Have Sex Research Articles

Disparities in HIV testing, STI testing, and associated risk factors in high school-aged youth: findings from the youth risk behavior survey

ABSTRACT Adolescents and young adults aged15 and 25 have the highest rates of STIs and HIV, yet they often do not seek testing or treatment. This study examined the factors influencing HIV and STI testing among sexually active high school students using data from the 2019 and 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS), which sampled students across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Key variables included HIV and STI testing, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual identity, age of first sexual intercourse, and substance use during sex. Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify predictors of testing. Results showed that only 14.4% of students were tested for HIV and 16.3% for other STIs. Factors associated with testing included age, number of sexual partners, and substance use. This study highlights the need for alternative methods of STI and HIV testing to improve screening rates among this at-risk age group.

Exploring knowledge, attitudes, practices, and determinants regarding emergency contraception use among female university students in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionEmergency contraception is an essential method for preventing unintended pregnancies, especially after unprotected sexual intercourse. However, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to emergency contraception among university students remain underexplored, particularly in low-resource settings such as Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and determinants influencing the use of emergency contraception among female students in Goma.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 677 female students from two universities in Goma who were selected via a cluster sampling method. Data were collected via a preestablished questionnaire, and participants were interviewed after providing consent. The data were analysed via STATA 16, with chi-square tests to compare variables, considering a significance threshold of 5%.ResultsA total of 625 (92.32%) students reported being aware of emergency contraception, and 80.32% demonstrated good knowledge of it. In terms of attitudes, 533 (85.28%) students had positive attitudes towards emergency contraception. Among the 625 students who were familiar with emergency contraception, 416 had engaged in sexual intercourse, with 294 (70.67%) having utilized emergency contraception. Factors significantly linked to emergency contraception use included being single (adjusted OR = 1.9 [95% CI: 1.1–3.2]), possessing good knowledge (adjusted OR = 3.0 [95% CI: 1.6–5.8]), and having a positive attitude (adjusted OR = 2.4 [95% CI: 1.1–4.9]).ConclusionAlthough the students demonstrated good awareness of emergency contraception and its utilization, the high frequency of emergency contraception use underscores the importance of promoting knowledge about conventional contraceptive methods. It is crucial to enhance educational campaigns within universities to mitigate the elevated risk of unsafe abortions.

HTLV screening of blood donations in England between 2002 and 2021 - Comparison of screening strategies.

HTLV is associated with adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma and myelopathy. Here we present virological and epidemiological data on HTLV screening of blood donations in England between 2002 and 2021, implemented to prevent its transmission via blood transfusion. Data on HTLV testing of blood donations was reviewed; it was initially conducted in pools (2002-2012) and subsequently using individual samples (all donors, 2013-2016; first-time donors and non-leucodepleted component donors, 2017-2021). Data included annual number of donations screened, initial and repeat reactives as well as confirmed positives. Further information, such as likely source of infection, was obtained for HTLV-positives. Over the 20-year study period, a total of 30,679,741 blood donations were screened for HTLV in England. Under pooled screening strategy, the annual rate of repeat reactive donations remained <5:100,000. However, this rate increased to 51:100,000 with individual screening and further to 123:100,000 with selective screening. A total of 5032 samples were repeat reactive, of which 278 were confirmed HTLV-positives. Although the specificity under each scenario exceeded 99.9%, the rate of repeat reactives was around 50-fold higher in individual compared to pooled screening. Most HTLV infected were UK-born, most likely acquired their infection unknowingly through breast feeding or heterosexual intercourse with an individual associated with an HTLV-endemic country. These data highlight that pooled testing can be advantageous in low-prevalence settings due to its high specificity and reduced non-specific reactivity. Whether pooling is an applicable strategy to tackle the burden of HTLV infection in resource poor, HTLV-endemic countries requires further investigations.

