Have Sex Research Articles

Factors Associated with Sexual Intercourse Frequency Among South African Women: Evidence from a National Cross-sectional Survey

Background: Engaging in regular healthy sexual intercourse activities is good for human health and well-being. Greater sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) for people in relationships is often associated with well-being, greater relationship satisfaction, reduced mortality, increased life expectancy, positive emotions and happiness, while lack of sexual activity is usually associated with depression and marital disharmony. Aim: The primary purpose of this study is to identify the factors associated with SIF among women in South Africa. Data and Methods: The South African Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data were used, and the negative binomial regression model (NBRM) was employed for analysis. Results: Age was significantly associated with high SIF (IRR = 1.02; p < .001). African women had significantly higher SIF than Indian/Asian women (IRR = 1.28; p = .049). Married women had a significantly higher SIF than women who were never married (IRR = 1.42; p < .001). Women who resided in urban areas were significantly associated with higher SIF than women who resided in rural areas (IRR = 1.14; p < .001). Conclusion: Being young, being Indian/Asian, being unmarried, and residing in rural areas is associated with low SIF, whereas being older, being African, being married, and staying in urban areas is associated with high SIF. Generally, without violating cultural, religious and societal beliefs, married women should be taught about the benefits of sexual intercourse activity (SIA) and be encouraged not to be ashamed of entering into sexual intercourse activities.

The Benefits of an Integral HAMMAM Experience Combining Hydrotherapy and Swedish Massage on Pain, Subjective Well-Being and Quality of Life in Women with Endometriosis-Related Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of an integral HAMMAM experience, a 4-week therapeutic program that combined hydrotherapy and Swedish massage, applied in a multisensorial immersive environment, on pain, well-being and quality of life (QoL) in women with endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain that is unresponsive to conventional treatment. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 44 women with endometriosis. They were randomly allocated to either the ‘HAMMAM’ group (n = 21) or to a control group (n = 23). The primary outcome, pain intensity, was evaluated using numeric rating scales (NRSs). The secondary outcomes were pain interference, pain-related catastrophic thoughts, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), subjective well-being, functional capacity and QoL, which were evaluated using the brief pain inventory (BPI), the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), algometry, the subjective well-being scale-20 (EBS-20), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 (PROMIS-29) and the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 Questionnaire (EHP-30), respectively. The primary and secondary outcomes were measured at the baseline and after the intervention. The statistical (between-group analyses of covariance) and clinical effects were analyzed by the intention to treat. Results: The adherence rate was 100.0% and the mean (± standard deviation) satisfaction was 9.71 ± 0.46 out of 10. No remarkable health problems were reported during the trial. The ‘HAMMAM’ intervention improved dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia after the intervention with large and moderate effect sizes, respectively. Improvements in pain interference during sleep and PPTs in the pelvic region were also observed in women allocated to the ‘HAMMAM’ group. No effects were observed in catastrophizing thoughts, well-being nor QoL, except for the sleep subscale. Conclusions: A 4-week program of an integral ‘HAMMAM’ experience combining hydrotherapy and massage in a multisensorial immersive environment is a feasible and effective intervention to alleviate pain during menstruation and sexual intercourse as well as pain interference with sleep in women with endometriosis.

Effectiveness of masturbation Premature ejaculation diagnostic tool in diagnosing premature ejaculation in men without vaginal intercourse over the past six months: an observational study

Background Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common concern for men and their partners, but current diagnostic tools mainly focus on men who have vaginal intercourse. The Masturbation Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (MPEDT) was created to address this gap, but its effectiveness for men who only engage in self-masturbation has not been studied. This research aimed to determine the frequency of self-reported PE patients who do not have vaginal intercourse and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MPEDT for this group. Method The study involved 446 male patients aged 18 to 40, and 40 non-self-reported-PE and non-vaginal-intercourse healthy males. Participants completed the MPEDT questionnaire and reported their recent six-months sex frequency. Result Among the patients seeking treatment for PE, 21.75% had not engaged in vaginal intercourse in the past six months. Of the PE patients who completed the MPEDT questionnaire (86 patients), 90.7% were diagnosed with masturbatory-PE (MPE). The sensitivity for self-reported MPE and specificity for self-reported non-MPE were 93.02% and 72.5%, respectively. Discussion For patients who have not had vaginal intercourse in the past six months but engage in masturbation and seek treatment for PE, the PEDT may not effectively assess their ejaculatory function. The MPEDT, however, can effectively evaluate their ejaculatory function. This study also emphasizes the need for diagnostic tools tailored to this population.

