The effect of pregnant women's status of receiving preconception care on pregnancy stress.

In the study, we aimed to determine the effect of pregnant women's status of receiving preconception care on their pregnancy stress. This is a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design study, we were conducted with the participation of 409 pregnant women between June-December 2019. The Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale total score mean was found to be 30.72 ± 20.26. Individuals who received medication and vitamins as part of preconceptional care had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05; p < 0.001) compared to those who did not receive them for total pregnancy stress, postpartum social support, infant health, and infant identity-care stress. Similarly, individuals who received medical treatment and regular checkups had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05) compared to those who did not for total pregnancy stress, postpartum social support, infant identity-care, body image and psychological state during pregnancy stress scores. In addition, individuals who maintained a healthy lifestyle had significantly higher scores (p < 0.05; p < 0.001) compared to others for infant health, infant identity-care, and psychological distress during pregnancy. It was determined that women who made preparations for their pregnancy experienced more stress related to their babies (baby's health, baby's identity and care), psychological status in pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal social support, and body image.

Body image and sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on women's body image and sexual function. METHODS: In this case-control study, 97 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 95 healthy women were interviewed in a hospital using the Personal Information Form, Body Image Scale, and Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS: The total score of body image of women in the polycystic ovary syndrome group was found to be 132.11±19.44 and it was 133.35±21 in the control group; there was no statistically significant difference between them (p>0.05). In this study, 74.23% of the women with polycystic ovary syndrome (+) experienced sexual dysfunction. Sex drive, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and averages of pain subscales and female sexual function index total score were found to be significantly lower in the polycystic ovary syndrome group than in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a difference between women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy women in terms of sexual function, while body image was similar in both groups. Our data suggest that the polycystic ovary syndrome has a negative effect on the sexuality.

Second look hysteroscopy following hysteroscopic septum resection improves reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing ICSI.

The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive outcomes between infertile women who underwent hysteroscopic uterine septum resection and those who required a second look hysteroscopy due to residual septum prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with selective single 'Grade A' embryo transfer (ET). All second look hysteroscopies were performed due to partial remnant septum in a control three dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (3D TVUSG) after the first hysteroscopic resection. Miscarriage and biochemical pregnancy rates were not different between the groups while clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. Second look hysteroscopic metroplasty performed to restore remnant septum significantly improves live birth rate as well as clinical pregnancy rates while it appears not to alleviate abortion and biochemical pregnancy rates in women undergoing ICSI-ET.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The effect of hysteroscopic septum resection on reproductive outcomes in IVF treatment in infertile patients with uterine septum is not clearly known.What do the results of this study add? With the selective single ET strategy, complete or partial hysteroscopic correction of the uterine septum before ICSI and subsequent resection of the residual septum with control hysteroscopy significantly increases the live birth rates in the infertile population.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In the group of infertile patients with uterine septum, second control hysteroscopy should be performed 1 month later for residual septum or adhesions after hysteroscopic septum resection performed once.

Prevention of Premature Ovulation by Administration of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Antagonist the day After Ovulation Triggering in Diminished Ovarian Reserve Patients / Prevenção da ovulação prematura por meio da administração de antagonismo de liberação de gonadotropismo no dia seguinte à ovulação

