Effects of sexual counseling on sexual function and sexual quality of life of women with permanent intestinal ostomy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with an intestinal ostomy may experience significant sexual dysfunction that may have adverse impacts on quality of life. Appropriate sexual health counseling can be beneficial for these patients. AIM: This study was conducted to determine the effect of sexual counseling on the sexual function and sexual quality of life of women with a permanent intestinal ostomy. METHODS: For this experimental study, 60 female patients with a permanent intestinal ostomy were selected through convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to either the intervention or control groups. Patients in the intervention group received four 90-minute individual counseling sessions based on the PLISSIT (permission [P], limited information [LI], specific suggestions [SS], and intensive therapy [IT] model over a period of 4 weeks). The control group underwent routine training. Data were collected by use of a demographic information questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Sexual Quality of Life Female questionnaire. Both groups completed the questionnaires before and after the intervention. OUTCOMES: Study outcomes were the resulting data for the Female Sexual Function Index and the Sexual Quality of Life Female questionnaire. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant increase in the mean score of sexual function in the intervention group after counseling (P = .001). No significant difference was observed in the mean score of sexual quality of life between the 2 groups before the intervention (P > .05). In contrast, a significant increase was noted in the intervention group's sexual quality of life after the intervention (P = .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results indicate a need to sexual counseling interventions directed toward sexual function and sexual quality of life in women with permanent intestinal ostomy. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Study strengths include utilization of the PLISSIT model for sexual counseling as an invaluable roadmap for healthcare professionals, systematically addressing patient needs within a tailored framework, and prescribing appropriate strategies over 4 distinct phases. Limitations include the use of convenience sampling and no follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the efficacy of counseling in enhancing sexual well-being of women with permanent intestinal ostomy.

Índice de satisfação do uso do DIU de cobre colocado no pós-parto imediato em pacientes do HSPM / Satisfaction index for the use of copper IUDs placed postpartum immediate response in HSPM patients

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a taxa de satisfação do uso do DIU de cobre colocado no pós-parto imediato em puérperas no Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal na cidade de São Paulo. Foram selecionadas 103 pacientes que fizeram a inserção do DIU no pós-parto imediato nos anos de 2019 a 2021, independentemente do tipo de parto realizado ou paridade. Posteriormente, foram avaliados fatores como: grau de satisfação com o método inserido, controle de posicionamento adequado, aconselhamento sobre o método, razões e vantagens de sua utilização, eventos adversos obtidos, continuação do método e comportamento sexual. A avaliação de tais fatores foi feita por meio de um questionário com perguntas objetivas e subjetivas. De um total de 103 pacientes selecionadas no estudo, foi obtido contato com 44 mulheres. Destas, 28% classificaram o grau de satisfação com o DIU de cobre como muito satisfeita, 44,2% como satisfeita, 14% como um pouco satisfeita e 14% como não satisfeita. 88,4% indicariam o método para outras mulheres e não se arrependem de terem colocado. Quanto ao posicionamento do dispositivo, 38% não realizaram o acompanhamento e, das mulheres que acompanharam, 38% mantêm o DIU bem-posicionado e 24% mal posicionado. Em relação ao aconselhamento prévio, 66% das pacientes foram aconselhadas sobre o DIU no próprio momento do parto e 93,2% dessas afirmam terem tido todas suas dúvidas sanadas, inclusive relacionadas as IST. No momento da colocação, 56,8% já conheciam o método, seus riscos e benefícios. Quanto a permanência do método, 19 pacientes não persistiram com o método devido a fatores relacionados a aumento/alteração do fluxo menstrual (6 mulheres), expulsão espontânea do DIU (6 mulheres) ou mau posicionamento (7 mulheres). De modo geral, a grande maioria das pacientes entrevistadas permanecem com o método escolhido, possuem altas taxas de satisfação (72,2%), indicariam o uso para outras mulheres e não se arrependem da escolha do método. O pré-parto foi o momento em que a maioria foi aconselhada sobre o DIU pós-parto, mostrando que o assunto ainda é pouco abordado durante o pré-natal. O acompanhamento precoce deve ser encorajado para detectar expulsões e enfrentar possíveis problemas como mau posicionamento. Assim, o uso DIU de cobre no pós-parto imediato mostrou que houve satisfação por parte da paciente principalmente pela sua conveniência, pela contracepção no pós-parto e pelo tempo de uso. Palavras-chave: Contracepção. DIU. Período Pós-parto. Dispositivos Intrauterinos.