Prediction and feature selection of low birth weight using machine learning algorithms

Background and aimsThe birth weight of a newborn is a crucial factor that affects their overall health and future well-being. Low birth weight (LBW) is a widespread global issue, which the World Health Organization defines as weighing less than 2,500 g. LBW can have severe negative consequences on an individual’s health, including neonatal mortality and various health concerns throughout their life. To address this problem, this study has been conducted using BDHS 2017–2018 data to uncover important aspects of LBW using a variety of machine learning (ML) approaches and to determine the best feature selection technique and best predictive ML model.MethodsTo pick out the key features, the Boruta algorithm and wrapper method were used. Logistic Regression (LR) used as traditional method and several machine learning classifiers were then used, including, DT (Decision Tree), SVM (Support Vector Machine), NB (Naïve Bayes), RF (Random Forest), XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting), and AdaBoost (Adaptive Boosting), to determine the best model for predicting LBW. The model’s performance was evaluated based on the specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, F1 score and AUC value.ResultsResult shows, Boruta algorithm identifies eleven significant features including respondent’s age, highest education level, educational attainment, wealth index, age at first birth, weight, height, BMI, age at first sexual intercourse, birth order number, and whether the child is a twin. Incorporating Boruta algorithm’s significant features, the performance of traditional LR and ML methods including DT, SVM, NB, RF, XGBoost, and AB were evaluated where LR, had a specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and F1 score of 0.85, 0.5, 85.15% and 0.915. While the ML methods DT, SVM, NB, RF, XGBoost, and AB model’s respective accuracy values were 85.35%, 85.15%, 84.54%, 81.18%, and 84.41%. Based on the specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, F1 score and AUC, RF (specificity = 0.99, sensitivity = 0.58, accuracy = 85.86%, F1 score = 0.9243, AUC = 0.549) outperformed the other methods. Both the classical (LR) and machine learning (ML) models’ performance has improved dramatically when important characteristics are extracted using the wrapper method. The LR method identified five significant features with a specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and F1 score of 0.87, 0.33, 87.12% and 0.9309. The region, whether the infant is a twin, and cesarean delivery were the three key features discovered by the DT and RF models, which were implemented using the wrapper technique. All three models had the identical F1 score of 0.9318. However, “child is twin” was recognized as a significant feature by the SVM, NB, and AB models, with an F1 score of 0.9315. Ultimately, with an F1 score of 0.9315, the XGBoost model recognized “child is twin” and “age at first sex” as relevant features. Random Forest again beat the other approaches in this instance.ConclusionsThe study reveals Wrapper method as the optimal feature selection technique. The ML method outperforms traditional methods, with Random Forest (RF) being the most effective predictive model for Low-Birth-Weight prediction. The study suggests that policymakers in Bangladesh can mitigate low birth weight newborns by considering identified risk factors.

Psychological Effects Arising from Weak Erection Among males in South-South Nigeria

Weak erection among male are on the increased and caused psychological trauma to male and also to their female counterpart who could not get satisfaction from their partners during sexual intercourse and it is a disturbing act Majority of the males facing weak erection pass through several degrees of psychological trauma that have affected their biopsychological system including their cognitive response. The aim of the study is to evaluate The Psychological Effects Arising from Weak Erection Among males in South-South, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 480 males who were within the age of 18 to 47 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the Research Assistants. The study lasted for a period of 3 months. The results of this study showed that participants faced varieties of psychological complications due to erectile dysfunction and these include depression (83.3%), shame (83.3%), isolation (60.4%), negative self-esteem (83.3%), (2.08%) said they could not approach ladies of their choice, (83.3%) felt embarrassed, (79.2%) thought deeply and (72.92%) said they could not coordinate themselves. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.