Abstract Objective The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness of single-dose gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist administration, the day after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) triggering for final oocyte maturation, on the prevention of premature luteinization in patients with diminished ovarian reserve in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The secondary objective of the study was to search the effect of this protocol on pregnancy outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective study including 267 infertile patients who have single antral follicle seen with ultrasonography on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle before starting IVF treatment. We randomized patients into two groups. The case group comprised patients who had single-dose GnRH antagonist injection the day after hCG triggering formed, and the patients who had the standard treatment regime formed the control group. In both groups, the oocytes were collected 36 hours after hCG injection. Results The premature ovulation rate was significantly low in the case group compared with the control group (6.86 versus 20.6% per scheduled cycle) (p=0.022). Also, the oocyte retrieval rate (93.14 versus 67.87% per scheduled cycle) (p=0.013), the oocyte maturity rate (79.42 versus 47.87%) (p=0.041), the fertilization rate (65.68 versus 34.54%) (p=0.018), and the embryo transfer rate per scheduled cycle (44.11 versus 18.78%) (p=0.003) were higher in the GnRH antagonist group than in the control group. Conclusion The administration of GnRH antagonist the day after hCG trigger in IVF treatments of patients with diminished ovarian reserve enabled a significant decrease in the rate of premature ovulation but had no effect on live birth rate.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo retrospectivo foi investigar a eficácia da administração do antagonista do hormônio liberador da gonadotrofina (GnRH) em dose única no dia seguinte ao desencadeamento da gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) para a maturação final do oócito, na prevenção da luteinização prematura em pacientes com diminuição do ovário reserva em ciclos de fertilização in vitro (FIV). O objetivo secundário do estudo foi pesquisar o efeito deste protocolo nos resultados da gravidez. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo incluindo 267 pacientes inférteis que apresentam um único folículo antral visto por ultrassonografia no 2° ou 3° dia do ciclo menstrual antes de iniciar o tratamento de FIV. Nós randomizamos os pacientes em dois grupos. Os pacientes que receberam injeção de antagonista de GnRH em dose única no dia seguinte ao desencadeamento do hCG formaram o grupo caso, e os pacientes que receberam o regime de tratamento padrão formaram o grupo controle. Em ambos os grupos, os oócitos foram coletados 36 horas após a injeção de hCG. Resultados A taxa de ovulação prematura foi significativamente baixa no grupo caso em comparação com o grupo controle (6,86 versus 20,6% por ciclo programado) (p=0,022). Além disso, a taxa de recuperação de oócitos (93,14 versus 67,87% por ciclo programado) (p=0,013), a taxa de maturidade do oócito (79,42 versus 47,87%) (p=0,041), a taxa de fertilização (65,68 versus 34,54%) (p=0,018) e a taxa de transferência de embriões por ciclo programado (44,11 versus 18,78%) (p=0,003) foram maiores no grupo antagonista de GnRH do que no grupo controle. Conclusão A administração de antagonista de GnRH, no dia seguinte ao desencadeamento de hCG em tratamentos de FIV de pacientes com reserva ovariana diminuída permitiu uma redução significativa na taxa de ovulação precoce,mas não teve efeito na taxa de nascidos vivos.

Levels and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression in Turkish Pregnant Woman During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: In addition to being a medical phenomenon, pandemics affect the individual and society on several levels and lead to disruptions. In the pandemic process, different groups in the population, including pregnant women as a defenseless group, are subjected to psychological threat. The present study aimed to determine the levels of anxiety and depression and related factors in pregnant women during the the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted with 269 pregnant women through face-to-face interviews held in Istanbul, Turkey. Regarding the data collection tools, the Cronbach α reliability coefficient was of 0.90 for the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and of 0.85 for the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: Among the participating pregnant women, 30.5% had mild, 17.5% had moderate, and 5.9% had severe anxiety symptoms, whereas 35.3% had mild, 16.7% had moderate, and 2.2% had severe depression symptoms. We found that those who were concerned about their health had 5.36 times (p = 0.04) more risk of developing anxiety, and 4.82 times (p = 0.01) more risk of developing depression than those who were not concerned. Those who had a history of psychiatric disease had 3.92 times (p = 0.02) more risk of developing anxiety than those without it. CONCLUSION: We determined that about half of the pregnant women included in the study had some degree of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk factors for anxiety and depression among the pregnant women were determined as smoking, concerns about health and getting infected with the coronavirus, history of psychiatric disease, and undergoing regular antenatal care.