Sexual Counseling with the PLISSIT Model: A Systematic Review.

A systematic review was conducted to use recent and relevant literature resources in examining the sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model. Electronic literature search was conducted on Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed between January 1, 2011, and March 1, 2021. 14 studies were included in the systematic review. The mostly used study design was randomized controlled trial. It was determined that PLISSIT model on sexual counseling is an effective, simple, useful, and cost-effective counseling method.

Effect of peer counselling on acceptance of modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in northern Uganda: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The unmet need for contraceptives among refugee adolescents is high globally, leaving girls vulnerable to unintended pregnancies. Lack of knowledge and fear of side effects are the most reported reasons for non-use of contraceptives amongst refugee adolescents. Peer counselling, the use of trained adolescents to offer contraceptive counselling to fellow peers, has showed effectiveness in increasing use of contraceptives in non-refugee adolescent resarch. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of peer counselling on acceptance of modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in northern Uganda. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial carried out in Palabek refugee settlement in northern Uganda, May to July 2019. Adolescents were included if they were sexually active or in any form of union, wanted to delay child bearing, and were not using any contraceptives. A total of 588 consenting adolescents were randomised to either peer counselling or routine counselling, the standard of care. RESULTS: Adolescents who received peer counselling were more likely to accept a contraceptive method compared to those who received routine counselling (PR: 1·24, 95% CI: 1·03 to 1·50, p = 0·023). Adolescents whose partners had attained up to tertiary education were more likely to accept a method than those whose partners had secondary or less education (PR: 1·45, 95% CI: 1·02 to 2·06, p = 0·037). In both groups, the most frequently accepted methods were the injectable and implant, with the commonest reasons for non-acceptance of contraception being fear of side effects and partner prohibition. CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that peer counselling has a positive effect on same day acceptance of modern contraceptives and should therefore be considered in future efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancies in refugee settings. Future peer counselling interventions should focus on how to effectively address adolescents' fear of side effects and partner prohibition, as these factors continue to impede decision making for contraceptive uptake.

Online Compared to Face-to-Face Sexual Intimacy Enhancement Training Program Counseling with Cognitive-Behavioral Approach on Sexual Intimacy in Pregnant Women.

Studies have shown sexual intimacy enhancement-training with cognitive-behavioral can affect women's sexual intimacy. Interventional study to compare online and face-to-face sexual enhancement-training with cognitive-behavioral approach on sexual intimacy was conducted on 48 pregnant women with sexual intimacy scores < 75 who were randomly divided online (n = 25) and face-to-face (n = 23). Six 90-minute session sexual intimacy enhancement-training were conducted. Data were collected Botlani's sexual intimacy questionnaire (primary outcome) and counseling satisfaction scale (secondary outcome) measured baseline and after 6 and 10 weeks. In each group sexual intimacy in 10th week increased significantly compared to baseline (65.88 ± 5.51 vs 87.36 ± 8.39, p < 0.001) and (67.39 ± 5.26 vs 83.70 ± 5.61, p < 0.001) respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups in sexual intimacy scores in 6th (82.32 ± 9.25 vs 79.87 ± 6.35, p = 0.29) and 10th weeks (87.36 ± 8.39 vs 83.70 ± 5.61, p = 0.08) but totally intervention caused significant increase in sexual intimacy in 10th week compared to baseline (p = 0.04). Satisfaction from intervention was significantly different in 6th (65.72 ± 2.57 vs 61.21 ± 7.17, p = 0.021) and 10th weeks (68.92 ± 2.79 vs 64.26 ± 5.15, p = 0.001). Intervention improved sexual intimacy in pregnant women via both online and face-to-face counseling, with more sexual intimacy and satisfaction in online group, could be useful in COVID-19 pandemic.

Single women and motherhood: right now or maybe later?

