Function In Women Research Articles

The Relationship Between Sleep and Sexual Function in Women

The Relationship Between Sleep and Sexual Function in Women

Sexual Function in Women With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), as one of the most critical issues in reproductive health, is followed by emotional trauma, social problems, financial concerns, and disruption of marital relations. This study aimed to investigate sexual function in married women with a history of RPL. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 women with a history of RPL who were referred to the recurrent miscarriage clinic of Avicenna Fertility Center in Tehran, Iran, from November 2018 to February 2019. Data were collected using the demographic characteristics form and the female sexual function index (FSFI). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software, version 16. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to determine the relationship between the sexual function of the women and their sociodemographic characteristics. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: The Mean±SD score of the female sexual function was 26.59±5.73, and 50% of the women had sexual dysfunction (score ≤28). Sexual desire was the most prevalent sexual disorder (72.3%), while vaginal lubrication had the lowest prevalence (5.4%). No relationship was found between the women’s sociodemographic characteristics and their sexual function (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm the need to provide sexual health-related counseling to women who suffer from RPL and refer them to fertility centers

Sexual Function in Women with Breast Cancer: An Evidence Map of Observational Studies.

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer in women, and has implications for sexual function (SF). In this study, we used an evidence map to identify, describe, and organise the current available evidence regarding SF in women with BC. We searched the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases for observational studies assessing SF in women with BC published in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French between 2000 and 2021 (sample ≥ 50 women). Of the 64 included studies (13,257 women with BC), 58 were published since 2010. Women who were married, partnered, or in relationships represented 74.1% of the entire sample. Only a single study was conducted on women representing a sexual minority. We identified 22 assessment instruments and 40 sexual dysfunction (SdF) domains. The number of publications on SF in women with BC has increased in the last 10 years, but still remains low. Some groups of women are underrepresented, and some SdF domains are underdiagnosed, with the assessment instrument used affecting which domains are studied. Women with BC need to be better screened, as their quality of life (QoL) is affected by SdF.

Effects of Cannabis Use on Sexual Function in Women: a Review

Effects of Cannabis Use on Sexual Function in Women: a Review

Catastrophizing, Kinesiophobia, and Acceptance as Mediators of the Relationship Between Perceived Pain Severity, Self-Reported and Performance-Based Physical Function in Women with Fibromyalgia and Obesity.

PurposeIndividuals with fibromyalgia and obesity experience significant impairment in physical functioning. Pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and pain acceptance have all been identified as important factors associated with the level of disability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and pain acceptance as mediators of the association between perceived pain severity and physical functioning in individuals with fibromyalgia and obesity.Patients and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 165 women with fibromyalgia and obesity completed self-report questionnaires of perceived pain severity (ie, Numeric Pain Rating Scale), pain catastrophizing (ie, Pain Catastrophizing Scale), kinesiophobia (ie Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), pain acceptance (ie, Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire), and perceived physical functioning (ie, Physical Functioning subscale of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). In addition, a performance-based test (ie, 6-minute walking test) was conducted to assess objective physical functioning. Two multiple mediation analyses were performed.ResultsPain acceptance and kinesiophobia mediated the relationship between pain severity and self-reported physical functioning. Pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia mediated the relationship between pain severity and performance-based functioning.ConclusionPain acceptance, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing should be addressed in rehabilitative intervention to improve physical functioning. Interestingly, the subjective and objective aspects of physical functioning are influenced by different factors. Therefore, interventions for women with fibromyalgia and obesity should focus on factors related to both subjective and performance-based physical functioning.

Effect of Stem Cell Infusion Therapy on Sexual Function in Women with Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Post-Hoc Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

