Women's Sexual Health Research Articles

"I Don’t has the Desire to has Sex”: Quality of Life and Sexual Concerns of Women with Secondary Infertility in the Tamale Metropolis

Background Infertility adversely affects the general quality of life and sexual satisfaction among women. This study explored the quality of life and sexual concerns among women with secondary infertility in the Tamale metropolis. Methods A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was used. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Ethical approval was received from the Ghana Health Services ethics review committee. Fourteen (14) participants with secondary infertility receiving treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital were purposively selected and interviewed for the study, each lasting about 30 minutes to one hour. The interviews were audiotaped with permission from the participants, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed. Conclusion The findings from this study revealed that happiness, well-being and value in life were compromised among these women. Concerning sexual satisfaction, the majority of the participants experienced low sexual drive and physical pain during sexual intercourse which led to poor sexual satisfaction. There is a need for more exploration into the sexual health of women with infertility

The impact of intimate partner violence on adverse birth outcomes in 20 sub-Saharan African countries: propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem, with serious consequences on women's physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, as well as birth outcomes. Women who encounter IPV are more likely to experience adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and stillbirth. Although numerous studies are exploring the association between IPV and adverse birth outcomes, they merely used classical models and could not control for potential confounders. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there was a causation between IPV and adverse birth outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using a quasi-experimental statistical technique [i.e., propensity score matching (PSM) analysis].MethodThis study used the most recent (2015–22) Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 20 SSA countries. A total weighted sample of 13,727 women was included in this study. IPV (i.e., sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV) was the exposure/treatment variable and adverse birth outcomes (preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, and macrosomia) were the outcome variables of this study. PSM was employed to estimate the impact of IPV on adverse birth outcomes.ResultsThe average treatment effects (ATE) of sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV were 0.031, 0.046, 0.084, and 0.025, respectively. Sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV increased adverse birth outcomes by 3.1%, 4.6%, 8.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Findings from the average treatment effect on treated (ATT) showed that women who experienced sexual, physical, emotional, and at least one form of IPV had an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes by 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.3%, and 3.0%, respectively, among treated groups.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a causal relationship between IPV and adverse birth outcomes in SSA countries, indicating a need for programs and effective interventions to mitigate the impact of IPV during pregnancy to reduce related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we suggest further research that investigates the causal effect of IPV on adverse birth outcomes by incorporating additional proximal variables not observed in this study.

A comprehensive summary of eponymous awards and scholarships in sexual medicine.

Numerous eponymous awards and scholarships exist within sexual medicine. This comprehensive review is intended to summarize these awards and highlight the esteemed sexual medicine experts for whom these awards are named. To provide historical background and context for the various eponymous awards in sexual medicine. The websites of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and the regional affiliate societies, including the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and various regional societies were identified, and all awards associated with a member of note were documented. In cases where no awards were identified within a regional society and a contact person was available, inquiries were made regarding the existence of awards. Several documents on the history of the ISSM were utilized for background on awards. A comprehensive list of current awards and their history was compiled. This is the first comprehensive history of eponymous awards and scholarships available in sexual medicine.

Work Situation of Midwives in Spain: Perception of Autonomy and Intention to Leave the Profession: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Developed countries report specific issues regarding the declining midwifery workforce, and their shortage could have serious consequences for women's sexual and reproductive health. The aim was to understand the perception of autonomy among midwives working in Spain, as well as factors related to their intention to leave the profession and their work environment. A descriptive and cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. midwives working in Spain in any field (clinical, research, teaching, or management). A sample of 1060 midwives was obtained. Of these, 53.7% (n = 569) feel autonomous in their work, 92.4% (n = 978) perceive that their profession frequently suffers from external interference, 46.6% (n = 494) have experienced sexist behaviors at work, and 53% (n = 561) have considered leaving the profession in the last year. Midwives with less than 10 years of experience (57.7%), those aged 31-45 years (59.8%), those with temporary contracts (38.3%), and those working in hospital care (71.9%) show a higher rate of considering leaving the profession (p < 0.001). Considering the current midwifery workforce crisis in Spain, it seems urgent to improve the working conditions of midwives to ensure the continuity and quality of women's sexual and reproductive healthcare.

