Estimation of global rating changes in quality of life and marital satisfaction among reproductive age women in Iran and Afghanistan before and after COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life and marital satisfaction are important components of reproductive-age women's health. This study aimed to compare the quality of life and marital satisfaction in women of reproductive age in Iran and Afghanistan before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on a sample of Iranian and Afghan women of reproductive age. To collect the data, the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) and the Enrich marital satisfaction scale were used to assess the quality of life and marital satisfaction, respectively. In addition, the Global Rating of Change (GRC) was used in order to evaluate the quality of life and marital satisfaction compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were evaluated descriptively through statistics including sing t-test, and chi-square, Logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between outcome variables and independent variables. RESULTS: In all 599 reproductive-age women (300 Iranian, and 299 Afghan) were studied. After adjusting for demographic variables, no significant difference was observed between the two groups for the physical component (P = 0.05) and mental component summary scores of quality of life (P = 0.166) as measured by the SF-12. The majority of Iranian women reported that their quality of life was worsened compared to before the pandemic (57.2%), while in the Afghan group, a higher percentage declared that it was unchanged (58.9%). The mental component of quality of life had no significant relationship with any of the independent variables including nationality. In contrast, the physical component quality of life had a significant relationship with nationality (P = 0.01). Iranian women had more marital satisfaction than Afghan women (P<0.001) and marital satisfaction had a significant relationship with nationality (P<0.001). Most women in both groups (70% of Iranian and 60% of Afghan women) declared that their marital satisfaction unchanged compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the quality of life of Iranian and Afghan women of reproductive age was almost the same before and after the pandemic. However, Iranians scored lower on the mental component summary and Afghans reported lower scores on the physical component summary. Marital satisfaction of Afghan women was much lower than that of Iranian women. The findings suggest the need for serious attention by health care authorities. Providing a supportive environment might be considered a primary step towards a better quality of life for these populations.

Sexuality and psychological well-being in different polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes compared with healthy controls: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The present study aimed to compare the women with different PCOS phenotypes with the healty group in terms of sexual function, depression, anxiety and quality of life scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 192 women with PCOS (classified on the basis of Rotterdam criteria into four categories) and 50 healthy controls. All participants were asked to fill out the valid and reliable questionnaires of FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), HADS (Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale) and SF-12. RESULTS: In the HADS questionnaire, phenotype B achieved the highest mean score in anxiety and depression domains, whereas, phenotype B had the lowest mean score in the FSFI and SF-12 quassionnaires. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the women with PCOS phenotypes and the control grroup in arousal, lubrication, pain, and mean total score of FSFI (P < 0.05). In regression logistic analysis, age, infertility and depression were predictors of sexual dysfunction (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated significant differences in terms of sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety and quality of life in the women suffering from different phenotypes of PCOS compared with the healthy group. These results provide evidence that care and recommendations for improving women's QoL and sexual function should be considered according to the relevant PCOS phenotypes.

Does prevalence of sexual dysfunction differ among the most common causes of infertility? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sexuality as a fundamental component of women's health, can be affected by infertility. The current study aimed at comparing the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with the most common causes of infertility. METHODS: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 infertile females with infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, n = 80), endometriosis (n = 80) and male factor (n = 80) at Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine (Tehran, Iran) and 160 fertile women at health care centers, between May 2016 and June 2017. Sexual function was assessed by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 25.00) and differences were regarded statistically significant at p < 0. 05. RESULTS: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 98.8% in women with PCOS, 100.0% in those with endometriosis, and 80.0% in those with male factor infertility. Overall, 36.2% of the enrolled fertile women were suffering from sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: There was an association between the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction or individual domain scores of the FSFI, and infertility etiologies. Therefore, infertility care providers are required to take this into consideration and develop preventive strategies in this regard. Infertility as a major health care problem affects an estimated 8-12% of couples of reproductive age globally and sexuality as an important part of women's health, can be affected by infertility. In this study, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with the most common causes of infertility has been evaluated. The present study was conducted on 240 infertile females with infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, n = 80), endometriosis (n = 80) and male factor (n = 80) at Royan Institute (Tehran, Iran) and 160 fertile women at health care centers, between May 2016 and June 2017. Sexual function was assessed by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI); a brief self-report measure of sexual functioning. Results highlight that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with endometriosis and PCOS was higher than in other groups. As, the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 98.8% in women with PCOS, 100.0% in those with endometriosis, and 80.0% in those with male factor infertility. In total, 36.2% of the enrolled fertile women were suffering from sexual dysfunction. The results point to an association between the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction and causes of infertility. Therefore, infertility care providers are required to take this into consideration and develop preventive strategies in this regard.

