Partners Of Women Research Articles

Bacterial vaginosis: evaluation of the effectiveness of simultaneous treatment of sexual partners

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common diseases affecting women of reproductive age. The main problem of BV is the low efficiency of traditional methods of treatment with a frequent recurrence of up to 50%.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 59 patients were examined and treated with the diagnosis of BV, which was confirmed in accordance with the Amsel criteria. The main group included women with BV and their male partners, whereas the compared group included only women with BV. All women were treated with systemic metronidazole and topical clindamycin, and suppositories with lactic acid were prescribed at the second stage. The men partners were treated systemically with metronidazole and topically with clindamycin.
 RESULTS: Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Prevotella were the most commonly identified bacteria in the vaginal discharge. In men, BV-associated bacteria were found in the foreskin of the glans penis and distal urethra. The similarity of the microflora of the genital organs of women and their male partners was determined. In women with sexual partners who were treated 6 months after the therapy, the number of BV-associated bacteria was detected two or more times less frequently than in patients in the comparison group. For the men, the number of complaints and clinical symptoms significantly decreased after the treatment. Significant decreases in Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Prevotella spp., Leptotrichia amnionii, and Mobiluncus were achieved in the foreskin and Gardnerella in the urethra. In the main group of women, the frequency of BV recurrences recorded was 2.3 times less than that in the comparison group.
 CONCLUSION: The treatment of partners of women with BV effectively reduces the growth of BV-associated bacteria and significantly decreases the frequency of recurrences.

High prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among men in North Central Nigeria: Results from the Healthy Beginning Initiative.

BackgroundThe prevalence of hypertension in Nigeria is high and growing. The burden and risk factor distribution also vary by geographical zone. Information about prevalence, risk factors and disease status awareness are needed to guide evidence based public health response at the national and sub- national levels.PurposeThis paper describes the prevalence of hypertension and its correlates, as well as hypertension status awareness among men in North Central, Nigeria.MethodsA cross sectional survey was administered to male partners of pregnant women participating in the Healthy Beginning Initiative program from 2016–2018. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors, physical measurement and blood pressure readings were collected using a standardized protocol. Data was analyzed with simple and multiple logistic regression.ResultsThe 6,538 men had a median age of 31 years [IQR: 26–37]. The prevalence of hypertension was 23.3% (95% CI: 22.3%-24.4%), while 46.7% had prehypertension. The odds of hypertension was associated with increasing age (OR:1.02, CI:1.01–1.03), being overweight (aOR:1.5,CI:1.3–1.8), being obese (aOR:2.6,CI:2.0–3.3), living in an urban area (aOR:1.6,CI:1.2–2.1), and alcohol use in the 30 days prior (aOR:1.2,CI:1.1–1.4). Overall, 4.5% (297/6,528) of participants had ever been told they have hypertension. Among the 23.3% (1,527/6,528) with hypertension, 7.1% (109/1,527) were aware of their disease status. Men aged 41–50 years (aOR: 1.8, CI: 1.0–3.3), and > 50 years (aOR: 2.2, CI: 1.1–4.3), had higher odds disease status awareness. Living in an urban area was associated with lower odds (aOR: 0.2, CI: 0.03–0.7) of hypertension status awareness.ConclusionThis study showed that hypertension is already a significant public health burden in this population and that disease awareness level is very low. Alcohol use and obesity were associated with hypertension, highlighting some modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors that are prevalent in the study population. Taken together, these findings can inform the design of interventions for primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention in Nigeria and similar settings.

Interracial/ethnic marriage and adverse birth outcomes: The effect of neighborhood racial/ethnic composition.

