ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess time intervals between the age at menarche (AM) and age at sexual initiation (ASI) in Polish women born before and after the political transformation period in Poland. METHODS: Participants were 518 women born between 1959 and 2001 in Poland. AM and ASI were based on self-report. Three birth cohorts were distinguished based on the year of birth: I (1959-1979), II (1980-1989), III (1990-2001). Three categories of AM were distinguished: early maturing (<12.0 years), average (12.0-13.0 years), and late maturing (≥14.0 years). Temporal intervals between AM and ASI were calculated. RESULTS: Both AM and ASI decreased in subsequent birth cohorts, with the greatest changes observed in the women born after 1989. No significant differences in the time interval between AM and ASI were observed between birth cohorts. However, the time interval between AM and ASI differed by AM category (H = 74.16; P < .001). The longest time period between AM and ASI occurred in early maturing girls (7.13 years) and the shortest in late maturing girls (3.25 years). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the transformation and decline in both AM and ASI, the time interval between these two characteristics remained stable. Significant differences in the time interval were found among women stratified by AM. The time interval between AM and ASI was longer in girls who matured early in comparison to those maturing late or at the average time.
Subject(s)
Adolescent Development , Menarche , Sexual Behavior , Adolescent , Age Factors , Child , Female , Humans , Poland , Socioeconomic Factors , Time FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Research studies suggest that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may influence the composition of the oral microflora in women. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting the number of selected periopathogens in a young cohort of females with PCOS and to assess the association between oral hygiene, subgingival microbiome, gingival health, and metabolic and hormonal parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two subjects with PCOS and twenty-three healthy controls aged 15-19 years were examined periodontally by a calibrated dentist. A real-time PCR method was used for the identification of 9 subgingival microorganisms. Subjects with PCOS underwent blood tests for determination of FSH, LH, total testosterone, DHEA-S, estradiol, SHBG, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and lipid profile. RESULTS: Gingival index (GI), the proportion of bleeding sites (BOP%), probing depth (PD), and plaque index (PLI) did not differ significantly between cases and healthy age-mates. The control group had significantly higher levels of Peptostreptococcus micros and substantially greater percentage of subjects infected by Treponema denticola. Capnocytophaga gingivalis count was positively correlated with the level of estradiol, while the concentration of HDL-C was negatively correlated with the number of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and orange complex bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: PCOS in young patients was not associated with higher pathogenicity of subgingival biofilms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further studies are needed to explain the relationship between hormonal and metabolic abnormalities, subgingival microflora, and periodontal health in patients with PCOS.
Subject(s)
Gingivitis , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , Adolescent , Adult , Capnocytophaga , Female , Firmicutes , Humans , Oral Hygiene , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Research studies indicate that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase susceptibility to periodontal disease. The mechanisms that link both conditions are not entirely understood. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the impact of hormonal and metabolic disturbances on the gingival health and salivary levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß (IL1-ß), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in adolescent girls with PCOS. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with PCOS and twenty-eight healthy age-mates (as the control group) were enrolled in the study. Individuals with PCOS underwent blood tests for the determination of hormonal and metabolic parameters. Saliva samples were collected to measure salivary testosterone and proinflammatory cytokines in both studied groups. Calibrated dentist assessed oral hygiene and gingival health of all subjects. RESULTS: Salivary testosterone was significantly higher in the study group (p = 0.0007). The groups did not differ significantly concerning periodontal parameters. Patients with PCOS revealed higher levels of salivary cytokines (p < 0.0001). Gingival index (GI) and the percentage of sites bleeding upon probing (BOP%) were positively correlated with the plaque index (PI) in both groups (rs ≥ 0.60, p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with salivary testosterone level in the PCOS group (rs = - 0.44, p = 0.0138 and rs = - 0.37, p = 0.0424, respectively). BOP% was also positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) in the control group (rs = 0.40, p = 0.0368) and index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the study group (rs = 0.48, p = 0.0068). Salivary testosterone was positively correlated with TNF-α in the control group (rs = 0.41, p = 0.0321), while in the study group, total testosterone (TT) was positively correlated with IL-6 (rs = 0.37, p = 0.0400) and free androgen index (FAI) with TNF-α (rs = 0.36, p = 0.0491). CONCLUSIONS: Gingival health of the examined population was associated primarily with oral hygiene and, to a lesser extent, with the hormonal and metabolic profile. Despite similar periodontal parameters in the both studied groups, patients with PCOS revealed significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines in saliva, which might be the manifestation of the systemic low-grade inflammation associated with PCOS.