Psycho-sexual influence of sterilization on women's quality of life: a path model.

BACKGROUND: Tubal ligation, as a permanent contraception method, have a negative and positive impact on women's life. This study aimed to test a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of menorrhagia, body image concern, self-esteem, sexual function, anxiety and depression on quality of life (QOL) of sterilized women. METHODS: The current study was conducted as a cross-sectional study on 200 sterilized women. Data were collected using a socio-demographic checklist, Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), pictorial blood loss assessment chart, female sexual function index, hospital anxiety and depression scale, body image concern inventory, and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis. RESULTS: Results show that anxiety, sexual function, self-esteem, and body image dissatisfaction have a direct effect on women's QOL. Higher level of anxiety, and body dissatisfaction directly reduce QOL. Sexual function, and menorrhagia, with an indirect effect through anxiety, reduces QOL. Higher level of anxiety with indirect effect thorough self-esteem can worsen QOL. Also, sexual function indirectly affects QOL through anxiety. CONCLUSION: It looks that the proposed predictors of this model are greatly important. These findings give support for a hypothetical model in which betterment in SF, body image satisfaction, self-esteem, anxiety, and menorrhagia led to a good QOL of sterilized women. Hence, in designing care for sterilized women, these factors should be considered.

Sexual function, mental health, and quality of life under strain of COVID-19 pandemic in Iranian pregnant and lactating women: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of pregnant and lactating women is unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health, sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) in Iranian pregnant and lactating women and compare the results with non-pregnant/non-lactating women. METHOD: This comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on pregnant and lactating women, with non-pregnant/non-lactating women from May to Jun 2020. Patients were asked to complete three questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). One-way ANOVA was used to reveal the statistical differences between the three groups. RESULT: The mean age of patients was 20.81 ± 5.92 years old. The mean (SD) score of HADS in pregnant, lactating and non-pregnant / non-lactating women were 12.11 (6.72), 11.98 (8.44) and 9.38 (6.2) respectively, and the results showed that the scores in pregnant, lactating women were higher than non-pregnant / non-lactating women (P < 0.001). Also the mean (SD) score of QOL and FSFI was 68.29 (9.47), 74.18 (12.65), 79.03 (10.48) and 22.71 (8.16), 22.72 (8.16), 26.19 (3.93) in three groups and the scores in pregnant, lactating women were lower than non-pregnant/non-lactating women (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 epidemic increases the risk of depression, anxiety, FSD, and lowers QoL in pregnant and lactating women, with the general population. This suggests the urgent need for psychological intervention in the maternal population during the epidemic.

The role of personal factors in quality of life among Iranian women with vaginismus: a path analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to provide a path model for assessing the direct and/or indirect effects of psychological/behavioral parameters on health-related quality of life among women with vaginismus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 236 women with vaginismus disorder attending to sex clinics in Tehran, Iran from April 2017 to March 2018. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the marital satisfaction scale, the hospital anxiety and depression scale, the rosenberg self-esteem scale, the body image concern inventory, the short-form health survey (SF-12) and the female sexual quality of life questionnaire. In addition to descriptive statistical data, the fitness of the proposed model was investigated using path analysis. RESULTS: The results of path analysis demonstrated that the final model had a good fit to the data (Chi-Square/degrees of freedom (Normed Chi2) = 2.12, root mean square error of approximation = 0.069, goodness fit index = 0.99, both comparative fit index = 0.99 and Tucker-Lewis index = 0.96). In this model, anxiety and depression significantly predicted health-related quality of life as measured by the SF-12. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression are important components in predicting health-related quality of life among those suffering from vaginismus.

