Doctoral Program In Medical Sexology

Doctoral Program in Human Sexuality at Porto University in Portugal

Sex, drugs and the medical role.

It is assumed by general practitioners that patients will raise important concerns; however, this does not always occur, especially with sexual matters. This case study highlights the importance of general practitioners’ need to create a comfortable environment for patients to raise concerns about sex. Case Details: A 64-year-old man with a history of stroke and expressive aphasia participated in a qualitative research study on sex after stroke. He had been experiencing sexual dysfunction for four years and wanted to know if this was the result of the stroke. Discussions with the man were difficult due to his communication problems however, it was suspected that a change in prescribed medicine might alleviate the problem. The researcher asked him to re-visit his GP who reviewed his medications and changed a prescription. Sexual function returned within a week.

Mob in the margins: HIV and injecting drug use in Victorian Aboriginal communities

Aboriginal people in Victoria make up 0.6% of the population, yet are over represented in rates of injecting drug use (11% in Victorian Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) survey), methadone prescription and incarceration, all are risk factors for HIV transmission. At a national level, HIV rates are at similar levels in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, but HIV exposure rates through injecting drug use are six times higher in the Indigenous community.

Growing Pains: a first look at drug use in a post-conflict country

In February 2013, Fundasaun Timor Hari’i (FTH) commissioned a Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) among the People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Dili and Bobonaro Districts. Timor-Leste is still considered to have a low-level epidemic, with an estimated national HIV prevalence of approximately 0.1845%, which is non-generalized. Most HIV infections would appear to have been acquired through heterosexual contact, with other routes of transmission likely to occur less often. The RAR aimed at assessing the nature and extent of injecting drug use, types of drugs used, sexual practices and demographic characteristics of drug users.

Ejaculation disorders - Diagnosis & Treatment.

The commonest male ejaculation disorder is Premature Ejaculation (PE). Inhibited or Delayed Ejaculation can be a more challenging condition to assess and treat. This discussion will focus on the diagnosis, investigations and management of ejaculation problems including an overview of the first medication specifically approved for the treatment of PE, dapoxetine, released under the trade name of Priligy™. 

The use of an interdisciplinary approach to ejaculatory disorders

Offering clients an interdisciplinary and approach in dealing with sexual dysfunctions has been shown to positively impact on client and relational outcomes. Viewing a sexual concern from one lens or perspective i.e. medical or psychological can fail to achieve the best outcome for clients. Ejaculatory disorders are the most common presenting problems for men. 

Ejaculation disorders - Diagnosis & Treatment.

The commonest male ejaculation disorder is Premature Ejaculation (PE). Inhibited or Delayed Ejaculation can be a more challenging condition to assess and treat. This discussion will focus on the diagnosis, investigations and management of ejaculation problems including an overview of the first medication specifically approved for the treatment of PE, dapoxetine, released under the trade name of Priligy™. 

Painful Intercourse & Endometriosis: Sexual Impacts on Male Partner

Testing psychological models of sexual dysfunction in the laboratory: new research findings and clinical implications

Several studies have investigated the role of psychological processes on the etiology and maintenance of sexual dysfunction. Studies on dispositional factors have supported Barlow’s theory (2002) suggesting as well as infertility treatment are now finding themselves more heavily involved in the decision-making process concerning patients; Neuroticism and low Positive trait-affect are more prevalent in individuals with sexual dysfunction compared to controls (Oliveira & Nobre, in press; Quinta Gomes & Nobre, 2012). 

Lowering of Intima Media Thickness (IMT) in patients with erectile dysfunction, after daily treatment with a natural compound

The aim of our study is to evaluate the endothelial response, based on Intima Media Thickness (IMT), in patients with mild and moderate erectile dysfunction after a daily treatment with a natural compound Tradamixina® (Tribulus Terrestris + Alga Ecklonia Bicyclis + Chitosan Oligosaccharide Water Soluble) 

Assessment of Erectile Dysfunction

The incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age and may also be associated with other health problems such as diabetes, obesity, smoking and metabolic syndrome. It is also regarded as

Current Medical Treatment of Premature Ejaculation

Over the past 20-30 years, the Premature Ejaculation (PE) treatment paradigm, previously limited to behavioural psychotherapy, has expanded to include drug treatment. Animal and human sexual psychopharmacological studies have demonstrated that serotonin and 5-HT receptors are involved in ejaculation and confirm a role for SSRIs in the treatment of PE. Multiple well-controlled evidence-based studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of SSRIs in delaying ejaculation, confirming their role as first-line agents for the medical treatment of lifelong and acquired PE. Daily dosing of SSRIs is associated with superior fold increases in IELT compared to on-demand SSRIs.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) rates assessed in an Australian cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM)

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) reported in the general population range widely. There do not appear to have been studies using well standardised measures of ED in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia. The current study investigated the level of ED in an Australian MSM population.

Predictors of phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE-5I) use in an Australian cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM)

Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE-5Is) have been successful in assisting men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Research has suggested that these medications are used recreationally in both heterosexual males and men who have sex with men (MSM). The current study was undertaken to assess the impact of ED and other factors on PDE-5I use in an Australian MSM population.