Subject(s)
Insulin Resistance , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , Adolescent , Body Mass Index , Cytokines , Female , Humans , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/complications , SalivaABSTRACT
Inflammation within the genital organs in women is an important problem in gynaecology and venereology. Understanding the factors contributing to the inflammatory process and the role of defence mechanisms against their occurrence is important in terms of prevention and treatment. It is especially visible in paediatric gynaecology, where inflammatory diseases of the vulva, dermatoses, injuries and the effects of possible sexual harassment may overlap.
ABSTRACT
Getting to know the history of syphilis should begin with an attempt to establish the original source of its spread throughout the world. The dispute about the origin of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum (subspecies pallidum), had not been resolved even as late as in the twenty-first century, and to this day the supporters and opponents of the thesis that syphilis was brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus' sailors have been fighting without solid and sustainable foundations. The French named syphilis "the Neapolitan disease", while the Italians called it "the French disease".
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INTRODUCTION: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is recognized as an excellent tool for assessing female sexuality and screening female sexual dysfunction, but it also has important venereological implications as sexually transmitted diseases result from human behaviour in the sexual sphere. It is influenced by socio-economic, psychological and cultural factors. AIM: To present the results of an attempt to implement FSFI in gynaecological practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 91 women aged 20-35 (mean: 24.3 ±4.0) undergoing prophylactic gynaecological examinations. All of them voluntarily agreed to fill in the FSFI questionnaire, and provide data on weight, height, hormone treatments, the age of menarche and sexual initiation and information essential in health promotion and prevention, including the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. RESULTS: The average age of the first sexual intercourse was 18.2 ±2.4. The total FSFI score ranged from 3.8 to 35.1 points (mean: 27.4 ±6.5). As many as 34.1% of the women presented with FSFI < 27.50, suggesting an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. Patients' age as well as the age of menarche were both negatively correlated with desire. The mean FSFI scores for almost all of the domains and the FSFI total score were higher for women taking oral contraceptives, although statistically significant differences were detected only for the orgasm domain. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of sexually active Polish women presented with FSFI below the threshold, suggesting some grade of sexual dysfunction. Gynaecological and STI medical history should be extended to include issues related to female sexual function.
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Despite the recognition of the clinical importance of child sexual abuse, primary health care providers are often not ad-equately prepared to perform medical evaluations and diagnose child sexual maltreatment. Paper presents basic symptoms and signs of CSA, which may suggest the need for further patient's diagnosis and referral. Since the great majority of sexually abused children do not have any abnormal physical findings, special attention is paid to the silent warning signs of CSA, such as changes in attitude towards own body and eating habits. Numerous studies suggest that victims of CSA may develop obesity or eating disorders of various forms and intensities.
Subject(s)
Child Abuse, Sexual/psychology , Feeding and Eating Disorders/psychology , Medical History Taking , Pediatric Obesity/psychology , Physical Examination , Child , Clinical Competence , Feeding and Eating Disorders/etiology , Humans , Pediatric Obesity/etiology , Professional-Patient RelationsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The goal of the paper was to compare weight gain in pregnant women in relation to the week of gestation at birth, the delivery method, and the occurrence of macrosomia and low birth weights for patients with different durations of physical activity during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The full course of study was completed by 57 pregnant women enrolled in an 18-week physical activity programme during their second and third trimesters. The actual duration of their physical activity was monitored with the ActiGraph GT3X monitor. The patients were divided into two groups: L_MPA (n = 28) - pregnant women with daily physical activity of over 21.38 minutes and S_MPA (n = 29) - pregnant women who exercised less than 21.38 minutes a day. The study compared obstetric results in both groups. RESULTS: Significantly more patients in the S_MPA group exhibited excess weight gain as compared with the L_MPA group (p = 0.01). There was found to be no significant impact from the duration of physical activity on the occurrence of macrosomia or low birth weight, the gestation age at birth or the delivery method. However, there were two times fewer cases of macrosomia in the L_MPA group. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that physical activity during pregnancy for at least 21 minutes per day in the second half of the pregnancy reduces the risk of excess weight gain during pregnancy.