Purpose: The decision to have a child might be postponed by the lack of partner, and elective egg freezing (EEF) can afford single women more time to find a suitable companion to reach the desired family structure. Alternatively, some women decide to have a child on their own thorough in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm. This study investigates the motivations and personal characteristics of single women undergoing IVF/IUI or EEF.Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 281 heterosexual single women who underwent either IVF/IUI with donor sperm for solo motherhood (208) or EEF (73) in 2015 at a large fertility center. An anonymous electronic survey was sent after starting the treatment.Results: The most common reason for not having fulfilled the motherhood desire was lack of partner (72.4% IVF/IUI and 65.9% EEF). We found that women undergoing IVF/IUI report a longer motherhood desire, >10 years (71.3% vs. 54.3%), live closer to their families (75.5% vs. 56.5%), and perceive a stronger family support than women undergoing EEF (85.4% vs. 68.8%). Finally, 100% of EEF obviously knew about the possibility of IVF/IUI with donor sperm, while 59.9% of IVF/IUI knew about EEF.Conclusion: Our results underscore the relevance of family ties in the decision to undergo IVF/IUI as single women. Moreover, these women might not be fully informed about social freezing as an option to postpone motherhood. Health professionals should be aware of these differences when counseling single women on fertility choices.

PLISSIT model: sexual counseling for breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Reporting the experience of use of the PLISSIT model as tool for the nursing care of breast cancer survivors with sexual dysfunction. METHOD: case study developed from January to August 2017, in the outpatient mastology clinic and sexuality service of a maternity in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, with 15 breast cancer survivors. RESULTS: sexual counseling sessions were conducted using the PLISSIT model to address sexual issues, highlighting the particularities of women who experience survival after the treatment of breast cancer. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the model used in the practice of nursing care is customary and allows identifying issues experienced by women, as it has easy availability and practicality for use by nursing professionals, helping to address sexual matters with greater tranquility.

PLISSIT model: sexual counseling for breast cancer survivors / Modelo PILSET: asesoramiento sexual para sobrevivientes del cáncer de mama / Modelo PILSET: aconselhamento sexual para sobreviventes do câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: Reporting the experience of use of the PLISSIT model as tool for the nursing care of breast cancer survivors with sexual dysfunction. Method: case study developed from January to August 2017, in the outpatient mastology clinic and sexuality service of a maternity in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, with 15 breast cancer survivors. Results: sexual counseling sessions were conducted using the PLISSIT model to address sexual issues, highlighting the particularities of women who experience survival after the treatment of breast cancer. Final considerations: the model used in the practice of nursing care is customary and allows identifying issues experienced by women, as it has easy availability and practicality for use by nursing professionals, helping to address sexual matters with greater tranquility.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Informar la experiencia del uso del modelo PILSET como herramienta de cuidado de enfermería para sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama con disfunción sexual. Método: relato de experiencia desarrollado de enero a agosto de 2017, realizado en el ambulatorio de mastología junto con el servicio de sexualidad de una maternidad-escuela de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, con 15 sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama. Resultados: se realizaron sesiones de asesoramiento sexual, utilizando el modelo PILSET para trabajar cuestiones sexuales, destacando las particularidades de la mujer que vive la sobrevida tras el tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Consideraciones finales: el modelo utilizado en la práctica del cuidado de enfermería es usual y permite identificar cuestiones vivenciadas por la mujer, pues es una herramienta de fácil disponibilidad y practicidad para profesionales de enfermería, ayudando a abordar cuestiones sexuales con mayor tranquilidad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a experiência do uso do modelo PILSET como ferramenta de cuidado de enfermagem para sobreviventes de câncer de mama com disfunção sexual. Método: relato de experiência desenvolvido de janeiro a agosto de 2017, realizado no ambulatório de mastologia em conjunto com o serviço de sexualidade de uma maternidade-escola de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, com 15 sobreviventes de câncer de mama. Resultados: realizaram-se sessões de aconselhamento sexual, utilizando o modelo PILSET para trabalhar questões sexuais, destacando as particularidades da mulher que vivencia a sobrevida após o tratamento de câncer de mama. Considerações finais: o modelo utilizado na prática de cuidado de enfermagem é usual e permite identificar questões vivenciadas pela mulher, pois é uma ferramenta de fácil disponibilidade e praticidade para profissionais de enfermagem, auxiliando abordar questões sexuais com maior tranquilidade.

Effect of the EX-PLISSIT model on sexual function and sexual quality of life among women after hysterectomy: a randomised controlled trial.