Determinants of infertility among married women who attend gynecologic unit at health facilities of Gamo Zone and South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a case control study

BackgroundInfertility defined as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Globally, infertility affects 15% of couples in the reproductive age.PurposeTo identify determinants of infertility among married women who attend care at public health facilities of Gamo Zone and South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.Patients and methodsAn Institution-based un-matched case–control study was conducted from May 1, 2022-May 30, 2023G.C. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling method after allocating the sample size proportionally to the health facilities. The data was collected by using the Open Data Kit (ODK) app through face-to-face interviews and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. The chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify determinants (P value < 0.05).ResultA total of 760 married women (152 cases and 608 controls) in the reproductive age group were included in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 26.5(SD ± 5.27) years. In multivariable analysis: age, educational status of the woman, residence, family size, ever use of contraceptives, history of STI, history of abortion, menstrual pattern and current alcohol use were identified as determinants of infertility.ConclusionFactors such as older age, lower education, rural living, smaller families, lack of contraceptive use, history of STIs, past abortions, irregular periods, and current alcohol consumption were found to increase the risk of infertility. To reduce infertility rates, it is crucial to improve STI prevention, expand access to family planning services, and promote women's education.

Knowledge of Ghana’s liberal abortion law and use of modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age

BackgroundModern contraceptives have been widely promoted as an effective tool for birth control. They are highly effective for preventing unintended pregnancies thereby reducing the risk of abortions, maternal morbidities, and mortalities. Abortion or planned abstinence from sexual intercourse may be perceived as alternatives to the use of modern contraceptives. The aim of this study was to assess whether knowledge of the legal status of abortion, and knowledge of the monthly fertile period, were associated with the use of modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Ghana.MethodsWe used nationally representative secondary data from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey. A weighted sample of 23,466 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years were included in the study. Pearson chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to assess the association between the independent and the outcomes variables. Sampling weight, cluster, and strata were applied at all levels of the analysis.ResultsMore than half (55.4%) lived in urban area, 80.1% were 20 years or older, 52.2% were multiparous women, 61.9% had secondary or higher education, and 34.5% were in the lower two wealth quintiles. We found no statistically significant association between knowledge of the legal status of abortion and use of modern contraceptives, or between knowledge of the monthly fertile period and use of modern contraceptives. Women with history of an induced abortion were 1.57 times as likely to use modern contraceptives compared to those with no history [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.57, 95% CI 1.41–1.75]. Each additional increase in knowledge of a different modern contraceptive method was associated with 1.25 times increase in modern contraceptive use (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.22–1.29).ConclusionsIntensifying education on modern contraceptive methods and use, especially at abortion facilities, may help improve the uptake of modern contraceptives among women in Ghana.

Associations between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Female Sexual Function in a Preconception Cohort

Female sexual function is important for sexual well-being, general health, fertility, and relationship satisfaction. Distressing impairments in sexual function, clinically recognized as female sexual dysfunction (FSD), can manifest as issues with interest/desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain during vaginal penetration. Some evidence suggests that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may adversely affect female sexual function, but associations for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have not been previously evaluated. We investigated associations between serum PFAS concentrations and female sexual function among U.S. pregnancy planners. We used cross-sectional data from participants from Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a prospective preconception cohort study. Participants reported sexual function at baseline on two validated measures: a modified version of the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6) and Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS). We quantified PFAS serum concentrations in samples collected in the preconception period (i.e., at baseline) using solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-isotope-dilution-mass spectrometry. Participants reported sociodemographic information on structured baseline questionnaires. We included 78 participants with complete PFAS and sexual function data and fit multivariable linear regression models to estimate mean differences in FSFI-6 scores (β) or percent differences (%) in FSDS scores per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PFAS concentrations, adjusting for age, annual household income, years of education, parity, and body mass index. We further investigated effect measure modification by parity (parous vs. nulliparous) in stratified models. An IQR increase in perfluorohexanesulfonic acid was associated with a 1.0-point decrease (95% CI=-1.8, -0.1) in reported FSFI-6 scores, reflecting poorer sexual function. PFAS were consistently associated with lower FSFI-6 scores among parous participants. PFAS were also associated, though imprecisely, with greater sexual distress. Some PFAS were associated with poorer sexual function among parous U.S. pregnancy planners, but future studies are needed to clarify the extent to which PFAS influences female sexual health.

