Sexual function of women with infertility / Função sexual de mulheres com infertilidade

Abstract Objective To assess the sexual function, anxiety, and depression of infertile women relative to a control group. Methods Infertile women (infertile group, IG) of reproductive age were invited to participate in this controlled study. A control group (CG) of women was recruited from the general population of the same city. Sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results A total of 280 women participated in the present study, 140 in the IG and 140 in the CG. The analysis of the FSFI scores showed that 47 women (33.57%) in the IG and 49 women (35%) in the CG had sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.55; p = 0.90). Women with anxiety or depression had a greater risk of sexual dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction increased the risk of anxiety and depression. Married women had a lower risk of depression than single women who were living with their partners. Conclusion Infertilewomenhadno increased riskof sexual dysfunction relativetocontrols. Anxiety and depression increased the risk of sexual dysfunction in the studied population.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a função sexual, ansiedade e depressão de mulheres inférteis em relação a um grupo controle. Métodos Mulheres inférteis (grupo infértil, GI) em idade reprodutiva foram convidadas a participar deste estudo. Um grupo controle (GC) de mulheres foi recrutado da população geral da mesma cidade. A função sexual foi avaliada pelo Índice de Função Sexual Feminina (FSFI, na sigla eminglês), e ansiedade e depressão foram medidas pela Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS, na sigla em inglês). Resultados Um total de 280 mulheres participaram deste estudo, sendo 140 no GI e 140 no GC. A análise dos escores do FSFI mostrou que 47 mulheres (33,57%) no GI e 49 mulheres (35%) no GC apresentaram disfunção sexual (FSFI≤ 26,55; p = 0,90). Mulheres com ansiedade ou depressão tiveram um risco maior de disfunção sexual e a disfunção sexual aumentava o risco de ansiedade e depressão. Asmulheres casadas tiveram um risco menor de depressão do que as mulheres amasiadas. Conclusão As mulheres inférteis não apresentaram risco aumentado de disfunção sexual em relação aos controles. Ansiedade e depressão aumentaram o risco de disfunção sexual na população estudada.

Sexual Function of Women with Infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sexual function, anxiety, and depression of infertile women relative to a control group. METHODS: Infertile women (infertile group, IG) of reproductive age were invited to participate in this controlled study. A control group (CG) of women was recruited from the general population of the same city. Sexual function was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: A total of 280 women participated in the present study, 140 in the IG and 140 in the CG. The analysis of the FSFI scores showed that 47 women (33.57%) in the IG and 49 women (35%) in the CG had sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.55; p = 0.90). Women with anxiety or depression had a greater risk of sexual dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction increased the risk of anxiety and depression. Married women had a lower risk of depression than single women who were living with their partners. CONCLUSION: Infertile women had no increased risk of sexual dysfunction relative to controls. Anxiety and depression increased the risk of sexual dysfunction in the studied population.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função sexual, ansiedade e depressão de mulheres inférteis em relação a um grupo controle. MéTODOS: Mulheres inférteis (grupo infértil, GI) em idade reprodutiva foram convidadas a participar deste estudo. Um grupo controle (GC) de mulheres foi recrutado da população geral da mesma cidade. A função sexual foi avaliada pelo Índice de Função Sexual Feminina (FSFI, na sigla em inglês), e ansiedade e depressão foram medidas pela Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS, na sigla em inglês). RESULTADOS: Um total de 280 mulheres participaram deste estudo, sendo 140 no GI e 140 no GC. A análise dos escores do FSFI mostrou que 47 mulheres (33,57%) no GI e 49 mulheres (35%) no GC apresentaram disfunção sexual (FSFI ≤ 26,55; p = 0,90). Mulheres com ansiedade ou depressão tiveram um risco maior de disfunção sexual e a disfunção sexual aumentava o risco de ansiedade e depressão. As mulheres casadas tiveram um risco menor de depressão do que as mulheres amasiadas. CONCLUSãO: As mulheres inférteis não apresentaram risco aumentado de disfunção sexual em relação aos controles. Ansiedade e depressão aumentaram o risco de disfunção sexual na população estudada.