Race/ethnicity is associated with adverse birth outcomes in the United States. However, mostly mother's race/ethnicity has been considered. We examined the associations of mother's and parents' race/ethnicity with low birth weight, small for gestational age, preterm birth and infant mortality among New York City women between 2012 and 2017. We also examined the independent and joint effects of neighborhood racial/ethnic composition. We found that mother's and parents' race/ethnicity are associated with adverse birth outcomes; these associations are outcome-specific; and neighborhood racial/ethnic composition is not only associated with such outcomes but also modifies the association of mother's and parents' race/ethnicity with these outcomes. Our findings underscore the need to consider the race/ethnicity of women's partners and their neighborhoods calling attention to the role of context where individuals reside, and their daily interactions take place. These findings may have implications beyond New York City as our society becomes more racial/ethnic diverse and interracial/ethnic marriage becomes more common in the United States.

Papel do enfermeiro na inserção dos parceiros no pré-natal e tratamento de gestantes com sífilis

Objetivo: Identificar o papel do enfermeiro na inserção do parceiro no pré-natal e no tratamento de gestantes com exames positivos para sífilis. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura dos últimos dez anos, nas bases de dados: MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF inseridos na BVSALUD; utilizando os descritores Sífilis; Gravidez; Recém-Nascido; Parceiros Sexuais; Enfermagem; e Terapêutica, cruzados por meio do conector booleano AND e OR. Resultados: Foram incluídos 22 artigos disponíveis na integra e nos últimos dez anos de pesquisa e publicação, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Conclusão: O enfermeiro tem um papel fundamental no acompanhamento e tratamento das gestantes com sífilis, além de que, o pré-natal das gestantes com exames de sífilis positivos é mais efetivo se houver a inclusão do parceiro. É necessário que seja realizado mais estudos sobre o papel do enfermeiro na abordagem dos parceiros das gestantes com sífilis.

Stress and coping amongst cisgender male partners of transgender women

The cisgender male partners of transgender women have received little attention beyond their sexual behaviour. This is an issue, as marginalisation and social environments determine sexual behaviour and subsequent health outcomes. This article assesses in-depth interviews with cisgender male partners of transgender women in Atlanta and Baltimore, USA. Analysis suggests men experience minority stress that may lead to ameliorative coping processes such as coming out and LGBTQ group affiliation. Specifically, the interviews identify stressful, marginalising reactions from family and friends concerning men’s relationships with transgender women. In turn, men described uniquely supportive ties to LGBTQ communities, which included ongoing relationships with transgender women, having close sexual and gender minority friends, and occupying notably LGBTQ spaces such as Pride events. The LGBTQ social connectivity of the cisgender male partners of transgender women could prove critical to future targeted HIV prevention efforts.

Treating male partners of women with bacterial vaginosis (StepUp): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical effectiveness of male partner treatment for reducing the risk of BV recurrence

BackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV) is estimated to affect 1 in 3 women globally and is associated with obstetric and gynaecological sequelae. Current recommended therapies have good short-term efficacy but 1 in 2 women experience BV recurrence within 6 months of treatment. Evidence of male carriage of BV-organisms suggests that male partners may be reinfecting women with BV-associated bacteria (henceforth referred to as BV-organisms) and impacting on the efficacy of treatment approaches solely directed to women. This trial aims to determine the effect of concurrent male partner treatment for preventing BV recurrence compared to current standard of care.MethodsStepUp is an open-label, multicentre, parallel group randomised controlled trial for women diagnosed with BV and their male partner. Women with clinical-BV defined using current gold standard diagnosis methods (≥3 Amsel criteria and Nugent score (NS) = 4–10) and with a regular male partner will be assessed for eligibility, and couples will then be consented. All women will be prescribed oral metronidazole 400 mg twice daily (BID) for 7 days, or if contraindicated, a 7-day regimen of topical vaginal 2% clindamycin. Couples will be randomised 1:1 to either current standard of care (female treatment only), or female treatment and concurrent male partner treatment (7 days of combined antibiotics - oral metronidazole tablets 400 mg BID and 2% clindamycin cream applied topically to the glans penis and upper shaft [under the foreskin if uncircumcised] BID). Couples will be followed for up to 12 weeks to assess BV status in women, and assess the adherence, tolerability and acceptability of male partner treatment. The primary outcome is BV recurrence defined as ≥3 Amsel criteria and NS = 4–10 within 12 weeks of enrolment. The estimated sample size is 342 couples, to detect a 40% reduction in BV recurrence rates from 40% in the control group to 24% in the intervention group within 12 weeks.DiscussionCurrent treatments directed solely to women result in unacceptably high rates of BV recurrence. If proven to be effective the findings from this trial will directly inform the development of new treatment strategies to impact on BV recurrence.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered on 12 February 2019 on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12619000196145, Universal Trial Number: U1111–1228-0106, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376883&isReview=true).

