Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a popular dietary intervention with potential metabolic and endocrine benefits. However, its effects on sexual function and reproductive health remain incompletely understood. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence from human clinical trials and animal studies examining the impact of various IF protocols-including time-restricted eating (TRE), alternate-day fasting (ADF), and Ramadan fasting-on male and female sexual function, reproductive hormones, and fertility outcomes. In males, limited human data suggest preserved erectile function but reduced sexual desire during Ramadan fasting, with neutral effects on testosterone in obese adults undergoing TRE. Animal studies demonstrate context-dependent effects, with IF protecting against high-fat diet-induced reproductive dysfunction while potentially impairing spermatogenesis under prolonged energy restriction. In females, IF shows promise for improving hyperandrogenism and menstrual regularity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), mediated by enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced free androgen index. However, direct measurements of female sexual function domains (libido, arousal, lubrication, orgasm) are largely absent from the literature. Mechanistic pathways involve modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, insulin-adipokine signaling, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and oxidative stress pathways. Evidence quality is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, short follow-up periods, and predominance of animal data. While IF may offer reproductive benefits in metabolically compromised populations, particularly women with PCOS, caution is warranted in young, lean, or energy-deficient individuals. Future research should employ standardized IF protocols, validated sexual function instruments, and long-term fertility endpoints to establish evidence-based clinical recommendations.

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) significantly impacts women's quality of life. Two established surgical approaches exist: laparoscopic sacropexy (LSC) and vaginal sacrospinous fixation (SSLF). This study compared surgical outcomes, complication rates, and quality of life between these techniques. Methods: This retrospective monocentric study included 58 patients treated between 2020 and 2023: 41 underwent LSC, and 17 underwent SSLF with vaginal hysterectomy. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Primary outcomes included operative time, complications, and hospital stay. Quality of life was assessed using the German Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (Deutscher Beckenboden-Fragebogen), King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and patient satisfaction surveys. Results: Patient groups differed significantly in ASA scores (p = 0.023) and comorbidities, with SSLF patients showing higher morbidity. LSC demonstrated longer operative times (91 (75-115) vs. 73 (61-87) min, p = 0.05) but significantly fewer complications (0% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.02). Both methods showed significant improvements in bladder function, prolapse symptoms, and pelvic floor dysfunction scores (all p < 0.001). A within-group improvement in sexual function scores was observed in the LSC group (p = 0.002) but not in the SSLF group (p = 0.5); the between-group comparison of change scores was not significant (p = 0.8). No significant differences were found between groups regarding hospital stay duration or overall patient satisfaction (LSC: 95% vs. SSLF: 87% satisfied, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both surgical approaches effectively treat POP with high patient satisfaction. LSC was associated with fewer observed complications and a within-group improvement in sexual function scores; SSLF was associated with shorter operative time and was applied in patients with higher morbidity. These associations may partly reflect baseline differences between groups and are considered hypothesis-generating. SSLF remains suitable for patients with higher morbidity when minimizing operative time and avoiding Trendelenburg positioning is advantageous.

Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder primarily affecting women, characterized by abnormal fat accumulation, pain, and reduced mobility. Its impact on sexual function remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate sexual function in women with lipedema and examine its associations with anxiety, depression, lower extremity function, and quality of life.

Leukemia, the most common malignancy in childhood, affects individuals from prepubertal girl to women of reproductive age. It originates from immature hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow and disseminates systemically via the blood and lymphatic circulations. Although survival rates have improved substantially, standard treatments, including intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, often combined with total body irradiation, are highly gonadotoxic. Consequently, a significant proportion of survivors experience long-term endocrine dysfunction and infertility, with females at particular risk of primary ovarian insufficiency. Fertility preservation in leukemia patients presents significant challenges. In females, oocyte or embryo cryopreservation requires sexual maturity and ovarian stimulation, limiting its use in prepubertal girls. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is therefore the primary option in this population. However, its application remains controversial due to the risk of leukemic cell contamination and potential disease reintroduction following transplantation. Experimental evidence indicates that leukemic cells can infiltrate reproductive tissues, potentially compromising tissue integrity and function. These findings underscore the need for careful evaluation of current approaches. This review synthesizes current clinical and experimental evidence, highlights key knowledge gaps, and discusses emerging strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of fertility preservation in female patients with leukemia.

Sexual health is an important component of survivorship, yet data specific to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are limited. We aimed to characterize self-reported sexual health concerns and supportive care needs among adults with CLL. In this cross-sectional anonymous survey, adults with CLL completed a structured needs assessment evaluating sexual function symptoms, changes in sexual activity, disease-related intimacy concerns, and interest in supportive services. Fifty-nine patients (53% women; mean time from diagnosis 8 years) participated. Sexual activity declined from 93% at diagnosis to 71% at survey completion (p = 0.002). Sixty-six percent reported at least one sexual function symptom, most commonly decreased desire, arousal difficulties, erectile dysfunction, and vaginal dryness. Disease-specific fears were minimal. Interest in formal counseling was limited. Sexual health concerns are common yet under-addressed in CLL. Routine clinician-initiated discussion may improve survivorship care.