History of childhood maltreatment and symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with chronic pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and physical and emotional neglect suffered by women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) during childhood and whether these occurrences are associated with symptoms of pain, anxiety and depression. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 154 women older than 18 years, 77 of them healthy and 77 with CPP. A history of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and physical and emotional neglect was determined using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Anxiety and depression symptoms were determined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. Pain intensity was determined using a visual analog scale (VAS). The quantitative variables were compared by the Wilcoxon test, and the qualitative variables were compared by the Chi-square test or exact Fisher test when appropriate. Correlation between the CTQ, HAD and VAS scores was estimated by the Spearman's p coefficient. Independent association of the variables with the presence of CPP was determined by logistic multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of childhood maltreatment was 77.9% and 64.9%, respectively, for women with CPP and healthy women (p = 0.07). Emotional neglect was more frequent among women with CPP than among healthy women (58.4% versus 41.5%, p = 0.04). There was a moderate correlation between anxiety and depression symptoms and CTQ scores for women with CPP. Unemployment (OR = 4.15, 95% CI 1.73-9.94; ORadj = 3.30, 95% CI 1.26-8.55) was independently associated with the presence of CPP. CONCLUSIONS: Women with CPP reported emotional neglect abuse more frequently than healthy women. There was a direct correlation between maltreatment scores and anxiety and depression scores. On the other hand, CPP was independently associated only with unemployment.

Clinical Characteristics in a Sample of Transsexual People / Características clínicas de uma amostra de pessoas transexuais

Abstract Purpose To assess the clinical characteristics of subjects with gender dysphoria (GD). Method A cross-sectional study of adults with GD. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Sociodemographic data, clinical data and life habits were recorded. Results Total of 44 subjects participated in the study: 36 (82%) trans women and 8 (18%) trans men. Forty-three (98%) of the GD patients had anxiety (36 [100%] trans women and 7 [87.5%] trans men), and 36 (82%) had depression (29 [80.5%] trans women and 7 [87.5%] trans men). Suicide had been attempted by 32 (73%) subjects. The rates of depression were lower among the subjects living with partners, parents, or other people than among those living alone (p = 0.03), and it was also lower among the subjects who were married compared to those who were dating or single (p = 0.03). Conclusion Improving the relationship status may reduce the prevalence of depressive symptoms in GD patients. There was a high rate of attempted suicide in this sample.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar as características clínicas de indivíduos com disforia de gênero (DG). Método Estudo transversal com pessoas transexuais. Os sintomas de ansiedade e depressão foram medidos usando a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão. Os dados sociodemográficos, os dados clínicos, e os hábitos de vida foram registrados por meio de um questionário. Resultados Um total de 44 indivíduos participou do estudo: 36 (82%)mulheres trans, e 8 (18%) homens trans. Quarenta e três (98%) destes apresentaram ansiedade, sendo 36 (100%) mulheres trans e 7 (87,5%) homens trans, e 36 (82%) apresentaram depressão, sendo 29 (80,5%) mulheres trans, e 7 (87,5%) homens trans. Um total de 32 (73%) indivíduos já haviam tentado suicídio. Os indivíduos que vivem comparceiros, pais ou outras pessoas tiveramuma menor taxa de depressão do que aqueles que vivem sozinhos (p = 0,03), e os indivíduos que eram casados tiveram uma menor taxa de depressão do que aqueles que estavam namorando ou solteiros (p = 0,03). Conclusão A melhoria do status de relacionamento pode reduzir a prevalência de sintomas depressivos empessoas transexuais. Encontrou-se uma alta taxa de tentativas de suicídio nessa amostra.