ABSTRACT Introduction There is a growing interest in restorative therapies for sexual function, yet there exists a paucity of human research into potential therapeutic applications of stem cell therapy (SCT). Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and their effect on sexual function have not yet been explored in women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of intravenous mesenchymal stem cell infusion therapy on sexual function in women with DM or MetS. Methods Female participants enrolled in the ACESO (NCT02886884) and CERES (NCT03059355) clinical trials completed the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQOL-F). SQOL-F is a validated 18-item self-assessment questionnaire rated on a six-point scale ranging from “completely agree” to “completely disagree” in which higher scores reflect better sexual quality of life. Participants were enrolled in the trials based on diagnosis of DM or MetS, respectively. Intervention in both trials was peripheral intravenous infusion of allogeneic MSCs. Follow-up was for 1 year. Questionnaires were collected at baseline and 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-infusion. Participants received 20 or 100 million MSCs from either bone marrow (n=5) or umbilical cord (n=2). Results Data was pooled from 7 women who participated in the two trials; 5 were from ACESO and 2 were from CERES. Three received high dose MSCs (100 million) and four received low dose (20 million) MSCs. The women in the ACESO trial received MSCs derived from healthy allogeneic donor bone marrow, and both women in the CERES trial received umbilical cord tissue derived MSCs. Median age was 73 [IQR=55-74] years. Six of the seven (86%) had past medical history of hypertension. Median SQOL score among all women at baseline was 30 [IQR=19-50], 25 [IQR=23-36] at 1 month, 34 [IQR=19-46] at 3 months, 29 [IQR=21-32] at 6 months, and 34 [IQR=26-49] at the end of 12 months. Improvements in SQOL from baseline through follow up did not meet level of statistical significance. Limitations of this study include the absence of a placebo-control group, the small sample size, and that sexual function was not a primary endpoint of the original trials. Conclusions SQOL did not appear to improve following peripheral infusion of MSCs in women with DM or MetS, but nevertheless appears to be safe with no decline in sexual function over the following 1 year. Larger clinical trials with placebo-controls are needed to further investigate the optimal dose, source, and route administration of SCT to enact a meaningful change in sexual function in women with DM or MetS. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: This work was supported by National Institutes of Health Grant R01 DK130991 and Clinician Scientist Development Grant from the American Cancer Society to RR. JMH is supported by National Institutes of Health grants 1R01 HL137355, 1R01 HL107110, 1R01 HL134558, 5R01 CA136387, and 5UM1 HL113460 and Soffer Family Foundation. Clarification Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: JMH discloses a relationship with Vestion Inc. that includes equity, board membership, and consulting. Neither Longeveron, Vestion, or any other companies participated in the funding of this work. All other authors indicated no potential conflicts of interest.

A Qualitative Study of Women's Experiences with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in the United States

ABSTRACT Introduction Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) significantly impacts a woman's daily functioning and well-being (health-related quality of life, HRQoL) and is often undetected by the medical profession and dismissed by society. As a result, the profound and extensive impact of HSDD on the lives of women and their partners is underappreciated. Objective This qualitative study was conducted to identify defining symptoms and HRQoL impacts among women with HSDD. Methods Six virtual focus groups (90-minutes each) were conducted with 30 adult women to understand HSDD symptoms and HRQoL impacts. Two trained focus group moderators utilized a semi-structured interview guide to capture spontaneous and stated symptoms and impacts. All focus groups were transcribed verbatim, anonymized, coded by two independent researchers using Atlas.ti 9, and then analyzed employing a combination of semi-quantitative and qualitative data analytic methods to evaluate saturation. Elicited content was used to further refine a literature-derived HRQoL conceptual model of HSDD. Results A total of 15 pre-menopausal and 15 post-menopausal women participated in the focus groups between October 14 and 21, 2020. Participants reported a total of 10 symptom concepts during the focus group, including loss of spontaneous desire, sexual distress, disinterest in initiating sex, disinterest in engaging in sex, absence of pleasure, little to no sexy feelings, feeling asexual, sexual avolition, vaginal pain, and insomnia. The most frequently reported symptoms were loss of spontaneous desire (n=30, 100%) and sexual distress (n=23, 77%). A total of 41 impact concepts associated with HSDD across 9 domains were reported: partner impact, mental well-being, role functioning, social functioning, familial relationships, appearance, concentration, and overall quality of life and satisfaction with life. Women reported impairment to their mental well-being (n=30, 100%), partner relationship (n=29, 97%), overall quality of life (n=29, 97%), and life satisfaction (n=29, 97%), as well as described feeling stigmatized by healthcare providers, friends, and society as a whole (n=27, 90%). A literature-based conceptual model for HSDD was updated to reflect focus group results. Conclusions Women with HSDD report many relevant, important, and meaningful concepts that are inadequately evaluated in research and drug trials. HSDD profoundly and negatively impacts women's HRQoL. Greater awareness of these concepts, and the availability of HRQoL measures that accurately reflect symptoms and impacts are needed to “destigmatize” and improve medical care for women with HSDD. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Astellas, Dare, Duchesnay, Ovoca, Field Trip, Palatin Technologies, Pfizer, Materna, Maddora, TherapeuticsMD, Strategic Science Technologies, and Lupin.