Background After hysterectomy, most patients experience psychological problems and sexual dysfunction that can affect their sexual quality of life (QOL). This study determined the effects of counselling based on the Extended Permission-Limited Information-Specific Suggestion-Intensive Therapy (EX-PLISSIT) model on sexual function and sexual QOL after hysterectomy among women attending hospitals in Sari, northern Iran. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial was conducted between 2016 and 2017. Of 354 women undergoing hysterectomy, 80 women without anxiety, stress or depression who showed signs of sexual dysfunction were selected and, using blocked randomisation, were assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received two 1-h counselling sessions each week based on the EX-PLISSIT model. The control group received no counselling. Mood and sexual function and quality of life were measured using established tools (i.e. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Sexual Quality of Life - Female (SQOL-F)). Eight weeks after completion of counselling, outcomes were compared between the intervention and control groups using independent t-tests and Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, and Fisher tests. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographics and most other outcome variables. However, there were significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of sexual functioning (median (interquartile range (IQR) FSFI score 32.45 (28.47-33.52) vs 23.85 (20.52-26.45) respectively) and sexual quality of life (median (IQR) SQOL-F score 107.50 (91-108) vs 87 (62.75-96.25), respectively) at the 8-week follow-up (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Use of the EX-PLISSIT model is recommended to sexual health care professionals.

A Randomized Trial of a Relationship-Enhancement Approach in Improving Marital Intimacy in Middle-Aged Iranian Couples.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a relationship enhancement education and counseling (REEC) program on improving middle-aged couples' marital intimacy. The randomized controlled trial study was conducted in Tabriz, Iran, from May to December 2017. Thirty-two married couples, attending a public health center and meeting the inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to the intervention (receiving REEC) and control (receiving routine care) groups. The outcome measures were marital intimacy, sexual motivation, and sexual function. Data were collected at three points in time. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for the purpose of data analysis. In all analyses, the interventional group outperformed the control group on all outcome measures. In the intervention group, results showed statistically significant improvement in all variables of interest after one week and 12 weeks in comparison with preintervention. Upon the completion of the experimentation, it can be concluded that a REEC program positively affects marital intimacy, sexual function, and sexual motivation in middle-aged couples.

Sexual Counseling in Women With Primary Infertility and Sexual Dysfunction: Use of the BETTER Model.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of sexual counseling based on the BETTER model of female sexual health in infertile women with sexual dysfunction. This is an experimental, prospective study carried out in an infertility clinic. The study included 70 women with primary infertility, of whom 35 were in the experimental group and 35 were in the control group. The Female Sexual Function Scale and the Golombok-Rust Sexual Satisfaction Scale were administered at the initial assessment and the final assessment. Two sessions of sexual counseling were given to the experimental group based on the BETTER model. A routine follow-up of the control group was performed. After the counseling, there was a statistically significant improvement in the mean scores for Female Sexual Function Scale and the total scores for the Golombok-Rust Sexual Satisfaction Scale and its subscales in the experimental group compared to the control group. The women who had been infertile for six years and more had less improvement in sexual dysfunction and sexual dissatisfaction. The sexual counseling given in accordance with the BETTER model was found to be effective in improvement of sexual function and sexual satisfaction in the women with one to two years of infertility.

Integrated Next Step Counseling (iNSC) for Sexual Health and PrEP Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: Implementation and Observations from ATN110/113.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection among young men who have sex with men is a critical part of the HIV prevention landscape in the US. Given the unique challenges and resources of young MSM negotiating safer sex practices, including PrEP, counseling and supportive discussions to optimize both PrEP use and sexual health protection more generally may facilitate reaching HIV prevention goals. Within the context of a large, open-label PrEP study (ATN110/113), support for sexual health promotion and PrEP use was provided through use of integrated Next Step Counseling (iNSC) as part of study visits. We detail iNSC and, using session documentation collected throughout this study, we characterize iNSC implementation and the content generated from these discussions. We detail features of iNSC, training of counselors and the implementation of iNSC in a multi-site PrEP study with young MSM in the US. Case report forms completed by iNSC counselors at study visits at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 were evaluated. Implementation of each intervention step for each discussion is summarized at and across timepoints, as well as features of specific steps (e.g., kinds of facilitators and barriers). Implementation differences by group (e.g., race/ethnicity, age) were examined. iNSC case report forms from 1000 sessions involving 178 unique participants ages 15-22 from sessions conducted between 2013 and 2015 were reviewed. High fidelity to iNSC steps in terms of inclusion in sessions was reported; 98-100% of sessions included critical steps for sexual health protection discussions and 96-98% for PrEP use discussions. The vast majority of sessions appeared to flow in line with iNSC's emphasis on exploration and open discussion prior to considering specific needs and related strategies. Nearly three-quarters of sessions noted 'commitment to staying negative' as a motivator towards sexual health protection (more commonly reported by those identifying as White), while 'assuming partner is negative' was the most common challenge (less common for the older cohort), and 'having access' to a sexual health protection tool or strategy (besides PrEP) was the most common "need" (more common for those identifying as White or Latino). Carrying dose(s) to have them on-hand when needed was the most common PrEP adherence facilitator, drug and alcohol use was the most common challenge noted, and access to a dose when needed was the most common "need" (more common for participants self-identified as White). iNSC was implemented consistently throughout ATN110/113, and patient-centered discussions about sexual health protection and PrEP-use appeared feasible to incorporate into clinical care visits.