LONG-TERM SELF-MANAGEMENT OF VAGINAL CUBE PESSARIES CAN IMPROVE SEXUAL LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a widespread health issue that affects a significant proportion of women, particularly those who have experienced childbirth, undergone hysterectomy, or are postmenopausal. Objective: This study employs a secondary analysis to explore the long-term self-management of vaginal cube pessaries and its potential impact on sexual health in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted at Sandeman Provincial Hospital in Quetta from 01 August 2022 to 31 July 2023. The sample consists of 100 women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse who were treated with vaginal cube pessaries. Data was collected from the clinical records of patients who were part of the hospital’s pessary management program during the study period. Results: Data were collected from 100 participants. The majority of participants in this study were between the ages of 50 and 69 years (65%), with 75% of the women being postmenopausal. A significant portion of the population (60%) had more than two children, which is a common risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse. Most of the participants were diagnosed with moderate to severe prolapse, with 45% in Stage II and 30% in Stage III, indicating that the sample represents a range of prolapse severity, including advanced cases (Stage IV, 15%). Patient satisfaction with pessary self-management was generally high, with 50% of participants being highly satisfied and 30% moderately satisfied. Only 20% expressed dissatisfaction, which suggests that most women found self-managing their pessaries to be beneficial. Conclusion: This study concludes that long-term self-management of vaginal cube pessaries significantly improves sexual function and overall quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

The association between lifestyle factors and the composition of the vaginal microbiota: a review.

The vaginal microbiota offers valuable insights into women's sexual health and the risk of developing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis. Despite the public health implications of changes in the vaginal environment, existing data on this topic remain sparse. Following the PRISMA statement guidelines, we consulted five bibliographic databases, focusing on five main daily habits and behaviors. We included only studies published up to October 2023, investigating the influence of personal hygiene, sexual behaviors, hormonal contraception, smoking, alcohol consumption, and psychosocial stress on the vaginal microbiota using next-generation sequencing. Based on our inclusion criteria, we incorporated 37 studies into this review. Hormonal contraception and personal hygiene were found to promote eubiosis of the vaginal microbiota. In contrast, sexual behaviors, smoking, alcohol consumption, and psychosocial stress were associated with an increased susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis, STIs, and severe pelvic inflammatory diseases due to a modified vaginal microbiota. Black ethnicity emerged as a confounding factor, with this population showing unstable vaginal microbiota. Oral contraception and a stable male sexual partner were found to favor Lactobacillus colonization, acting as a protective factor. Conversely, non-hormonal contraception and unprotected or non-penile/vaginal sexual activity increased the incidence of vaginal inflammation and bacterial vaginosis by disturbing the vaginal microbiota and reducing Lactobacillus abundance. Daily habits and lifestyle can influence the composition of the vaginal microbiota, thereby affecting vaginal health. Disturbances in the vaginal microbiota could be associated factors for STIs and vaginosis. Therefore, prioritizing more appropriate management of the vaginal microbiota is crucial.

The effect of genital self-image on sexual satisfaction and stress in women after vaginal delivery.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods bring along biological, psychological, and social changes that could affect women's sexual health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genital self-image on sexual satisfaction and stress in women who had a vaginal delivery. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted online between June and September 2023 by using snowball sampling and the data collection forms prepared in the GoogleDocs program. Women who had a normal vaginal delivery were included, were within 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum, were able to use at least one of the social media networks (e-mail, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram), and volunteered to participate in the research. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, the "Female Genital Self-Image Scale," the "Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction," and the "Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised." The average age of the participating women was 30.54±5.83 years (n=235). The participants' mean scores were 18.94±2.92 for the Female Genital Self-Image Scale, 40.07±15.51 for the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, and 8.85±8.50 for the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised total. A statistically significant and negative relationship was found between Female Genital Self-Image Scale and Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised total scores (r=-0.183, p<0.01; r=-0.387, p<0.01). Regression analysis (forward) was performed, and genital self-image was found to be the predictive factor affecting sexual satisfaction and stress. This study found that women had a medium level of genital self-image and sexual satisfaction and a low level of sexual distress.

