Erika Limoncin

University of Rome Tor Vergata | UNIROMA2 · Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi

Background: To date, there is a lack of a structured national plan of sexual education in Italy, with large interregional differences and poor uniformity in the promotion and learning of sexual health. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge on sexuality and reproductive function among adolescents before and after a sex...

The evaluation of sexual functioning in ASD people results to be fundamental for several reasons. First, it is well known that this population has a greater risk to develop sexual dysfunctions; second, due to the ASD-intrinsic characteristics, which do not permit to completely understand other people’s intentions, the risk to be exposed to sexual a...

Background Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by persistent vulvar pain, occurring without clinically identifiable disorders. Central sensitization (CS) is suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of vulvodynia, as for other nociplastic pain conditions. Aim This study delves into the complex interplay between psychosocial f...

We conducted a comprehensive umbrella review including all published meta-analyses and systematic reviews on suicide-related outcomes among adults in custody. Eligible studies were searched for in major scientific databases following the PRISMA method up to February 2023. The quality of each study was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 protocol. Twenty st...

Background. The term “incel” (involuntary celibate) refers to the members of an online subculture, mainly composed of heterosexual men. These individuals find it difficult or impossible to have a romantic and/or sexual partner, and they express extreme anger and resentment toward women, as they hold them accountable for their “inceldom.” In recent...

Sommario L’ipersessualità viene ad oggi definita in molteplici modi che rispecchiano l’inquadramento diagnostico sottostante. Secondo l’International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), l’eccessivo comportamento sessuale è da ricondursi a un comportamento compulsivo. Seguendo la panoramica scientifica attuale, l’ipersessualità può essere il risult...

Background/objectives To compare sexual functioning, genital pain, and satisfaction among women diagnosed with various Chronic pain (CP) conditions. Additionally, it seeks to explore the role of sexual factors in predicting levels of central sensitization (indicative of CP-related mental and physical distress), physical, and mental quality of life...

Background Among the plethora of urogynecological conditions possibly affecting women, some of them, less explored, have significant impacts on sexological and psychological health, with a mutual influence. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the sexological and psychological correlates of four urogynecological pathologies in a sample of...

If talking about paedophilia evokes extremely strong and “disturbing” feelings, as any other type of male-related paraphilia does, the effect of discussing female paedophilia is even greater. Female paedophilia is mainly a sore spot, an uncomfortable phenomenon disrupting those rational, social, cultural and emotional certainties that make up the e...

To understand the act of sexual offending the considerations, research say, must start earlier in the life of the individual. A variety of factors and their interaction can set off a process as soon as in childhood, through different and often convoluted pathways. This chapter reviews the current state of research and draws conclusions on its major...

This chapter delves into the consequences of sexual abuse and the impact it can have on an individual’s emotional sphere and relationships analyzing the association between sexual abuse and any type of psychopathological consequences.

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns had significant impacts on sexual functioning and behavior. Partnered sexual activity decreased overall, while solo sex activities such as masturbation and pornography consumption increased exponentially. Given the ongoing debate about the effects of pornography on sexual function, it was prudent to consider how...

Psychometric scales, commonly used to gauge sexual function, can sometimes be influenced by response biases. In our research from June 2020 to April 2021, we examined the accuracy of self-reported sexual function scales. We invited patients from the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen Univer...

Metaverse is the implementation of an Internet-based hypothetical meta-universe, which should facilitate an immersive experience in meeting people, working, shopping and other leisure activities. Immersive reality makes it possible to feel involved in a virtual environment using the mechanism of the "embodied simulations", i.e., the capacity to evo...

Background: Limitation to the capacity to love is often a feature of a suffering personality. Aim: We aimed to investigate the role of the capacity to love in hypersexual behavior, considering both distress and defense mechanisms as possible psychological mediators. Methods: Through an online platform, we recruited a convenience sample of 521...

Introduction Premature ejaculation (PE) is a highly prevalent male sexual dysfunction. Its current definition, together with the most used diagnostic tools, does not include non-vaginal sexual intercourse such as anal sex, self-masturbation and/or partnered-masturbation, and other forms of sexual stimulation. However, diagnostic psychometry current...

Background: The investigation of sexual fantasies is a delicate issue within sex research. Most studies have focused on the content of these fantasies, rather than on use, experiences, attitudes, and sharing issues, which are fundamental aspects within sexual therapy. The main aim of the present study was to develop and validate the "Sexual Desire...

: Premature ejaculation (PE), despite its wide prevalence, is largely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Being a multifactorial dysfunction with strong cultural characteristics, PE requires skillful attitudes in the psychosexological support, necessary to manage the patient's and the couple's expectations, as well as in the medical treatment. Dapoxet...