OBJETIVO: Além de ser um fenômeno médico, as pandemias também afetam o indivíduo e a sociedade em vários níveis, e causam perturbações. No processo de pandemia, diferentes grupos da população, incluindo mulheres grávidas como um grupo indefeso, estão sujeitos a ameaças psicológicas. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar os níveis de ansiedade e depressão e os fatores relacionados em mulheres grávidas durante a pandemia de doença do coronavírus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, Covid-19, em inglês). MéTODOS: Este estudo transversal foi realizado com 269 mulheres grávidas por meio de entrevistas pessoais em Istambul, Turquia. Com relação às ferramentas de coleta de dados, o coeficiente de confiabilidade alfa de Cronbach foi de 0,90 para a Escala de Ansiedade de Beck, e de 0,85 para a Escala de Depressão de Beck. RESULTADOS: Entre as gestantes participantes, 30,5% apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade leves, 17,5%, moderados, e 5,9%, graves, ao passo que 35,3% apresentaram sintomas de depressão leves, 16,7%, moderados, e 2,2%, graves. Verificou-se que as participantes que se preocupavam com sua saúde tinham 5,36 vezes (p = 0,04) mais risco de desenvolver ansiedade e 4,82 vezes (p = 0,01) mais risco de desenvolver depressão do que aquelas que não se preocupavam. As pacientes que tinham histórico de doença psiquiátrica tinham 3,92 vezes (p = 0,02) mais risco de desenvolver ansiedade do que as que não tinham. CONCLUSãO: Determinou-se que cerca de metade das gestantes incluídas no estudo tiveram algum nível de ansiedade e depressão durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Os fatores de risco para ansiedade e depressão nas gestantes foram determinados como tabagismo, preocupação com a saúde e infecção pelo coronavírus, histórico de doença psiquiátrica, e cuidados pré-natais regulares.

Prevention of Premature Ovulation by Administration of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Antagonist the day After Ovulation Triggering in Diminished Ovarian Reserve Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness of single-dose gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist administration, the day after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) triggering for final oocyte maturation, on the prevention of premature luteinization in patients with diminished ovarian reserve in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The secondary objective of the study was to search the effect of this protocol on pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 267 infertile patients who have single antral follicle seen with ultrasonography on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle before starting IVF treatment. We randomized patients into two groups. The case group comprised patients who had single-dose GnRH antagonist injection the day after hCG triggering formed, and the patients who had the standard treatment regime formed the control group. In both groups, the oocytes were collected 36 hours after hCG injection. RESULTS: The premature ovulation rate was significantly low in the case group compared with the control group (6.86 versus 20.6% per scheduled cycle) (p = 0.022). Also, the oocyte retrieval rate (93.14 versus 67.87% per scheduled cycle) (p = 0.013), the oocyte maturity rate (79.42 versus 47.87%) (p = 0.041), the fertilization rate (65.68 versus 34.54%) (p = 0.018), and the embryo transfer rate per scheduled cycle (44.11 versus 18.78%) (p = 0.003) were higher in the GnRH antagonist group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The administration of GnRH antagonist the day after hCG trigger in IVF treatments of patients with diminished ovarian reserve enabled a significant decrease in the rate of premature ovulation but had no effect on live birth rate.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo retrospectivo foi investigar a eficácia da administração do antagonista do hormônio liberador da gonadotrofina (GnRH) em dose única no dia seguinte ao desencadeamento da gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) para a maturação final do oócito, na prevenção da luteinização prematura em pacientes com diminuição do ovário reserva em ciclos de fertilização in vitro (FIV). O objetivo secundário do estudo foi pesquisar o efeito deste protocolo nos resultados da gravidez. MéTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo incluindo 267 pacientes inférteis que apresentam um único folículo antral visto por ultrassonografia no 2° ou 3° dia do ciclo menstrual antes de iniciar o tratamento de FIV. Nós randomizamos os pacientes em dois grupos. Os pacientes que receberam injeção de antagonista de GnRH em dose única no dia seguinte ao desencadeamento do hCG formaram o grupo caso, e os pacientes que receberam o regime de tratamento padrão formaram o grupo controle. Em ambos os grupos, os oócitos foram coletados 36 horas após a injeção de hCG. RESULTADOS: A taxa de ovulação prematura foi significativamente baixa no grupo caso em comparação com o grupo controle (6,86 versus 20,6% por ciclo programado) (p = 0,022). Além disso, a taxa de recuperação de oócitos (93,14 versus 67,87% por ciclo programado) (p = 0,013), a taxa de maturidade do oócito (79,42 versus 47,87%) (p = 0,041), a taxa de fertilização (65,68 versus 34,54%) (p = 0,018) e a taxa de transferência de embriões por ciclo programado (44,11 versus 18,78%) (p = 0,003) foram maiores no grupo antagonista de GnRH do que no grupo controle. CONCLUSãO: A administração de antagonista de GnRH, no dia seguinte ao desencadeamento de hCG em tratamentos de FIV de pacientes com reserva ovariana diminuída permitiu uma redução significativa na taxa de ovulação precoce, mas não teve efeito na taxa de nascidos vivos.