Subject(s)
Exercise/physiology , Weight Gain , Adult , Delivery, Obstetric/methods , Female , Fetal Macrosomia/etiology , Gestational Age , Humans , Infant, Low Birth Weight , Parturition , Pregnancy , Time Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
The persistent or recurrent difficulties of the woman to allow vaginal entry of a penis, a finger, and/or any object, despite the woman's expressed wish to do so" is vaginismus. Early traumatic sexual experiences (e.g. sexual abuse), religious orthodoxy, low self-esteem and body image, negative attitudes about sexuality, lack of knowledge about sex and fear responses are some of the traditional etiological correlates of vaginismus. Vaginismus is largely a diagnosis of exclusion. An interview is crucial in differentiating the causes of this disease and it should involve the following key questions: -whether the contraction of the vaginal muscles was recorded from the first sexual contact and still remains a need for sexual satisfaction is achieved without relations vaginal or -symptom occurs for some time and what circumstances it bound or -contraction of the muscles is independent of the will, reflex and is at the very idea of sexual intercourse, and -that the contraction of the vaginal muscles occurs when you try to enter the member into the vagina which is very painful. The physical, gynecological and sexuological examinations exclude local causes of the disease. The mainstay of treatment in the majority of cases is psychosexual support. The cause of organic vaginismus is congenital malformation of the genital tract. It results from abnormal development of genital paramesonephric (Müllerian) ducts and the urogenital sinus, which are structures involved in the process of oviduct, uterus, and vagina organogenesis. This has strong implications in the practices of gynecology and sexuology in general, not only in adolescent gynecology and sexuology. Vaginismus with congenital malformation is an important problem in these fields.
Subject(s)
Sexual Behavior/psychology , Vaginismus/physiopathology , Vaginismus/psychology , Adult , Attitude to Health , Coitus/psychology , Female , HumansABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The research was conducted among patients of the Department of Perinatology and Gynaecology of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Its aim was to investigate the influence of overweight and obesity on female sexuality during the perimenopausal period. Preliminary results of the research are presented in the thesis, which was as a matter of fact intended as a preliminary report. The examination of sexual functions of the patients was performed with the use of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) form. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-one women during the perimenopausal period filled out the survey, with the average age of these women being 51 years. Forty-two of the examined women had an appropriate body mass index (BMI), i.e. between 18.5 and 25, while for 19 of the women, the BMI was above normal. For statistical analysis and in order to assess the differences between the two above-mentioned groups of patients, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied. A statistically significant value was assumed at p < 0.05. The results of the conducted research indicated no such difference between the women with differing BMI for the specific domains of the FSFI test. RESULTS: The results obtained show that research in the area needs to be continued. CONCLUSIONS: All the hitherto existing scientific studies also seem to indicate that the influence of overweight and obesity on female sexuality during the perimenopause has not yet been unambiguously proven. Beyond any doubt, however, sexual disorders appear in women at this time of life and the factors which determine them can vary greatly. Given the character of the situation, women ought to be supported both by a team of specialists representing different branches of medicine as well as by their relatives. The whole situation also calls for more research of the important subject matter.
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THE PURPOSE OF THE ARTICLE: The article aims to indicate the interdisciplinary and complex nature of the problem of adolescent pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis of materials contained in the literature on adolescent pregnancy was used. RESULTS: Adolescent pregnancy is both a serious health and social challenge. Lack of proper sex education, regressive age of sexual initiation, emotional immaturity and limited access to contraception are the main reasons for teenage pregnancy. It can also be the result of sexual abuse, which is a punishable offense. Pregnancy in minors is associated with a higher risk of complications for both the mother and the fetus, such as hypertension, preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia. Pregnancy is a significant psychological burden and a major trauma for girls. Low socioeconomic status and lack of support from the family or partner exacerbate this problem, increasing the risk of depression and substance abuse. As a multidisciplinary problem, it requires action on multiple fronts to prevent it and to reduce the number of adolescent pregnancies. Increasing access to contraception, medical care, and sexual education is crucial in combating this issue. Adolescent pregnant women are a group of women who require special antenatal care. When planning educational activities for these patients, one should remember about the specific needs of said girls related to key nutrients such as iodine, iron, folic acid, and calcium. A poor diet may result from difficult living conditions and conflicts with family and partners. Moreover, this pregnancy is often unplanned. CONCLUSIONS: A good solution for pregnant adolescents would be the possibility of specialized assistance not only in gynecology and obstetrics, sexology, but also pedagogical, psychological, sociological and dietary.