Genital findings in adult females: a forensic analysis of photographic records

BackgroundIn the investigation of sexual assault cases, a standard practice involves examining female genitalia to identify injuries. The majority of research was done to examine findings in the child age group, but very little research was done on the adult age group. There is a need for guidelines to follow for the interpretation of adult female findings as they hold the same significance as in children. The Dammam Forensic Medicine Center conducted a retrospective chart review study in the period from 2014 to 2021 to examine adult female genital findings utilizing photographic documentation.ResultsOne hundred sixty-three cases involving adults between the ages of 18 and 52 were examined. Cases were divided into two groups to focus on hymenal findings that fell in the class of no expert consensus. The first group included self-defined virgins, who denied having ever experienced vaginal penetration in their entire lives, including the reported incidence, which represented 38 cases. The rest of the cases had at least a single incident of vaginal penetration. The normal genitourinary findings were found comparable to those in the child age group. All of the participants who showed notches or clefts, below the 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock location, which extends nearly to the base of the hymen, but is not a complete transection belonged to the group with a history of vaginal penetration. The three participants who showed a notch or a cleft in the hymen rim at 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock which extends nearly to the base of the hymen, but is not a complete transection belonged to the same group.ConclusionsFindings that lack expert consensus in the child age group are likely the result of injury in the study participants. This result gives valuable information on genital findings in self-identified virgin adult females, which can be utilized in conjunction with other studies to establish standards for the assessment of cases of alleged sexual assault in adult females.

Asking for Verbal Sexual Consent and Experiences of Sexual Violence and Sexual Behaviors Among High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023.

Adolescents' sexual consent behaviors are critical for developing healthy sexual relationships and preventing experiences of sexual violence. This report uses 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data to describe prevalence of asking for sexual consent verbally at last sexual contact among U.S. high school students. Differences in prevalence of asking for sexual consent verbally by sex, age, race and ethnicity, sexual identity, sex of sexual contacts, and gender identity were examined. Differences in asking for sexual consent verbally also were examined by experiences of sexual violence and sexual behaviors. Sex-stratified logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between asking for sexual consent verbally with experiences of sexual violence and sexual behaviors. In addition, data were analyzed using adjusted logistic regression models controlling for age, race and ethnicity, and sexual identity. Among high school students who reported ever having sexual contact, 79.8% reported asking for sexual consent verbally at last sexual contact. A lower percentage of female students (74.5%) reported asking for sexual consent verbally than male students (84.6%). In adjusted sex-stratified analyses, female students who asked for sexual consent verbally had higher prevalence of ever having had sexual intercourse. Male students who asked for sexual consent verbally had higher prevalence of ever having had sexual intercourse and being currently sexually active. Female and male students who asked for sexual consent verbally had higher prevalence of having first sexual intercourse before age 13 and using condoms. In addition, female students who asked for sexual consent verbally during last sexual intercourse had lower prevalence of using alcohol or drugs at last sexual intercourse. Public health researchers and practitioners, health care providers, schools, and youth-serving organizations can use these findings to better understand high school students' verbal sexual consent, improve complex measurement of consent-seeking behaviors, and guide multicomponent sexual health and violence prevention efforts across various settings.

Criminal Fines and Customary Justice in Papua: Socio-Legal Analysis in Child Sexual Intercourse Cases

This study aims to analyze the formulation and application of criminal fines for child sexual intercourse within Papuan Indigenous society. Utilizing a socio-juridical or empirical legal research method, the study examines criminal sanctions, particularly fines, in cases involving child sexual intercourse. Data collected from primary, secondary, and tertiary sources are analyzed qualitatively to draw legal conclusions. The research highlights that customary law, recognized under the 1945 Constitution of Indonesia, plays an essential role in the legal culture of Indigenous communities, including those in Papua. Customary courts, as established by Law Number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua Province, are recognized within specific customary law communities. These courts operate based on the respective community's customary law, with provisions allowing for judicial review in formal courts if a party disagrees with the customary Court's ruling. Regarding fines as a criminal sanction, determining the appropriate amount often complicates the resolution of cases. The system is rooted in communal values emphasizing collective rather than individual justice, reflecting principles of kinship, religious beliefs, and societal cohesion in decision-making.

Scalarity and divided consent: analysing rape

In this essay, it is submitted that consent comes in degrees and the wrongfulness and harmfulness of conduct is contingent on the degree of voluntariness underwriting the particular consent decision. A fully free decision to consent changes the normative nature of the act: genuine gift-giving is not theft. Lovemaking is not rape. Partially free decisions to consent can change the nature of the act if it makes the act less harmful and thus less wrongful. Partial consent is not about claiming that the conduct was partially justified, but rather about demonstrating the particular act was less harmful and thus deserving of a less serious crime label than is found in the label rape simpliciter. A second theme picked up in this essay is the issue of conditional consent. It is submitted that breaching a condition (conditions such as D is rich, D is a pacifist, D does not have HIV and so on) of consent to sexual intercourse will not change otherwise consensual nature of the sexual intercourse itself, but it may give rise to criminal liability for the collateral harm caused such as HIV infection.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of high-risk Human Papillomavirus infection among Vietnamese women in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam: A population-based cross-sectional study

IntroductionPersistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genotypes are wellknown to increase the risk of cervical cancer significantly. This study aims to determine the prevalence and distribution of high-risk HR-HPV genotypes among women in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Viet Nam. MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2020 and September 2020 in all 24 districts of HCMC, Viet Nam. Socio-demographic and behavioral data were collected from 2478 women aged 25 to 65 who had sexual intercourse using a self-administered questionnaire. Vaginal swab specimens from all participants were collected to identify HR-HPV genotypes using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocols. ResultsThe prevalence of HR-HPV infection was 3.5 % (87 women, including 20 cases infected with multi-genotypes), 3.1 % in urban and 0.4 % in rural areas. The most detected HR-HPV genotypes among positive cases were 58 (25.3 %), 52 (21.8 %), 16 (21.8 %), 68 (10.3 %), 51 (10.34 %) and 18 (9.2 %). The prevalence of multi-type HR-HPV genotypes was 0.81 %, of which the most common co-infection genotypes were 52 and 58 (20.0 %), 16 and 56 (10.0 %), and 16 and 39 (10.0 %). The percentages of one-, two-, three-, and four-genotypes of HPV among positive cases were 77.0 %, 16.1 %, 4.6 % and 2.3 %, respectively. ConclusionsOur findings explore a low prevalence of HR-HPV infection in Vietnamese women, of which genotypes 52 and 58 are more popular than 16 and 18. Continuously updated data on the genotype distribution of HPV are helpful for vaccine development and planning preventive activities to prevent HPV-related cancers.

Zap the clap with DNA: a novel microbicide for preventing Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection.

Each year, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo) causes over 1.5 million new infections in the United States, and >87 million worldwide. The absence of a vaccine for preventing gonorrhea, the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant and extremely drug-resistant Ngo strains, and the limited number of antibiotics available for treating gonorrhea underscore the importance of developing new modalities for addressing Ngo infection. Here, we describe DNA-based microbicides that kill Ngo but not commensals. Previously, we showed that Ngo is killed when it takes up differentially methylated DNA with homology to its genome. We exploited this Achilles heel to develop a new class of microbicides for preventing Ngo infection. These microbicides consist of DNA molecules with specific sequences and a methylation pattern different from Ngo DNA. These DNAs kill low-passage and antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates with high efficiency but leave commensals unharmed. Equally important, the DNAs are equally effective against Ngo whether they are in buffered media or personal lubricants. These findings illustrate the potential of this new class of practical, low-cost, self-administered DNA-based microbicides for preventing Ngo transmission during sexual intercourse.

Adolescent risk behaviours are associated with educational attainment in early adulthood: results from the Raine Study cohort

BackgroundHigher educational attainment is important for economic wellbeing and associated with better health and longevity. Previous research focused on intelligence, socioeconomic status and mental health or individual risk behaviours as predictors of educational attainment, but the role of multiple domains of adolescent risk behaviours is less clear. This study examined the association between multiple domains of risk behaviour in adolescence and educational attainment by 22 years-of-age.MethodsYoung people (Generation 2, Gen2) and their parents (Generation 1, Gen1) participating in the Raine Study completed questionnaires at years 1, 5, 8, 10 (Gen1 only), 14, 17 (both) and 22 (Gen2 only). The Raine Study is an ongoing longitudinal study initiated in Perth, Western Australia, between 1989 and 1991. The 1,102 Gen2 participants who responded to questions about highest educational attainment were included in this study. The association between Gen2 self-reported risk behaviours (including age at commencement of drinking alcohol, smoking, sexual intercourse and drug use) and educational attainment (defined as self-reported years of completed high school: ≤10, 11, 12 or tertiary education (> 12)) at year 22, after adjusting for mother’s age and combined parental education level, participant sex, and family income, educational performance and adolescent mental health, was explored using ordinal regression models and presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOrdinal models suggested that never smoking or starting older than 18 compared with smoking before age 15 (OR 2.02, 95%CI: 1.28–2.14); first drinking alcohol between 15 and 17 years compared with younger than 15 (OR 1.52, 95%CI: 1.08–2.14); and, first sexual intercourse aged ≥ 18 years compared with under 15 (OR 1.67, 95%CI: 1.08–2.57) were associated with higher levels of educational attainment at 22-year follow-up. Additionally, lower (“better”) behavioural scores increased the odds of higher levels of attainment.ConclusionsAbsence of health risk behaviours at a younger age or later commencement was associated with higher educational attainment. Evidence-based interventions that address the societal influences underpinning risk behaviours in adolescents may support longer school retention.