The relationship between stigma, perceived social support and depression in infertile Turkish women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the perceived social support, stigmatization and depression in infertile women and the influencing factors. The study was conducted on 298 infertile women at a private hospital between March and September 2019 using a Personal Information Questionnaire, Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). BDI had a significantly positive correlation with ISS and negative correlation with MSPSS. And MSPSS had a significantly negative correlation with ISS. Infertility leads women to suffer various psychosocial problems. Nurses should be aware of these problems during diagnostic procedures for infertility treatment, which should also include psychiatric counseling.

Pregnancy results after intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer in patients with infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

This study evaluated pregnancy results after fresh and frozen embryo transfer in males with infertility due to non-obstructive azoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. In this retrospective study, a total of 801 embryo transfer cycles were followed up, including 423 fresh embryo transfers and 378 frozen embryo transfers in which intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed because of male infertility. This study included females aged 28-38 years without uterine, endometrial, ovarian and tubal abnormalities and with regular menstrual cycles (n=801), and males aged 28-38 years with non-obstructive azoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Descriptive statistical methods and the independent t-test were used in the comparison of two groups with normal distribution, the Mann-Whitney U test was used in the comparison of two groups without normal distribution, and the Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. There were no statistically significant differences between the fresh embryo transfer group and frozen embryo transfer group in terms of rates of pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, live birth rate, and abortion rate. There was no difference between fresh embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer in terms of pregnancy results in couples with non-obstructive azoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia as male infertility factor.

Prenatal distress levels of pregnant women in Turkey and affecting factors: a multicentre study.

This study was conducted to determine prenatal distress levels of pregnant women from seven provinces of Turkey and factors affecting prenatal distress levels. The multicentre descriptive study included 2365 pregnant women who were in the twentieth gestational week and above. The data were collected using the pregnancy information form, prenatal distress questionnaire and spousal support scale. Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, ANOVA and logistic regression were used to evaluate the data. The results of this study demonstrated that pregnant women's prenatal distress levels are affected by such factors as the region lived in, lack of spousal support and being a primary school graduate. Nurses should develop intervention strategies that involve the pregnant woman's spouse to reduce prenatal distress and the factors affecting prenatal distress.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Prenatal distress can have significant effects on pregnancy, maternal health and human development across the lifespan.What the results of this study add? Spousal support could also have an effect on the psychological health of mothers.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Nurses and midwives monitor the pregnant women, and therefore, they should evaluate the prenatal distress levels in the prenatal period, plan intervention strategies for pregnant women with high stress levels and include the pregnant women's spouses in these intervention strategies.

Pregnancy results after fresh embryo transfer and selective frozen-thawed embryo transfer: Single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical pregnancy and live birth results of fresh embryo transfer (ET) and selective frozen embryo transfer (sFET) in cohort of infertile patients aged between 18-42 years of age in single IVF center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the clinical and live birth results of 620 fresh embryo transfer cycles and 580 frozen embryo transfer cycles were investigated in Sisli Kolan International Hospital Fertility Unit between 2015-2018. RESULTS: Age, BMI, causes of infertility, duration of infertility, ovulation induction protocols, the number of oocytes collected and the thickness of endometrium on the day of transfer were similar in the ET and sFET groups. More good quality embryos were obtained in sFET group. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were 71.04 % and 59.31 % in the sFET groups, and 56.77 % and 44.52 % in the ET group, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were higher in frozen embryo transfer cycles than in fresh embryo cycles. However, appropriate in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer methods suitable for each patient should be determined before choosing fresh ET or sFET treatment modalities.

