Sexual dysfunction in patients after cystocele surgery. Is the g-spot a myth or reality?

The anterior wall of the vagina is very rich in nerves, blood vessels, and exocrine glands. This anatomical region is related to female sexual desire. During the anterior colporrhaphy operation, dissection of the anterior vaginal wall causes damage to this area, which may lead to decreased sexual satisfaction. In the present study, we aimed to investigate sexual function after anterior vaginal wall surgery. METHODS: Totally 89 patients who had undergone the anterior colporrhaphy operation between May 2021 and December 2021 were included in the study. The patients' sexual function was investigated before surgery and six months after surgery. The effects on sexual function were determined according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire. RESULTS: According to our study results, orgasm and orgasm intensities decreased after anterior colporrhaphy surgery (p = 0.000; p = 0.000), while sexual desire or arousal did not change (p = 0.405; p = 0.052). In addition, an increase in pain was observed during sexual intercourse after surgery (p = 0.000). No statistically significant difference was observed in the PISQ-12 score before or after anterior colporrhaphy surgery (p = 0.675). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our study, we found a remarkable decrease in orgasm in these patients. Furthermore, we think that it is appropriate to recommend conservative or alternative treatments for the early stages of cystocele. Nevertheless, larger-scale studies may be designed to reveal the importance of this region in sexual function.

Retrospective evaluation of outcomes of vaginal birth after caesarean section in a tertiary center: a single-center study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the trial of labor after caesarean (TOLAC) outcomes and determine its reliability by comparing it with elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD) and vaginal delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, the outcomes of patients aged 18-40 years who had 57 TOLACs, 72 vaginal deliveries, and 60 elective caesarean sections in Ankara Koru Hospital between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2022 were compared. RESULTS: Gestational age was lower in the normal vaginal delivery (NVD) group than in the elective caesarean section and vaginal birth after caesarean delivery (VBAC) groups (p < 0.0005). The birth weight was statistically significantly lower in the NVD group than in the elective caesarean section and VBAC groups (p < 0.0002). No statistically significant correlation was found between the BMI values in all three groups (p < 0.586). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of pre- and post-natal haemoglobin and APGAR scores (p < 0.575)(p < 0.690)(p < 0.747). The rate of epidural and oxytocin use was higher in the NVD group than in the VBAC group (p < 0.001) (p < 0.037). There was no statistically significant correlation between the birth weights of the infants in the TOLAC group and failed VBAC (p < 0.078). No statistically significant correlation was observed between the use of oxytocin for induction and failed VBAC (p < 0.842). There was no statistically significant correlation between epidural anaesthesia and failed VBAC (p < 0.586). A statistically significant correlation was found between gestational age and caesarean section as a result of a failed VBAC (p < 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The main reason for not preferring TOLAC continues to be uterine rupture. It can be recommended to eligible patients in tertiary centers. Because even when the factors increasing the success of VBAC were excluded, the rate of successful VBAC remained high.

The role of anti-Müllerian hormone in predicting clomiphene citrate resistance in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Clomiphene citrate (CC) is the agent of first choice in polycystic ovarian syndrome; however, anovulation problem does not resolve in a quarter of them. Thus, we investigated the value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the prediction of ovarian response to CC in women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This prospective cohort study included 90 anovulatory women with PCOS who were given 50 mg/d CC. The patients who ovulated occupied the group of responders and the patients who did not ovulate in three cycles included in the CC-resistant group. AMH levels of both groups were compared. p < .05 was considered statistically significant. Patients who ovulated had significantly lower serum AMH concentrations compared with the resistant group (p = .001). After analyzing the ROC curve, serum AMH concentration was found to be a useful predictor of CC resistance with the sensitivity of 66% and the specificity of 89%, when the threshold AMH concentration was >12.38 ng/ml in PCOS patients. In the present study, we revealed that the higher the AMH level the poorer the CC response would be in PCOS patients, therefore we recommend measuring the AMH levels of all PCOS patients before planning any ovulation induction treatment to achieve the desired success.