Metabolic parameters in cord blood of neonate of mothers with obese and non-obese PCOS and controls: retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by reproductive disorder and increased risk of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to assess the metabolic parameters in the cord blood of neonate of mothers with obese PCOS and comparison with non-obese PCOS and controls. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Arash and Kamali Hospital in 2017-2018. The biochemical test was conducted on 78 neonates from obese PCOS mothers, 78 neonates from non-obese PCOS mothers, and 78 neonates from healthy mothers. Finally, cord blood lipid profile and insulin and blood sugar were determined by specific kits. Correlations between variables were compared with chi-square, Mann-Whitney's U, Kruskal-Wallis H tests and regression model by SPSS 23 and P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were higher in cord blood of newborn of obese PCOS women than non-obese PCOS and controls (P = 0.02, P < 0.001, respectively). Also, the mean insulin was higher in cord blood of neonate of non-obese PCOS women than in obese PCOS and controls (12.26 ± 12.79 vs. 11.11 ± 16.51 vs. 6.21 ± 10.66, P = 0.01). But in the study, there was no significant difference between the mean of umbilical cord low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol and blood sugar in three groups. The logistic regression model showed that metabolic parameters were related to PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, there was a significant difference between the mean of umbilical cord HDL, cholesterol, and the insulin level in the three groups. But, there was no significant association between the mean of blood sugar, LDL, and TG in the groups. The metabolic disorder in PCOS might affect cord blood lipid and insulin and adulthood health.

Influential factors on quality of life in married Iranian women during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: a path analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) with anxiety, depression, corona disease anxiety, sexual function (SF), and marital satisfaction (MS) in married women during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study involving n = 296 married women. We used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and coronary disease anxiety questionnaire, as determinants of QoL for data collection. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis. RESULTS: There was a relationship between the components of QoL with SF, anxiety, depression, MS, general health, and contamination obsessions. The results of path analysis also showed that that SF, MS, anxiety, general health, and corona-related anxiety have a direct effect on women's QoL. General health has a more direct effect on QoL. CONCLUSION: The results of this study could help in a plan to improve the QoL of women during the coronavirus epidemic.

Influential factors on sexual function in infertile women with endometriosis: a path analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis have a negative influence on women's sexual life. The aim of the current study was to test a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of anxiety, depression, sleep quality, physical activity, BMI, stage of endometriosis, the intensity of dyspareunia and pelvic pain on sexual function (SF) in infertile women with endometriosis. Also test the mediating role of sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. METHOD: In the present cross-sectional study, 220 infertile women with a laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis were recruited. Data were collected using a socio-demographic checklist, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: We found that anxiety, depression, sleep quality, BMI, level of education, stage of endometriosis, and dyspareunia have a direct effect on women's SF. In our study, sleep quality, anxiety, pelvic pain, and depression were the four major mediators that the higher scores lead to a decrease in the SF of endometriosis patients. The intensity of pelvic pain with an effect on sleep quality (SQ) and dyspareunia change women's SF. The lower level of physical activity, and higher BMI with indirect effect thorough anxiety, and SQ can worsen SF. Also, a higher level of anxiety leads to poor SQ and depression. Anxiety with both direct and indirect effect impress women's SF. CONCLUSION: It seems that the main risk factors for sexual dysfunction in women with endometriosis are higher rates of anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. In the care of women with endometriosis, not only laparoscopy and medical treatment should be performed but also psychotherapeutic and psychosexual help should be offered.

Effects of endometriosis on sleep quality of women: does life style factor make a difference?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the lifestyle factors and SQ between women with and without endometriosis. Also in this essay, the influence of food intake, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics on sleep quality of women with endometriosis was determined. METHODS: Of the 156 infertile women approached for the study, 78 women had endometriosis and 78 were included in the control group. At first, each participant completed a checklist including questions about demographics, physical activity, reproductive and menstrual status. SQ was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Dietary data were collected using a validated 147-item semi-quantitative FFQ. RESULTS: Irregular menstrual status, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, history of abortion, family history of endometriosis were associated with endometriosis risk (P < 0.05). In women with physical activity more than 3 h per week, high consumption of the dairy product, and fruit endometriosis is less common (P < 0.05). The total PSQI score, and the scores for subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbance domains were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). In women with endometriosis, poor SQ was associated with dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, physical activity, and low consumption of the dairy product, fruit, and nut (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In endometriosis women, SQ was lower than healthy individuals. Lifestyle factors can effect on SQ of these patients.