The role of ageism (i.e., discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age), in particular toward the sexuality of the elderly, remains, to date, an overlooked issue. A few studies have suggested that ageistic stereotypes can negatively affect older adults' sexual health. No data are available, in particular, about differences...

Objectives The term “Incel”, which means “involuntary celibate”, refers to the members of an online subculture, mainly composed by heterosexual men. These subjects find difficult or impossible to have a romantic and / or a sexual partner and they move on to attacks and manifestations of hatred towards the female gender, until they transform, in the...

Objectives The term “Incel”, which means “involuntary celibate”, refers to the members of an online subculture, mainly composed by heterosexual men. These subjects find difficult or impossible to have a romantic and / or a sexual partner and they move on to attacks and manifestations of hatred towards the female gender, until they transform, in the...

Objectives We aimed to investigate to what extent COVID-19 affected erectile function in affected patients. Methods We reviewed data from the [email protected] online survey (performed between April 7th and May 4th, 2020 in Italy; Mollaioli et al, J Sex Med. 2021 Jan;18(1):35-49) to retrieve a sample of Italian male sexually active subjects with r...

Objectives We aimed to investigate the difference in perceived intensity of orgasm among women experiencing clitoral or vaginally activated orgasm (VAO). Methods We reviewed data from the [email protected] online survey (Mollaioli et al, J Sex Med. 2021 Jan;18(1):35-49) to retrieve a sample of heterosexual Italian sexually active female subjects....

The use of Dating Applications (DAs) is widespread, and in some cases could be associated with psychosexological issues. Hence, we decided to investigate hypersexual behavior and depression symptoms among DA users and non-users. We recruited a snowball convenience sample of 1000 subjects through an online platform in 2020 for a cross-sectional stud...

In the last years, hypersexual behavior has been broadly scientifically studied. The interest in this topic, belonging to psycho-sexology and sexual medicine, has been due to its still unclear aetiology, nature, and its manifestation in relationship with several organic and psychopathological conditions. So, the specialist (the psychologist, psychi...

Objectives The quality of sexual life of elderly people represents an understudied topic of sexual medicine and of psycho-sexology. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the association of specific psycho-relational variables, such as intimacy, increased affective gestures towards a partner (AGtP), daily shared activities, and dyadic satisfaction, with the p...

Introduction Although erectile dysfunction (ED) involves an interaction between physiological and psychological pathways, the psychosocial aspects of ED have received considerably less attention so far. Aim To review the available evidence on the psychosocial aspects of ED in order to develop a position statement and clinical practice recommendati...

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a highly prevalent male sexual dysfunction. Its current definition, together with the most used diagnostic tools, does not include non-vaginal sexual intercourse such as anal sex, self-masturbation and/or partnered-masturbation, and other forms of sexual stimulation. However, diagnostic psychometry current...

Introduction: Long term complications of COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2, involve many organ systems, dramatically worsening the quality of life, and finally contributing to impaired physical functioning. Despite the presence of well-identified pathogenetic mechanisms, the effect of "Long COVID" on sexual health has been only margin...

Introduction The “lost penis syndrome” (LPS) is a term often used in non-clinical settings to describe the subjective perception of the loss of cutaneous and proprioceptive feelings of the male organ during vaginal penetration. Although deserving clinical attention, this syndrome did not receive any consideration in the medical literature. Notwiths...

The theory of sexuality by Sigmund Freud represents a landmark for all the studies about human sexology, and not only from a historical point of view. However, the development of sexuality is not limited to the infancy, but is a process lasting during the entire arc of life, and it is characterized by several bio-psycho-social systems and relationa...

Introduction The Biopsychosocial model (BPS) represents a comprehensive paradigm of consolidated practices. Although it has been outlined as the gold standard in sexology, its implementation is often challenging. The sex-positive approach is a ground-breaking movement that is gaining popularity all over and is focused on the recognition of differen...

In the field of female sexuality, the existence of the so-called “G-spot” represents a topic still anchored to anecdotes and opinions and explained using non-scientific points, as well as being overused for commercial and mediatic purposes. Purpose of Review The scope of this review is to give an update on the current state of information regardin...

Restriction measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic had severe effects on male sexual and reproductive health. We aimed to investigate the real-life impact and perception of sexual function in 2020 in Italy, as the first Western country experiencing a national lockdown by measuring relative search volume for keywords pertaining to sexual heal...

Introduction Hypersexuality is a complex behavioral dysfunction concerning the excess of sexual activities. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of attachment styles, post-traumatic and depression symptoms in hypersexual behavior. Methods We recruited through an online platform a snowball convenience sample of 1025 subjects (females: n=73...