Finger roots (Uvaria chemea) and African greenheart (Cylicodiscus gabunensis): Alternative Potent Therapy to Sildenafil in Erectile Dysfunction

Background and aimErectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting men worldwide, characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Traditional herbal remedies, rooted in cultural practices, have been explored as alternative therapies for ED, and this study focuses on Uvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis, two plants with reported medicinal properties, as potential alternatives to sildenafil, a standard pharmaceutical for ED. Experimental procedureForty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (treated with distilled water), low, medium, and high doses (treated with 61.23, 122.47, and 183.71 mg/kg each of Uvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis respectively), and a positive control group (treated with sildenafil citrate). The rats were treated for 21 days, and their erectile responses were estimated ResultsSignificant improvements in erectile responses were observed in rats treated with Uvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis extracts compared to the control group. When compared to sildenafil citrate, the extracts showed comparable effects in most parameters, with a significant disparity noted in intromission frequency at low and high dosages. Strikingly, there was no significant difference between the extracts treated animals and their counterparts treated with sildenafil citrate. ConclusionUvara chemea and Cylicodiscus gabunensis extracts demonstrated potential in ameliorating erectile dysfunction in rats, suggesting their viability as alternative or complementary therapeutic options to sildenafil citrate. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, determine optimal dosages, and evaluate the long-term safety profiles of these herbal extracts for potential human applications.

Mendelian randomization analysis of female reproductive factors on osteoarthritis.

Epidemiology shows women have a higher incidence of osteoarthritis (OA) than men. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest a direct correlation between female reproductive factors and OA. Therefore, this study will employ Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between the 2. This study used a 2-sample MR analysis with single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with female reproductive factors as instrumental variables (IV). We used inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median method to infer a causal relationship between female reproductive factors and OA, Cochran Q heterogeneity test by IVW and MR-Egger method, MR PRESSO method and IVW-radial method to detect outliers, MR_pleiotropy_test function and MR PRESSO method for multivariate validity test, and calculation of F-value was used to assess the presence of weak IVs. Finally, the stability of the findings was assessed using the leave-one-out method. Our research shows that there is no reliable causal relationship between an increase in Age at menarche (years) (AAM) and Age at menopause (years) (AM) and OA, that an increase in Age first had sexual intercourse (years) (AFS) is associated with a decreased risk of knee OA and/or hip OA and hand OA, that an increase in Age at first live birth (years) (AFB) is associated with a decreased risk of knee OA and/or hip OA and knee OA, and that an increase in Number of live births (NOB) is associated with an increased risk of knee OA and/or hip OA. This study provides genetic support for an increase in AFS as a reduced knee OA and/or hip OA and hand OA risk factor, an increase in AFB as a reduced knee OA and/or hip OA and knee OA risk factor, and an increase in NOB as an increased knee OA and/or hip OA risk factor. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the causal associations between AFS, AFB, and NOB and site-specific OA.

Reproductive Outcomes in Patients with Infertility and Insulin Resistance

Infertility defined as the inability of a couple to achieve conception after one year of sexual intercourse without contraceptive protection, or after 6 months in patients older than 35 years. According to the WHO, 10-15% of couples have some fertility problem and 25-50% of this is due to anovulatory female infertility, which could be due to insulin resistance, especially in overweight and obese patients, since 75% of obese patients suffer from IR, added to the fact that overweight and obesity have a high prevalence in the Mexican population, where a prevalence of up to 35% has been reported, it is important to consider it as a causal factor in patients with infertility. In 2021, 413 first-time patients with a diagnosis of infertility were received at the Gynecology-Obstetrics UMAE of CMNO IMSS; of these, 245 have a diagnosis of anovulation and about 40% are overweight or obese, however, there is no report on reproductive outcomes of these patients who undergo medical treatment, some cases achieve clinical pregnancy and of these some result in term births, preterm, miscarriage and / or death. Infertility and obesity have a great impact on women's health, affecting the physical, psychological, family and social area, leading to a deterioration in the quality of life, in turn obesity is one of the main risk factors for numerous diseases, so they are of special interest to social level and in the health system, being important its study and treatment to achieve better results of fertility and health in general.