Gender-Affirming Phalloplasty: A Comprehensive Review.

The goals of gender-affirming phalloplasty typically include an aesthetic phallus and scrotum, standing micturition, and/or penetrative intercourse. Phalloplasty can be performed using both free and pedicled flaps. Complications include flap-related healing compromise and urethral issues, including stricture and fistula. Phalloplasty has high patient satisfaction and has demonstrated improvement in quality of life.

Adolescent Students’ Sexual Behaviors: Experiences from the Eastern Ghana Special Schools for the Deaf

This study assessed adolescent students’ sexual behaviors in eastern region schools for the deaf in Eastern Ghana. The study used the descriptive survey design, which describes, analyzes and interprets conditions that exist. The population of the study was 125 adolescent students from three selected Junior High Schools (JHS) for the deaf in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study sampled 95 (52 Boys and 43 girls) students to participate through a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study established that the majority of the adolescent students with deafness were sexually active as they had had sexual intercourse before the study took place. They engaged in risky sexual behaviors in various ways, such as having sex with more than one regular partner. The study’s recommendations include that the school leadership should encourage teachers to sensitize the adolescent students on safer practices to avoid the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.

A Holistic View on Erectile Dysfunction: South African Medicinal Plants as Sustainable Alternative Therapies

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem affecting men worldwide, especially as they age. This condition is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse and may result from various factors, including vascular, neurogenic, hormonal, and psychological. Common first-line treatment options for the disease have relied on phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra), which are costly, inaccessible, and sometimes result in adverse health effects. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in exploring medicinal plants as alternative remedies because of their easy access and affordability. In South Africa, 75 plant species with properties that affect testosterone levels, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone are used as aphrodisiacs. Some plant extracts can increase blood testosterone concentrations and stimulate penile erection by maintaining nitric oxide levels. This paper presents current information about the possible utilization of South African medicinal plants as viable and readily available therapeutic alternatives for managing erectile dysfunction. In addition, it discusses in detail the various mechanisms of action of medicinal plants in managing the disease. The information on the efficacy of African medicinal plants in managing erectile dysfunction provided in this review will help increase awareness of the sustainable use of natural products. It may serve as a basis for including indigenous herbal remedies in the guidelines for erectile dysfunction management as potential treatment options in Africa.

Unveiling trends in late diagnosis among 22,504 people living with HIV in Hunan, China.

This study examined the prevalence of HIV late diagnosis (LD) and identified associated factors with LD among people living with HIV (PLWH). We extracted sociodemographic, epidemiological, and immunological information between 2018 and 2021 in Hunan, China from the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System of China. The chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify the factors associated with LD. Among 22,504 PLWH, 14,988 (66.6%) were diagnosed late. PLWH aged 50 and older had a higher proportion of LD (71.2%) than the younger group (60.0%). Older age, being male, Han ethnicity, being registered in Western Hunan, being transferred from health facilities, and being infected through heterosexual intercourse were associated with LD. Among PLWH younger than 50 years, apart from the factors mentioned above, individuals who had primary school or lower education, were non-student, and were divorced or widowed were more likely to be diagnosed late. Unlike younger PLWH, these factors were not associated with LD in the older group. But regional disparities in LD were more significant among them. LD in PLWH remains a severe issue, especially among older people. The study findings provided valuable insights into designing programs targeting groups at higher risk of LD to reduce its prevalence.

Exploring the impact of sexual positions on ejaculation: Insights from a survey study by the Andrology Working Group of the Society of Urological Surgery in Turkey.