The Preference of Women and Men Regarding Female Genital Depilation / A preferência de mulheres e homens em relação à depilação genital feminina

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the preferences of women and men regarding female pubic hair depilation and identify possible reasons for these preferences. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of men and women over 18 years old who were invited by the official blog of our institution to respond anonymously to an online and self-administered questionnairemade by the researchers. The analyses weremade using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, SAS Inc., Cary, NC, US) software, version 9.3, and contingency tables were used to verify the distribution of variables. The univariate statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson chi-squared test, and the differences for values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results We obtained data from 69,920 subjects (52,787 women and 17,133 men). Themean age was 31.9 years formen, and 28.5 years for women. Most women (64.3%) and men (62.2%) preferred complete removal of female pubic hair, and this preference wasmore pronounced in younger women andmen. Most women reported performing depilation at home (55.8%), with 44.4% using hot wax and 40.1% using a razor blade. About half of the women (44.7%) and men (50.1%) reported sexual activity, having intercourse 2 to 3 times per week. The frequency of intercourse and sexual satisfaction in women correlated with total pubic hair removal. Conclusion Most Brazilian women and men prefer the complete removal of female pubic hair, especially those who are younger andmore sexually active.Women who are satisfied with the appearance of their own genitalia have a stronger preference for complete removal of pubic hair.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a preferência de mulheres e homens emrelação à depilação genital feminina, e identificar possíveis razões envolvidas nessa preferência. Método Estudo transversal em que homens e mulheres com mais de 18 anos foram convidados por meio do blog oficial de nossa instituição a responder anonimamente a um formulário on-line e autoadministrado de autoria dos pesquisadores. As análises foram realizadas no programa Statistical Analysis System (SAS, SAS Inc., Cary, Carolina do Norte, EUA), versão 9.3, e tabelas de contingência foram construídas para verificar a distribuição entre as variáveis. A análise estatística univariada foi realizada com o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson, e foram consideradas significativas as diferenças para p < 0,05. Resultados Foram obtidos dados de 69.920 indivíduos (52.787 mulheres e 17.133 homens). A idade média dos indivíduos foi de 31,9 anos entre os homens, e de 28,5 entre as mulheres. A maioria das mulheres (64,3%) e dos homens (62,2%) preferiram a genitália feminina completamente depilada, e essa preferência foi mais pronunciada em mulheres e homens mais jovens. A maioria das mulheres afirmaram se depilar em casa (55,8%), e 44,4% delas usam cera quente, e 40,1% utilizam lâmina de barbear. Quase metade das mulheres (44,7%) e metade dos homens (50,1%) alegaram ter frequência sexual de 2 a 3 vezes por semana. A frequência sexual das mulheres e a satisfação com sua própria genitália foram positivamente relacionadas com a preferência pela remoção total dos pelos pubianos. Conclusões A maioria das mulheres e dos homens brasileiros preferem a remoção completa dos pelos genitais femininos, o que é ainda mais pronunciado nos indivíduos mais jovens e sexualmente ativos. As mulheres satisfeitas com a aparência de sua própria genitália tendem a preferir a remoção completa dos pelos pubianos.

[Not Available].

Objetivo Avaliar as características clínicas de indivíduos com disforia de gênero (DG). Método Estudo transversal com pessoas transexuais. Os sintomas de ansiedade e depressão foram medidos usando a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão. Os dados sociodemográficos, os dados clínicos, e os hábitos de vida foram registrados por meio de um questionário. Resultados Um total de 44 indivíduos participou do estudo: 36 (82%) mulheres trans, e 8 (18%) homens trans. Quarenta e três (98%) destes apresentaram ansiedade, sendo 36 (100%) mulheres trans e 7 (87,5%) homens trans, e 36 (82%) apresentaram depressão, sendo 29 (80,5%) mulheres trans, e 7 (87,5%) homens trans. Um total de 32 (73%) indivíduos já haviam tentado suicídio. Os indivíduos que vivem com parceiros, pais ou outras pessoas tiveram uma menor taxa de depressão do que aqueles que vivem sozinhos (p = 0,03), e os indivíduos que eram casados tiveram uma menor taxa de depressão do que aqueles que estavam namorando ou solteiros (p = 0,03). Conclusão A melhoria do status de relacionamento pode reduzir a prevalência de sintomas depressivos em pessoas transexuais. Encontrou-se uma alta taxa de tentativas de suicídio nessa amostra.