Maternal serum thrombospondin-1 is significantly altered in cases with established preeclampsia.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether maternal serum TSP-1 level was associated with PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our case control study, 84 pregnant women in the third trimester were included. Forty-one of them were healthy and 43 of them were with the diagnosis of PE. The diagnosis was based on the definitions of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy. Preeclamptic patients were divided into two subgroups as mild and severe. Blood pressure (BP) of pregnant women were obtained in left-side lying position using a mercury sphygmomanometer after at least 10 minutes of rest. Ten milliliters of venous blood was taken from every pregnant women and dispensed into lithium heparin and serum was obtained. Samples were stored at -80 °C until analyzed. Serum TSP-1 level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All tests were two-tailed and p < .05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: TSP-1 level was significantly lower in PE group than in controls (p = .003). Platelet counts were similar in two groups (p = .26). TSP-1 levels were significantly lower in severe PE than in mild PE cases. According to the subgroup analysis, TSP-1 level was found significantly lower in severe preeclampsia group compared to control group (p = .015). CONCLUSIONS: In light of the association between endothelial dysfunction and preeclampsia, we claim that lower levels of TSP-1 which is released mostly from endothelial cells seem to reflect disease severity in PE. Our study reveals that maternal serum TSP-1 levels decrease in pregnant women presenting with PE and TSP-1 may be a new biomarker for the detection of PE and even severity of it. Further studies especially prospective ones with greater numbers of cases are needed.

Maternal serum Netrin-1 levels as a new biomarker of preeclampsia.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Netrin-1 levels in maternal serum was associated with the presence of preeclampsia (PE). METHODS: Total 72 patients, including 28 normal pregnant women and 44 patients with PE, were included in this study. Maternal serum Netrin-1 concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Maternal serum Netrin-1 levels were detected statistically higher in preeclamptic group than control group (p < 0.05). When compared with subgroups, Netrin-1 levels were also higher in severe PE group than mild PE group but this was not detected statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Maternal serum Netrin-1 has a potential to be a new marker for the detection of PE.

A case of endocervical adenocarcinoma detected 16 months after vaginal delivery.

The "rapid-onset" cervical carcinoma is described as the diagnosis of invasive cervical carcinoma within 3 years of a "normal" Pap smear and it is a rare entity. In our case, we aimed to draw attention toward rapid progression of these endocervical adenocarcinomas to macroscopic sizes.

A Rare Cause of Placental Abruption: Uterine Torsion.

Uterine torsion is defined as a rotation on its long axis and it is a dangerous, unexpected obstetric emergency. We report a case of uterine torsion at 32 weeks of gestation in a singleton pregnancy. A 37-year-old woman with multiple prior cesarean deliveries referred to emergency unit of our hospital at 32 weeks of gestation with severe abdominal pain and mild vaginal bleeding. Ultrasonography showed a single fetus in vertex position, with a normal amniotic fluid. Fetal biometer was appropriate for 32 weeks of gestation. Placental location was anterior with a subchorionic hypoechogenic small area which was suspected to be a sign of placental abruption. An emergency cesarean section was performed under general anesthesia. The 180° uterine torsion was diagnosed and it was not possible to perform detorsion of the gravid uterus by exteriorization by pfannenstiel incision. Posterior hysterotomy was performed and a male baby of 1830 grams weight was delivered. The newborn was transported to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of another hospital and discharged within two weeks. Patient recovered well and was discharged on second postoperation day. Uterine torsion is a very rare and life threatening situation. In unexpected cases posterior low transuerse hysterotomy is generally performed and it is suggested as a safe choice when detorsion was not accomplished. It is not easy to keep in mind the possibility of uterine torsion in cases of abdominal pain during pregnancy. Because it generally causes abruption, management of abruption is vitally important to prevent fetal mortality.

Placenta percreta with concomitant uterine didelphys at 18 weeks of pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

AIM: The aim of this paper is to draw the attention of the clinicians on placenta percreta detected along with uterine anomalies in early second trimester. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old, gravida 2 parity 1 woman at 18 weeks of pregnancy was admitted to our emergency unit with abdominal pain. In ultrasound exam, a live fetus compatible with 18 weeks of gestation, hemoperitoneum and a solid mass adjacent to the uterus were detected. An emergent laparotomy was decided because of hemorrhagic shock findings. In the operation, uterine didelphys and an active bleeding area from placenta percreta on the anterior wall of the uterus where pregnancy was settled were detected. In the simultaneous vaginal examination two cervixes and a longitudinal vaginal septum were seen. Supracervical hemihysterectomy was performed. CONCLUSION: Placenta percreta is a rare clinical entity with an elevated perinatal mortality. Uterine anomalies are risk factors for placental adhesion anomalies. Clinical suspicion is vital for early diagnosis and timely management.