Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gynecological Health: An Integrative Review.

Sérgio Brasileiro Martins,Claudia Cristina Takano,Gisele Vissoci Marquini,Márcia Maria Dias,Letícia Maria Oliveira,Marair Gracio Ferreira Sartori

doi:10.1055/s-0042-1742294

Sérgio Brasileiro Martins, Claudia Cristina Takano + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1742294

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Abstract

To analyze the existing scientific literature to find out if the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has an effect on gynecological health. We performed an integrative review of articles published between April 2020 and April 2021 on the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, using COVID-19 and the following relevant terms: Menstrual change; Ovarian function; Violence against women; Contraception; HPV; Mental health; and Urogynecology. Among the eligible studies found, editorials and primary research articles, which describe the dynamics between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection (the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic) and gynecological health, were included. Through qualitative synthesis, data were extracted from the included publications and from guidelines of national and international societies of gynecology. The 34 publications included in the present study showed that some factors of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and, consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic, might be associated with menstrual abnormalities, effects on contraception, alterations in steroid hormones, changes in urogynecological care, effects on women's mental health, and negative impact on violence against women. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the health of women. The scientific community encourages the development of recommendations for specialized care for women and strategies to prevent and respond to violence during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights

The world is currently in the second year of the coronavuirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
Main Results The 34 publications included in the present study showed that some factors of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and, the COVID-19 pandemic, might be associated with menstrual abnormalities, effects on contraception, alterations in steroid hormones, changes in urogynecological care, effects on women’s mental health, and negative impact on violence against women
The aim of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge on the COVID-19 pandemic in gynecology, including what is known about the potential impact of the disease on menstrual abnormalities or steroid hormones, and on reproduction assistance, fertility care, urogynecological assistance, and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, including, violence against women

Summary

Introduction

The world is currently in the second year of the coronavuirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) are continuously rising, with an increasing death toll. In most cases the symptoms are mild or absent, SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to serious acute respiratory disease and multiorgan failure. The research community responded to this new disease with a high level of transparency and data sharing, to better understand its origin, pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical manifestations, with the ultimate goal of developing vaccines, mitigation strategies, as well as potential therapies.[1]. Many studies have been performed with different approaches to try to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the maternofetal binomial. Evidence about COVID-19 and pregnancy has been increasing rapidly since December 2019.

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