore the self-reported presence and perception of GP and its association with sexual functioning, sexual distress, emotions, psychopathology, and quality of life (QoL); (ii) to explore if, controlling for the pain effect, women with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores indicating sexual dysfunction also reported worse outcomes regarding sexual distress, emotions, psychological health, and QoL than GP women with higher FSFI scores; and (iii) to evaluate the effects of GP duration, comparing women with GP with shorter (<6 months) duration of symptoms with women with longer (≥6 months) duration of symptom of GP on sexual functioning, distress, emotions, psychopathology and QoL. A total of 1,034 women (age ranges between 18 and 40 years) from the Italian general population completed a web survey on sexual health. 6 self-report questionnaires exploring different biopsychosocial factors were assessed: the FSFI, the Female Sexual Distress Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire adapted for GP, the Short Form 36, and the Symptom Check List-90-Revised. Women who reported GP (n = 319) indicated generally lower sexual function than women without GP (n = 648; P =.036). They reported a higher level of sexual distress (P <.001), more negative emotions related to sexual experiences (P =.001), lower scores in all QoL domains (P <.001), and higher levels of psychopathological symptoms (P <.001). Controlling for pain effects, women whose FSFI scores indicated sexual dysfunction (n = 150) reported higher rates of sexual distress than women whose FSFI scores indicated normal sexual function (n = 169; P <.001). The scores also indicated fewer positive (P <.001) and more negative emotions (P <.001) related to sexuality, lower QoL (P <.001) and significantly higher psychological burden (P <.001). Moreover, women experiencing GP for ≥6 months reported significantly lower means on the FSFI total score (P <.05; especially in the desire, satisfaction, and pain domains), distress (P <.001), and emotions (P <.05) than women experiencing GP duration <6 months. No significant differences were found on the QoL and the psychopathological symptoms. GP is significantly pervasive, but a high percentage of sexual problems and related emotional suffering is overlooked. Raising awareness about this issue is critical, both among clinicians and the general public. The present study highlighted important characteristics of GP from a community sample; the results indicate problems related to pain experiences and their repercussions on sexual, psychological, affective health, and QoL. Major limitations are related to the use of self-report measures via a web-based study. The results provide evidence of a lack of awareness regarding pain experiences as they relate to sexual functioning in women; clinicians would be advised to more fully investigate sexual functioning and psychosocial variables associated with GP during routine consultation beginning with the first onset of the symptoms. Nimbi FM, Rossi V, Tripodi F, et al. Genital Pain and Sexual Functioning: Effects on Sexual Experience, Psychological Health, and Quality of Life. J Sex Med 2020; 17:771–783. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Published studies show good psychological health of people involved in bondage-discipline, dominance-submission, and sadism-masochism (BDSM) activities; nevertheless, there are few studies on characteristics related to gender, role in the BDSM scene, sexual functioning, and satisfaction among BDSM practitioners. Aim The aim of this study was to explore gender and role differences, prevalence of sexual complaints, related distress, and sexual satisfaction in BDSM participants compared with the general population. Methods A group of 266 Italian consensual BDSM participants (141 men and 125 women) were recruited with a snowball sampling technique. An anonymous protocol, including self-reported ad hoc and validated questionnaires, was used. The control group was composed of 100 men and 100 women who were not significantly different from the BDSM group for the sociodemographic data and were randomly extracted from an Italian database on sexual functioning of the general population. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported demographic factors, including favorite and most frequent BDSM practices, the Sexual Complaint Screener, and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale, were completed by the participants. Results The mean age of the BDSM group was 41.42 ± 9.61 years old (range 18–74). Data showed a varied outlook of practices, fantasies, rules, and roles. With regard to concerns about BDSM activities (fantasies and behaviors), participants reported a very low self-declared degree of distress. The dominant and switch groups appear to be more satisfied and less concerned about sexuality than the general population and the submissive group. Role in the BDSM scene was the only significant predictor of sexual satisfaction, showing a medium effect size. Clinical Implications Results from this study could be helpful to inform sexual health care professionals and to reduce the stigma related to the BDSM population. Strengths & Limitations In general, this study may help to describe better some characteristics related to gender, role, sexual preferences, function, and satisfaction. The main limitation regards the sampling method, which does not allow us to consider the group as representative of BDSM participants in general. Conclusion Data showed a varied outlook of practices, fantasies, rules, and roles in both BDSM men and women. BDSM participants (especially dominant and switch groups) appear to be more satisfied and less concerned about sexuality than the general population. This is an attempt to increase the attention of researchers and health care professionals to this important topic and to improve the care provided to people with specific preferences and behaviors. Botta D, Nimbi FM, Tripodi F, et al. Are Role and Gender Related to Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Men and Women Practicing BDSM? J Sex Med 2019;16:463–473. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Literature lacks biopsychosocial models of men's sexuality. Regarding sexual desire, Carvalho and Nobre (J Sex Med 2011;8:754-763.) presented a cognitive-affective model including age, medical factors, dyadic adjustment, psychopathology, restrictive attitudes toward sexual activity, erection concerns, lack of erotic thoughts (LET), sadness, and shame as predictors. In particular, automatic thoughts were highlighted as the main predictors of sexual desire in men. Aim To test a conceptual model (confronting full and partial mediation) considering the interrelated role of automatic thoughts, emotional factors, sexual function, and sexism in influencing the levels of men's sexual desire. Methods Selected variables were the best predictors of men's sexual desire in a previous study on 450 heterosexual Italian men (age 31.36 ± 10.73 years). Path diagrams were built including "orgasmic function," "LET," "erection concerns thoughts" (ECT), "hostile sexism," and "positive affect" as predictors of sexual desire. The 2 versions of the model were designed as a "partial" and a "full mediation" from automatic thoughts toward desire. ECT and LET were selected as main predictors, with direct paths going from ECT to positive affect and sexual desire, and from LET to positive affect, orgasmic function, and sexual desire. Direct paths were also drawn from emotions and orgasm to sexual desire. Moreover, in the partial mediation model, part of ECT and LET effect was mediated by emotions and orgasm, and part directly influenced sexual desire. Hostile sexism and sociodemographic variables were considered as exogenous variables influencing sexual desire. Path analyses were performed through structural equation modeling approach. Main Outcome Measure Results from 4 standardized questionnaires and sociodemographic information were considered for this study: International Index of Erectile Function, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and Sexual Modes Questionnaire. Results Results showed a satisfactory data fit for both versions, but the partial mediation model was retained (χ2 = 35.312, degree of freedom = 34, P =.406; goodness of fit =.987; normed fit index =.945; comparative fit index =.998; root mean square error of approximation =.009 [95% CI.000–.036]). All the endogenous paths and hostile sexism were found to be significant. Clinical Implications The model selected could suggest the need to operate under an biopsychosocial approach, considering cognitive, emotional, and sexual aspects all together to elicit an effective arise of sexual desire level. Strength & Limitations The study can claim a good methodology and the proposal of an interesting model, even if the results should be carefully interpreted due to the use of no representative sample, self-report measures, and the limited number of variables involved. Conclusion Our findings suggest that cognitive, emotional, sexual functioning, and cultural variables interplay affecting men's sexual interest. Nimbi FM, Tripodi F, Rossi R, et al. Testing a Conceptual Model for Men's Sexual Desire Referring to Automatic Thoughts, Emotions, Sexual Function, and Sexism. J Sex Med 2018;15:1518–1526. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The literature lacks studies of the male sex drive. Most existing studies have focused on hypoactive sexual desire disorder in coupled heterosexual men, highlighting some of the main related biological, psychological, and social factors. Aim To evaluate the role of selected psychological and social variables affecting male sexual desire such as quality of life, sexual function, distress, satisfaction, psychological symptoms, emotions, alexithymia, couple adjustment, sexism, cognitive schemas activated in a sexual context, sexual dysfunctional beliefs, and different classes of cognitions triggered during sexual activity about failure anticipation, erection concerns, age- and body-related thoughts, erotic fantasies, and negative attitudes toward sexuality. Methods A wide self-administered survey used snowball sampling to reach 298 heterosexual Italian men (age = 32.66 ± 11.52 years) from the general population. Outcomes 13 questionnaires exploring psychological and social elements involved in sexual response were administrated: International Index of Erectile Function, Short Form 36 for Quality of Life, Beck Depression Inventory–II, Symptom Check List–90–Revised, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Premature Ejaculation Severity Index, Sexual Distress Scale, Sexual Satisfaction Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, Sexual Modes Questionnaire, Sexual Dysfunctional Belief Questionnaire, and Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context. Results Results showed lack of erotic thoughts (β = −0.328), fear (β = −0.259) and desire to have a baby (β = −0.259) as the main predictors of the level of sexual desire in this group. Energy-fatigue, depression, premature ejaculation severity, sexual distress, compatibility, subjective sexual response, and sexual conservatism had a weaker effect on sexual desire. Sexual functioning (13.80%), emotional response (12.70%), dysfunctional sexual beliefs (12.10%), and negative automatic thoughts (12.00%) had more variable effects on sexual drive. Clinical Translation Analyzed variables could represent important factors that should be considered in the assessment of desire concerns and discussed in therapy. Strengths and Limitations The strength of this study is the analysis of novel psychological and social factors on male sexual desire. Recruitment and sample size do not allow generalization of the results, but some crucial points for future research and clinical practice are discussed. Conclusion Our findings showed that male sexual desire could be affected by many psychological and social elements. Other factors remain to be explored, in their direct and interactive effects, aiming to better explain male sexual desire functioning. Nimbi FM, Tripodi F, Rossi R, Simonelli C. Expanding the Analysis of Psychosocial Factors of Sexual Desire in Men. J Sex Med 2018;15:230–244. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) is a validated and widespread used tool to assess the sexually-related personal distress in women. The present study aimed to test the psychometric characteristics of the 12-item version of the SDS (Derogatis et al., 2002) and of the 5-item short form of SDS-SF (Santos-Iglesias et al., 2020) in women and men of the Italian population. After linguistic translation, the psychometric properties (internal consistency, construct, and discriminant validity) were evaluated. 2291 participants (1361 women and 930 men, 1427 healthy and 852 clinical groups complaining about sexual problems) participated in the present study. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test the fit of the original factor structures of the SDS and SDS-SF versions. Cronbach α and composite reliability were used as internal consistency measures and differences between clinical and control groups were run to test the discriminant validity for the female and male versions. The associations with emotions, psychopathological symptoms and sexual functioning measures were also reported. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the adequacy of both the SDS and SDS-SF factor structures for women and men. Moreover, the SDS and the SDS-SF showed strong associations with emotional response, psychopathological symptoms and sexual functioning, differentiating between clinical and control groups. The present findings support the validity and the internal consistency of the Italian versions of the SDS and SDS-SF and allow the assessment of sexually-related personal distress for both clinical and research purposes. We have no conflict of interest to declare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, relatively few studies have provided an in-depth overview of approaches to treating paraphilic sexual fantasies. The different types of treatment were considered separately or some were not included or explored. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a broad and in-depth overview of therapeutic approaches related to problematic sexual fantasies. A comprehensive search of four electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EBSCO) was carried out to identify literature regarding the treatments of paraphilic sexual fantasies. References lists of articles were reviewed to identify additional papers. A total of 67 papers and relevant books were included. From the results of the current review, two main treatment approaches for paraphilic sexual fantasies emerged: behavioral and psychoanalytic. Behavioral strategies would appear to be the predominant approach to treating problematic sexual fantasies and behaviors. The cognitive-behavioral approach includes a range of procedures and techniques that aim to reduce inappropriate sexual arousal (e.g., covert sensitization, satiation, systematic desensitization) or to improve appropriate sexual arousal (e.g., orgasm reconditioning). However, over the years, the use of alternative treatments (e.g., cognitive imagery techniques, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, use of drugs) have been suggested. This review would highlight the limited presence of research confirming the efficacy of behavioral strategies in the treatment of problematic sexual fantasies and behaviors. In light of the above, further studies could consider more integrated approaches to better understand how to improve treatments for problematic sexual fantasies and behaviors. We have no conflict of interest to declare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies on chemsex focus on the health risks associated with the practice, whereas less attention has been paid to the perception of sexual gratification.The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of chemsex substances on sexual response, motivations to engage in chemsex and the relationship with sober sex. Thirty-one Italian cisgender MSM involved in sexualized drug use were interviewed and transcripts were thematically analysed. An ad hoc grid exploring sociodemographic data, chemsex sexual experience, motives, and relationships with sober sex was used during telephone-based interviews. Participants showed significant individual differences in how chems may affect their sexual experience. The most reported effects were an increase in sexual desire and subjective arousal, access to higher disinhibition, possible erection and ejaculation difficulties, significant extension of the sexual experience duration, and an intensified perception of intimacy and pleasure. All the positive outcomes of substances on sex creates a great curiosity around chemsex, which is among the primary motives to engage in chemsex for the first time. Over time, other motives may emerge, also connected to substance abuse and craving. Some men reported to be motivated by their partners and friends and to use chemsex to cope with depressive mood/anxiety symptoms, stress and sexual problems. Many differences were reported between chemsex and sober sex. Chemsex seems to embody