Frequency Of Sexual Intercourse Research Articles

Effects of high-intensity statin therapy on steroid hormones and vitamin D in type 2 diabetic men: A prospective self-controlled study.

The study aimed to assess the effect of high-intensity statin therapy on testicular and adrenal steroids and vitamin D levels in type 2 diabetic men. A prospective study, conducted between March 2021 and July 2022, including 60 men with type 2 diabetes, aged 40-65 years, statin-free, and in whom treatment with high-intensity statin was indicated. The patients had two visits, before and 6 months after a daily intake of 40 mg of atorvastatin. During each visit, they underwent a clinical examination, and a fasting blood sample was collected for biological and hormonal measurements. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of decreased libido (from 22% to 47%, p = 0.001) and a significant decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse (from 4 [1-8] to 3 [0-4] per month, p = 0.005). The median ADAM's score significantly increased (from 4 [2-7] to 6 [3-8], p = 0.000). Twenty-two percent of the patients developed gynecomastia. The median total, bioavailable and free testosterone significantly decreased from 15.1 (11.4-17.4), 6.3 (5.0-7.8), and 0.27 (0.22-0.33) nmol/L to 12.7 (10.7-15.9), 5.7 (4.4-7.0), and 0.24 (0.19-0.30) nmol/L, respectively, with no change in FSH and LH levels. Three patients (5%) developed hypogonadism (testosterone <8 nmol/L). There was a significant decrease in DHEAS from 4.5 (2.8-6.1) to 3.8 μmol/L (2.6-5.6) and no change in cortisol and vitamin D levels. High-intensity statin therapy decreased androgen levels in type 2 diabetic men with significant clinical impact.

Sexual Activity in Adults with Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury: Injury, Demographic, and Lifestyle Factors.

Sexual development is a complex process of understanding oneself as a sexual being. Youth with spinal cord injury (SCI) navigate the typical phases of sexual development along with the physical and psychological sequelae of an SCI. As youth with SCI progress from adolescence to emerging adulthood, sexual activity-physical intimacy and sexual intercourse-is an important milestone. The aims of the study were to (1) describe frequency of physical intimacy among adults with pediatric-onset SCI and (2) identify injury, demographic, and lifestyle factors that predict frequency of physical intimacy. Adults with pediatric-onset SCI who were former patients within a North American pediatric hospital system (N = 277) completed a structured telephone interview that included medical and sociodemographic information and standardized measures of psychological functioning. Participants rated physical intimacy and sexual intercourse frequency on a 5-point Likert scale, with a response of monthly, weekly, or daily classified as regular frequency and never or yearly as irregular frequency. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted with physical intimacy frequency as the primary outcome. Of the participants, 55% engaged in physical intimacy and 49% engaged in sexual intercourse with regular frequency. In logistic regression analyses, living independently of parents, being married, and higher perceived social integration increased likelihood of regular frequency of physical intimacy. Injury severity and secondary medical complications were not significant independent predictors of frequency of physical intimacy. Half of adults with pediatric-onset SCI engage in regular physical intimacy; this is below the estimates for the general population. Psychosocial factors are stronger contributors to physical intimacy frequency than SCI-related factors. Health care providers and researchers should focus on barriers to social integration and development of social relationships as factors that influence physical intimacy in this population.

(O-15) SEXUALITY IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER: A REVIEW

Abstract Introduction Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the gold standard in treatment of advanced prostate cancer (APC). Disease remission means improved quality of life, mental health, social interactions, in addition to pain reduction. However, most experience a significant drop in sexual desire, reduction in rigidity and duration of erections, and a decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse. Material and Methods A review of literature on sexuality in patients with APC was carried out. Results The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patientes with APC is higher. However, its treatment remains in the background, considering the priority given to oncological treatment. Assessing baseline sexual function before starting ADT, as well as monitoring changes that occur during treatment are important aspects to mitigate negative effects. Individualization of the therapeutic plan allows satisfactory erectile response with oral medications in up to 33% of patients, reaching 80% with the use of combined therapies, such as injections and vacuum devices. Intermittent ADT appears as an interesting option for selected groups of patients with APC, with biochemical recurrence and low-volume metastatic disease, allowing a recovery of sexual function in the intervals without treatment, although recovery of sexual function becomes less pronounced and treatment-free intervals become shorter over time. Conclusions The significant drop observed in sexual health still remains a major challenge in the management of patients with APC. Although physical and psychosocial variables may be involved in the etiology of SD, erectile function remains the main determinant of sexual satisfaction in men undergoing any treatment for prostate cancer. Despite emerging themes have been observed in the literature, such as sexual psychotherapy and the role of physical exercises in mitigating the negative effects of ADT, specific studies in this population are still needed. Financing No conflict.