Knowledge and Attitudes About HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Sexually Active Black and Latina Cisgender Women: Findings from the 2017 and 2018 New York City Sexual Health Survey.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective tool to prevent HIV, yet it is underutilized among women. The current study aims to evaluate the awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of PrEP among a large survey sample of Black and Latina women in New York City (NYC). Interviewer-administered surveys were conducted in high HIV incidence neighborhoods in NYC among Black, Latina, and Afro-Latina women who reported recent sex with a man in 2017 (n = 398) and 2018 (n = 405). About 40% of participants were aware of PrEP, whereas 30.4% indicated interest in using it. The top reason for not utilizing it was low HIV risk perception. However, most participants supported the idea that using PrEP meant asserting control over their health (94.1%). Primary care providers and obstetricians/gynecologists were participants' preferred sources for PrEP (91.6%). Across survey cycles, compared to non-Black Latina participants, Black participants had significantly higher PrEP awareness (44.4% vs. 29.1%). PrEP awareness was also significantly higher among survey participants in 2018 (45.2%) than in 2017 (34.3%). Less than half of the participants were aware of PrEP, but those who were aware expressed largely positive attitudes toward the medication. Our findings may inform future PrEP implementation strategies to optimize awareness and access to PrEP among women disproportionately affected by HIV, like focusing on personal empowerment instead of risk-based messaging and training women's sexual health care providers in PrEP provision.

Impact of Telemedicine on Women's Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Sexual satisfaction is crucial for women's overall well-being; however, traditional interventions often face challenges such as high costs, limited access, inadequate specialized care, and discomfort during counseling sessions. Telemedicine presents a promising solution to these issues. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the efficacy of telemedicine interventions in improving sexual function and satisfaction among women. Evidence Acquisition: We searched SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PubMed for relevant articles published up to January 2024. The search strategy and keywords were crafted using the PICO approach to align with the study's objectives and ensure a comprehensive and structured review. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Jadad scale. The primary outcome measures were sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, satisfaction, and overall Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, and the I-square index was used to assess heterogeneity. Results: The systematic review identified six studies from an initial pool of 4,174 that demonstrated a positive effect of telemedicine interventions on all domains of the FSFI questionnaire, except for the pain domain and overall sexual function scores in women. The effects of telemedicine on sexual desire [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.51, 1.32], sexual arousal (SMD = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.42, 1.53), vaginal lubrication (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.59), orgasm (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21, 0.58), sexual satisfaction (SMD = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.48, 1), and total FSFI (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.49, 1.58) were found to be significant. However, the effect on pain was not statistically significant (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI = -0.10, 0.40). Conclusions: This study supports the effectiveness of telemedicine in improving women's sexual satisfaction and function. However, due to limitations in the included studies, such as small sample sizes, lack of randomization, and lack of blinding in some cases, more comprehensive studies are recommended. Future research should address these methodological limitations to provide stronger evidence on the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions for women's sexual health.

Sexual and Urinary Health among Women following Bariatric Surgery.

Women with obesity are more likely to experience bothersome urinary and sexual symptoms, but the long-term effect of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) on these outcomes is poorly understood. We aimed to describe how MBS longitudinally impacted women's urinary and sexual health. Patients who underwent MBS at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF) between 2009 and 2021 participated in a survey examining sexual health, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and urinary health using three validated questionnaires: a modified version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6 (POPDI-6), andthe Urinary Distress Inventory 6 (UDI-6). All questions asked referenced two time points: before surgery and at the time of survey. Logistic regression identified predictors of symptom improvement. Of 162 participants contacted, 118 (73%) had complete survey data. Mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 52.4 ± 12.6 to 36.3 ± 9.7kg/m2 (p < 0.01) with an average follow-up of 6years. The mean UDI-6 score amongst women was 24 ± 24 prior to MBS and 24 ± 26 at the time of survey administration (p = 0.458). Mean modified FSFI scores amongst women were 15 ± 5 prior to surgery and 14 ± 7 at the time of survey administration (p = 0.005). The overall mean POPDI-6 score amongst women was 13 ± 15 prior to surgery and 9 ± 14 at the time of survey administration (p = 0.056). Women who underwent MBS reported a high rate of sexual and urological dysfunction that did not improve longitudinally, despite significant weight loss.

Relationship between the frequency and duration of masturbation and the sexual health literacy and sexual function of women in western Turkey: a cross-sectional study.