Comparison of Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder and Healthy Women

Background and Aims Urinary incontinence (UI) has been known as one of the clinical manifestations of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) instability; however, limited research has been published on PFM function in patients with different types of UI. This study aimed to compare the PFM function of the continent women and women with Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB). Methods This cross-sectional comparative study was performed on 30 women, 10 continents, 10 SUI, and 10 OAB, with a mean age of 42.67±4.77 years. PFM function was assessed using manual muscle testing, a perimeter, and surface electromyography. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and the level of significance was considered as P≥0. 05. Results There was no significant difference in the PFM function, strength, and electromyographic activity between SUI and OAB patients. However, it decreased in both groups compared to the healthy group (P=0.001). Also, a strong correlation was found between clinical examination, a perimeter, and electromyography (r=0.82, P=0.0001). Conclusion This study revealed that the PFM function was impaired in both groups of women with SUI and OAB. Also, both manual examination and the perimeter can be used as clinical methods in evaluating PFM function.

Effect of Roy's Adaptation Model on Sexual Function for Women after Total Hysterectomy

Effect of Roy's Adaptation Model on Sexual Function for Women after Total Hysterectomy

Occupational Impact on The Respiratory Health & Function of Women, Working in The Glass Bangle Industry

The International Labor Organization (ILO), “reiterate every year the concern of ever-increasing burden of occupational illnesses, especially among less empowered population in less developed countries such as Pakistan. One such industry is the bangle industry wherein women work in poor conditions and are exposed to various heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt, cadmium, and selenium (used as coloring agents), putting their health at risk. Objective: To determine the respiratory health and function of women, working in the bangle industry. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included a sample of 100 women, (selected using snowball sampling) working in the bangle industry in Southern Pakistan. The women were approached, and their respiratory function and oxygen saturation gauged using appropriate apparatus. The data was analyzed using SPSS. V. 21.0. Results: The mean values of various spirometric variables (FVC, FEV1, IMBC, and PEFR) were within normal range. However, FEV1/FVC% was reduced significantly (p < 0.001) among the study participants. Additionally, a high prevalence (26%) of respiratory impairment was noted. The respiratory impairment observed indicated primarily restrictive pattern of pulmonary abnormality (18%). The effect of the duration of exposure on the prevalence of respiratory impairment in the glass bangle industry was significant” (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Women employed in the glass bangle industry have poor respiratory health and continue to suffer from increasingly high levels of respiratory impairment.

Efficacy of Bracing on Thoracic Kyphotic Angle and Functionality in Women with Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review.

Background and purpose: Osteoporotic hyperkyphosis is associated with adverse outcomes, such as fatigue, back pain, or reduced back extensor strength, with a negative impact on functionality and quality of life. The purpose of this review is to assess the effectiveness of spinal orthosis on these adverse effects. Methods: A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Inclusion criteria were (1) women with osteoporosis; (2) randomized controlled trials only; and (3) type of intervention: spinal bracing. Exclusion criteria were (1) article not written in English; (2) full-text not available; and (3) no kyphosis assessment. Quality-of-life variables such as back pain, functional variables such as back extensor strength, and osteoporotic-related variables such as lumbar spine bone mineral density were extracted and recorded before and after the intervention. The characteristics of the intervention programs were also extracted and recorded. The characteristics of studies, interventions, and participants are summarized in a table. Then, the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results and Discussion: Four randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias were included (n = 326 women with osteoporosis, aged 51–93 years). Interventions consisting of wearing a dynamic hyperextension orthosis for at least two hours per day for six months improved functionality, mobility, back extensor strength, respiratory function, and reduced the thoracic kyphosis angle. Conclusions: Spinal orthosis, especially dynamic hyperextension braces, seems effective in improving the adverse outcomes of osteoporotic hyperkyphosis. It does not seem necessary to wear the orthosis during all daily activities.

Change in Circulating Levels of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Sexual Function in Women With Type 1 Diabetes.

ContextEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are involved in the mechanisms of vascular repair and sexual function, are decreased in diabetic women compared with general population.ObjectiveThis work aimed to investigate the circulating levels of EPCs and the change in sexual function during the menstrual cycle in women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) compared with healthy women.MethodsThis case-control observational study was conducted at the Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli’’ of Naples. Participants included 36 women with T1DM and 64 age-matched healthy controls. EPCs were quantified by flow cytometry and sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale. All assessments were made at the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases of the same menstrual cycle. Main outcome measures included differences in EPCs levels and sexual function between patients and controls.ResultsCompared with controls, women with T1DM showed significantly lower levels of both CD34 + (P < .001) and CD34 + CD133 + cells (P < .001) in the ovulatory phase, and CD34 + KDR + cells both in the ovulatory phase and in the luteal phase (P < .001 for both). Diabetic women showed significantly lower total FSFI scores and higher FSDS score than control women in all phases of the menstrual cycle. FSFI total score was predicted by both CD34 + CD133 + and CD34 + KDR + cells in the follicular phase, CD34 + and CD34 + KDR + CD133 + cells in the ovulatory phase, and CD34 + KDR + and CD34 + KDR + CD133 + cells in the luteal phase.ConclusionWomen with T1DM show lower levels of EPCs during the menstrual cycle compared with controls. EPCs count predicts sexual function in this selected population.

Selected Aspects of the Mental Functioning of Women After Childbirth in a Hospital During a Pandemic.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic is stressful for pregnant women, their families, and their unborn baby.Aim of the StudyThe study aimed to assess the impact of a pandemic on the mental state of women after childbirth.Material and MethodsThe study included 363 women hospitalized after delivery. The study used a diagnostic survey method using the proprietary questionnaire and the Family Affluence Scale (FAS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), The Basic Hope Inventory (BHI-12), and General Self Efficacy Scale (GSES).ResultsSuspicion of postpartum depression was found in 109 women (mean: 15.28 ± 2.22)—group I, and no suspicion of it in 254 subjects (mean: 6.03 ± 2.63)—group II. Mean values of the sense of loneliness in group I (27.11 ± 6.00) were higher than in group II (21.35 ± 7.02), and the basic hope—BHI-12, in group I—lower (27.92 ± 5.14) than in group II (31.75 ± 4.97). In the Generalized Own Efficacy Scale, the group I obtained lower mean values (28.07 ± 4.86 points and 5.87 ± 1.96 points) than group II (30.97 ± 3.77 points and 6.02 ± 1 points, 38 sten).ConclusionsAs much as 30% of the respondents showed a risk of postpartum depression. The most felt was the limitation of family visits during the hospital stay. In addition, the respondents were most concerned about the child's health in both groups. The feeling of loneliness in group I was higher, and basic hope and generalized self-efficacy were lower than in group II. The differences between these relationships were statistically significant.

Evaluation the Effect of the Health Promoting Lifestyle by Multimedia Education on Sexual Function in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

Background &amp; Aims: Multiple sclerosis is the most common progressive neurological disease in young people and affects women several times more than men. Sexual problems are one of the most common symptoms in affected women, which have a great impact on the couple’s relationship and are often ignored. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of health-promoting multimedia education on sexual function in women with multiple sclerosis. Materials &amp; Methods: The present study is a randomized controlled trial of before and after with the control group. 116 women with multiple sclerosis, referredto Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital and a private referral center for multiple sclerosis patients (from 21 September 2020 to 19 January 2021) were selected by continues sampling method to participate in the study. They were assigned as two groups, intervention and control ones, using the Sealed envelope randomized online site which randomly divided to single up to quintuple blocks, which allocated equally in intervention and control groups. Data collection tools were demographic profile form and intimacy and sexual activity questionnaire for multiple sclerosis patients (MSISQ-19). Data analysis is done by using descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage) and with independent t-test, chi-square, analysis of covariance and analysis of variance with repeated measures RM using SPSS software v. 16. Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sexual function scores and all its dimensions (P=0.690). Mean sexual function in the intervention group at 4 weeks (P=0.014) and 12 weeks after the intervention (P=0.021) was significantly lower than before, but there was no statistically significant difference between the scores at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention (P&lt;0.050). Conclusion: Health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) training has an effect on sexual performance of women with multiple sclerosis and this training can be a good way to improve their sexual problems.