Overactive bladder negatively affects erectile function and promotes premature ejaculation: findings from large representative population-level study.

The effect of overactive bladder (OAB) on sexual health has been evaluated extensively for women but much less for men. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between OAB and men's sexual activity and the effect of OAB on erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in a large representative cohort of men at the population level. This study was based on computer-assisted web interviews that used validated questionnaires. The most recent census and the sample size estimation calculations were employed to produce a population-representative pool. The study included 3001 men, representative of the population in terms of age and place of residence. The frequency of sexual intercourse was higher for respondents without OAB symptoms compared with persons who had OAB (p = 0.001), but there was no association between OAB symptoms and number of sexual partners (p = 0.754). Regression models did not confirm the effect of OAB on sexual activity (odds ratio 0.993, CI 0.974-1.013, p = 0.511). Both ED and PE were more prevalent in respondents with OAB symptoms compared with persons who lacked those symptoms (p < 0.001). Importantly, the effect of OAB on ED or PE was independent of age, comorbidities, and lifestyle habits (regression coefficients of 0.13 and 0.158 for ED and PE, respectively). Overactive bladder did not significantly affect men's sexual activity, but it significantly correlated with ED and PE. Our results suggest a need in daily clinical practice to screen for OAB symptoms for persons who report ED or PE.

Effects of vaginal dilation therapy on vaginal length, vaginal stenosis, vaginal elasticity and sexual function of cervical cancer survivors

Background Cervical cancer survivors can experience vaginal length shortening, vaginal stenosis, vaginal elasticity deterioration, sexual frequency reduction and sexual dysfunction. This prospective, uncontrolled, monocentric clinical interventional study aimed to evaluate the effect of vaginal dilation therapy on vaginal condition and sexual function of cervical cancer survivors who had not received timely vaginal dilation. Methods A total of 139 patients completed the study. They received 6 months of vaginal dilation therapy. We evaluated their vaginal elasticity, vaginal diameter, vaginal length and sexual function before and after vaginal dilation therapy. Their vaginal conditions were evaluated by customised vaginal moulds, and the sexual function was assessed by female sexual function index. The SPSS 25 software was used to analyse all the data. Results Age, vaginal diameter and sexual intercourse frequency before diagnosis were significantly associated with female sexual dysfunction of the patients after cancer treatment. Vaginal dilation therapy improved vaginal stenosis, vaginal length and sexual function in all the patients; however, the vaginal elasticity and incidence of sexual dysfunction did not improve significantly. Sexual intercourse frequency before diagnosis, vaginal elasticity, time interval from last treatment and treatment modalities were significantly associated with the change in female sexual function index score before and after vaginal dilation therapy. Patients with a time interval from the last treatment less than 24 months or those who had moderate or good vaginal elasticity, benefitted more from vaginal dilatation therapy. Conclusions Cervical cancer survivors who had not received timely vaginal dilation still benefitted from vaginal dilation therapy, irrespective of the treatment methods they received. Moreover, vaginal dilation therapy should be performed as early as possible after cervical cancer treatment.

(094) Evaluation of Female Sexuality After Vaginal Hysterectomy in a Cohort of Tunisian Women