Background: Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) affects about fifty percent of postmenopausal women, contributing more vulnerable sexual and psycho-relational equilibrium. To date, no psychometric instruments have been designed to assess the impact of coital pain associated with VVA on sexual quality of life. Aim: To validate a new psychometric tool, th...

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED), as the hallmark of endothelial dysfunction, could be a short- or long-term complication of COVID-19. Additionally, being ED a clinical marker and predictor of Non-communicable Chronic Diseases, particularly cardiovascular, subjects with ED could potentially have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Objecti...

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the worldwide leading causes of death, is associated with a plethora of micro- and macro-vascular complications which should be carefully investigated and, in case, treated in order to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of premature mortality. Objective To investigate and report current evidence...

Introduction Strategies of harm reduction (HR) include policies and community-based measures aimed to reduce the risk of self-harm while continuing potentially hazardous behaviors, such as illegal drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Objectives To assess whether and to which extent strategies of HR could have beneficial, or harmful, effects on sexual a...

Sentiment analysis (SA) is a technique aimed at extracting opinions and sentiments through the analysis of text, often used in healthcare research to understand patients’ needs and interests. Data from social networks, such as Twitter, can provide useful insights on sexual behavior. We aimed to assess the perception of Valentine’s Day by performing...

Premature ejaculation (PE) and poor ejaculatory control are multidimensional sexual symptoms estimated to affect almost one-third of men, severely impairing the overall quality of life of patients and their partners. However, patients who do not completely fulfil the definition criteria for PE rarely receive a diagnosis or adequate treatment, with...

Background Patients with premature ejaculation (PE) are often diagnosed as having a comorbid erectile dysfunction (ED). When evaluating erectile function in PE patients with the popular International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5, or Sexual Health Inventory for Men [SHIM]), question #5 (Q5) about sexual satisfaction in the intercourse often...

Introduction. Hypersexuality is a clinical condition regarding the psychopathology of sexual behavior. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of trauma, through the post-traumatic stress-disorder (PTSD), depression, shame and guilt on the hypersexual behavior. Methods. Through an online platform, a convenience sample of 1025 subjects was r...

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most prevalent male sexual dysfunction, and the most recently defined. PE is often mistakenly considered a purely psychosexological symptom by patients: the lacking awareness in regards to the pathophysiology and treatments often lead to resignation from the patients’ side, making PE the most underdiagnosed sexual...

Background The COVID-19–related lockdown has profoundly changed human behaviors and habits, impairing general and psychological well-being. Along with psychosocial consequences, it is possible that sexual behavior was also affected. Aims With the present study, we evaluated the impact of the community-wide containment and consequent social distanc...

The present study aims to evaluate the relationship in women between a history of physical/sexual abuse and the preferences regarding the choice of a partner for a short/long-term relationship in terms of male facial dimorphism, and to assess their sexual functioning. We enrolled 48 abused women and 60 non-abused women. Facial preferences were eval...

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on sexual desire expressions, sexual orientation, and identity in understudied groups inside the LGBT+ community. Recent Findings Sexual desire and related problems have unique expressions in LGBT+ people which influence their sexual health. Emerging sex-positive ap...

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge around sexual desire, fantasies, and related biopsychosocial factors that may facilitate or obstruct sexual expressions in lesbian women and gay men. Recent Findings Sexual desire levels and related problems do not seem significantly different in people who identify...

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, represents an unprecedented challenge for healthcare. COVID-19 features a state of hyperinflammation resulting in a “cytokine storm”, which leads to severe complications, such as the development of micro-thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Despite isolation measures, t...

Introduction. Hypersexuality is characterized by excess of sexual activities, obsession of sex and related consequences. On the other hand, the assessment of problematic sexuality includes several psychometric tools to screen hypersexual behavior. Hypersexual Behavior Inventory is one of these, although its Italian version is not current available....

Introduction Insecure attachment styles and immature or neurotic defense mechanisms are related to psychological distress. However, their mutual interaction in influencing psychological distress deserves further investigation. Methods One-thousand-one-hundred-twenty-nine University students were evaluated using the Global Severity Index of Symptom...

Introduction. Insecure attachment styles and immature or neurotic defense mechanisms are related to psychological distress. However, their mutual interaction in influencing psychological distress deserves further investigation. Methods. One-thousand-one-hundred-twenty-nine University students were evaluated using the Global Severity Index of Sympto...

Sexual health is strictly related with general health in both genders. In presence of a sexual dysfunction, the expert in sexual medicine aims to discover the specific weight of the physical and psychological factors can cause or con-cause the sexual problem. At the same time, a sexual dysfunction can represent a marker of the future development of...