Endothelial (Dys)function in Women With Androgen Excess Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Effects of Body Composition and Ethinyl Estradiol Supplementation

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been associated with endothelial dysfunction. However, whether endothelial dysfunction occurs as a result of obesity in androgen excess PCOS (AE‐PCOS) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare endothelial function between lean and overweight/obese (OW/OB) women with AE‐PCOS. We hypothesis that OW/OB women with AE‐PCOS would demonstrate impaired endothelial function relative to lean women with AE‐PCOS as well as both lean and OW/OB controls without any form of PCOS. We also tested the hypothesis that short‐term ethinyl estradiol (EE) supplementation improves endothelial function in both lean and OW/OB women with AE‐PCOS. We assessed conduit vessel endothelial function in 14 women with AE‐PCOS (lean: n=7; OW/OB: n=7) and 12 controls (CTRL; lean: n=6, OW/OB: n=6) using flow‐mediated dilation (FMD). FMD responses were assessed twice: before (baseline; BSL) and on the last day of 7‐day oral EE (post‐EE; 30mg/day) and quantified as the peak increase in diameter during reactive hyperemia (%FMD), shear rate, and low flow‐mediated vasoconstriction (LFMC). BSL %FMD was attenuated in lean AE‐PCOS relative to both lean CTRL (5.2 ± 1.5% vs10.3 ± 2.6%, P&lt;0.01) and OW/OB AE‐PCOS (5.2 ± 1.5% vs6.6 ± 0.9%, P=0.04). A negative correlation between BSL %FMD and free testosterone was observed in lean AE‐PCOS only (R2=0.68, P=0.02). %FMD was unchanged from BSL to post‐EE in lean AE‐PCOS (5.17±1.5 vs5.17±1.1, P=0.99). Post‐EE, %FMD was lower in lean CTRL (10.3±2.6% vs7.6±1.2%, P=0.03), but increased in both OW/OB CTRL (7.3±0.1.2% vs 10.4±2.5%) and OW/OB women with AE‐PCOS (6.6±0.92% vs 9.6±1.7%; main effect of EE, P&lt;0.01). Post‐EE %FMD changes from BSL were associated with EE‐induced changes in LFMC and shear rate. Our data indicate that lean women with AE‐PCOS exhibit more severe conduit vessel endothelial dysfunction than OW/OB women with AE‐PCOS. Our data also indicate that short‐term EE supplementation affects LFMC and shear rate (and therefore %FMD) differently across healthy lean women and OW/OB women with and without AE‐PCOS.

Unexpected Therapeutic Responses in Sexual Function in Women Prescribed Flibanserin for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

ABSTRACT Introduction Flibanserin is a multifunctional serotonin agonist and antagonist for the treatment of acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Flibanserin is approved for use in premenopausal women in the US and in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women ≤60 years old in Canada. A post-hoc analysis of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores from pivotal trials in premenopausal women with HSDD indicated significant improvements in total and individual domain scores after treatment initiation with flibanserin compared to placebo. Objective The purpose of this case report study is to examine the postmarketing database to determine whether improvements in other aspects of sexual function have also been reported by women who were prescribed flibanserin in real world use outside of clinical trials. Methods A search was performed in the global safety database to identify postmarketing case reports from August 2015 to March 2021. “Therapeutic response unexpected” was the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Affairs (MedDRA 23.1) preferred term used in this search strategy. Study results include only case reports with narratives containing verbatim terms relevant to the domains on the FSFI (arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, satisfaction), excluding desire as this is an expected response. Results Thirty-two postmarketing case reports, including 13 patient testimonials of “therapeutic response unexpected”, were identified during this period. Of these 32 case reports, 12 (38%) contained terms related to unexpected improvements in sexual function. Among the 12 reports of improved sexual function, 10 (83%) included terms related to increases in frequency, intensity, or duration of orgasms, one of which also mentioned improvement in arousal. The remaining 2 cases included 1 report of improvement in lubrication and 1 report of improvement in pain. Conclusions These postmarketing case reports are consistent with the post-hoc analyses of the data from the flibanserin clinical trials and provide further support that flibanserin therapy can lead to improvement in multiple aspects of sexual function in addition to sexual desire. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Sprout Pharmaceuticals Clarification Industry initiated, executed and funded study Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Sprout Pharmaceuticals

Life situations of Swedish women after mastectomy due to breast cancer: A qualitative study.

Breast cancer is a significant health issue all around the world and the most frequent type of cancer among Swedish women. The aim of this study was to explore and describe life situations of Swedish women with breast cancer after mastectomy. A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted by using an interview guide concerning experiences of changes in the women's daily lives and functions. Thirty-three women with breast cancer having undergone mastectomy participated. The data from the interviews were subjected to content analysis. Six categories emerged: Embarrassment with body image and loss of femininity; Feelings of fear, worry and anxiety; Better appreciation of life; Support from different sources; Experiences of care from health care professionals; and Need of information and follow-up care. The women's body image limits their daily lives, and psychological distress reminds them of their disease. Reception of support from family and healthcare professionals and perception of positive life are important. Sometimes there is a lack of information and follow-up from healthcare professionals, who should be aware of the women's feelings and needs.