The Preference of Women and Men Regarding Female Genital Depilation.

Purpose To evaluate the preferences of women and men regarding female pubic hair depilation and identify possible reasons for these preferences. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of men and women over 18 years old who were invited by the official blog of our institution to respond anonymously to an online and self-administered questionnaire made by the researchers. The analyses were made using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, SAS Inc., Cary, NC, US) software, version 9.3, and contingency tables were used to verify the distribution of variables. The univariate statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson chi-squared test, and the differences for values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results We obtained data from 69,920 subjects (52,787 women and 17,133 men). The mean age was 31.9 years for men, and 28.5 years for women. Most women (64.3%) and men (62.2%) preferred complete removal of female pubic hair, and this preference was more pronounced in younger women and men. Most women reported performing depilation at home (55.8%), with 44.4% using hot wax and 40.1% using a razor blade. About half of the women (44.7%) and men (50.1%) reported sexual activity, having intercourse 2 to 3 times per week. The frequency of intercourse and sexual satisfaction in women correlated with total pubic hair removal. Conclusion Most Brazilian women and men prefer the complete removal of female pubic hair, especially those who are younger and more sexually active. Women who are satisfied with the appearance of their own genitalia have a stronger preference for complete removal of pubic hair.

Objetivos Avaliar a preferência de mulheres e homens em relação à depilação genital feminina, e identificar possíveis razões envolvidas nessa preferência. Método Estudo transversal em que homens e mulheres com mais de 18 anos foram convidados por meio do blog oficial de nossa instituição a responder anonimamente a um formulário on-line e autoadministrado de autoria dos pesquisadores. As análises foram realizadas no programa Statistical Analysis System (SAS, SAS Inc., Cary, Carolina do Norte, EUA), versão 9.3, e tabelas de contingência foram construídas para verificar a distribuição entre as variáveis. A análise estatística univariada foi realizada com o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson, e foram consideradas significativas as diferenças para p < 0,05. Resultados Foram obtidos dados de 69.920 indivíduos (52.787 mulheres e 17.133 homens). A idade média dos indivíduos foi de 31,9 anos entre os homens, e de 28,5 entre as mulheres. A maioria das mulheres (64,3%) e dos homens (62,2%) preferiram a genitália feminina completamente depilada, e essa preferência foi mais pronunciada em mulheres e homens mais jovens. A maioria das mulheres afirmaram se depilar em casa (55,8%), e 44,4% delas usam cera quente, e 40,1% utilizam lâmina de barbear. Quase metade das mulheres (44,7%) e metade dos homens (50,1%) alegaram ter frequência sexual de 2 a 3 vezes por semana. A frequência sexual das mulheres e a satisfação com sua própria genitália foram positivamente relacionadas com a preferência pela remoção total dos pelos pubianos. Conclusões A maioria das mulheres e dos homens brasileiros preferem a remoção completa dos pelos genitais femininos, o que é ainda mais pronunciado nos indivíduos mais jovens e sexualmente ativos. As mulheres satisfeitas com a aparência de sua própria genitália tendem a preferir a remoção completa dos pelos pubianos.

Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer Treated With or Without Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer may negatively affect the quality of life (QOL) of women. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess QOL in women with breast cancer who were treated with or without chemotherapy and to identify factors associated with improved or worsening QOL in these women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 112 women who were treated with chemotherapy (CTX group, with 85 [75.9%] women) or without chemotherapy (non-CTX group, with 27 [24.1%] women) for breast cancer. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) assessed QOL and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale assessed anxiety and depression. RESULTS: The overall mean SF-36 score was below 50 in all domains. Relative to CTX women, non-CTX women were significantly older (P = .001) and more likely to engage in physical exercise (P = .002). The non-CTX group had higher scores in the Physical Functioning (P = .001) and Role-Physical (P = .0009) domains of the SF-36 relative to the CTX group, and the fluoruracil + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide group had significantly lower scores in the SF-36 domains Physical Functioning (P = .009) and Role-Physical (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer worsens QOL in the Physical Functioning and the Role-Physical domains of the SF-36 relative to women treated without chemotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses should assess Physical Functioning and the Role-Physical before treatment, as a woman who was not physically active before breast cancer is not likely to become physically active after treatment. Establishing support groups and providing educational sessions about the disease and its management, supportive care can improve the QOL of this population.