Abstract Introduction Researchers indicate that hysterectomy might adversely affect pelvic anatomy and therefore female sexuality. However, only a few studies focused on evaluating female sexuality after vaginal hysterectomy. Objective This study aimed to evaluate female sexual function after a vaginal hysterectomy. Methods This was a monocentric prospective study conducted in the gynecology-obstetrics department of Ben Arous regional hospital over a period of 5 years [January 2016-December 2020]. We included all patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy. Selected women received a preoperative evaluation of their sexual function using the Female sexual function index (FSFI). They were invited for two follow-ups at 12 and 24 months after surgery. The main outcomes measured were frequency of sexual intercourse, dyspareunia, orgasm, vaginal dryness, sexual desire, and FSFI scores. Results A total number of 109 women underwent vaginal hysterectomy over the study period. The mean age was 41 years ranging from 31 to 69 years. Only 79 patients completed the required follow-ups in order to evaluate their satisfaction and the impact of surgery on their sexuality. The percentage of women engaging in sexual intercourse increased significantly from 70.8% before vaginal hysterectomy (VH) to 77.21% and 75.9% at 12 and 24 months after respectively. The rate of dyspareunia dropped significantly from 40.5% before surgery to 5% and 3.8 % at 12 and 14 months after VH. The rate of women experiencing orgasm increased significantly from 63.2% before VH to 72.1% and 70.8 % after 12 and 24 months. Low sexual desire also decreased significantly from 10.1% before VH to 6.3% and 5% respectively at 12 and 24 months. The percentage of women experiencing satisfactory vaginal lubrication increased from 36.7% to 46.8% and 45.5%. Average FSFI significantly increased from 24.58 prior to the surgery to 26.82 and 27.55 at the 12 months and 24 months follow-ups respectively. Conclusions Female sexual function is a major cause of women's concern for scheduled hysterectomy. Our results showed a significant improvement in female sexual function after a vaginal hysterectomy. Therefore, the vaginal route for hysterectomy should be encouraged among middle-aged women as a minimally invasive technique that does not affect female sexual function or feminine shape. Disclosure No.

Pelvic Pain and Sexual Function in Primiparous Pregnant Women with and without High/Severe Fear of Childbirth

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to determine pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction in primiparous pregnant women with varying levels of fear of childbirth (FOC). Methods This is a descriptive correlational study. This study was conducted with 400 pregnant women at 24–40 weeks of gestation who applied to the obstetrics polyclinic of a hospital between January 2022 and March 2022. Data were collected through a personal information form, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ-A), the Pelvic Pain Impact Questionnaire (PPIQ), and Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) Female Form. Results Of the 400 pregnant women, 232 (58%) had high/severe FOC. High/severe FOC was a risk factor that negatively affected pelvic pain and sexual function (frequency of sexual intercourse, communication, sexual satisfaction, avoidance, touching, vaginismus, and anorgasmia) in pregnant women (p &lt; 0.000). In addition, pregnant women with high/severe FOC avoided vaginal examination (p = 0.016), had higher fear of vaginal examination (p = 0.004), experienced more pain or burning during sexual intercourse (p = 0.017), and had more fear of pain during sexual intercourse (p = 0.003). Conclusions High/severe FOC during pregnancy is an important risk factor that negatively affects pelvic pain and sexual function. Policy Implications Identifying pregnant women with high/severe FOC and support programs such as antenatal education programs or cognitive coping strategies to cope with FOC may be useful in preventing pelvic pain and sexual functions that may be negatively affected.

(224) Women's Expectations and Representations of Breast Surgery Impact on their Sexual and Reproductive Life