Although sexual life and its knowledge are still taboo in many cultures, especially for women, it can negatively affect women's sexual health. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the frequency and duration of masturbation and the sexual health literacy among young Muslim women of reproductive age between 18 and 25years living in western Turkey. The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 921 young women in western Turkey between March and December 2023. Participants were included in the study per the snowball method. The data consisted of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding masturbation, sexual life, and sexual health literacy. Data were obtained on an online platform and analyzed with SPSS (version 24; IBM). Difference, correlation, and regression analyses were performed. The significance level for statistical analyses was accepted as P < .05. The outcomes of the study are the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding masturbation, orgasm, sexual health literacy, and sexual function in women. The participants were young Muslim women aged 21.00 ± 1.89years (mean ± SD). The frequency of masturbation was 5.06 ± 2.03 times per month, and the duration was 3.47 ± 1.77minutes per day. Masturbation frequency and duration were significantly associated with sexual health literacy and sexual function (P < .001). According to regression analysis, sexual function increased and sexual health literacy increased as masturbation frequency and duration increased (P < .001). This study presents results on the current situation regarding the sexual health literacy and sexual lives in women from different geographies and cultures, and it serves as a source for future studies on areas that need to be improved. The limitation of the study is that it was conducted only with Muslim and Turkish women who use smartphones and are sexually active, so it cannot be generalized to all women. The strengths of the study are that it was conducted with a sample of 921 women, it was based on self-report and addressed many dimensions related to masturbation and female sexuality, and the results were reached through exploratory analysis. The study found that the higher the duration and frequency of masturbation in young women, the better their sexual function and higher their sexual literacy.

Sexual health literacy among rural women in Southern Iran

Sexual health literacy (SHL) is a set of skills related to sexual behaviors that can affect sexual behavior and empower individuals to maintain as well as improve their sexual health. This study aimed to investigate the rural women's sexual health literacy and its related factors in Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 married women of reproductive ages referring to health center in Benaroyeh region along with six sub-villages in the South of Fars, Iran. Using convenience sampling method, we collected data via demographic-reproductive characteristics questionnaire and sexual health literacy for adult’s questionnaire. We analyzed data using SPSS-16. Approximately 33.5% of the women obtained their sexual information online. The mean total SHL score was 75.64 ± 12.81. The SHL level was considered desirable in 82.5% of the participants. Among the four domains of SHL, the scores of most subjects on access skills and analysis-evaluation skills were unfavorable, 24.5% and 35.5%, respectively. The results show that the SHL level was correlated with education (P = 0.021) and inversely related to the gravidity (P = 0.04). There was also a statistically significant relationship between SHL level and women's career (P = 0.026), spouse's career (P = 0.01), and parity (P = 0.05). Most rural women had desirable levels of SHL. Given the lower levels of SHL in access and analysis-evaluation skills, and given the prevalence of Internet use, the provision of high quality and accessible online sexual health content within social and cultural norms is recommended.

Women's Experiences Following Peripartum Hysterectomy: A Qualitative Study.

Peripartum hysterectomy is a major operation and is inevitably performed where certain indications require removal of the uterus at the time of delivery or in the immediate postpartum period. It is a traumatic birth event that affects women's physical, physiological, psychological, social, and sexual health. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of women undergone peripartum hysterectomy. Qualitative phenomenological design was adopted to explore the lived experiences of women undergone peripartum hysterectomy. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to enroll the participants and 19 women were interviewed before saturation of responses was reached. All interviews were audio recorded and then transcribed into verbatims. Colaizzi's thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. Based on participants' verbatims eight major themes emerged: Awareness status regarding peripartum hysterectomy; Body's response to peripartum hysterectomy; Perceived need of support; Facilitators in overcoming post-hysterectomy challenges; Relational turbulence; financial burden; Perceived psychological adaptation; Disturbed body image and low self-esteem. Derived themes in the present study highlighted the multidimensional effects of peripartum hysterectomy. Peripartum hysterectomy affected physical, psychological, sexual and financial health of the women. Increased dependence and changes in the self concept are the other problems faced by peripartum hysterectomy women. Need based individualized psychological therapeutic interventions will facilitate the successful adaptation to the traumatic situation by the reinforcement of positive coping mechanisms.

Evaluating Sexual Health in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Study on the Interplay of Disability and Quality of Life.

In the context of evolving perceptions of sexuality, particularly within the realm of health and disability, this study investigates the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on female sexual function and quality of life. A quantitative study involving 130 female MS patients aged 35 to 50 was conducted, employing measures such as The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), and The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results indicate a significant association between greater sexual dysfunction and poorer quality of sex life, alongside the correlation of increased fatigue with diminished sexual satisfaction. Specifically, the mean FSFI score was 20.8 (SD = 9.36), with 83.8% of participants experiencing severe fatigue (FSS score ≥ 36). Sexual dysfunction demonstrated a strong, negative correlation with all FSFI subscales (p < 0.01). Factors such as education level (p = 0.016), time of diagnosis (p = 0.035), and treatment regimen (p = 0.041) also significantly influenced outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of supportive interventions, including counseling, to enhance the quality of sex life for women with disabilities, particularly those with MS.