Cultural Adaptation of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire and Validation of Its Use in the Portuguese Language for Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain.

Objectives to translate and adapt the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) to Portuguese and to assess its psychometric properties based on internal consistency, test-retest, factor analysis and divergent and convergent construct validities. Methods The study involved 218 participants and was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee. All participants gave written informed consent and their anonymity was ensured. The instrument was translated and culturally adapted for use in the Portuguese language. The internal consistency and factorial analysis were assessed by patients and physicians. Convergent and divergent validities were also assessed specifically for the patient group, as well as test-retest reliability. The Portuguese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for the analysis of the convergent validity. In addition, we applied a questionnaire of clinical and demographic data for the analysis of the divergent validity. Results The adapted version of the PSQ showed good Cronbach's α and test-retest values, and the results of the convergent construct validity between the PSQ and the PHQ-9 (r = 0.34; p = 0.02) and the STAI (r = 0.47; p = 0.001) were negative, significant and moderate correlations. Divergent validity showed significant correlations only with race and education. The Brazilian Portuguese version of the PSQ proved to be a valid and reliable instrument, with psychometric properties suitable for the assessment of satisfaction among patients with chronic pelvic pain and their physicians in Brazil. The questionnaire may allow the homogenization of reports on this topic in the international literature.

Cultural Adaptation of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire and Validation of Its Use in the Portuguese Language for Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain / Transculturação e validação do questionário de satisfação do paciente para a língua portuguesa para mulheres com dor pélvica crônica

Abstract Objectives to translate and adapt the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) to Portuguese and to assess its psychometric properties based on internal consistency, test-retest, factor analysis and divergent and convergent construct validities. Methods The study involved 218 participants and was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee. All participants gave written informed consent and their anonymity was ensured. The instrument was translated and culturally adapted for use in the Portuguese language. The internal consistency and factorial analysis were assessed by patients and physicians. Convergent and divergent validities were also assessed specifically for the patient group, as well as test-retest reliability. The Portuguese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for the analysis of the convergent validity. In addition, we applied a questionnaire of clinical and demographic data for the analysis of the divergent validity. Results The adapted version of the PSQ showed good Cronbach’s α and test-retest values, and the results of the convergent construct validity between the PSQ and the PHQ-9 (r = 0.34; p = 0.02) and the STAI (r = 0.47; p = 0.001) were negative, significant and moderate correlations. Divergent validity showed significant correlations only with race and education. The Brazilian Portuguese versionof the PSQ proved to be a valid and reliable instrument, with psychometric properties suitable for the assessment of satisfaction among patients with chronic pelvic pain and their physicians in Brazil. The questionnairemay allow the homogenization of reports on this topic in the international literature.

Resumo Objetivo traduzir e adaptar o Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) para o Português e avaliar suas propriedades psicométricas com base na consistência interna, teste-reteste, análise fatorial e validades de construto divergente e convergente. Métodos O estudo incluiu 218 participantes e foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa local. Todos os participantes assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido, e o anonimato dos participantes foi assegurado. O instrumento foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente para uso em Português. A consistência interna e análise fatorial foram avaliadas por pacientes e médicos. As validades convergente e divergente também foram avaliadas especificamente para o grupo de pacientes, bem como a confiabilidade teste-reteste. O Questionário de Saúde do Paciente (PHQ-9) e o Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado (STAI) foram utilizados para a análise da validade convergente. Além disso, foi aplicado um questionário de dados clínicos e demográficos para análise da validade divergente. Resultados A versão adaptada do PSQ apresentou bons valores alfa de Cronbach e teste-reteste, e a validade de construto convergente entre o PSQ e o PHQ-9 (r = 0 ,34; p = 0,02) e o STAI (r = 0,47; p = 0,001) foram negativas, significativas e com correlação moderada. A validade divergente mostrou correlações significativas com raça e educação. Conclusão: a versão brasileira do PSQ provou ser um instrumento válido e confiável, com propriedades psicométricas adequadas para a avaliação da satisfação entre os pacientes com dor pélvica crônica e seus médicos no Brasil. O questionário pode permitir a homogeneização dos relatórios sobre este tema na literatura internacional.