Abstract Introduction Breast surgery is a difficult experience, whether for benign or malignant diseases. It concerns all women, regardless of their ethnic origin or socio-demographic condition. Due to the life-altering nature of this experience, patients' expectations before surgery can sometimes become unrealistic regarding their body image, sexuality, quality of life, and even fertility and reproduction. The diversity of these expectations is influenced by clinical, socio-demographic, and psychological factors. Objective The main objective of this study is to assess the factors responsible for the variability of female patients' expectations before breast surgery. The secondary objectives of this survey are to evaluate the representations of female patients of the potential impact of breast surgery on their body image, reproduction, and their sexuality. Methods We conducted a one-year cross-sectional study (2022). We included all female patients over the age of 18, with a breast disease, scheduled for elective breast surgery at our department, except those with a history of previous breast surgery. The data collection was by filling in a pre-established 9-item form including the validated translated versions of the standardized following scales: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA). Patients' expectations were divided into 4 sub-categories: • Expectation on body image: 3 Items, concerning patients' perceived ideas regarding their femininity, their partner's reaction to them, and their body. • Expectations about sexuality: 9 items concerning patients' perceived ideas regarding their sex life, desire, partner's desire, excitement, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, frequency of sexual intercourse, and dyspareunia. • Expectations on quality of life: 4 items, concerning the patients' perceived ideas regarding their daily, professional, family, and marital life. • Expectations on fertility and menopause: 8 items concerning the patients' perceived ideas regarding their fertility, menstrual cycle, contraception, early menopause, menopausal symptoms, and hormone therapy. Patients' expectations are defined as unrealistic if the expectations of two of the 4 subcategories are unrealistic. Results We included 103 participants. Patients' general expectations were unrealistic in 30.1% of cases (n=31) focusing on sexuality (unrealistic in 30.1% of cases) and body image (unrealistic in 28.2% of cases). The risk factors for developing unrealistic expectations with regard to body image were a surgery delay greater than 2 months (p=0,004; OR=8,143), a radical breast surgery (mastectomy)(p=0,006; OR=11,972), good anatomical knowledge (p=0,012; OR=9,615), and pathological HADS-A levels (p=0,032; OR=8,693). A breast surgery delay that exceeds two months was an independent risk factor for unrealistic expectations regarding sexuality (p=0,019; OR=4,273). Concerning the independent risk factors related to general unrealistic expectations, work at the time of the surgery (p=0,049; OR=4,081), a radical breast surgery (p=0,045; OR=4,757), good anatomical knowledge (p=0,037; OR=5,12), and a pathological HADS-A level (p=0,04; OR=6,698) were statistically significant. No independent risk factors were associated with quality of life and reproduction. Conclusions Our results emphasize the importance of a good knowledge of the risk factors that can promote unrealistic sexual and body image expectations prior to breast surgery. It allows for targeting high-risk patients and implementing the necessary preventive interventions. Disclosure No.

(217) Report of Surgical Treatment Using Allogenic Dermal Graft Penoplasty to Treat Premature Ejaculation

Abstract Introduction Premature ejaculation is the major factor that causes low satisfaction of sexual intercourse. Ejaculation time is determined by various factors including such as psychological, habitual and physical factors, sensitive penile shaft and glans. Objective This study aimed to report the effectiveness and the safety of newly adopted surgical treatment using allogenic dermal graft. Methods We had performed Dermal graft surgery for treating premature ejaculation in 56 men who have short time ejaculatory problems within 5 minutes on average. We adopted a pre-pubic minimal incision and dissected penile shaft and pre-pubic space. Inserted graft materials were Allograft dermis which were fixed at the Buck's fascia. Glans sulcus was dissected from 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock and the thin strip shaped graft was fixed at the dissected space of glans sulcus. Vibratory sense of glans and penile shaft was estimated by biothesiometry and ejaculatory time was surveyed at both preoperative and postoperative status (5month~18month). Results 48 patients answered that their ejaculatory time was considerably delayed. And 7 patients slightly delayed. Among them, 1 man answered that there was no surgical effects despite of slightly being reduced penis sense. Following being asked raising their frequency of sexual intercourse, 1 man with no surgical effect was considerably improved in delaying the ejaculatory time. Among 136 cases, the inflammation on wound site occurred in 2 patients fully recovered in 2 weeks. No other complication occurred. Conclusions The surgical treatment using allogenic dermal graft is very effective in treating premature ejaculation. And this surgical procedure is very safe without no series complication. Disclosure No.

Wives with long and high-quality hair have more frequent sex.

The image of an ideal woman often involves her having long, silky hair. However, the dearth of psychological research on hair limits the understanding of how women's hair functions in romantic relationships. While some scholars have found that the appearance of women's hair signals reproductive potential to men, whether women's hair may affect their sexual lives remains unknown. To investigate the function of hair in romantic relationships, we tested whether women's hair quality and length are associated with sexual frequency in marital dyads. We conducted a paid online survey involving 204 heterosexual marital dyads. The results indicated that women with long and high-quality hair experienced more frequent sexual intercourse with their spouse, as it heightened their husband's perception of their attractiveness and, consequently, intensified their husband's sexual desire toward them. Neither men's hair length nor quality was associated with sexual frequency. Implications of the study are further discussed.