Comparison of the symptoms and localisation of endometriosis involvement according to fertility status of endometriosis patients.

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of endometriosis in women who were referred for Diagnostic Laparoscopy Unit due to infertility or pelvic pain between January 2012 and January 2013 and compare the symptoms and laparoscopic signs among the three groups according to the fertility status. Four hundred and thirteen women were evaluated; of these, 383 patients for infertility and 30 patients for pelvic pain and/or cyst. Endometriosis symptoms were compared between fertile and infertile women with primary and secondary infertility. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall prevalence of endometriosis between the three study groups (52.9%, 45% and 40.7%, respectively, in primary, secondary infertile and fertile women). The endometriosis stage was categorised as early- (I and II) or late- (III and IV) stages and the extent of endometriosis was divided into peritoneal, ovarian and ovarian coexisting with peritoneal. There is no relationship between the frequency of dysmenorrhoea or non-cyclic pelvic pain and the disease stage; although these pain symptoms are significantly more prevalent in cases with both ovarian and peritoneal endometriotic implants. Infertility was more prevalent among the patients with peritoneal endometriosis in comparison to the ones with ovarian endometriosis. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these findings. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Few studies have been done in this area and only one study compared the localisation of endometriosis lesions between fertile and infertile endometriosis cases; however, more study is needed to confirm their results. What the results of this study add? A possible relationship between localisation of endometriosis involvement and infertility was found in the present study in agreement to result of a previous study performance in this area. Although the present study includes a greater number of cases than that of the previous reported study, further studies with a larger sample size are required for the confirmation or refusal of this finding. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of this study could have clinical application in the consultation and decision-making in infertile women with an endometriosis diagnosis.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Considering that interventions related to lifestyle, especially nutrition have been proposed as the first line of prevention and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and regarding the proven relationship between PCOS and inflammation, the present study was designed to find out the possible association of Diet Inflammatory Index (DII) with the inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and compare the obtained results in PCOS and non-PCOS women. This case-control study was conducted on 45 PCOS and 40 non-PCOS women. Food intake and DII were measured using a 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. All participants were tested for the serum levels of IL-6 and CRP. Finally, the obtained results were compared between the two groups of PCOS and non-PCOS women. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, menstrual status and number of pregnancies (P < 0.05). Comparison of DII values showed no significant difference between the two groups of women (P = 0.68), but IL-6 was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (4.94 ± 1.97 vs. 3.48 ± 1.77, P < 0.001). Also in terms of CRP, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The difference of DII between the case and control groups were not significant and Pearson's correlation test did not show a significant correlation between DII and IL-6 (P˃0.05). This result can be due to the influence of several factors affecting the determination of DII such as education level, health status, physical activity level, age, and calorie intake. It seems that diet, especially consumption of more carbohydrates plays a role in causing chronic inflammation, as well as the occurrence and exacerbation of PCOS.

The relationship between dietary micronutrients and endometriosis: A case-control study.

Background: Fewer studies were on micronutrient intake in women with endometriosis, and the etiology of endometriosis remains unclear between dietary micronutrients and the risk of endometriosis. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary micronutrients and the risk of endometriosis. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 156 women (18-45 yr) with and without endometriosis in the gynecology clinic of Arash hospital between May 2017 and May 2018 in Tehran, Iran. According to the laparoscopic findings, the participants were divided into 2 groups (n = 78/each), women with pelvic endometriosis as the case group and women without endometriosis pelvic as the control group. Dietary data were collected using a validated 168-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire with the standard serving. A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between micronutrients and the risk of endometriosis. Results: Data analysis showed a significant relationship between micronutrients such as: potassium (OR: 0.74; CI: 0.56-0.99; p = 0.01), calcium (OR: 0.70; CI: 0.52-0.94; p = 0.003), and also among the vitamin C (OR: 0.70; CI: 0.52-0.94; p = 0.02), B2 (OR: 0.73; CI: 0.55-0.98; p = 0.01), and B12 (OR: 0.71; CI: 0.53-0.95; p = 0.02) with endometriosis, so those who used fewer micronutrients were at higher risk of endometriosis. Conclusion: The findings showed that the dietary intakes of calcium, potassium, vitamins B12, B2, B6, and C are inversely related to the risk of endometriosis.