Correlates of HIV-Positive Fathers’ Involvement in Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission Programs in Northern Nigeria

The involvement of men in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs could accelerate the elimination of vertical transmission. Yet, little research has focused on HIV-positive male partners. This study determined the predictors of male partners' PMTCT knowledge and involvement in a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria. A clinic-based sample of 401 HIV-positive male partners of women who delivered within 12 months prior were interviewed using structured questionnaires. PMTCT knowledge and involvement scores were computed. Adjusted odd ratios (AOR) for predictors were derived from multivariate logistic regression models. The proportion of respondents with adequate PMTCT knowledge was 40.9%. Less than half (43.6%) of the respondents participated in PMTCT, with median involvement score of 2.00 (interquartile range, IQR = 0, 5.0). One quarter of respondents (25.7%, n =103) reported >1 sex partners, 10.5% consistently used condoms, and 20.7% had disclosed to all partners. Fathers' involvement in PMTCT was predicted by paternal education (AOR = 0.30; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.12-0.77, no formal vs. post-secondary), HIV-positive child (AOR = 3.85; 95%CI: 1.41-10.54, yes vs. no), treatment duration (AOR = 4.17; 95%CI: 1.67-10.41, ≤1 vs. ≥10 years), disclosure to partner(s) (AOR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.15-3.52, 'disclosed to all' vs. 'not disclosed'), condom use (AOR = 5.81; 95%CI: 3.07-11.0, always vs. never), and PMTCT knowledge (AOR = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.31-0.92, inadequate versus adequate). The involvement of fathers in HIV PMTCT programs was low and predicted by paternal education, HIV-positive child, duration of antiretroviral treatment, disclosure to partner, consistent condom use, and level of PMTCT knowledge. Our findings will inform the development of policies to increase male partner involvement in PMTCT in Nigeria.

Better Together? Intimate Partner Effects on Offending Women

The role of marriage has been extensively studied for its positive impacts on male desistance. However, the role of romantic partners for women is less understood. Do partners exert a prosocial “protective” effect or are they criminogenic? The present study empirically drills down on this question. Specifically, we assess the character and quality of romantic relationships on substance use and illegitimate income using a sample of incarcerated women. Drawing from social control, social learning, and strain theory, we hypothesize that the effects of both being in and breaking up from a relationship on illicit behavior are conditional on the quality of the relationship and behavior/characteristics of the partner. Using data from the Women’s Experience of Violence (WEV) project, consisting of a custodial sample of criminal justice-involved women (N = 770), we examine how relationship status and quality, as well as partner offending, influence drug use and illicit earnings. A series of multi-level random effects models are estimated to explore how within-person changes in relationship/breakup status are related to changes in the two dependent variables. Contrary to expectations, we find that romantic dissolution (of either a high- or low-quality relationship) does not negatively impact this sample of women and that being in a high-quality relationship is not a protective factor, as has been found often in male samples. Findings suggest partner behavior may be more important than the quality of the relationship with the partner. Our results link drug use and participation in the illicit economy to factors mostly outside of a woman’s relationship status and quality, thereby challenging some commonly understood mechanisms of desistance.