Self reported lack of nocturnal tumescence in a sample of Australian men who have sex with men with erectile dysfunction: possible implications for etiology

Nocturnal tumescence (NT ) has long been used as a diagnostic screening tool for a range of issues. Research supports that a lack, or lackluster, of NT is strongly associated with organogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) and weakly associated with psychogenic ED. Nevertheless, the use of self-report, as opposed to objective measurement, of NT is thought to over-estimate the rate of organogenic ED.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) rates assessed in an Australian cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM)

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) reported in the general population range widely. There do not appear to have been studies using well standardised measures of ED in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia. The current study investigated the level of ED in an Australian MSM population.

Self reported lack of nocturnal tumescence in a sample of Australian men who have sex with men with erectile dysfunction: possible implications for etiology

Nocturnal tumescence (NT ) has long been used as a diagnostic screening tool for a range of issues. Research supports that a lack, or lackluster, of NT is strongly associated with organogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) and weakly associated with psychogenic ED. Nevertheless, the use of self-report, as opposed to objective measurement, of NT is thought to over-estimate the rate of organogenic ED.

Predictors of phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE-5I) use in an Australian cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM)

Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE-5Is) have been successful in assisting men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Research has suggested that these medications are used recreationally in both heterosexual males and men who have sex with men (MSM). The current study was undertaken to assess the impact of ED and other factors on PDE-5I use in an Australian MSM population.

Orientation Toward Eroticism: A Critically Based Proposition for Sex Therapists

Indigenous Concepts of Sex and Sexuality: Lessons Learned about Contraception, Sexual Pleasure, and Sexual Identity, from the Bedouins, Incans, and North American First Nations

“Dirty Little Secrets”: On Transphobic Eroticism and the Limits of Intimacy

When Man Says No: Biological Etiologies

When Man Says No: What Medications are Indicated?

When Man Says No: Psychocultural Etiologies

European and Transnational Networks Around “Gender Ideology”

Anti-Gender Campaigns in Europe: Catholicism and Populism

Painful Intercourse & Endometriosis: Sexual Impacts on Male Partner

Is There Such a Thing as “Normal” Desire? DSM-5 and Beyond

What is needed from WHO sexual dysfunction guidelines: A perspective from a practitioner in Latin America

Using a mind/body model for the management of Sexual Pain

Dr Anita Elias will present a practical assessment and management tool that helps patients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions and physical sexual responses. This model considers

Treatment Options for female sexual dysfunction

Female Sexual Dysfunction remains an evolving area lending itself to various levels of diagnostic and treatment approaches. The shift made by the recent DSM V classification translated into a need for more sophisticated and integrated provision of care to women seeking help. However, the mainstay of management of FSD continues to rest on non-hormonal, hormonal, and psycho-cognitive algorithms. Essential to that is a proper history taking and patient interview capturing all aspects of a woman’s life, physical, and psychological status. 

The impact of study design on prevalence estimates of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Despite increasing research, the true prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) remains a contentious issue. Previous research suggests that aspects of study design affect the reported prevalence of FSD. We compare commonly used instruments for assessing FSD. 

Endometriosis and quality of sexual life: what do we know?

This presentation will summarize current knowledge on sexual function and dysfunction in patients with endometriosis, and present an overview of empirical literature on the experience of the disease. This paper is based on review of articles on this subject published in the Medline (PubMed) database, selected according to their scientific relevance.

Male and female sexual dysfunctions: Results of four years of clinical activty

The main purpose of this study is to examine the requests presented by a sample of patients in an institute of clinical sexology in Rome. This study analyses the clinical reports of 380 patients, 184 women and 196 men, ages 17-70 years (mean=34.99; SD=10.767), attending the institute between 2004 and 2008. The sample was divided into groups, males and females who required consultation for themselves and subjects who asked for a couple’s consultation. The valuation methods to classify sexual dysfunctions are referred to DSM-IV-TR. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.

Mindfulness-based CBT and women's sexual dysfunction: applications for low desire, sexual distress, and provoked vestibulodynia

Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally being fully aware of one's thoughts, emotions and physical sensations in a nonjudgmental way. Although mindfulness is rooted in Eastern spiritual practices, it is rapidly being embraced in Western approaches to both physical and mental health care.The empirical literature testing mindfulness for sexual problems is limited to two non-controlled studies and one qualitative study in non-distressed couples. The author co-developed a 3-session mindfulness-based CBT and tested it in two non-controlled studies. It was found to significantly improve several indices of sexual function and reduce sexual distress in women with iatrogenic sexual desire and arousal difficulties (Brotto, Basson, & Luria, 2008) and in women with sexual arousal disorder associated with gynecologic cancer (Brotto, Heiman, et al., 2008). 

Orgasm after vulvectomy - can it be learned?

Coital anorgasmia is a common complaint among women consulting for sexual problems. Recently, a genetic predisposition was proposed. This presentation discusses the role of physical learning. Case report A 53 year old woman consulted with secondary anorgasmia of two years. She had been orgasmic through clitoral stimulation prior to an extensive vulvectomy including clitoridectomy for Bowen’s disease. Sexocorporal therapeutic interventions included instructions for digital vaginal stimulation and mobilisation of the pelvis through iliopsoas and pelvic floor muscle contractions with abdominal breathing.

Australian Women Buying Sex as Therapy Challenge Narratives About the Sex Industry and Female Sexuality