Prevalence and associated factors of sexual dysfunction in female hemodialysis patients: first report from Somalia

BackgroundSexual dysfunction is frequent in female hemodialysis patients and is related to poorer quality of life. It is often a neglected topic associated with marked distress and interpersonal difficulties.ObjectiveFew studies are reported from Sub-Saharan African Countries (SSA) regarding female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in (HD) patients. The study aims to explore the prevalence and associated factors of FSD in female HD at a sole dialysis centre in Somalia.MethodOver a one-month period, a cross-sectional study was conducted among women with end-stage renal disease aged 18–50 years who were undergoing a dialysis program for at least three months at the dialysis center of our hospital. The participants were married, and they were living with their partners. Data regarding the sociodemographic features, clinical characteristics, frequency of sexual intercourse per week, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were collected using a standard face-to-face interview questionnaire.ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 115 participants were eligible for the study’s inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 38.5 ± 9.3 years. The most common cause of ESRD was diabetes, which accounted for 53%, followed by hypertension (26.1%) and glomerulonephritis (9.6%). The mean duration of dialysis was 2.9 ± 1.4 years, and approximately two-thirds of the participants (62.5%) were in the program for more than three years. Regarding the frequency of sexual intercourse, 61.7% of female participants performed sexual intercourse less than once time/a week. The prevalence of FSD was 92.2% (n = 106) of all participants. The mean FSFI score of the participants was 16.05 ± 4.48. Longer duration of dialysis program (i.e., more than four years), increasing age (i.e., > 35 years), those with diabetes had scored lower overall FSFI scores.ConclusionThe prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among Somali female hemodialysis patients was very high, representing a significant problem in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our study findings revealed that increasing age, diabetes, and duration of dialysis negatively impact female sexual function and are significantly associated with FSD.

The Effect of Frequency of Sexual Intercourse on Symptoms in Women with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is known to affect sexual function, but the effect of frequency of sexual intercourse on fibromyalgia symptom severity is unclear. This study investigated how frequently women with fibromyalgia engaged in sexual activity affected how severe the disease was. The depression status of the participants was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the mean monthly frequency of sexual intercourse in the last 3 months was noted. Pain levels of fibromyalgia patients were evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain prevalence Widespread Pain Index (WPI), symptom level Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), and fibromyalgia exposure status with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). A hundred women with fibromyalgia with a mean age of 37.11±6.2 years and 100 healthy female controls with a mean age of 36.53 ± 5.85 years participated in the study. Female patients with fibromyalgia had higher BDI and VAS scores and lower frequency of sexual intercourse (p<0.001). While no significant relationship was observed between the frequency of sexual intercourse and VAS, FIQ, SSS and WPI scores, it was found that BDI was lower in those with an average monthly frequency of 8 or more sexual intercourses (p=0.02). This study revealed that the frequency of sexual intercourse is low in female patients with FM and that depression is less common in women with FM who have a higher frequency of sexual intercourse.

Changes in sexual activities and risky sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review

Several studies reported changes in sexual activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a lack of comprehensive systematic reviews in this field. We aimed to systematically review the changes in sexual activities and risky sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to improve transparency of our study. The results indicated a considerable decline in the frequency of sexual intercourse, particularly in singles and people with casual dating. Factors associated with sexual activity during the COVID-19 restrictions were depression, stress, lack of intimacy, inability to leave home, work schedule shifting, poor privacy, fear of COVID-19, lack of nightlife, and university educational level. Considering different groups of the population concerning their sexual behaviors is a necessary step in approaching healthy sexual behavior strategies, through which the adverse effects of a pandemic are minimized.

Effects of vaginal dilation therapy on vaginal condition and sexual function of endometrial cancer patients treated with radiotherapy after surgery.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vaginal dilation therapy on vaginal length, vaginal stenosis, vaginal elasticity, and sexual function of endometrial cancer patients treated with radiotherapy after surgery. A total of 117 women were enrolled in this study. They received 6 months of vaginal dilation therapy. We evaluated their vaginal length, vaginal diameter, vaginal elasticity, and sexual function before radiotherapy, after radiotherapy, and after 6 months of vaginal dilation therapy. Their vaginal condition was assessed by customized vaginal dilating molds. Their sexual function was assessed by female sexual function index. The SPSS 25 software was used to analyze all the data. According to multivariate analysis, vaginal diameter (β = 0.300, 95% CI [0.217-1.446], p = 0.010) and sexual intercourse frequency before diagnosis (β = 0.424, 95% CI [0.164-0.733], p = 0.006) were significantly correlated with female sexual function after radiotherapy. Vaginal dilation therapy helped increase vaginal length, improve vaginal stenosis and sexual function (p < 0.05), though most of the figures at the end of the intervention did not fully return to those before radiotherapy. Noticeably, vaginal dilation therapy was ineffective in improving vaginal elasticity and the incidence rate of female sexual dysfunction (p > 0.05). Moreover, patients with medium orgood vaginal elasticity benefited more from vaginal dilation therapy than patients with poor vaginal elasticity (p < 0.05). Vaginal dilation therapy should be carried out timely and preventatively in endometrial cancer patients treated with radiotherapy after surgery to improve their vaginal condition and sexual function.