The development and evaluation of a brief intervention for male partners of women hospitalized for perinatal distress

Background: Perinatal distress (PD) is a term used to describe mood and anxiety disorders experienced during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. In acute cases of PD, inpatient hospitalization may be indicated. Although hospitalization tends to result in improved immediate safety outcomes, many patients are discharged when they are still experiencing acute symptomology. Interpersonal and environmental factors, particularly those that exist within intimate relationships, can significantly help or hinder patient progress. Partners are also affected by the patient's symptoms and often lacks the skills or knowledge to offer support. Methods: The aim of the present investigation is to address PD through a dyadic lens by integrating partners into treatment. In this feasibility study, 20 partners of women hospitalized for PD were recruited to participate in an individually delivered, 90-minute intervention designed to improve partner understanding and support behaviors. Results: Qualitative feedback from partners suggests that the intervention was acceptable and the high recruitment rates demonstrate strong feasibility. Additionally, partners reported significant gains in the context of their support self-efficacy for assisting patients to cope with distress. Patients reported that they were significantly more satisfied with the support that their partners were providing. Limitations: This was a feasibility study and as such, there was no control group, thereby limiting causal inferences about the intervention. Conclusions: These findings suggest that this intervention may serve to enhance the recovery of women hospitalized for PD by empowering partners through offering psychoeducation and skills for offering support.

Sexual Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: The Need for More Targeted Outreach to Men Who Also Have Sex With Cisgender Women.

In Peru, as in the Americas overall, men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Most research focuses on practices between cisgender men, whereas many MSM report male and female partners, cisgender, transgender, or both. Data for these analyses were from a treatment-as-prevention study in Lima (the Sabes study). We compared demographics and behaviors of MSM who reported cisgender women partners in the past 3 months (MSMW) and MSM who reported both cisgender and transgender women partners (MSMW-T) to MSM who reported only male partners (MSMO). We calculated HIV incidence in each group during 2-year follow-up. Compared with MSMO, MSMW and MSMW-T more often self-identify as heterosexual or bisexual and report insertive sex practices. MSMW reported condomless sex with cisgender women: vaginal (72%), anal sex (18%). One-third of MSMW reported condomless receptive anal sex with men in the past 3 months, with 24% of MSMW overall who reported both condomless receptive sex with men and condomless insertive vaginal or anal sex with cisgender women. Of these, 17% were HIV infected. HIV incidence did not differ significantly between groups. Most MSMW and MSMW-T report bisexual or heterosexual orientation and prefer insertive sex. MSMW and MSMW-T (47% and 29%, respectively) engage in receptive anal intercourse. In both groups, the majority who engaged in condomless receptive sex with men (76% MSMW, 85% MSMW-T) also engaged in condomless vaginal and/or anal sex with women, indicating need for intervention.

Alcohol, age at first sexual intercourse and number of sexual partners in young Mexican women

AimTo identify the relationship between use of alcohol, number of sexual partners and age of sexual initiation. MethodDescriptive-correlational study. A random sample of 319 young women (age 18–25) from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico was recruited. A sociodemographic data sheet and the AUDIT questionnaire were used. Non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Kruskal–Wallis H test were selected. ResultsOn average the participants were 20.70 years old (±2.1), had 1.86 sexual partners (±1.27), started drinking alcohol at the age of 16.82 (±1.79), and their first sexual intercourse was at the age of 17.38 (±1.65). There was a decrease in the age of onset of alcohol use (H=16.646, p<.001) and the age at first sexual intercourse (H=26.749, p<.001) on the lower their current age. The overall AUDIT score negatively correlated with the age of the participants on their first sexual intercourse (rs=−.168, p<.001) and positively correlated with the number of sexual partners (rs=.243, p<.001). The aforementioned correlations were more intense among the younger participants (18- and 19-year olds; p<.01). ConclusionsThere was an association between higher use of alcohol, early age of sexual initiation and number of sexual partners. Nursing professionals may address such variables simultaneously through preventive strategies directed specifically at young women.

