Sexual dysfunction in infertile couples: evaluation and treatment of infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic and the predictive value of Arizona Sexual Experience Scale among primary infertile couples regarding sexual dysfunction. METHODS: The cross-sectional and prospective pre, post study comprising primary infertile patients was carried out at Bulent Ecevit University Hospital, Zonguldak, Turkey. Fifty consecutive primary infertile couples not treated previously were investigated between 2003 and 2007 for the presence of sexual dysfunction by a psychiatrist. Arizona Sexual Experience Scale scoring was self-administered to determine sexual dysfunction among couples before treatment and also 3 months after the initiation of the treatment. RESULTS: Pretreatment mean values of the index parametres in both women and men were significantly increased after treatment. Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between pre- and post-treatment total scores in both women (r = 0.83; p < .001) and men (r = 0.92; p < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed optimum cut-offs of pre- and post-treatment scores in women were were > 14 (Sensitivity: 57%; Specificity: 90%) and > 13 (Sensitivity: 83%; Specificity: 93%), respectively. Pre- and post-treatment scores in men were > 10 (Sensitivity: 65%; Specificity: 61%), > 11 (Sensitivity: 83%; Specificity: 62%), respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed women's pre-treatment and post-treatment scores as a significant factor for prediction of sexual dysfunction independent of sociodemographic factors (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Evaluation and treatment of infertility is an important risk factor for sexual dyfunction. Pre- and posttreatment Arizona Sexual Experience Scale score could be used as a screening test for sexual dysfunction and might be used to decide pre/post-treatment consultation of couples with a specialist.

Unilateral ovarian agenesis and clear cell type epithelioid leiomyoma of uterus mimicking ovarian malignancy.

A case of unilateral absent ovary together with clear cell type epithelioid leiomyoma of uterus mimicking ovarian malignancy discovered during laparotomy is presented. Unilateral absence of an ovary is an extremely rare finding. Although the exact pathophysiological mechanism is not known, it could result from a defect in embryological development or asymptomatic torsion of ovary. Clear cell type epithelioid leiomyoma of uterus is also a rare variant, composed of round or polygonal 'clear' cells rather than typical spindle-shaped cells and ultra structurally differs from non-uterine counterparts.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (uterus didelphys, blind hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis) - a case report.

Uterovaginal duplication with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis is referred to as the Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome. A 17 year old woman presented with right pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea, present since menarche at 13 and worsening over the past year. Ultrasound examination revealed a right pelvic mass (5×5 cm), double endometrial echoes, and hematocolpos. A right pelvic mass, agenesis of the right kidney, double uterus, and blind hemivagina with hematocolpos were detected by magnetic resonance imaging and intravenous pyelography. A right tubo-ovarian abscess with dense adhesions and a double uterus were observed on diagnostic laparoscopy. Adhesiolysis was carried out and purulent material irrigated. After a course of antibiotics, a vaginal septum resection was performed and the pyocolpos drained. She remained symptom free after four months of follow-up. Prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome can significantly improve the lives of sufferers and prevent future complications.

Comparison of serum androgens and endometrial thickness in obese and non-obese postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated whether serum androgen levels and endometrial thickness differed in obese and non-obese women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirtytwo non-obese (BMI <30) and 48 obese (BMI ≥ 30) women were enrolled. Blood samples were analyzed for testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS, and SHBG, and transvaginal ultrasonography was performed. RESULTS: Obese women had significantly higher free testosterone and endometrial thickness and significantly lower SHBG. Eight of 17 women with endometrial thickness >5 mm had significant pathology. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that obesity may be a risk factor for endometrial carcinoma and other pathologies in post-menopausal women through an action on androgen concentrations.