Subject(s)
Pregnancy in Adolescence , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Pregnancy in Adolescence/psychology , Adolescent , Pregnancy Complications/psychology , Pregnancy Complications/epidemiology , Sex EducationABSTRACT
This study was conducted in two groups of girls with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) categorized as slim (group N) and overweight-to-obese (group Ov/Ob). The study's primary outcome was to assess the impact of a 12-week anti-inflammatory diet (AIDiet) intervention, without energy deficit, on daily diet quality improvement, evaluated according to the KIDMED index. The secondary outcome was improving inflammatory, redox, hormonal, and metabolic statuses. In the study, which was completed by 13 girls from the Ov/Ob group and 19 girls from the N group, a significant improvement in the mean KIDMED score was obtained. Moreover, the intervention significantly improves concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), fasting insulin, and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, in the Ov/Ob group, while both groups experienced a reduction in the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), and androstenedione. The AIDiet intervention effectively improved the quality of the subjects' diets, which was associated with the improvement of hormonal and immuno-metabolic markers. However, these changes in normal-weight patients were observed regardless of body weight reduction. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04738409.
Subject(s)
Insulin Resistance , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , Female , Humans , Overweight/therapy , Overweight/complications , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism , Pilot Projects , Diet , Insulin , Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Body Mass IndexABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Expert testimony on violence victims also includes victims of sexual assault. The role of an expert is to classify the injuries by their severity as defined in art. 157 156 or 217 of the Criminal Code pertaining to crimes against health and life. Also, the role of an expert opinion is to determine whether the injuries identified during the exam occurred at the time and under the circumstances stated in medical history. The examination of sexual assault victims is conducted by two experts: a gynecologist and a forensic physician. Most examinations are performed at different times and various medical centers. The conclusions are presented in an official report. Regardless of victim age, all sexual crimes are investigated ex officio by the Police Department and the Prosecutor's Office. Further legal classification of criminal offenses is the task of an appropriate legal body and the offenses are codified in accordance with the provisions of chapter XXV of the Criminal Code, articles 197 - 205. In controversial cases, i.e. when two different expert opinions appear on the same case, or if, according to the law enforcement, a medical opinion is insufficient for some reason, an appropriate expert or team of experts is appointed to resolve the problem. OBJECTIVES: To present selected cases of sexual violence victims treated at the Department of Gynecology and assessed at the Department of Forensic Medicine with reference to the challenges regarding qualification of the sustained injuries and clinical diagnoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research material included selected forensic opinions developed for law enforcement offices that involved victims of sexual violence. The expert opinions were prepared either on the basis of submitted evidence, or both, submitted evidence and examination of the victim at the Department of Forensic Medicine. Moreover the article presents a case of a patient examined and treated at the Department of Gynecology in Poznan. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the selected cases, the authors conclude that a medico-legal expert cannot uncritically accept previous diagnoses. Moreover every expert is given the right and obligation to verify them. The need for complete, rapid and almost simultaneous colaboration between physicians in charge of the case, forensic doctors, police officers and prosecutors was demonstrated. Lack of cooperation may give rise to different opinions, leading to unnecessary elongation of the medico-legal procedures. It was observed that time plays a crucial role if qualification of an injury is required. The obligation of medical staff to inform the law enforcement about all cases of child abuse was also emphasized.
Subject(s)
Anal Canal/injuries , Expert Testimony/legislation & jurisprudence , Forensic Medicine/methods , Genitalia, Female/injuries , Rape/diagnosis , Rape/legislation & jurisprudence , Adolescent , Female , Humans , Medical Records/legislation & jurisprudence , Physical Examination , Young AdultABSTRACT
Accessibility of positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography (PET/CT) has improved significantly in recent years. PET/CT with the use of 18F-deoxyglucose (FDG) is widely used in patients with ovarian malignancies at different stages of the management. FDG PET/CT shows high diagnostic accuracy in the differentiation of benign and malignant ovarian lesions with the exception of borderline tumors that may cause false negative results. Moreover FDG PET/CT is used in some centers for preoperative staging and determining the prognosis of ovarian cancer However further studies including larger groups of patients are needed to confirm the applicability of FDG PET/CT in case of the two abovementioned indications. Until now, the best documented indication for FDG PET/ CT in patients with ovarian cancer has been the detection of recurrence, especially in subjects with elevated CA 125 marker and negative results of other imaging techniques. This review focuses on the applicability of PET with the use of FDG in ovarian malignancies and points out to the limitations of this method.