Psychological Distress, Coping and Perceived Social Support Among Partners of Women with Postpartum Onset Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Admitted to a Mother-Baby Unit.

Background:The presence of a severe mental illness in the mother during the postpartum period may impact the whole family and specifically have an effect on the health of the spouse. The current study aimed to assess psychological distress, coping, and perceived social support of spouses of women with postpartum onset severe mental illness.Methodology:A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used, and 30 spouses of the women admitted to the mother–baby unit (MBU) for psychiatric inpatient care were included in the study. The assessments included sociodemographic details, Kessler psychological distress scale (K10), brief coping orientation to problems experienced scale (brief COPE), and Zimets’ multidimensional scale of perceived social support.Results:Around 50% of the spouses experienced severe psychological distress. Nearly 40% of spouses reported poor coping and 56.7% of spouses had moderate social support from family and friends.Conclusion:The findings indicate the need to address distress and coping in spouses of women with postpartum onset SMI.

Cardiovascular health metrics of 122,788 couples: analysis of a nationwide epidemiological database

Abstract Introduction The American Heart Association suggests that cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics based on established risk factors and behaviors to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease. Couples share environmental and lifestyle habits, and therefore, there can be an intra-couple correlation of CVH metrics. However, the clinical data on the association of the CVH metrics among couples are limited. Purpose We aimed to explore the intra-couple relationship of the AHA-defined cardiovascular health metrics using a nationwide epidemiological database. Methods This study is a retrospective observational cross-sectional analysis using the health claims database of the Japan Medical Data Center between January 2005 and December 2016. We modified the American Heart Association CVH metrics and defined ideal CVH component as following: 1) nonsmoking, 2) body mass index &amp;lt;25 kg/m2, 3) physical activity at goal, 4) untreated blood pressure &amp;lt;120/80 mm Hg, 5) untreated fasting glucose &amp;lt;100 mg/dL, and 6) untreated total cholesterol &amp;lt;200 mg/dL. Results We analyzed 122,788 heterosexual couples enrolled in the Japan Medical Data Center database. The average age of participants was 50.2±9.5 years in men and 48.6±8.9 years in women. Good correlation was observed between couples in terms of the modified ideal CVH metrics (Figure 1A). The prevalence of meeting ≥5 ideal components in the female partners increased from 31% in the male partners meeting no ideal components to 55% in those meeting 6 ideal components. The concordance ratio is particularly higher in the component of smoking status, blood pressure, and fasting glucose level. A man who meets ≥5 ideal components probably had a woman partner who meets ≥5 ideal components (Odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI: 1.6–1.7, p&amp;lt;0.001). The P value for the McNemar test was significant for all components, indicating that women apparently met ideal metrics for metrics in discordant Couples (Figure 1B). Conclusion Our investigation showed that there was a good intra-couple correlation of the ideal modified CVH metrics, suggesting the potential of couple-based assessment and management for improving CVH status. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The caring experience and supportive care needs of male partners for women with gynaecologic cancer: A qualitative literature review.

To systematically review male partners' caring experience and supportive care needs when caring for women with gynaecologic cancer. The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review. We performed a comprehensive literature search in nine databases and qualitative studies published in English or Chinese from inception to January 2020. The included papers were appraised, using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool for qualitative research. An inductive thematic analysis method was adopted to synthesise major findings to construct core concepts and themes. Eight studies were included in this review, and four overarching themes emerged the following: the negative experience of disease, the need for supportive care to cope, adapting to a new life and post-traumatic growth. This study shows that male partners had both negative and positive experiences in the caring process, and they could adjust themselves to some extent. Their perceived supportive care needs were often neglected. Male partners of women with gynaecologic cancer are an under-recognised group. The couple-oriented or family-oriented supportive care programmes should be implemented to meet the supportive care needs of male partners to enhance their health and well-being.