Sexual position is one of the several aspects that affects ejaculation control, which is essential for sexual pleasure. Still little is known, nevertheless, about the connection between sexual positions and ejaculation duration. To investigate the impact of various sexual positions on the duration of ejaculation and gain a deeper understanding of the elements that influence the ability to control ejaculation. An online survey was carried out on a sample of 1904 heterosexual men between the ages of 18-65 years. Premature ejaculation (PE) diagnostic tool was used to define PE. Demographic, behavioral, and physiological traits that are linked to PE and non-PE groups were collected. The participants listed their preferred sexual positions and the ones they changed to during ejaculating. Also, analyses were performed between male/female active or deep/shallow thrust positions and PE status. Although there were no appreciable variations in age or circumcision between PE and non-PE groups, the age of first sexual experience was associated with PE status. Groups also varied in the number of weekly ejaculations, the duration of the favored ejaculations, and the characteristics of the erection. The most preferred sexual posture was the doggy style regardless of the group. When the non-PE group felt to ejaculate, they preferred to change the position significantly more than the PE group (74%vs 67.2%; p<0.05). However, when participants felt ejaculate, non-PE participants tended to switch to shallow thrusting positions significantly more than PE participants, who preferred deeper positions (27.1%vs. 18%; p<0.05). This study underlines the relevance of considering sexual positions in controlling PE. Modifying positions during sexual intercourse may offer a non-pharmacological therapeutic alternative for improving ejaculation control. Future studies in this field might help to create tailored PE treatment strategies.

Prevalence, bother, and impact on pelvic floor muscles of vaginal noise among middle-aged women

BackgroundVaginal noise (VN) is a natural phenomenon that arises when air is forced into the vagina and then expelled as the vaginal wall muscles naturally contract. It has been described as involuntarily passing gas from the vagina. VN is a symptom of pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction and can cause social and psychological issues. Data on it is limited, and women rarely voluntarily report it. So, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence, bother, and relation between VN and PF muscle dysfunction.Material and methodsIt was a cross-sectional study that included females with age ranges from 30 to 60 years old, body mass index (BMI) ranges from 18 to 30 kg/m2, married, single, virgin, nulliparous, and multiparous women; those with previous one or more vaginal deliveries or cesarean sections (CS) or history of anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall prolapses; and those who had undergone medical interventions such as vaginal surgeries (e.g., pelvic floor reconstruction, hysterectomy), stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, and fecal incontinence. The Vaginal Wind Questionnaire, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7), and Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire were used as methods of evaluating the VN prevalence and bother and its relation to PF dysfunction.ResultsIt was noted that there was a 76.3% prevalence of VN and 75% bother among the study population. Eighty-eight percent of them did not seek any treatment, and VN occurred in 84.3% of females with pelvic floor muscle weakness.ConclusionVN is common in middle-aged Egyptian women, most frequently occurring with sexual intercourse, vaginal delivery, and pelvic floor muscle weakness.

Sexual intercourse before embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology might enhance probability of pregnancy: An observational study.

Modifying the maternal immune system is necessary to facilitate embryo implantation. Modifying the immune system can occur in several ways, including maternal exposure to the partner's seminal plasma. Seminal plasma exposure can occur through sexual intercourse. To prove this theory, we investigate the effect of sexual intercourse on the chances of successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) in both fresh and frozen embryo transfer (ET) groups in terms of biochemical and clinical pregnancy. This is an observational analytical study with a retrospective cohort study design. This study compared biochemical and clinical pregnancy in patient groups who had sexual intercourse with those who did not have sexual intercourse during the IVF process. This study involved 132 participants. The results of this study reported that there was no significant difference in pregnancy rates between patients who had sex before ET and those who did not have sex before ET. However, patients who experience orgasm during sex show significant rates of biochemical (p = 0.009) and clinical pregnancy (p = 0.027) rates. Sexual intercourse did not show a significant difference between the groups who had sex before ET and those who did not have sex, but the experience of orgasm every time they had sex recently had a positive impact on reproductive health, especially pregnancy.

Advice on contraception for young people

While the legal age to take part in sexual acts in the UK is 16, one in three young people will already have had sexual intercourse by this age. Health professionals are legally allowed to support under-16s in choosing appropriate contraception, to reduce the risk of pregnancy occurring. When undertaking a consultation, health professionals must be educated in the areas of consent, confidentiality, safeguarding and abuse referral pathways. Understanding how to identify abuse, use specific questioning and listening skills, and having the ability to notice non-verbal cues, are essential in identifying the vulnerable young. It is also important to have an awareness of groups who are at higher risk of abuse (e.g. vulnerable adults, LGBTQ+ community), and to understand when to refer to safeguarding teams and the police. Despite access to contraception being more readily available, holistic barriers to accessing contraception still exist. This article discusses assessing a young person for contraception, Gillick competency and legal issues, forms of available contraception (including some common risks and benefits), barriers to accessing contraception and emergency contraception.