(077) WOMEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH: AN INTRODUCTION TO A BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL LECTURE FOR EARLY HEALTHCARE TRAINING

Abstract Introduction In 2009, The International Consultation in Sexual Medicine called for the implementation of a greatly expanded, national standard on sexual health education across the nation within medical schools (E Coleman et al. 2013). Yet, over half of medical students throughout the United States and Canada feel that their medical school education left them inadequately prepared to address their patients’ sexual health concerns (Shindel AW et al. 2010). A 2022 study illustrates that outside of basic female anatomy, over half of the Chicago area medical schools failed to address female sexual functioning in their curriculum (N Codispoti et al 2022). Furthermore, today's physicians share similar qualms, as they cite lack of education and training on sexual health as leading to barriers to care and a decrease in screening for sexual dysfunction (Parish SJ et al 2009). Our study delineates a proposed curriculum, analyzing for efficacy as well as the students perceived comfort with addressing this topic in clinic and their perspectives on its importance to their education. Objective Assess the need for curriculum supplementation based on student baseline knowledge and comfort with the topic of women's sexual health. Establish the supplemental curriculum, analyzing for efficacy of education and improved student comfort with addressed topics. Integration of supplemental curriculum into study location medical school curriculum and standardization to all area medical school curriculums. Methods This self controlled, cross-sectional, survey study investigates first year medical students' initial education level and perspectives on womens’ sexual function (WSF) and womens’ sexual dysfunction (WSD), and their post education knowledge level and perspective. The study team recruited 50 students for our study, approximately one third of the class. The study outcomes were assessed for the efficacy of each of the teaching materials through content based quiz questions, as well as the students perceived comfort with addressing this topic in clinic and their perspectives on its importance to their education as compared to the pre-education survey. Results The study resulted in statistically significant improvement from the pretest knowledge in subjects of postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis, perimenopausal risk factors and preventative care, and female HPG axis-based pubertal development. Notably within the demographic assessment, all medical specialties were selected as “of interest” by at least one participant. The participants also assessed that overall women’s sexual health should be taught in their preclinical curriculum and is valuable to their future career, despite the widely varied fields of medicine within interest. Conclusions With statistically significant improvement in knowledge of women’s sexual development and function through our proposed curriculum, we aim to advocate for implementation of a standardized preclinical women’s sexual health curriculum. Furthermore, our ongoing studies focus on the development of a curriculum directed at the pathology and treatments of female sexual dysfunction from a biopsychosocial perspective, resulting in a comprehensive curriculum. Disclosure No.

(039) DIVERSITY OF CAUSES OF DYSPAREUNIA IN REAL CLINICAL PRACTICE IN THE OUTPATIENT GYNECOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Abstract Introduction Dyspareunia is a women's sexual health problem that still often goes undiagnosed, despite its high prevalence and negative impact on sexual, marital and psychological well-being. Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) refers to significant pain and difficulty with penetrative sex that lasts for at least six months and might be caused by various diseases alone and their combinations. Objective Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the contribution of different conditions to the total number of patients who applied for a primary appointment for GPPPD. Methods Women who agreed to participate in the study were presenting complaints on painful intercourse or inability to have intercourse for more than 6 months. Patients underwent a gynecological examination consisted of inspection, Q-tip testing, pelvic floor muscle testing and bimanual palpation in the lithotomy position (if it was possible). Diagnoses were documented according to the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision World Health Organization guidelines. Pain was assessed via the McGill Pain Questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. Assessment of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction was based on an International Continence Society report on the terminology for pelvic floor muscle assessment. Vulvar pain conditions were classified based on the consensus vulvar pain terminology committee of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health, and International Pelvic Pain Society. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS Statistics. Results The average age of the examined women was 30,63±0,69 years. As a cause of GPPPD vaginismus and dyspareunia were diagnosed in 19.31 and 80.69 % respectively. Predominant cause of dyspareunia was pelvic floor muscles dysfunction (66,19%) which was combined with other pathologies (scar deformity of the perineum, endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, candidiasis, etc.) in 20 cases. The percentage of women diagnosed with endometriosis without the formation of central pain mechanisms was 11.36%. The overlapping chronic pain conditions such as migraine, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis and vulvodynia were diagnosed in 21.13% patients with dyspareunia. Dyspareunia due to vaginal atrophy associated with lactation, combined oral contraception use and menopause was diagnosed in 4 patients (2.82%, 1.41% and 1.41%, respectively). Scar changes of the perineum due to traumatic delivery or episiotomy amounted to 4.23%. Lichen planus was diagnosed in one patient (1.41%). Vulvodynia was diagnosed in 8 patients with dyspareunia (11.26%) and was associated with pelvic floor tension myalgia and pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome in 75% of cases. Conclusions GPPPD can be caused by various conditions with significant involvement of the pelvic floor muscles in the process of pain formation. Taking into account the risk of overlapping chronic pain conditions, a multidisciplinary approach is required in the treatment of this group of patients. Disclosure No.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental and Sexual Health of Women