The effect of a midwife-based counseling education program on sexual function in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of a midwife-based counseling education program on sexual function in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 52 eligible postmenopausal women. Participants' sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The women were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) the intervention group, in which the participants received a midwife-based counseling education program in 4 sessions held at 10-day intervals, with each session lasting for 70 minutes; (2) the control group, in which the participants only received routine care. Data were collected 1 week before the start of the sessions, 2 weeks after the end of the sessions, and 2 months after the last follow-up. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were reported between the groups in terms of personal and sociodemographic characteristics and sexual function before the intervention; the total FSFI score was 17.05 (±4.54) in the intervention group and 16.66 (±3.62) in the control group. After the program, in the first and second follow-ups, the scores reached 27.18 (±4.61) and 28.20 (±4.43) in the intervention group and 16.06 (±3.94) and 16.32 (±2.98) in the control group. Significant improvements were observed in the total score of sexual function and all the FSFI domains in the intervention group, but not in the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Midwife-based counseling education can be an appropriate approach to improving sexual function in postmenopausal women.

A randomized controlled efficacy trial of behavioral activation for concurrent stimulant use and sexual risk for HIV acquisition among MSM: project IMPACT study protocol.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, problematic stimulant use is a prevalent and difficult to treat problem among men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as a major driver of HIV transmission through the large number of sexual partners and concomitant condomless anal sex (CAS). Evidence-based behavioral studies that address problematic stimulant use in MSM at risk for HIV infection are also lacking. In this paper, we describe the design of a behavioral intervention trial to reduce sexual risk behavior and stimulant use in HIV-uninfected MSM. METHODS: This study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing an integrated HIV risk reduction and behavioral activation counseling intervention (IMPACT) for HIV-uninfected, stimulant using MSM in Boston, MA, and Miami, FL. Participants are randomized (2:2:1) to either (1) the IMPACT intervention; (2) a relaxation condition, an active therapy time- and intensity-matched control; or (3) a standard of care risk reduction counseling comparison. At enrollment, all participants receive an HIV test and pre- and post-test counseling. The primary outcome is the difference in the rate of change in the number of self-reported condomless anal sex acts without the protection of consistent Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use, as well as reductions in stimulant use during the prior 4-months. Major assessments are conducted at baseline, 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-up visits. DISCUSSION: Effective and sustainable behavioral interventions are sorely needed to reduce HIV acquisition in stimulant using MSM at risk for HIV infection. In this study, we will evaluate the evidence of efficacy of the IMPACT intervention to reduce HIV acquisition in HIV-uninfected, stimulant-using MSM. If found effective, the intervention tested here holds promise for being readily integrated into real-world clinical settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03175159 , registered June 5, 2017.

Suitable sexual health care according to men with prostate cancer and their partners.

PURPOSE: To determine which health care provider and what timing is considered most suitable to discuss sexual and relational changes after prostate cancer treatment according to the point of view of men and their partners. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among men diagnosed with prostate cancer or treated after active surveillance, who received laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, brachytherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and/or hormonal therapy. If applicable, partners were included as well. RESULTS: In this survey, 253 men and 174 partners participated. Mean age of participating men was 69.3 years (SD 6.9, range 45-89). The majority (77.8%) was married and average length of relationship was 40.3 years (SD 14.1, range 2-64). Out of 250 men, 80.5% suffered from moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. Half of them (50.2%, n = 101) was treated for erectile dysfunction and great part was partially (30.7%, n = 31) up to not satisfied (25.7%, n = 26). Half of the partners (50.6%, n = 81) found it difficult to cope with sexual changes. A standard consultation with a urologist-sexologist to discuss altered sexuality is considered preferable by 74.7% (n = 183). Three months after treatment was the most suitable timing according to 47.6% (n = 49). CONCLUSIONS: During follow-up consultations, little attention is paid to the impact of treatment-induced sexual dysfunction on the relationship of men with prostate cancer and their partners. A standard consultation with a urologist-sexologist 3 months after treatment to discuss sexual and relational issues is considered as most preferable.