Subject(s)
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Multimodal Imaging/methods , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Radiopharmaceuticals , Female , Humans , Radionuclide Imaging , Sensitivity and Specificity , Women's HealthABSTRACT
Childhood and adolescent gynecology is an emerging specialty at the intersection of pediatrics, pediatric endocrinology gynecology pediatric surgery dermatology psychiatry, public health medicine and genetics, and in fact addresses many legal issues. Poland lacks a uniform standing of medical and legal environments on how to deal with a juvenile patient who has become sexually active and seeks the advice of a gynecologist, gynecologic examination and requests to be prescribed contraceptives. It needs to be taken into account that in Poland a parent or a legal guardian has legal guardianship, custody and control of a child until 18 years of age but once a juvenile reaches the chronological age of 16 years, and is given full rights of a patient, both parties need to consent to medical care. According to the Act on Health Care Institutions, a patient has the right to self-determination, respect for physical and mental integrity as well as privacy whereas, after the patient reaches the age of 16 years, the legal representative becomes in practice a mere co-decision maker to have medical services performed. Therefore, information obtained from a juvenile patient during physical test and medical interview does not have to be revealed to a legal representative, if the patient requests confidentiality and on condition it does not affect patient health and/or the planned medical procedures (e.g. the need to perform an operation). Knowledge about procedures for juvenile patients shall enable doctors to make conscious choices about conduct and care or in most cases, only advice, without the risk of breaching the Polish law.
Subject(s)
Adolescent Health Services/legislation & jurisprudence , Family Planning Services/legislation & jurisprudence , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/legislation & jurisprudence , Sexual Behavior/statistics & numerical data , Women's Health/legislation & jurisprudence , Adolescent , Age Distribution , Age Factors , Confidentiality/legislation & jurisprudence , Female , Humans , Male , Pediatrics/organization & administration , Personal Autonomy , Physician-Patient Relations , Poland , Safe Sex/statistics & numerical data , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual PartnersABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PMS (premenstrual syndrome)-related pain among young women following a particular type of diet during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was compared to the period before the pandemic. Furthermore, we aimed to determine whether the increase in the intensification of pain was correlated to their age, body weight, height and BMI, and whether there are differences in PMS-related pain between women who differ in their diet. A total of 181 young female Caucasian patients who met the criteria for PMS were involved in the study. Patients were divided according to the kind of diet they had followed during the last 12 months before the first medical evaluation. The rise in pain score was evaluated according to the Visual Analog Scale before and during the pandemic. Women following a non-vegetarian ("basic") diet had a significantly higher body weight in comparison to those on a vegetarian diet. Furthermore, a significant difference was noted between the level of intensification of pain before and during the pandemic in women applying a basic diet, a vegetarian and an elimination diet. Before the pandemic, women from all groups felt weaker pain than during the pandemic. No significant difference in the intensification of pain during the pandemic was shown between women with various diets, nor was there a correlation between intensification of pain and the girl's age, BMI, their body weight and also height for any of the diets applied.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Proper age of sexual initiation remains a topical issue in developmental sexology and gynecology Premature sexual début is a risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and their consequences: unplanned pregnancy and emotional stress. Consequences of risky sexual behavior (young age of sexual initiation, number of sexual partners or using unsafe contraceptive methods) are more severe for women. State of knowledge about sexual activity of Polish women is still insufficient, whereas patterns of sexual behavior are in the process of undergoing dramatic changes due to the influence of the western culture. OBJECTIVES: Two main aims of the study were: (1) to examine whether age of sexual début and patterns of sexual behavior have changed over the past decades among young Polish women and (2) to consider the medical and legal aspects regarding juvenile patients who are sexually active. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred women, born within two consecutive decades (1975-1995) in the Wielkopolska region (Poland) were asked to fill in a questionnaire concerning the following: age at sexual initiation and the contraceptive method used at the time, preferred forms of sexual activity current contraceptive methods. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 9.0 software [StatSoft]. Statistical evaluation was based on the chi-square test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: The average age of sexual initiation decreased significantly between the two studied cohorts of women and ranged from 18.9 for women born between 1975 and 1984 (cohort I) and 17.6 for women born between 1985 and 1995 (cohort II), regardless of the place of residence. The percentage of women who had their first sexual intercourse by the age of 15 years was 0% in cohort I and 8.2% in cohort II. Other characteristics of sexual activity were similar across the studied cohorts of women. Condom use during the first sexual intercourse was the preferred form of contraception (59.2%). 65% women have reported current contraceptive use. As for the preferred type of intercourse, all women (100%) chose vaginal sex. The most frequent number of sexual intercourses per month was 7 or more (41.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The age of sexual début among Polish women has decreased significantly over the last decades. Premature initiation is believed to increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy STDs and emotional stress. Polish medical and legal circles lack unequivocal stand on how to deal with juvenile patients who are sexually active, expect to receive advice from a gynecologist, a gynecologic examination and prescribed contraceptives.
