Epidemiology of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in the Tacna Region of Peru, 2023.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent in the general population, with numerous studies conducted in Europe and North America. However, there is a scarcity of data regarding its prevalence and sociodemographic factors in the southern region of Peru. There is an association between sociodemographic factors-such as age, educational level, body mass index, number of pregnancies, parity, mode of delivery, weight of the newborn-along with lifestyle factors such as physical effort, coffee and tobacco consumption with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). We anticipate that this association will negatively impact women's quality of life. METHODS: This was a quantitative study, with a non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design. A sample consisting of 468 women between 30 and 64 years old. A previously tested survey was applied to explore prevalence, symptoms, associated factors, and quality of life. RESULTS: The prevalence of PFD was 73.9%. UI was the most common. There is a significant association with overweight, obesity, parity, route of delivery, and physical effort. Even though a large percentage of participants presented with PFD, they reported that their quality of life was not affected (65.9% urinary discomfort, 96.5% colorectal-anal discomfort and 92.2% pelvic organ prolapse discomfort) and only in the case of urinary discomfort did they state that the impact was mild (28.6%) and moderate (5.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor dysfunction in women is very common and it is strongly associated with overweight, obesity, parity, route of delivery, and physical exertion. The impact on quality of life was mild and moderate for those who had urinary discomfort.

Breaking the taboo: qualitative analysis of the sexuality in people with acquired motor disability.

BACKGROUND: Globally 1 in 7 people experience some type of disability. In Latin America, as in other regions, there are programs focused on the protection of sexual and reproductive rights of this population group. However, to date, in Peru there are no programs, protocols or guidelines that include a specialist (sexologist or trained health professional) in the health system to improve the quality of life and well-being of this population. Therefore, the objective of this article is to qualitatively analyze the experience of sexuality in people with acquired motor disabilities. METHODS: We used the interpretative phenomenological approach and the semi-structured in-depth interview composed of 60 questions, which was applied to 7 people (4 women and 3 men) with acquired motor disabilities. RESULTS: Diversity in the experience of sexuality was observed. While some experience it without fear, others have annulled their sexual encounters, because in addition to physical limitations, they experience psychosocial limitations such as pain, functional alterations, depression, low self-esteem, discrimination, exclusion, stigmas and socio-environmental barriers, among others. Likewise, the study reflected the double discrimination suffered by women (for being a woman and having a disability), as well as the lack of education, counseling or sex therapy by specialized professionals, and the influence of religion, society and culture as factors that condition and limit their sexuality. This reflects the current situation in Peru and other countries in the region, where the sexuality of people with disabilities continues to be a complex and ambiguous issue. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that for some participants it is possible to experience sexuality without fear, while others hold back their experiences for reasons other than physical, self-esteem, social discrimination, among others. The review of the profile and level of specialization of the health services professionals involved in the integral medical care of people with disabilities and their couples is required because of their need for adequate and specialized attention for their better adaptation to the new condition.

Ejercicio de la sexualidad en gestantes de Tacna / Exercise of sexuality in pregnant women from Tacna

INTRODUCCIÓN: El embarazo genera cambios fisiológicos, hormonales y psíquicos que afectan la sexualidad. OBJETIVO: Determinar los factores asociados a la sexualidad durante la gestación y mostrar los cambios en cada trimestre. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio transversal, analítico, muestra 346 puérperas. Se aplicó cuestionario de 47 ítems: datos sociodemográficos, creencias, vivencia e información recibida sobre sexualidad. RESULTADOS: El 56% tuvo encuentros sexuales un mes antes del parto. Frecuencia de encuentros sexuales: una vez por semana (54%, 43% y 63% primer, segundo y tercer trimestre; respectivamente). El análisis multivariado, estuvo asociado a que las mujeres reportaron haber experimentado mayor placer sexual cuando recibieron información del médico u obstetra (valor p<0,001), al alcanzar medianamente fácil el orgasmo (p<0,001) y ser estimulada en zonas erógenas (p<0,001); por el contrario, aquellas que experimentaron menor placer sexual, fueron las que sintieron que el deseo sexual cambio durante el embarazo (p=0,020) y cuando estimularon a su pareja en zonas erógenas (p<0,001). CONCLUSIONES: La vivencia de la sexualidad cambia durante la gestación. La información, el logro del orgasmo y la estimulación en zonas erógenas producen mayor placer sexual.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy generates physiological, hormonal, and psychic changes that affect sexuality. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with sexuality during gestation and to show the changes in each trimester. METHODOLOGY: Transversal, analytical study, showing 346 postpartum women. A questionnaire of 47 items was applied: sociodemographic data, beliefs, experience, and information received about sexuality. RESULTS: 56% had sexual encounters one month before delivery. Frequency of sexual encounters: once a week (54%, 43%, and 63% first, second, and third trimesters, respectively). The multivariate analysis was associated with women reporting greater sexual pleasure when they received information from the doctor or obstetrician (p<0.001 value), when reaching orgasm moderately easily (p<0.001) and when being stimulated in erogenous zones (p<0.001); on the contrary, those who experienced less sexual pleasure, were those who felt that sexual desire changed during pregnancy (p=0.020) and when they stimulated their partner in erogenous zones (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The experience of sexuality changes during gestation. The information, the achievement of orgasm and stimulation in erogenous zones produce greater sexual pleasure.