Gardnerellavaginalis-binding IgA in the urethra of sexually experienced males

BackgroundGenital inflammation increases HIV susceptibility and is associated with the density of pro-inflammatory anaerobes in the vagina and coronal sulcus. The penile urethra is a critical site of HIV acquisition, although correlates of urethral HIV acquisition are largely unknown. While Streptococcus mitis is a consistent component of the urethral flora, the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis has been linked with prior penile-vaginal sex and urethral inflammation. Here, we use a flow cytometry-based bacterial assay to quantify urethral IgA and IgG that bind G. vaginalis and S. mitis in a cross-sectional cohort of 45 uncircumcised Ugandan men and to evaluate their association with the urethral microbiome and local soluble immune factors.ResultsUrethral antibodies binding both bacterial species were readily detectable, with G. vaginalis predominantly bound by IgA, and S. mitis equivalently by IgA and IgG. Gardnerella vaginalis-binding IgA was elevated in participants with detectable urethral Gardnerella, with the latter only present in participants who reported prior penile-vaginal sex. In contrast, detectable urethral S. mitis was not associated with sexual history or levels of S. mitis-binding IgA/IgG. The time from the last penile-vaginal sex was inversely correlated with the urethral concentrations of total IgA, G. vaginalis-binding IgA, and chemokines IL-8 and MIP-1β; these inflammatory chemokines were independently associated with higher total IgA concentration, but not with G. vaginalis-binding IgA.ConclusionsThis first description of microbe-binding antibodies in the penile urethra suggests that urethral colonization by Gardnerella after penile-vaginal sex specifically induces a G. vaginalis-binding IgA response. Prospective studies of the host-microbe relationship in the urethra may have implications for the development of vaccines against sexually-transmitted bacteria.EnGLria5fUgKACmpttUN3NVideo

P-511. Missed Opportunities for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Initiation in Hospitalized Persons with Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Diseases

Abstract Background Hospitalizations are increasing among persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) secondary to overdose as well as infections. Hospital settings are a reachable moment not only to offer treatment for OUD and co-occurring infections, but also to offer HIV testing and link to antiretroviral therapy to treat and prevent HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV acquisition through both sharing injection drug use equipment and condomless sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, few persons who use drugs including those with OUD are offered PrEP. This descriptive analysis sought to examine patients’ knowledge and attitude about PrEP to better understand if PrEP initiation at time of hospital contact could be used as a way to increase PrEP uptake in patients with OUD.Figure 1.Participants’ perceived risk of HIV on hospital discharge. Methods A retrospective data analysis was performed from the ongoing parent study, Project COMMIT (Coordinated Medical Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Disease). Adult patients (N = 144) hospitalized with bacterial, viral, or fungal infection with moderate to severe OUD were recruited upon admission to hospital and randomized 1:1 to either: 1) infectious disease management of OUD with long-acting injectable buprenorphine vs. 2) treatment as usual. Of the 144, 73 participants who did not report HIV infection, completed a supplemental questionnaire assessing beliefs in PrEP. Basic demographic information, sexual and HIV risk factors, and opioid use risk factors and beliefs about PrEP were reported as frequencies and percentages. Results When exploring HIV risk behavior in the past 30 days, 46 (63%) used injection drugs, 26 (35.6%) had condomless sex, 3 (4.1%) knew of their sexual partner being HIV positive or of unknown status, and 12 (16.4%) shared works. Of the 73 who completed the survey, 29 (39.7%) had never heard of PrEP, and none (n=0, 0.0%) had taken PrEP before. When asked about perceived risk of HIV, on a 4-point scale (high, medium, low or no risk), a majority of participants 64 (87.7%) thought they had no or low risk of HIV infection. Conclusion This study identified the need for increased education about risk for HIV and PrEP among people who use drugs and attention to acute hospitalization as a reachable moment for engaging them in HIV prevention care. Disclosures Sheela Shenoi, MD MPH, Merck Pharmaceuticals: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company) Frances Levin, MD, Aelis Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support|Indivior: Medication for Research|Major League Baseball: Advisor/Consultant|NCATS: Grant/Research Support|NIDA: Grant/Research Support|NYSPI: Salary Support|SAMSHA: Grant/Research Support|US World Meds: Grant/Research Support Edward Nunes, MD, Alkermes: Advisor/Consultant|Alkermes: donated medication or digital therapeutics|Braeburn: donated medication or digital therapeutics|Camurus: Advisor/Consultant|Camurus: donated medication or digital therapeutics|Chess Health: donated medication or digital therapeutics|Indivior: Advisor/Consultant|Indivior: donated medication or digital therapeutics|Pear Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Pear Therapeutics: donated medication or digital therapeutics Alain H. Litwin, MD, MPH, MS, Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support|Merck Pharmaceuticals: Advisor/Consultant Sandra Ann Springer, MD, Alkermes Inc: Honoraria|Alkermes Inc: In kind study drug donation for NIH sponsored research|Indivior Pharmaceutical company: In kind study drug donation for NIH sponsored research