Couples data from north-western Tanzania: Insights from a survey of male partners of women enrolled in the MAISHA cluster randomized trial of an intimate partner violence prevention intervention.

Globally, around 30% of ever-partnered women have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetime. To date, most research into causes and prevention of IPV involves surveys of women, with little research into risk-factors for male perpetration. This paper describes a survey of male partners of women participating in the MAISHA cluster randomised trial (CRT) of an IPV prevention intervention, in Mwanza City, Tanzania. Using linked couples' data, we explore man-, woman-, and relationship-/household-level factors associated with physical and sexual IPV. Women were interviewed at baseline and 29-months follow-up. At follow-up, women were asked for consent to invite their partner to participate in the male survey. We describe response rates for the women's follow-up and male partners' surveys, and identify factors associated with women's consent to approach partners. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with women's past-year experiences of physical and sexual IPV. 512 (65%) partnered women consented for the partner to be approached, higher among intervention than control women. 425 (83%) male partners were interviewed. Women consenting were disproportionately likely to be in longer-term relationships. Past-year IPV was associated with lower consent among control women, but greater consent in the intervention arm. Factors associated with increased odds of physical IPV were women's childhood experiences of abuse, young age, women's lower income and women's attitudes justifying IPV. Sexual IPV was associated with women's childhood experiences of abuse, young age, educational disparity within couple, men's alcohol use and women's poor mental health. We successfully conducted a survey of male partners with the full consent of women trial participants. The breadth of factors associated with IPV demonstrates the need for IPV prevention interventions to work with women and men, and specifically couples. Interventions should address risk-factors for both physical and sexual IPV.

The Interaction of Health Stressors and Power Imbalances in Partnered Women: Wellbeing Outcomes

ABSTRACT Being in poor physical health can be disempowering and place additional stress on couple and individual wellbeing. Given the high prevalence of gendered power imbalances in opposite gender couples, the purpose of this paper was to better understand how health issues interact with power imbalances in couples to influence individual and couple well-being. Our results highlight that feeling powerless in one’s relationship takes a uniquely intense toll on relationship satisfaction for women who are in poor health. Practitioners working with couples where one or both partners is in poor health should attune to power dynamics to ensure that treatment is promoting individual and couple well-being for both men and women.

Initial examination of social compensation and honing frameworks for sexual minority social life and well-being

The present study used an ecologically-valid approach to address the lack of understanding of similarities and differences in social network size and social interaction quality, and links to affect, among same- and different-gender couples. People in couples who self-identified as a woman with a woman ( n = 48), man with a man ( n = 40), woman with a man ( n = 33), and man with a woman ( n = 33) completed a single measure of social network size, and momentary assessments of social interaction quality and affect throughout their days over two weekends. Women reported lower interaction quality, less positive, and more negative affect (actor effects); similar results were also found for those who were partnered with a woman (partner effects). However, results showed an interaction of actor and partner gender, such that people in different-gender couples experienced lower interaction quality, less positive, and more negative affect than same-gender couples. Overall, results provide preliminary evidence of a honing framework, where people in same-gender couples hone their social networks down to high-quality interaction partners, more than people in different-gender couples, and experience similar links between social interactions and affect compared to people in different-gender couples.

Genital microbiota of sexual partners of female patients with bacterial vaginosis is responsible for its recurrences

Aim. To evaluate the genital microbiota of sexual partners of women with bacterial vaginosis and its role in the development of its recurrences. Materials and Methods. We examined 59 consecutive patients with bacterial vaginosis. In the treatment group, sexual partners of the female patients were treated by local delivery of clindamycin; in the comparison group, sexual partners did not receive the drug. All women included in the study received the same therapy: metronidazole per os and local delivery of clindamycin at the stage 1 and local delivery of lactic acid at the stage 2. All patients were examined by microscopy, PCR test, and inoculation of the genital discharge. Monitoring of the female patients with bacterial vaginosis was continued for 6 months. Results. In male patients, genital microbiota was similar to their female partners. Gardnerella vaginalis was detected in 96% of females and 62% of males. Prevotella was identified in 93% of females and 41% of males while Atopobium vaginae was found in 79% of women and 48% of their sexual partners. The amount of bacterial species was similar in males and females of the treatment group. The most frequent microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus faecalis. Female patients of the treatment group had two-fold lower risk of recurrent bacterial vaginosis than those of the comparison group. Conclusion. Genital microbiota of sexual partners may be responsible for the recurrent bacterial vaginosis in females, and parallel treatment of sexual partners is required to minimize its risk.