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effects on women's mental and sexual health of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The research in the case-control involved 315 women, out of which 171 were part of the control group. These women had no history of COVID-19 infection before and were free from any mental or physical health issues. The remaining 144 female participants formed the case group. They had contracted COVID-19 disease at least two months ago and had tested negative. Results: Based on the study data, women who have had COVID-19 show a higher rate of moderate to severe depression (p

Sexual health of women using combined oral contraceptive containing estetrol and drospirenone: A prospective observational study

Aim. To evaluate the effect of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing estetrol and drospirenone on the sexual function of women using it. Materials and methods. A total of 251 women aged 21–35 years (mean age, 25.30±2.82 years) referred for contraceptive fitting were included in the study (ICD-10: Z30.0 General contraceptive advice and counseling, Z30.4 Contraceptive drug monitoring). Women in the study cohort used the original formulation containing 15 mg estetrol and 3 mg drospirenone in a 24+4 regimen for contraceptive purposes, according to the current instructions. All female participants (n=251) were assessed for sexual function at baseline, 6 and 12 months using FSFI (The Female Sexual Function Index), FSDS-R (The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised) and SQoL-F (The Sexual Quality of Life-Female) scales. Study design. An open, independent, prospective observational study. Results. Women taking COC containing estetrol 15 mg and drospirenone 3 mg maintained a baseline high level of sexual satisfaction (p0.05) throughout the study, as assessed by FSFI, SQoL-F and FSDS-R scales. Conclusion. The results obtained indicate that there is no negative effect of COC containing 15 mg estetrol and 3 mg drospirenonone on the sexual function of women. High contraceptive efficacy of the drug was confirmed.

Women’s Empowerment and its Relationship to Intimate Partner Violence in Palpa District, Lumbini, Nepal

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) violates women's human rights and is a major public health concern. Intimate relationship violence or non-partner sexual assault affects about one in three (30%) women worldwide at some point in their lives. These types of violence harm women's sexual, emotional, physical, and reproductive health. This kind of abuse against women is preventable. Women's empowerment encompasses six common qualities: psychological, political, legal, economic, physical, and social empowerment, encompassing various aspects of life. Objectives: To assess the relationship between women’s empowerment and intimate partner violence. To identify the prevalence and contributing factors of intimate partner violence among married women. Materials and method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for the study. The sample size was 352 and a purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews using per-tested questionnaire during April, May, June, and July 2023. Questionnaire related to Socio-demographic information, Standard valid tool Conflict Tactics Scale tools (CTS) were used as instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 22. Results: Out of 352 respondents, nearly half (43.2%) were between the ages of 30 and 39. Half of the respondents (50.3%) had low decision-making levels. Likewise, the lowest proportion of the respondents (16.2%) had a moderate level. More than half of the respondents (58.5%) had a low level of empowerment, whereas only 3.4% of the respondents had a high level of empowerment. Regarding violence, physical was 20.2%, sexual was 24.1%, emotional was 33.2%, controlling behavior was 53.7%, and overall intimate partner violence was 68.5%. There is a statistically significant relationship between intimate partner violence and women’s age (p =&lt;0.010*), duration of marriage (p=&lt;0.009*), socioeconomic class (p = &lt;0.01*), member of the organization (p = 0.005*), bank account (p=0.006*), empowerment (p = 0.020*), husband's alcohol habit (p = &lt;0.01*), and husband's smoking habit (p = &lt;0.01*). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that more empowered women had less experience with intimate partner violence, whereas less empowered women had more experience with emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, as well as dominating actions from their close relationships. Having children, household decision-making, and property ownership had no noticeable effect on the prevalence of intimate relationship violence. The likelihood of intimate relationship violence was not significantly impacted by having children, making decisions, or possessing property.

The role of menstrual cycle changes in the evaluation of women's reproductive, sexual and mental health - lessons learned from the covid-19 pandemic

The role of menstrual cycle changes in the evaluation of women's reproductive, sexual and mental health - lessons learned from the covid-19 pandemic