The relationship between body mass index before pregnancy and the amount of weight that should be gained during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the adaptation of pregnant women to the recommended weight gain range according to body mass index (BMI) and to determine the factors affecting them. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in a university hospital's obstetrics and gynecology unit (tertiary center) in Turkey. This study was conducted between March 2018 and August 2018 (6 months) in pregnant women. Pregnant women with chronic disease and receiving treatment during antenatal follow-up, with twin pregnancy, with a fetus with a congenital abnormality, and nutritional disturbance were excluded from the study. Eight hundred twelve pregnant women with normal antenatal follow-up and who volunteered to participate were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 27.66 ± 5.05 years. The mean weight and BMI before pregnancy were near standard in all participants. The group with the highest rate of recommended weight gain according to BMI before pregnancy was the group with low weight pregnant women. The ideal weight gain rate in all groups was 32%. CONCLUSIONS: The groups with overweight and obese pregnant women according to BMI before pregnancy had the highest rates of weight gain, above the recommended limits. BMI before pregnancy directly affects weight gain during pregnancy and the importance of pre-pregnancy counseling and weight loss is emphasized once again.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Methods Used by Turkish Infertile Women and Their Effect on Quality of Life.

The purpose of this study is to assess the rate of women receiving treatment of infertility who use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), CAM methods, and the effect of these methods on their quality of life. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 797 women applying to the in vitro fertilization center of a private hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form and the "Fertility Quality of Life Questionnaire." Fertility Quality of Life Questionnaire is scored between 0 and 100. High scores signify high quality of life. The data were assessed by using mean, standard deviation, number, percentage, t test, and 1-way analysis of variance test. It was found that 36.9% of the women used CAM and 17.9% used CAM along with the infertility treatment. Educational level of infertile women, educational level of their husbands, income level, regular drug use, infertility factor, the use of CAM, and the use of CAM and infertility treatment statistically significantly affected the quality of life (P < .05). The mostly preferred CAM was prayer/worship (25.1%) and phytotherapy (15.2%). The participants had a mean score of 68.79 ± 12.99 from overall Fertility Quality of Life Questionnaire questionnaire. The quality of life of the participants was at a good level. The use of acupuncture and phytotherapy significantly affected the quality of life. Since phytotherapy may interact with the drugs, it is important for nurses to routinely ask patients about their use of phytotherapy. Further evidence-based studies on these practices need to be conducted.

Does feticide shorten termination duration in second trimester pregnancy terminations?

BACKROUND: A retrospective (case-controlled) study was conducted with the aim of identifying the effect of the use of misoprostol on termination time in patients who did and did not undergo feticide procedures in second trimester pregnancy terminations. METHODS: The sampling of the study consisted of 144 pregnant women who were diagnosed as having major fetal anomalies incompatible with life, and were recommended for termination of pregnancy. The investigation showed that feticide procedures were performed for 99 women, and feticide procedures were not performed for 45 women. Misoprostol protocol was administered for 48 hours in the termination period; whether the feticide procedure directly affected the termination duration in patients who did and did not undergo feticide was evaluated. RESULTS: Abortion/birth was achieved in 103 (71.5%) women during the first 48 hours. There was no significant difference between the termination duration of the misoprostol protocol among the women who did and did not undergo feticide. There was no significant difference between the termination durations and fetal biometric measurements (BPD, HC) except head diameters (p=0.020 and p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The misoprostol protocol is shown to be effective and safe for the termination of pregnancies during the second trimester. Feticide has no affect on the duration of termination.