Levels of Depression and Anxiety, Sexual Functions, and Affective Temperaments in Women With Lifelong Vaginismus and Their Male Partners

BackgroundDepression and anxiety levels, sexual dysfunctions, and affective temperament characteristics of women with lifelong vaginismus (LLV) and their male partners may have important effects on the development, maintenance, and exacerbation of LLV. AimWe aimed to investigate depression and anxiety levels, sexual dysfunctions, and affective temperament characteristics of both women with LLV and their male partners. Methods56 women with LLV, their 56 male partners, and 44 couples with no complaints of any sexual function as a control group were included in this study. Dyadic data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. OutcomesThe Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Auto Questionnaire Scale were completed by all participants. ResultsWomen with LLV had higher levels of anxiety and depression and had more sexual dysfunctions except for avoidance than those of female controls. Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Auto Questionnaire Scale scores were significantly higher in women with LLV for depressive (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.09–1.49), cyclothymic (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.15–1.49), anxious (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.09–1.38), and irritable (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04–1.42) temperament than in female controls. It was found that anxiety levels of male partners of women with LLV were higher than those of male controls and that they experienced less sexual satisfaction. Depressive (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.07–1.61) and cyclothymic (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.04–1.34) temperament scores were significantly higher in male partners of women with LLV than in male controls. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model analyses show that hyperthymic temperament in male partners of women with LLV and anxious and depressive temperament in women with LLV have a negative effect on their own sexual functions. In terms of partner effect, it was found that men with hyperthymic temperament had a negative effect on the sexual functions of women with LLV and men with depressive temperament had a positive effect. Clinical ImplicationsThe individual characteristics of both the women and their male partners have an impact on LLV. Strengths & LimitationsThe sample size was relatively small to assess affective temperaments. The inclusion of male partners in the study contributed to our understanding of couples with LLV. ConclusionOur results indicate that affective temperaments detected in women with LLV (depressive, cyclothymic, anxious and irritable) and their male partners (depressive and cyclothymic) have an effect on the development, maintenance, and exacerbation of LLV, and affective temperaments have an effect on both their own and partner's sexual functions.Turan Ş, Usta Sağlam NG, Bakay H, et al. Levels of Depression and Anxiety, Sexual Functions, and Affective Temperaments in Women With Lifelong Vaginismus and Their Male Partners. J Sex Med 2020;17:2434–2445.

Reproductive male partner testing when the female is identified to be a genetic disease carrier.

To quantify carrier testing uptake rates for male partners of women found to be a carrier(s) for autosomal recessive conditions and to understand reasons for declining testing (uptake rate). A retrospective chart review of 513 female patients seen at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School found to be carriers through expanded carrier screening (ECS) panels. The aims of this study were to determine how often their male partner chose testing, reasons for declining and the type of methodology chosen for their screening. Male partner uptake rate was 77%. We identified that the most significant barrier to male partner testing is female patients not following up on their own carrier screening results, thus missing the opportunity for partner testing. When male partners were provided options for testing, the most reported reason for declining is the belief it would have no impact on pregnancy management (20%). A carrier couple rate of 8.3% was identified of partners tested. Despite a relatively high male testing uptake rate, a quarter of carrier females did not proceed with testing their partner. To ascertain fetal risk, results for both parents is necessary. Pretest counseling should stress need for potential male partner follow-up testing.