the idea of transgressive and exciting sex, while sober sex is outlined as a more intimate encounter, that can be significantly affected by performance anxiety. These results offer some new perspectives that may add interesting information to the literature and be fundamental for future prevention and harm-reduction projects. The promotion of safer sexual behaviour should contemplate an in-depth discussion and recognition of both pleasurable and distressing aspects of chemsex sexual experience, its motivations over time and perceived differences with sober sex. none [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction One of the most common forms of violence against women is the intimate partner violence ( IPV). This term includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and controlling behaviors by an intimate partner. Aim This exploratory study investigates the relationship between alexithymia, adult attachment styles, depression, and coping strategies in a group of female victims of IPV and a control group. Methods Participants were 80 female victims of IPV with an age range from 18 years to 54 years (mean 31.62; standard deviation 9.81). The control group included 80 women with no history of IPV with an age range from 19 years to 37 years (mean 25.05; standard deviation 3.67). Main Outcome Measures We administered the following self-report questionnaires: (i) 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale ( TAS-20); (ii) Coping Orientation Problems Experienced; (iii) Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI)- II; and (iv) Attachment Style Questionnaire ( ASQ). Results Compared with control group, the IPV group showed higher mean scores on TAS-20 (52.9 vs. 41.1, P < 0.001) and BDI-II (19.50 vs. 9.95, P < 0.001). In both groups, we found significant correlations between BDI-II and TAS-20 total scores ( P < 0.001) and between BDI-II and the following dimensions of ASQ: confidence ( P < 0.001), discomfort with closeness ( P = 0.002), relationships as secondary ( P < 0.001), need for approval ( P < 0.001), and preoccupation with relationships ( P < 0.001). Differently from the control group, in the IPV group, social support correlated significantly and positively ( P < 0.001) with the dimension preoccupation with relationships on ASQ, but not with the secure attachment style. Conclusions In comparison to the control group, alexithymia, depressive symptoms, and an insecure attachment style were negatively correlated with the ability to cope with stress for women in the IPV group. Craparo G, Gori A, Petruccelli I, Cannella V, and Simonelli C. Intimate partner violence: Relationships between alexithymia, depression, attachment styles, and coping strategies of battered women. J Sex Med 2014;11:1484-1494. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Data suggest that ED is still an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. In addition, it seems that men with ED are unsatisfied about their relationship with their physician and with the available drugs. Aim The study aims to identify health-related characteristics and unmet needs of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction ( ED) in big 5 European Union ( EU) nations ( France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK). Methods Data were collected from the 2011 5 EU National Health and Wellness- Survey on a population of 28,511 adult men (mean age: 47.18; SD 16.07) and was focused on men (5,184) who self-reported ED in the past 6 months. In addition, the quality of life ( QoL) and work productivity/activity were explored. Main Outcome Measures Health-related QoL ( HRQoL) and work productivity were measured with SF-12v2 and WPAI validated psychometric tools. Results One in every 20 young men (age 18-39) across 5 EU experienced ED in the past 6 months. About half of men (2,702/5,184; [52%]) with ED across all ages did not discuss their condition with their physician. Interestingly, among those men who did discuss their condition with their physician, 68% (1,668/2,465) do not currently use medication. These findings were more evident in the age group of 18-39 years. Only 48% (2,465/5,184) had a closer relationship with their physician, suggesting that this quality of relationship may be unsatisfactory. Compared with controls, ED patients have a significantly higher intrapsychic and relational psychopathological comorbid burden and relevant decreasing in HRQoL, with a significantly higher impairment on work productivity/activity. Conclusion Data suggest that there is a need for a new therapeutic paradigm in ED treatment which images the achievement of a new alliance between physician and patient. Hence, alternative drug delivery strategies may reduce the psychological and social impact of this disease. Jannini EA, Sternbach N, Limoncin E, Ciocca G, Gravina GL, Tripodi F, Petruccelli I, Keijzer S, Isherwood G, Wiedemann B, and Simonelli C. Health-related characteristics and unmet needs of men with erectile dysfunction: A survey in five European countries. J Sex Med 2014;11:40-50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. There are limited outcome data on the etiology and efficacy of psychological interventions for male and female sexual dysfunction as well as the role of innovative combined treatment paradigms. Aim. This study aimed to highlight the salient psychological and interpersonal issues contributing to sexual health and dysfunction, to offer an etiological model for understanding the evolution and maintenance of sexual symptoms, and to offer recommendations for clinical management and research. Methods. This study reviewed the current literature on the psychological and interpersonal issues contributing to male and female sexual dysfunction. Main Outcome Measure. This