Introduction: Tinder is the most popular and used meeting application for dating. However, its impact on sexual behavior and sexual health has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Objectives: To review the current empirical knowledge on the sexual health and sexual behavior effects related to Tinder use. Methods: A literature review was condu...

Female genital mutilation (FGM), perhaps among the most culturally determined surgical practices in the world today, profoundly impacts quality of life in women. However, in some women who have undergone FGM, sexuality—specifically pleasure and orgasm—might be spared. Such controversial and paradoxical outcomes may be explained by adopting a dutifu...

Introduction: Masculinity and femininity constitute the gender role construct into the general concept of sexual identity. Aim: To investigate the relationships of attachment style, sexual orientation and biological sex with the gender role. Methods: A convenience sample of 344 subjects (females = 207; males = 137) was recruited. Main outcome...

Aim: to evaluate efficacy and late toxicity of moderate hypofractionated (HFRT) over high-dose (>76 Gy) conventional radiotherapy (CRT) in a non-inferiority perspective. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. HFRT regimens were deemed non-inferior to high-dose CRT if the computed CI for the overall RR did not exceed the non-inf...

Introduction: Although vaginismus is a condition with a great impact on psychosexual well-being, the evidence on the efficacy of interventions is lacking. Aim: To review all information on vaginismus treatment, including data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE...

Sexual minorities experience racial crimes like as members of the other minority groups (black people, poor people..). The study of this phenomenon is essential to favorite the development of preventive policies in all countries. Previous studies demonstrated the relationship between attachment style and homophobia. In particular the secure attachm...

Both Masculinity and Femininity traits are differently present in both male and female genders and represent an integrant part of personality. The aim of this study was to evaluate a potential relationship between Masculinity/Femininity traits and Attachment Styles.

Objectives To validate a psychometric instrument, the Masturbation Erection Index (MEI) able to evaluate erectile function (EF) during masturbation. In fact, although the evaluation of EF during masturbation is pivotal in evaluating erectile dysfunction (ED), to date no specific psychometric tools have been developed to measure it both in the routi...

Hypersexuality is characterized by intrusive fantasies and thoughts regarding sex, excessive sexual behaviours, and the inability to control one's own sexuality, resulting in an impairment of relational and social life. While several clinical histories and empirical research consider hypersexuality as a disorder, the last version of the Diagnostic...

Sexuality of people affected by disabilities is often compromised by limited opportunities these people have in meeting other persons and in negotiating possible relationships. Vice versa, when these people meet an individual without disability who seems interested in the relationships, this particular individual could be more interested to satisfy...

The female orgasm represents one of the most complex functions in the field of human sexuality. The conjunction of the anatomical, physiological, psycho-relational and socio-cultural components contributes to make the female orgasm still partly unclear. The female orgasmic experience, its correlates and the relation with sexual desire, arousal and...

Sommario La genitorialità per le coppie omosessuali spesso può transitare attraverso prassi e tecniche mediche che includono la procreazione medicalmente assistita (PMA) o la gravidanza surrogata (surrogacy). Il presente lavoro ha lo scopo di riportare, attraverso una breve rassegna della letteratura, i principali articoli riguardanti l’omogenitori...

Sociocultural prejudices and pressures may impair the mental health of bisexual people. We aim to evaluate psychological status according to sexual orientation in a sample of Italian university students, with specific attention to bisexuality and its frequency. Among a recruited sample of 551 university students, we found the following percentages...

The recent article published by Dr Watter, "Existential Issues in Sexual Medicine: The Relation Between Death Anxiety and Hypersexuality," 1 deals with an interesting issue: the unique relation between death and sexuality. Existential psychotherapy is the main perspective on which the article is focused, as can be seen in Dr Watter's choice of word...

The female orgasm represents one of the most complex phenomena in the field of Sexual Medicine. The conjunction of the anatomical, physiological, psycho-relational and socio-cultural components contributes to make the female orgasm still partly unclear. The female orgasmic experience, its correlates and the relation with sexual desire, arousal and...

SUMMARY Sexuality in patients with first episode psychosis Psychotic spectrum diseases, as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms are dramatic pathologies characterized by several medical comorbidities, as sexual dysfunctions. Sexuality, in fact, in psychotic patients is often seriously compromised...

The impact of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) treatment modality (on-demand vs. daily), PDE5I half-life and time from surgery to PDE5I prescription on the achievement of drug-assisted erectile function (EF) recovery is uncertain. We systematically reviewed published randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We performed meta-analyses of data on...