The outcomes of transobturator tape intervention in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: Two years' follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and the effects on quality of life of transobturator tape surgery during a 2-year follow-up period in our clinics. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with stress or mixed urinary incontinence who underwent transobturator tape surgery were included in the study conducted in Istanbul. Taksim. Training. and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, between 2011 and 2013. The patients' demographic features, incontinence questionnaires, quality of life scores [Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and urinary distress inventories (UDI-6)], examination findings, urodynamic results, stress tests, Q tip tests, number of daily pads, ultrasonography, surgery, and cystoscopy results were recorded. Patients were evaluated 23-27 months (mean: 25.40±1.31 months) after their discharge in terms of symptoms, quality of life scores, urodynamic findings, complications, and stress test. RESULTS: Sixty-three (72.4%) patients had stress incontinence and 24 (27.6%) patients had mixed urinary incontinence. No perioperative complications were observed in our study. After a follow-up period of two years, a significant improvement was detected in the IIQ-7 and UDI-6 questionnaires when compared with the preoperative period. Moreover, the objective cure rate was found as 88.5% (n=77). De novo urge incontinence was obtained in 5.7% (n=5) of patients and was treated with anticholinergics. Perineal pain was present in 3 (3.44%) patients and was treated with analgesics and cold packs. In 2 (2.29%) patients, vaginal mesh erosion was detected and full recovery was achieved with an excision. Urinary retention and bladder perforation was not seen in any patients. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a high objective cure rate, and an improvement in symptoms and quality of life with the transobturator tape operation.

A comparative randomized study on effect of vaginally administered glyceryl trinitrate placebo on cervical ripening prior to induction of labor in overdue pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness and adverse effects of local glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) application during labor compared with a placebo group. METHODS: The study consisted of 70 pregnant women with overdue pregnancies who presented to the hospital for labor induction between January 2009 and January 2011 in the Obstetrics Clinic of Istanbul Süleymaniye Gynecology and Obstetrics Education and Training Hospital. Vaginal suppositories-containing GTN (36/70) or placebo (34/70) was administered to the participants in a randomized fashion. The placebo and GTN involving vaginal ovules used in the study were prepared in the Pharmacy Department of Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy. Maternal effects during labor, rates of normal vaginal and C/S deliveries, the interval between the initial medication and delivery, and amount of total oxytocin used were compared between the GTN and placebo groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the GTN and placebo groups regarding bishop scores, the interval between medication and delivery, delivery types, indications for cesarean section, and complications including hyperstimulation, tachysystole, uterine rupture, placental abruption, and uterine atony (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that there were no differences between GTN and placebo regarding their effect on cervical ripening in overdue pregnant women.

Menstrual cycle characteristics of young females with occult primary ovarian insufficiency at initial diagnosis and one-year follow-up with serum amh level and antral follicle count.

Occult primary ovarian insufficiency (also known as incipient ovarian failure or diminished ovarian reserve) is defined as serum AMH level ≤1.1ng/mL in women under age 30. Limited data is available regarding the prevalence of occult POI, the preceding menstrual characteristics and its natural course in otherwise healthy young females. We aimed in this prospective observational study to determine the prevalence of occult POI in young females (< age 30) screened with serum AMH measurement; and analyze the patterns of change in their menstruation at initial assessment and one-year follow-up in relation to the changes in ovarian reserve quantitatively assessed with AMH and AFC. 963 young female college students under age 30 voluntarily participated in this study. 43 of them (4.4%) were diagnosed with occult POI as their AMH levels were ≤ 1.1ng/mL. Thirty-eight (83.4%) of them have regular cycles and denied any menstrual irregularity in the last 12 months. This rate was not statistically different from 7.3% of those with AMH>1.1ng/mL who reported at least one abnormal menstrual cycle in the last year (p = 0.36). Cycle length was significantly shorter in females with AMH ≤ 1.1ng/mL compared to those with AMH>1.1ng/mL (25.1±3.2 vs. 31.2±2.8 respectively, p<0.001). Karyotype, FMR-1 mutation analyses and auto-antibody screening returned normal in all. At one-year follow-up AMH, AFC and mean cycle length were further reduced compared to their values at initial assessment. Now, a greater proportion of the participants with occult POI were menstruating regularly at every 21 days compared to the initial evaluation one year ago (39.5% vs. 13.9% respectively, p = 0.013). Twenty-five underwent oocyte cryopreservation. These findings underscore the importance of screening young females with AMH for possible occult POI. It also emphasizes that young females with critically diminished ovarian reserve may continue to menstruate regularly without any characteristic menstrual abnormality other than shortening of cycle length.