Subject(s)
Contraception/statistics & numerical data , Family Planning Services/legislation & jurisprudence , Health Status , Sexual Behavior/statistics & numerical data , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Women's Health/legislation & jurisprudence , Adult , Age Distribution , Age Factors , Attitude to Health , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Poland/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy, Unplanned , Safe Sex/statistics & numerical data , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Partners , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Unsafe Sex/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
Dyspareunia is genital pain during sexual intercourse without constriction of the vulva or vagina. This is one of the most significant issues that lies at the border of gynaecology and sexology. Dyspareunia can be caused by endometriosis. Many women can also experience premenstrual syndrome, which can occur as a separate problem. All three of these can result from an imbalance between the female genital organs and their surrounding tissues with other structures of the skeletal or visceral system, with impaired mobility and motility of organs, intra-organ movement, vascular drainage, a pressure gradient between the urogenital and diaphragmatic cylinders, dysfunctions in the area of the broad ligament of the uterus, and fascial bonding. Apart from standard treatment methods used in gynaecology and sexology, physiotherapy (e.g., visceral therapy) is of great value. Visceral therapy aims at restoring intra-organ movement, reducing tension, focusing on the area of the two cylinders of the trunk, and supporting the functioning of the vascular system in the vicinity of the uterus. All these activities reduce pain and substantially change the functioning of the uterus and ovaries.
Subject(s)
Dyspareunia , Endometriosis , Dyspareunia/etiology , Endometriosis/complications , Female , Humans , Pain , VaginaABSTRACT
HIV data for 2020 show a decline in the number and rate of new HIV cases diagnosed in the EU during the last decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed the functioning of healthcare facilities in Poland and worldwide, also impacting the detection of HIV infection. Early diagnosis of HIV and implementation of antiretroviral treatment limit HIV transmission. A woman with HIV diagnosed during pregnancy should be under the care of a specialist in infectious diseases experienced in antiretroviral treatment. In this way, she will be properly protected during the delivery, and relevant medications can be implemented for the newborn baby. Taking these aspects into account, the medical team should consist of: A specialist in infectious diseases, an obstetrician, a neonatologist and pediatrician, a midwife, and a dermato-venereologist. Every effort should be made to increase the scope and quality of monitoring of the spread of the epidemic in Poland, with special emphasis on diagnostics based on specific tests among populations particularly exposed to HIV infections cooperating with non-governmental organizations.
ABSTRACT
Proper diet and physical activity are a form of prevention of female genital prolapse disorders. The causal substrate of pelvic floor dysfunction is multifactorial. Fifty percent of women over the age of 50 have pelvic organ prolapse, often accompanied by urinary incontinence. It is a complicated social and medical (urogynecological and sexological) problem. The authors conducted a literature review on the role of visceral therapy, Kegel and core stability exercises and diet in pelvic support disorders and urinary incontinence. The eligible articles provided insights into sexological factors, as well as the role of osteopathy and physiotherapy. These results provide new insights into the relevance of clinical practice. In addition to standard treatment methods used in gynaecology, sexology, physiotherapy and osteopathy (e.g., visceral therapy), Kegel muscle and core stability exercises are becoming increasingly important. The aim of visceral therapy is to restore the mobility of the organs while reducing increased tension and improving blood and lymph circulation. This has the effect of reducing pain sensations, thereby influencing the function of the uterus and ovaries.