Prevalence, predictors and selected outcomes of early sexual initiation among adolescents in secondary schools in Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria: a mixed methods study

BackgroundEarly sexual initiation is the onset of sexual intercourse below 15 years. Despite many negative effects of early sexual initiation, its prevalence has kept increasing globally over the past decades.ObjectiveThis...

Mpox Cases in Serbia, 2022

Background: On 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox multi-country outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This study aimed to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of confirmed mpox cases reported in Serbia in 2022. Methods: The mpox WHO case definition was used. Incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) by age groups and nomenclature of territorial units for statistics level 3 (NUTS-3) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Between June and October 2022, 43 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported. All were unvaccinated males, with the mean age of 34 (±7.4) years. Out of the total, 72.1% cases were men who have sex with men (MSM), who reported sexual intercourse either with multiple or unknown partners (p &lt; 0.01). Fifteen cases (34.9%) lived with HIV, mostly in the 30–39 age group (p = 0.023). People living in Belgrade City NUTS-3 were six times more likely to become infected compared to South Backa citizens (IRR: 6.03, 95% CI: 1.47–25.53). Conclusions: In Serbia, mpox mainly affected MSM aged 30–39 and living in urban areas. Health promotion and vaccine implementation should be prioritized in populations with a higher risk.

Factors associated with male acceptance of modern contraceptive methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study in a peri-urban municipality

BackgroundMale knowledge and acceptance of modern contraceptive use play a significant role in uptake. This study assessed the factors associated with male acceptance of modern contraceptive methods in Ho Municipality.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was employed. Systematic random sampling was used to select 503 participants from households with married men and women. A structured pre-tested questionnaire, including open-ended and closed-ended questions, was researcher assistant administered. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 17.ResultsThe majority of the respondents identified that contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy (91.19%), and also identified the following as birth control commodities: birth control pills (64.94%), female condoms (15.71%), intrauterine devices - IUDs (4.79%), and implants (4.21%). Factors such as affordability, employment status, income, and access significantly influenced male acceptance of contraceptives. The study revealed that men (84.67%) agreed with their partner to use contraceptives after sexual intercourse while only 37% agreed to use contraceptives before sexual intercourse. Among those who did not accept the use of modern contraceptives, the reason provided was the fear of side effects (65.13%). Men who find modern contraceptives affordable were more likely to use them (AOR = 8.15; 95%CI:3.49–19.02; p-value < 0.001). Also, unemployed men were less likely to use modern contraceptives (AOR = 0.14; 95%CI:0.044–0.44; p-value = 0.001). Men with lower income (50–900 cedis average monthly income level) were less likely to use modern contraceptives (AOR = 0.28; 95%CI:0.07–1.02; p-value = 0.05).ConclusionIncreasing interventions aimed at continuously reducing the cost of modern contraceptives is essential for improving male acceptance and the overall success of modern contraceptive use in other communities with low male involvement. The government, Healthcare agencies, community leaders, and family planning organizations should work together to actively intervene in lowering the cost of modern contraceptives to improve access by men.