The effect of functional training on level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and functional performance in women with obesity

Obesity is the underlying cause of various health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. It is associated with low self-confidence, emotional disorder, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and suicide. In the present study, we investigated the effect of functional training on obese women's brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and executive functioning. To this end, 25 obese women were randomly assigned to 3 different groups labelled as active obese women-functional training, inactive obese women-functional training, and control group. The subjects performed 24 one-hour-long sessions of functional training three times a week. The intensity of activity for the research groups was moderate, which was equivalent to a level of 6-7 on the Borg scale. The analysis of intragroup results indicated that functional training increased serum BDNF significantly in both active and inactive obese women. It was also observed to improve executive functioning in both groups of the obese women via decreasing the number of errors, increasing the number of true responses, and reducing reaction time. The analysis of intergroup results, on the other hand, revealed that there were no significant differences between active and inactive obese women in terms of serum BDNF and executive functioning after functional training. Training promotes cognitive health, and this study adds that functional training may be important for improvement and maintenance of brain health and functional performance. Therefore, by increasing BDNF level through functional exercises, it is possible to help improve the cognitive functions of obese women.

Evaluation of Sexual Functions in Women Using Hormonal or Non-Hormonal Contraceptives

Objective: Female sexual dysfunction is a common condition that negatively impacts the psychological health and quality of life of the affectedindividuals. Therefore, this study aims to assess sexual function changes in women using hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives.Methods: We assessed 380 women who visited three Family Health Centers in Manisa, Turkey. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) andBeck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires were used to get data. Regression and correlation analyses were applied to determine therelationship and level of sexual function of participants.Results: According to FSFI cut-off score ≤26.55, the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was determined in 35.4% and 48.0% of sexualfunction changes and FSFI score was found 26.5±4.3 and 27.1±4.1 in women using non-hormonal and hormonal contraceptives. In regressionanalysis, women having higher education, satisfied with their sexual life, and women stating that their husband satisfied with non-hormonalcontraceptive usage had high score in FSFI. Of those women, 6.6% scored ≥17 on the BDI.Conclusion: The use of hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives is important for the improvement sexual quality of women planningappropriate initiatives. Therefore, healthcare practitioners and providers should assess women’s risk factors for FSD, arrange for extra follow-upand assist with early diagnosis and treatment to improve women’s sexual life.

Effect of Upright Posture on Endothelial Function in Women and Men.

Women are more prone to orthostatic intolerance compared to men and have a greater vasodilatory capacity. We investigated the hypothesis that women would have greater peripheral flow-mediated dilation (FMD) while in the upright posture compared to men, which could contribute to this phenomenon. In young healthy women (age: 20 ± 3, BMI: 27 ± 5 kg/m2, n = 10) and men (age = 21 ± 2, BMI: 27 ± 8 kg/m2, n = 8), we assessed FMD of the brachial artery and hemodynamics to determine endothelial function during the supine and 70° head-up tilt postures (randomized). The brachial artery was kept at heart level in both trials. We observed that FMD increased in both sexes during tilt (Women: 11.9 ± 5.3 to 15.7 ± 5.6%; Men: 8.4 ± 3.2 to 14.6 ± 3.4%, Main effect of tilt p = 0.005) which was not due to changes in blood pressure or shear stress. There were no interaction effects between sex and posture. In a second cohort of women (age: 22 ± 3, BMI: 23 ± 3 kg/m2, n = 9) and men (age: 22 ± 2, BMI: 25 ± 8 kg/m2, n = 8), we investigated reactive hyperemia by peripheral arterial tonometry (LnRHI) via EndoPAT. Interestingly, we found that the EndoPAT response was decreased in both sexes during tilt (LnRHI: Men: 0.70 ± 0.28 to 0.59 ± 0.40, Women: 0.52 ± 0.23 to 0.30 ± 0.32, Main effect of tilt p = 0.037). We previously found that FMD is related to coronary responses to acetylcholine and adenosine whereas EndoPAT is related to coronary responses to dobutamine. Therefore, we suggest that sympathetic mediated dilation is attenuated in the upright posture while the increased vasodilatory response as measured by FMD in the tilt posture could be attributed to increasing metabolite production from postural muscles.