Effect of an early pandemic phase of COVID-19 on sexual health

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the frequency of sexual intercourse and the number of sexual partners before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: 859 respondents were included in this study which involved a cross-sectional online survey and a self-administered questionnaire distributed to Thai people between May and June 2020. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-ranks test and the chi-square test.&#x0D; Findings: 19.7% reported a decrease and 3.8% reported an increase in the number of sexual partners. 22.8% reported a decrease and 9.5% reported an increase in the frequency of sexual intercourse apart from those who had no change in the frequency of sexual intercourse or the number of sexual partners. The median difference in the number of sexual partners and the frequency of sexual intercourse before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was of statistical significance (p-value &lt; 0.01). Age, marital status and occupation were statistically associated with the change in the frequency of having sexual intercourse. Sex, age, marital status, income and sexual desire were statistically associated with the change in sexual partners. (P value &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The number of sexual partners and the frequency of sexual intercourse decreased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sexual health services and sexual education should provide a specific categorized group in order to meet their sexual health.&#x0D; Research Limitations: Participants could remember their number of sexual partners but they may recall biases for sexual intercourse frequency. However, the average was used.

Antibiogram of uropathogens and associated risk factors among asymptomatic female college students in Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia.

Asymptomatic urinary tract infection (asymptomatic bacteriuria and asymptomatic candiduria) may not be routinely detected in sexually active non-pregnant female population at the initial and reversible stages. This is mainly due to the fact that most women may not feel compelled to seek medical attention. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, and factors associated with urinary tract infection (UTI), and antibiogram of the uropathogen isolates among asymptomatic female college students. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at selected colleges in Dessie from January 2021-March 2021. A total of 422 reproductive age (15 to 49 years) non-pregnant female students were included. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics data were collected using structured questionnaires. Ten mLs of freshly voided mid-stream urine specimen was collected, transported and processed according to the standard operating procedures. Data were coded and entered for statistical analysis using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed and p-values <0.05 with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of UTI was 24.6%. The prevalence of asymptomatic UTI bacteriuria and candiduria was 57 (13.5%) and 47 (11.1%), respectively. The predominant uropathogens were Staphylococcus saprophyticus 24 (23.1%), followed by Candida tropicalis 23 (22.1%), Candida albican 10 (9.6%), Candida krusei 9 (8.7%) and Escherichia coli 8 (7.7%). Gram negative bacterial isolates showed a higher level of resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 24 (92.3%). Gram positive bacterial uropathogens showed high level of resistance to penicillin 28 (96.6%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 23 (79.3%). Gram positive bacterial isolates were sensitive to norfloxacin, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin, accounting for 24 (82.7%), 20 (69.0%), and 19 (65.5%), respectively. Multidrug resistance was seen in 50 (87.7%) of bacterial uropathogens. Factors identified for acquisition of UTI were frequency of sexual intercourse (≥3 per week) (AOR = 7.91, 95% CI: (2.92, 21.42), and genital area washing habit (during defecation (AOR = 5.91, 95%CI: (1.86, 18.81) and every morning (AOR = 6.13, 95%CI: (1.60, 23.45)). A significant prevalence of uropathogens, and high resistance of bacterial isolates to the commonly prescribed drugs were detected. Therefore, routine UTI screening, regular health education on the risk of asymptomatic infectious diseases for reproductive age group females, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be practiced to avoid the progression of an asymptomatic infection into a symptomatic UTI.