study provides expert opinion based on a comprehensive review of the medical and psychological literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. Results. Medical and psychological therapies for sexual dysfunctions should address the intricate biopsychosocial influences of the patient, the partner, and the couple. The biopsychosocial model provides an integrated paradigm for understanding and treating sexual dysfunction. Conclusions. There is need for collaboration between healthcare practitioners from different disciplines in the evaluation, treatment, and education issues surrounding sexual dysfunction. In many cases, neither psychotherapy alone nor medical intervention alone is sufficient for the lasting resolution of sexual problems. The assessment of male, female, and couples' sexual dysfunction should ideally include inquiry about predisposing, precipitating, maintaining, and contextual factors. Research is needed to identify efficacious combined and/or integrated treatments for sexual dysfunction. McCabe M, Althof SE, Assalian P, Chevret-Measson M, Leiblum SR, Simonelli C, and Wylie K. Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual function and dysfunctions. J Sex Med 2010;7:327–336. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. There is still a lack of agreement on etiology, definition, and mechanisms that underlie premature ejaculation (PE) as well as on the different role and interaction between psychological and biological factors. Alexithymia is a deficit in identifying and communicating emotions that is presumed to play an important role in psychosomatic diseases. The influences of alexithymic features on sexuality are still understudied. Aim. Following a previous report on the relationship between alexithymia and erectile dysfunction, the objective of this study was the investigation of alexithymic features in patients with lifelong PE compared with controls, and the relationship between alexithymia level and PE severity. Methods. We assessed 100 consecutive outpatients with lifelong PE (age range 20–60). A control group of 100 male volunteers was recruited for the control group. The two groups were comparable in age, marital status, and socioeconomic characteristics. Main Outcome Measures. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was employed for the assessment of alexithymia. The premature ejaculation severity index was used as self-report measure of PE severity on a multidimensional perspective. Results. Our data show significantly higher scores of alexithymia in patients with PE than in the control group ( P < 0.001), and a positive correlation between alexithymia level and PE severity ( P < 0.002). With regard to TAS-20 subfactors, an externally oriented cognitive style shows the highest correlation with PE severity ( P < 0.001) and the most significant difference in the comparison between PE and control group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion. These findings suggest that alexithymic features, and in particular, an externally oriented cognitive style, can be seen as possible risk and/or maintenance factors for PE, and may contribute to a more serious manifestation of this condition. Alexithymia could represent an important variable for an integrated diagnosis and treatment of PE in a modern somatopsychic and holistic viewpoint. Michetti PM, Rossi R, Bonanno D, De Dominicis C, Iori F, and Simonelli C. Dysregulation of emotions and premature ejaculation (PE): Alexithymia in 100 outpatients. J Sex Med 2007;4:1462–1467. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses role of some biopsychosocial variables affects male sexual desire such as Quality of Life, psychological symptoms, and alexithymia. Topics discussed include preliminary study shows lack of desire in men due to lack of erotic thoughts; level of sexual desire connected with many factors such as depression, premature ejaculation severity, and sexual response and sexual desires in men could be characterized as interaction between biological, psychological, and social elements.

The article presents study on sex life in women with sexual pain. It mentions that female sexual pain (FSP) have worse sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction and have high scores in personal distress. It adds negative influence of FSP on women's sexuality and suggests the need of psychosexual counselling during treatment of the disease.

The article discusses a study related to investigation of psychological and relational well-being in women complaining of sexual pain. Topics discussed include lower psychological well-being among women with sexual pain than without this complex symptom, need of an integrated approach with cooperation between psychosexologists and physicians and relational factors playing protective role on sexual pain.

The article focuses on a study to predict levels of sexual desire in both heterosexual and homosexual men such as sexual satisfaction, distress, sexism and dysfunctional sexual beliefs. It mentions the questionnaires of self-administered online survey was available from March 2015 to April 2016 for exploring biopsychosocial elements involved in sexual response. It concludes that sexual orientation had no direct effect on sexual desire.

The article offers information on collaboration of European Federation of Sexology (EFS) and European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM) to promote sex education teaching programs in the different European Union (EU) countries. Topics discussed include training of the sexologists, designing of syllabus for the psychosexology to the psychologists and the examinations conducts by the education committee. Also mentioned is that EFS and ESSM is standardize the quality of mental health providers.