We Slept Across: Linguistic Choices and the Gendering of Sexual Intercourse in Bette-Obudu, South-Eastern Nigeria

We Slept Across: Linguistic Choices and the Gendering of Sexual Intercourse in Bette-Obudu, South-Eastern Nigeria

Factors Associated with HIV Risk Perception Among Cisgender Female Sex Workers in Brazil.

This study evaluated the association between HIV risk perception and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics among cisgender female sex workers in the five regions of Brazil. A cross-sectional, multicenter study using respondent-driven sampling was used. Sex workers over 18years of age and who reported commercial sex in the past fourmonths were included. All participants completed a questionnaire with sociodemographic and behavioral factors. In addition, the participants were offered a rapid HIV antibody test. Unweighted bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Overall, 794 HIV-negative participants were included (mean age = 34.44years [SD = 6.49]). Most participants were brown/pardo (59.47%), from social class D-E (82.24%), and with medium education (57.12%). Most women perceived themselves to be at low to moderate risk (68.26%), 7.56% at no risk, and 24.18% at high risk for HIV infection. Those who frequently or always had sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol had a 2.36 times higher probability of having a high HIV risk perception compared to those who never had sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol. The data from this study aid in a better understanding of HIV risk perception and its impact on sexual behaviors among female sex workers. Although the majority considered themselves to be at low to moderate risk for HIV, some higher vulnerability behaviors were prevalent.

P0479 The impact of inflammatory bowel disease on sexuality of male and female patients

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that globally affects the health of individuals who suffer from it, deteriorating their quality of life (QoL), which includes one’s sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of intestinal disease on sexuality of male and female with IBD. Methods: Patients and Methods A prospective survey study on male and female individuals with IBD using an anonymous questionnaire including 60 inquiries concerning patients ‘intimate relationship and sexual functioning was performed. The following statistical tests were used: chi-square test of independence, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, Wilcoxon and U Mann-Whitneyatests. The significance level of p = 0.05 was assumed as statistically significant. Results The survey included 110 respondents with IBD (41% with Crohn’s disease and 57% with ulcerative colitis) - 52 women (47%) and 58 men (53%). Most of them were aged between 31 and 40 (45%). Statistically significant differences were found in the assessment of satisfaction with sex after IBD diagnosis between the groups - female vs male (p = 0.041). Women gave different ratings on a 5-point scale, most often 1 (23%), 4 (23%) and 5 (27%), while men most often gave 4 (49%) and 5 (26%). Despite the disease, men were more likely than women not to give up sexual activity: 53% vs 43%, respectively (p = 0.011). While women were more likely than men to be afraid that after being diagnosed with IBD they would be less attractive to their partner: 31% vs 10%, respectively (p = 0.002). Nearly 31% of women after diagnosis of IBD did not have orgasm or achieved it less frequently than before the diagnosis, which was less common in men (4%). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Men more often than women did not change their erotic perception of the partner after IBD diagnosis: 71% vs 39%. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Women (70%) were more likely than man (28%) to expect a gastroenterologist to inform about sexuality and fertility in IBD. The difference was statistically significant (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion According to our survey IBD has more negative impact on sexuality of female patients. After the diagnosis women were less satisfied with sex, felt less attractive to their partner and more often resigned from sexual intercourse because of the disease. However, women were more interested in information about sexuality and fertility in IBD than men.