Intervenção fonoaudiológica precoce num paciente com paralisia facial após otomastoidite / Early speech therapy intervention in a patient with facial paralysis after otomastoiditis

De ocorrência frequente, a paralisia facial é uma patologia que acomete a face ea expressão facial. Dentre as etiologias possíveis será destacada uma de ocorrência pouco comum, a Otomastoidite. A intervenção fonoaudiológica iniciada precocemente colabora para o retorno da mobilidade e funções da musculatura reduzindo assim a atrofia muscular e surgimento de sincinesias e contraturas. O objetivo do estudo foi reabilitar um paciente acometido pela paralisia facial após otomastoidite com a intervenção fonoaudiológica precoce e descrever a aplicação de uma proposta de intervenção terapêutica diferenciada. Na metodologia optou-se por exercícios miofuncionais específicos, avaliação e acompanhamento audiológico. Nos resultados, após nove semanas de acompanhamento, observou-se melhora expressiva na simetria do sorriso, adequação das funções estomatognáticas e presença dos reflexos acústicos estapedianos.

Facial palsy is a condition of frequent occurrence which affects the face and the facial expression. Amongst the possible etiologies it will be highlighted one uncommon occurrence, Otomastoiditis. Speech-language therapy starting early collaborates for the return of mobility and function of the muscles thus preventing muscle atrophy and minimizing synkinesis and contracture. The study objective was to rehabilitate a patient affected by facial paralysis after otomastoiditis with early intervention and describe the implementation and effectiveness of a proposal for differentiated and unusual therapeutic intervention. In the methodology we chose specific miofunctional exercises, audiological assessment and monitoring. The results, after nine weeks of follow-up, showed a significant improvement in the symmetry of the smile, adequacy of stomatognathic functions and presence of acoustic stapedial reflexes.

Effect of infertility on the sexual function of couples: state of the art.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the state of the art on the relationship between infertility and the sexual function of couples. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles that assessed the sexual function of infertile couples (IC). Recent patents on this subject were assessed. STUDY SELECTION: Quantitative studies published in the English language (case-control, cross-sectional, cohort, multicenter, observational studies, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews) that used structured and semi-structured questionnaires for quantitative assessment of the sexual function of infertile couples were identified using the search terms: "infertile couple" and "sexuality", "sexual dysfunction", "sexual function", "sexual disorder", "hypoactive sexual desire". DATA EXTRACTION: One researcher identified 12 studies, and extracted data on 1871 IC. Five studies used different instruments to assess different aspects of sexual function and 7 studies assessed sexual function based on sub-domains of instruments used to evaluate marital relationships. DATA SYNTHESIS: Incongruent results due to different objectives and methodologies, the lack of specific questionnaires to assess sexual function, and uncontrolled social and relationship variables that could have interfered with sexual function were evident in most studies. CONCLUSION: The lack of standardized methodology or validated tools in most studies prevents to establish the impact of infertility on the sexual function of IC.

Sexual function of women practicing sex in nonconventional settings.

The quality of sexual intercourse in the context of conjugal visits by women to their jailed partners is unknown. This study aimed to assess the quality of the sex lives and psychological conditions of women attending conjugal visits with their jailed inmate partners. This controlled study involved 124 women between the ages of 18 to 40 years who engaged in sexual relations with their inmate partners (conjugal visit group) or with their partners at home (control group). Sexual function was assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index, and psychological parameters were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. The total Female Sexual Function Index scores was similar in the 2 groups. The percentage of women reporting good quality of the relationship was significantly higher in the conjugal visit group. Also, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale scores were higher in the conjugal visit group. Depression was a risk factor for sexual dysfunction and had a negative effect on scores in the desire, excitement, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction domains, whereas anxiety was associated with lower sexual desire scores. A regular + poor quality of the relationship and being religious were factors associated with sexual dysfunction. Sexual practices in jail were not a risk for sexual dysfunction in this sample.