Extreme pubic hair removal as a potential risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infections in women

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections experienced by women. Previously, scalp and facial hair in men have been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Here we hypothesize that having hairy genitalia might protect women from UTI. This study investigated grooming habits and occurrence of UTIs in the past 12 months in 2409 women (aged 18–45). Women who reported removing all their pubic hair at least weekly were defined as extreme groomers (66.8%). We collected additional information on covariates including age, having a first UTI at or before age 15, spermicide use, having a new sex partner, and frequency of sexual intercourse during the past year. Extreme grooming was not associated with the risk of being diagnosed with UTI (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.90–1.52), but was associated with a higher risk of recurrent UTIs, defined as three or more UTIs within 12 months (OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.35–7.06), after controlling for age, history of UTIs, and sexual practices. Other studies have found that hygienic purposes are the most common motivations for pubic hair removal. These results suggest that along with their pubes, women may be getting rid of important microbial niche and protection against recurrent UTIs.

COVID-19 Pandemisinin Erkek Cinsel Davranışlarına Ve Ereksiyon Kalitesine Etkisi

Objective: COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect peoples’ lives throughout the world. It has been demonstrated that restrictions due to lifestyle changes affect peoples’ mental and sexual health. This study aimed to examine changes in male sexual behaviors and erectile status in early and late periods of lockdown and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: A total of 206 volunteer males with active sexual lives were enrolled in the study. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) was adopted to assess sexual function and erection and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was adopted to assess mental status during the pandemic. Results: Erection, sexual desire, sexual intercourse and/or masturbation frequency and sexual pleasure increased significantly during the first month of the lockdown and isolation in Turkey, April 2020 (p&lt;0.001), and it declined in May with the prolongation of the process (p&lt;0.001). Levels of depression have increased significantly during the pandemic as well. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine male sexual behaviors and erection status separately in April and May, in the early period when lockdowns and isolation started due to the pandemic and in the late period with the prolongation of the process, however further research is needed.

Physical Domain of Quality of Life in Premenopause and Post Menopause Women in Central of Java

Abstract. Background: Premenopause and menopause would affect changes in a woman's body. Physical changes during premenopause and menopause would affect a woman's quality of life. Physical changes also caused physical symptoms that were very disturbing in daily activities. This study analyzes the factors that influence physical symptoms on the quality of life of premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods: This research method was a descriptive study with a cross sectional study approach. This research was conducted in Central Java province from March to December 2022. The population in this study were premenopausal and postmenopausal women in Central Java. The sampling technique was carried out using the clustered random sampling method. Respondents to this study were taken from 4 districts from 4 corners of Central Java province, namely Kudus Regency, Sukoharjo Regency, Tegal Regency and Semarang Regency. Each district taken 25 respondents. Respondents' quality of life was measured using the Menopause Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. This study was analyzed using chi square. Results: education, religion, occupation, age at menarche, parity, income, history of illness, current activity, history of sexual intercourse, frequency of sexual intercourse significantly influence the physical domain of quality of life of postmenopausal women with a p-value 0.005. Age, education, occupation, age at menarche, marital status, parity, income, medical history, current activity, history of sexual intercourse, frequency of sexual intercourse significantly influence the physical domain of quality of life of premenopausal women with a p-value 0.005. Conclusion: The physical domain of quality of life for postmenopausal and premenopausal women is influenced by the same factors, namely education, occupation, age at menarche, parity, income, medical history, current activity, history of sexual intercourse, and frequency of sexual intercourse. Physical symptoms in postmenopausal women are in the mild category, while premenopausal women have severe physical symptoms

Changes in sexuality and couple relationship during the COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal: findings from an online survey

In this work we aim to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic measures influenced frequency of intercourse, auto-erotic behaviors, sexual desire and satisfaction and quality of couple relationships of the Portuguese Population. We also aimed to address if these changes were different across gender, relationship and work status (home-based; in-office work). This was an observational cross-sectional study, performed through an online survey. We included 316 participants. About half of the participants who were in a relationship revealed no relationship impact. The mean impact was more positive in home-based participants (1,96 vs 1,81). Half of the participants had a decrease in frequency of sexual intercourse, with in-office workers reporting a greater reduction. Mean increases in masturbation were higher in men (p < 0,001) and home-based participants (p = 0,012). Pornography consumption was higher in single (p = 0,044) and home-based participants (p = 0,04). Sexual desire was higher in single (p = 0,047) and home-based participants (p = 0,014). Sexual satisfaction was lower in single (p < 0,001) and in-office workers (p = 0,282). Home-based participants had a more positive mean impact in most variables, which was significant for participants who were in a relationship and home-based.