Impact of Infertility and Medically Assisted Reproduction Treatments on Female Sexuality.

To evaluate the impact of infertility and Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) on female sexuality. Human sexuality presents a multifaceted complexity, shaped by diverse factors and individual intricacies. Infertility and assisted reproductive treatments entail a prolonged and arduous journey, amplifying pre-existing sexual dysfunctions and serving as a rigorous trial of the affected women's sexuality and the resilience of couples. This is a prospective descriptive comparative study with an analytical section, involving 140 female participants: 70 with infertility undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, and 70 who are fertile and had no prior history of conceiving problems. The evaluation of the sexual function of the two groups was conducted using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score. The infertile group exhibited a higher level of marital adjustment compared to the fertile cohort. A majority of participants within the infertile cohort (51.4%) presented with primary infertility and (48.6%) experiencing secondary infertility. A marginal elevation in the frequency of sexual intercourse among infertile participants was observed. The mean global score of female sexual function was (21.57±3.36) in the infertile group, which was significantly lower compared to (24.46±1.97) in the fertile group. Notably, both scores fell within the criteria for high risk of sexual dysfunction. The difference between the two groups was significant for all dimensions of FSFI. Infertility and its treatments pose challenges to female sexuality, often leading to sexual dysfunction. Thus, counseling and sexological support are crucial during treatment.

Higher female partner age and longer duration of marriage: key factors for less frequent sexual intercourse in infertile couples.

Background Sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) is widely known to be associated with fertility, but little is known about what predicts SIF among infertile couples trying to conceive. In this study, we examine the demographic and lifestyle risk factors associated with less frequent coitus among infertile couples. Methods This cross-sectional study examined infertile couples actively trying to conceive, selecting them from patients seeking fertility treatment. Demographic data and lifestyle factors such as age, occupation, smoking status, and body mass index were recorded. Participants self-reported the frequency of vaginal-penile intercourse per week and month. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data and identify predictors of SIF. Results Our study included a final sample size of 790 couples. In univariate binary logistic regression, women's age (OR: 0.948; 95% CI 0.928-0.969), men's age (OR: 0.957; 95% CI 0.937-0.977), duration of marriage (OR: 0.927; 95% CI 0.903-0.952), and duration of infertility (OR: 0.928; 95% CI 0.898-0.960) were found to be significant factors. Additionally, men's smoking was negatively associated with SIF, with an odds ratio of 0.732 (95% CI: 0.578-0.928, P =0.010). Conclusions We observed that younger female partner age and shorter duration of marriage independently emerged as significant predictors associated with higher SIF. Our study highlights the need for tailored counseling and education based on age and marital stage. Older couples may benefit from specialized support such as sexual therapy and stress management. The negative impact of men's smoking on sexual intercourse frequency underscores the importance of effective smoking cessation programs. Comprehensive infertility treatment should address medical, psychological, and sexual health factors.

Investigation of the Effect of Counseling Given to Postpartum Women with the EX-PLISSIT Model on Sexual

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of counselling using the EX-PLISSIT model on sexual problems experienced by postpartum women. The study collected data from a sample of 1062 women who gave birth at a Public University Hospital in 2017, using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale and Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction Scale. The study was conducted in two stages, with 189 women in the first stage and 150 women in the second stage. Women in the intervention group received sexual counselling based on the EX-PLISSIT model. A statistically significant difference was found in the education level of the women and the age and education level of their spouses. Pain was reported by 14.7% of women during the pre-pregnancy period, 12.0% during pregnancy, and 26.7% during the third month after delivery. A statistical difference was found between the intervention and control groups in the sub-dimension scores of the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, including communication, satisfaction, avoidance, touch, vaginismus, and orgasm, as well as the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, including sexual desire, vaginal wetting/moisturizing, and satisfying orgasm. However, age, income status, marital age, marital type, marital adjustment, parity, and childbearing were not statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups. The study found that counselling with EX-PLISSIT had a positive effect on both sexual dysfunction and the quality of sexual intercourse.