Effect of music therapy on the anxiety levels and pregnancy rate of women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of music therapy on the anxiety levels and pregnancy rates of women who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 186 infertile women who presented to the In Vitro Fertilization Unit at the American Hospital in Turkey between April 2015 and April 2016. The infertile women who met the inclusion criteria were assigned to the music therapy group or the standard therapy group through block randomization. The study data were collected using the Personal Information Form, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Early treatment success was determined by serum beta human chorionic gonadotrophin levels seven or ten days after the luteal day zero. For the analysis, descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent sample t-test were used. RESULTS: After the embryo transfer, the mean state anxiety scores decreased in both groups, and the mean trait anxiety score decreased in the music therapy group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Clinical pregnancy rates did not differ between the music (48.3%) and standard (46.4%) therapy groups. CONCLUSION: After the two sessions of music therapy, state and trait anxiety levels decreased and pregnancy rates increased, but the difference was not significant. Therefore, larger sample sizes and more sessions are needed to evaluate whether music therapy has an effect on clinical outcomes.

Antenatal Education on Pregnant Adolescents in Turkey: Prenatal Adaptation, Postpartum Adaptation, and Newborn Perceptions.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial study was planned in order to evaluate the effect of antenatal education on antenatal and postpartum adaptation and newborn perceptions among adolescent pregnant women. METHODS: A research assistant met with pregnant adolesencents in a Family Health Center and at the participants' homes. The sample included 70 pregnant adolescents (35 in experimental group, 35 in control group) chosen through simple random sampling. The experimental group received antenatal eduation, whereas the control group merely had routine surveillance. As for data collection tools, the Prenatal Self Evaluation Questionnaire (PSEQ), the Postpartum Self Evaluation Questionnaire (PPSEQ) and the Newborn Perception Scale (NPI) was used. RESULTS: It was found that the experiment group who received antenatal education had a lower mean total PSEQ score (133.94 ± 15.62) compared to the control group (159.86 ± 17.83). In the comparison of two groups, it was determined that the experiment group had lower mean total PPSEQ scores on the 1st day, 1st week and 2nd week compared to the control group, indicating higher levels of postpartum adaptation (p = .017, p = .009, p = .029). CONCLUSION: It was determined that the level of prenatal adaptation was higher in the experiment group, which received antenatal education, than in the control group and that levels of postpartum adaptation was significantly higher in the experiment group on the 1st postpartum day and the 1st and 2nd postpartum weeks but not on the 4th postpartum week. There were no significant differences between the experiment and control groups in terms of NPI results.

The Effects of a Healthy Lifestyle and of Anxiety Levels on IVF Outcomes.

This study investigated effects of a healthy lifestyle and anxiety levels on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. This follow-up study on 102 infertile women and 66 infertile men (total: 168) was carried out at a infertility clinic in university hospital in Instanbul, Turkey. Health-Promoting-Lifestyle-Profile-II (HPLP II) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) instruments were used. Female participants were called following their IVF treatment to determine whether they were pregnant or not. The mean age for female respondents was 31.38 ± 4.66; for men it was 34.22 ± 4.34 (t:-3.96; p:0.00). Their subjects' infertility types were unexplained 23.8%, male factor 41.1% and female factor 24.4%. Their total HPLP-II scores were 129.21 ± 22.33 (a range of 63-204). Their rate of pregnancy following IVF was 19%. The HPLP-II scores were upper-intermediate. Despite the State anxiety levels being moderate, the Trait anxiety levels were high. Comparison of the scales by gender was not significant. In addition, on HPLP-II and STAI scores, there were no differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women following IVF.