Facial reanimation utilizing combined orthodromic temporalis muscle flap and end-to-side cross-face nerve grafts.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with facial paralysis of 6 months or more without evidence of clinical or electromyographic improvement have been successfully reanimated utilizing an orthodromic temporalis transfer in conjunction with end-to-side cross-face nerve grafts. The temporalis muscle insertion is released from the coronoid process of the mandible and sutured to a fascia lata graft that is secured distally to the commissure and paralyzed hemilip. The orthodromic transfer of the temporalis muscle overcomes the concave temporal deformity and zygomatic fullness produced by the turning down of the central third of the muscle (Gillies procedure) while yielding stronger muscle contraction and a more symmetric smile. The muscle flap is combined with cross-face sural nerve grafts utilizing end-to-side neurorrhaphies to import myelinated motor fibers to the paralyzed muscles of facial expression in the midface and perioral region. Cross-face nerve grafting provides the potential for true spontaneous facial motion. We feel that the synergy created by the combination of techniques can perhaps produce a more symmetrical and synchronized smile than either procedure in isolation. METHODS: Nineteen patients underwent an orthodromic temporalis muscle flap in conjunction with cross-face (buccal-buccal with end-to-side neurorrhaphy) nerve grafts. To evaluate the symmetry of the smile, we measured the length of the two hemilips (normal and affected) using the CorelDRAW X3 software. Measurements were obtained in the pre- and postoperative period and compared for symmetry. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in smile symmetry in 89.5 % of patients. CONCLUSION: Orthodromic temporalis muscle transfer in conjunction with cross face nerve grafts creates a synergistic effect frequently producing an aesthetic, symmetric smile. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266 .

Women's poorer satisfaction with their sex lives following gynecologic cancer treatment.

Gynecologic cancer treatment can lead to anatomical changes in the genitalia that may impair sexual response. As a result, the authors aimed to assess women's self-perceptions of their sex lives following gynecologic cancer treatment and the impact of such treatment on sexual function. Thirty sexually active women were examined. At the first meeting with a physician sex therapist, women were asked about their satisfaction with their sexual activities prior to and after gynecologic cancer treatment, either with a partner or alone, and how many times per month they had sexual intercourse prior to the cancer diagnosis and after treatment. Women reported significantly worse sex lives and a significantly lower frequency of sexual relations following cancer treatment. All participants reported pain on vaginal penetration and feeling uncomfortable in discussing their sexual difficulties with the oncologist. The findings show that women experienced impaired sexual function, as well as poorer quality of sexual function, following gynecologic cancer treatment. Nurses should provide basic guidelines about sexual function to all patients who undergo treatment for gynecologic cancer.

Qualitative research as the basis for a biopsychosocial approach to women with chronic pelvic pain.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a highly prevalent clinical condition and is recognized as a public health problem. Although the number of qualitative studies related to the topic is increasing, it is essential that this knowledge be presented in a synthesized manner, grounded in the context of the care provided to patients with CPP, in order to increase the clinical and research applicability of the findings. Little attention is given to CPP in undergraduate courses and in meetings for the continuing education of health professionals, the approach to CPP typically being based on the biomedical model. We believe that qualitative research can provide insights into CPP and form the basis for a biopsychosocial approach to the condition, which can in turn lead to better results, including resolution of the pain and greater patient/health professional satisfaction. Therefore, we conducted a metasynthesis of seven qualitative studies of CPP, the principal themes of which were as follows: (a) coping with CPP versus secondary gain; (b) the great importance of determining the cause of the pain; (c) expectations regarding the doctor-patient relationship; and (d) gender issues. We hope that the present study can aid in restoring the humanistic aspects of CPP treatment.