Efficacy of metacognitive therapy for hypoactive sexual desire disorder among Iranian couples.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to compare the efficacy of metacognitive therapy (MCT) against Masters-Johnson sex therapy (MJST) for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in Iranian couples. METHODS: A randomized treatment trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from the family counseling clinics in Tehran and Isfahan. All were suffering from HSDD as defined by DSM-IV-R criteria. They were assigned randomly to two groups that received 10 sessions of either MCT or MJST. A sexual desire questionnaire was completed by participants before and after therapy and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Sexual desire increased significantly in the MCT group with respect to the MJST group which failed to show any significant improvement from baseline. Both groups showed a reduction in scores at 6-month follow-up. The difference recorded between the two groups after therapy was no longer significant at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: MCT affected sexual desire more than MJST as evaluated after therapy but the gain was not maintained at follow-up. Future research needs to investigate whether a greater focus on metacognitive beliefs about sexual behavior can improve the stability of treatment effects.

Attitudes, beliefs and comfort levels of midwifery students regarding sexual counselling in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: this aim of this study was to determine midwifery students' attitudes and beliefs regarding sexual counselling, the factors preventing effective sexual counselling and comfort levels towards sexual counselling. PARTICIPANTS: the study was conducted with 650 students studying in the midwifery departments of eight universities in Turkey (response rate 59.1%). DESIGN: the data were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire in early 2016, which collected sociodemographic characteristics and comfort levels, and used the Sexuality Attitudes and Beliefs Survey. FINDINGS: just over half (52.4%) of the students had been confronted in clinical practice with caring for a woman who reported having sexual problems and 74.9% reported that the women they were caring for requested sexual counselling from them. Just under a half (48.8%), stated that midwives talk about these issues during care and a similar proportion (48.3%) reported that issues about sexual counselling were part of their midwifery education. Just over half (53.5%) of the midwifery students stated that sexuality is a very special subject to discuss with women but that insufficient time created a barrier to being able to discuss sexual problems. The students did not feel comfortable counselling all women, including homosexual women or sex workers who may be potentially carrying HIV. CONCLUSIONS: even though the attitudes of midwifery students toward sexual counselling were good, students were not always comfortable to provide counselling, especially to particular groups of women. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: attitudes, beliefs and comfort levels of midwifery students about sexuality and sexual counselling can be improved. Students are an important group to target as they are specialised in women's health, Different groups should be supported through training concerning sexual counselling.

Unreliability of the Duplex Scan in Diagnosing Corporeal Venous Occlusive Disease in Young Healthy Men With Erectile Deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To define the role of cavernosal venous occlusive dysfunction (CVOD) as the only cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients meeting the CVOD criteria without any risk factors for organic ED were randomized into 2 groups; the end-diastolic velocity (EDV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and resistive index (RI) of their cavernosal arteries were assessed using color duplex Doppler ultrasound (CDDU) after intracavernous injection (ICI) of 10 µg alprostadil. Group 1 (153 patients) underwent repeated CDDU + ICI assessments (a maximum of 3 rounds). Group 2 (149 patients) underwent CDDU + ICI before and after sexological counseling. The percentage data were analyzed using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test; the numerical data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: For group 1, the PSVs (median values: first round 42 cm/s; second round 54 cm/s; third round 66 cm/s) and RIs (median values: first round 70%; second round 89%; third round 92%) increased significantly in each CDDU + ICI round, whereas the EDVs were significantly lower (median values: first round 11 cm/s; second round 5 cm/s; third round 1 cm/s). For group 2, the PSVs (median values: from 44 to 67 cm/s) and RIs (from 72% to 93%) increased significantly after sexological counseling, whereas the EDVs (median values: from 12 to 1 cm/s) were significantly lower. CONCLUSION: Repeated CDDU + ICI and counseling strongly diminished the percentage of patients meeting the CVOD criteria, leading to the suspicion that CVOD is linked to psychological issues in highly selected young healthy men with ED.