Relationship between postpartum depression and plasma vasopressin level at 6-8 weeks postpartum: a cross-sectional study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most important postpartum mood disorder due to its significant effect on both the infant and family health. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has been suggested as a hormonal agent involved in the development of depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the plasma concentrations of AVP and the score of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016-2017 in Darehshahr Township, Ilam Province, Iran. In the first phase, 303 pregnant women, who were at 38 weeks, met the inclusion criteria, and were not depressed (according to their EPDS scores) were included in the study. In the 6-8 week postpartum follow-up, using the EPDS, 31 depressed individuals were diagnosed and referred to a psychiatrist for confirmation. The maternal venous blood samples of 24 depressed individuals still meeting the inclusion criteria and 66 randomly selected non-depressed subjects were obtained to measure their AVP plasma concentrations with ELISA assay. There was a significant positive relationship between plasma AVP levels and the EPDS score (P = 0.000, r = 0.658). Also the mean plasma concentration of AVP was significantly higher in the depressed group (41.35 ± 13.75 ng/ml) than in the non-depressed group (26.01 ± 7.83 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model for various parameters, increased vasopressin levels were associated with increased odds of PPD (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.07-1.24, P = 0.000). Furthermore, multiparity (OR = 5.45, 95% CI = 1.21-24.43, P = 0.027) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 13.06, 95% CI = 1.36-125, P = 0.026) were associated with increased odds of PPD. Maternal gender preference (having a baby of desired and desired sex) decreased the odds of PPD (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-0.79, P = 0.027 and OR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.01-0.5, P = 0.007). AVP seems to be a contributor to clinical PPD by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Furthermore, primiparous women had significantly lower EPDS scores.

Effect of maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on screening of aneuploidy in the first and second trimesters.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by insulin resistance and hormonal disorder in women. This study aimed to assess the effect of maternal PCOS on screening of aneuploidy in the first and second-trimesters. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in Arash Hospital and Nilou Laboratory in 2017-2018. The screening test was conducted on 90 PCOS and 90 healthy mothers. Finally, the first and second-trimester screening was compared between the two groups using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney's U and students T tests and regression model by SPSS 21. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Free Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Free-ß-HCG) (P = 0.04), inhibin-A (P = 0.001) and Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) (P = 0.02) levels were higher in the PCOS women comparing to the healthy women but there was no significant difference between the mean of HCG, Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A), and Unconjugated Estriol (UE3) between the two groups. Pre-eclampsia (P < 0.001) and trisomy 18 risks in quad screening were higher in the PCOS women (P = 0.002) than the control group; however, trisomy 13, trisomy 18 and trisomy 21 risks, Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) and Neural Tube Defect (NTD) risks were not different between the two groups. The logistic regression model showed that the first- and second-trimester screening of aneuploidywas related to PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant difference in the mean of free-ß-HCG, inhibin-A, AFP level, and the risks of pre-eclampsia, SLOS and trisomy 18 between the two groups but no significant association was found in the mean of HCG, PAPP-A, UE3, NTD and other aneuploidies between the two groups. PCOS may affect the first- and second-trimester screening tests and pregnancy health. It may also require correction in the calculation of risks related to the first- and second-trimester screening for aneuploidy.

Evaluation of the relationship between ovarian reserve with congenital anomalies and intramural uterine leiomyoma among infertile women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian reserve is a crucial indicator of a woman's fertility potential, which is determined by the quality and quantity of antral follicles and oocytes. However, certain factors such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, myoma, and the natural process of aging can lead to a poor ovarian response to stimulation, reducing a woman's chances of conceiving. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of uterus congenital anomalies and uterine leiomyoma are associated on ovarian reserve. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was performed on 321 infertile women in three groups consisted of 97 infertile women with intramural uterine leiomyoma and 81 infertile women with uterine anomalies and 143 infertile women without uterine anomalies and uterine leiomyoma during 2017-2019 in Royan Center. Sampling method was continuous and available. Data collection tool in this study was a questionnaire which was in two parts of individual variables and the second part was related to ultrasound results (number of antral follicles and ovarian volume) and laboratory tests (Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)). Ovarian reserve parameters were measured in three groups on the third day of the cycle in both groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21. Quantitative variables were analyzed using t-test, qualitative variables were analyzed using chi-square test. RESULTS: The results of in laboratory parameters showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in FSH (2.35 ± 1.55, 2.07 ± 1.81, 2.31 ± 1.93) and AMH (6.84 ± 2.75,7.52 ± 3.14,6.93 ± 3.04), respectively (P > 0.05). The results of sonographic variables also showed that the variables include number of antral follicles in right ovarian, number of antral follicles in left ovarian have statistically significant between the three groups (5.73 ± 2.69,4.84 ± 3.14,6.66 ± 3.13), respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that uterine abnormalities and uterine leiomyoma with different mechanisms such as reduce of antral follicle numbers and the effect on uterine and ovarian blood flow lead to a decrease in ovarian reserve and infertility. Therefore, treatment and surgery can reduce these effects and improve the fertility of the affected women.

Evaluation of the relationship between vitamin D levels with oocyte quality in breast cancer women: a cross-sectional study.

Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency could play an important role in the development of non-skeletal diseases, including cancer. Vitamin D also affects the function of the reproductive system. In the present study, the relationship between 25(OH)D levels with oocyte quality in Breast Cancer (BC) women and control group have been investigated. After initial evaluations, ovarian stimulation began with the GnRH antagonist protocol in the BC group (N = 16) and control group (N = 16). The serum and follicular fluid (FF) 25(OH)D levels were measured at the time of oocyte retrieval and their relationship to oocyte quality was examined. The mean levels of serum and FF 25(OH)D in BC women were significantly lower than in the control group (22.26 ± 7.98 vs. 29.61 ± 9.12, P = 0.02, 21.65 ± 7.59 vs. 28.00 ± 9.05, P = 0.04, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the levels of 25(OH)D in FF and serum in BC women (r = 0.873, P < 0.001). But there was no correlation between the serum or FF 25(OH)D levels with the parameters related to oocytes (P > 0.05). In the BC women, the number of dysmorph and highly dysmorph oocytes was higher than in the control group (P < 0.001). Women with BC referring to infertility centers for fertility preservation are more likely to be deficient in serum 25(OH)D level; this subsequently affects the FF 25(OH)D level. However, serum and FF 25(OH)D levels may not be suitable indicators for examining maturity and quality of oocytes in terms of morphology in BC women, and the poor morphological quality of oocytes in BC women may be due to other factors.

Comparison of sexual function in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Infertility is one of the issues affecting sexual function (SF). Infertility is also one of the complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Objective: This research seeks to assess and compare SF and the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in infertile women with PCOS and endometriosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 630 (210 infertile women with endometriosis, 210 infertile women with PCOS, and 210 healthy women of childbearing age as the control group). SF was assessed by the female sexual function index (FSFI). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The primary outcome measured was FSFI score. Secondary outcome was hospital anxiety and depression scale score. Results: The results showed that the mean score of the total FSFI in the 2 groups of PCOS and endometriosis was lower than the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, women with higher education (university education) had a higher total FSFI. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction rates are high in infertile women with endometriosis and PCOS. Infertility service providers in infertility centers need to pay attention to this issue.

Female sexual function in different phenotypes of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) coexisting mood disorders along with a combination of aesthetic manifestations may have a detrimental effect on women's sexual function. Hence, different phenotypes of PCOS have different clinical and biochemical signs and symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare women's sexual function (SF) in different phenotypes of PCOS. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 364 women who met the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria to compare different PCOS phenotypes (A = 95, B = 79, C = 95, and D = 95) and 100 non PCOS women in control group. All participants were invited to fill out the female sexual function index (FSFI). Significant differences were observed between the different phenotypes and control group in terms of the total score, sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction (P < 0.001); however, no significant differences were found between different phenotypes in terms of pain (P > 0.05) and orgasm (P > 0.05) but difference was significant between different phenotypes and control group. In addition, phenotype B had the lowest mean score of total FSFI (P < 0.05). The results indicated that women's SF is significantly different in different PCOS phenotypes. It is concluded that in order to solve the SF problems of women with PCOS, different treatment and care measures should be considered according to the relevant phenotype.

Corrigendum to "The association of food consumption and nutrient intake with endometriosis risk in Iranian women: A case-control study" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2019; 17: 661-670].

[This corrects the article on p. 661 in vol. 17 PMCPMC6804327.].