Health care needs and barriers to care among the transgender population: a study from western Rajasthan.

BACKGROUND: Transgender people comprise an estimated 0.3-0.5% (25 million) of the global population. The public health agenda focuses on understanding and improving the health and well-being of gender minorities. Transgender (TG) persons often have complex healthcare needs and suffer significant health disparities in multiple arenas. The international literature suggests that this community is at a higher risk of depression, and other mental health problems, including HIV. Many transgender people experience gender dysphoria and seek specific medical needs such as sex reassignment surgeries, implants, hormonal therapies, etc., but are unable to access these services due to financial or social reasons. The objective of this study was to assess the healthcare needs and associated barriers experienced by transgender people in Western Rajasthan. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative study was carried out in which multilevel stakeholder interviews were conducted using interview and focus group discussion guides. Data was analyzed using the qualitative thematic analysis technique. RESULTS: Findings reveal that transgender people have expressed their need to access health services for general health needs, including but not limited to mental health, non-communicable diseases, and infectious diseases. Barriers to healthcare services were identified on 3 levels: health system, social and personal. Health system barriers include policy, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability issues. Social factors such as inadequate housing, education, and job opportunities also play an important role in affecting the individual's health-seeking behavior. The knowledge of healthcare providers in this context was also limited in context of health insurance schemes, package of services available for transgenders and the importance of gender sensitive healthcare. CONCLUSION: Transgender people expressed the need for mental health services, programs targeting nutritional improvement, gender-affirmation procedures besides regular screening of non-communicable diseases as operational for males and females. Levels of barriers have been identified at various levels ranging from absence of targeted policies to individual behavior.

Systematic review analyzing significance of endometrial cavity fluid during assisted reproductive techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to estimate the prevalence of endometrial cavity fluid (ECF) in Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) cycles and analyze its effects on pregnancy outcome in such cycles. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane Central, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for articles. The reference lists of relevant publications were explored for other studies. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies that had assessed the pregnancy outcome in ART cycles and had commented on ECF accumulation were included. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed in all ART cycles where ECF was observed and were compared to the non-ECF cycles. RESULTS: A total of nine studies were included in the meta-analysis for a total of 28,210 cycles. Pooled analysis of the prevalence of ECF cycles out of total cycles in females undergoing ART using a fixed effect model showed that it was 14% (95% CI is 13% to 14%; I2 = 99%, p = < 0.01). The random effect model prevalence of ECF cycles was around 7% (95% CI: 4% to 10%). There was a statistically significant (25%) decrease in pregnancy rates per cycle transfer in the ECF cycle versus the non-ECF cycle group during ART [OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.67-0.84), p < 0.001; moderate quality evidence]. When ECF size was compared, there was a statistically significant increase in pregnancy rates if ECF size was less than 3.5 mm versus greater than or equal to 3.5 mm [OR = 13.67, 95% CI = 1.43-130.40), p = 0.02; high quality evidence]. Sub-group analysis revealed that the ECF present at the time of embryo transfer significantly decreased the pregnancy rates by 26% as compared to the group where the ECF was not present at the time of embryo transfer [OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.65-0.85), p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis proposes that the presence of ECF significantly decreases the implantation and pregnancy rates of ART cycles, and even more so if its size is greater than 3.5 mm. Interventions to decrease ECF formation or treat it have enhanced the pregnancy outcome in ART cycles. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: Date: 17th September 2020; Number: CRD42020182262.

WITHDRAWN: Tranexamic acid to reduce postpartum blood loss after a vaginal delivery: a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal.

Comparison of pain score between Foleys catheter and Leich-Wilkinson cannula in hysterosalpingography by numerical rating scale - A randomized control trial.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is the first-line investigation in infertility assessment to assess tubal patency. Clinicians use various instruments, including the Leich-Wilkinson cannula, Rubin cannula, Jorcho's cannula, Whitehead cannula, and foley's catheter, to instill the dye in the uterus. We randomly allocated 60 patients planned for hysterosalpingography to evaluate tubal patency as part of fertility workup to either Intra-uterine foley's catheter arm or Leich-Wilkinson cannula arm. The research team measured and compared immediate and delayed numerical pain scores in both arms. We observed significantly lower pain scores in Foley's catheter arm as compared to the Leich-Wilkinson arm for both early (5.7 ± 3.01 vs. 7.8 ± 1.95) and delayed (0.15 ± 0.37 vs. 0.40 ± 0.50) evaluation. We established that using a Foley catheter for the HSG procedure was associated with lesser pain to the patient, with no evident difference regarding imaging of the uterus and tubes.

Tranexamic acid in preventing postpartum blood loss in vaginal delivery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetrical emergency that occurs in 1% to 10% of all deliveries and contributes to nearly one-quarter of all maternal deaths worldwide. Tranexamic acid has been established as an adjunct in the treatment of PPH but its role in its prevention of PPH following vaginal delivery has not been widely studied. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of prophylactic tranexamic acid (1 g) along with active management of the third stage of labor in reducing postpartum blood loss and the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery. STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized controlled trial, 650 women with singleton pregnancies at ≥34 weeks of gestation who were undergoing vaginal delivery were included. Eligible women were randomly assigned to receive either 1 g of tranexamic acid or placebo intravenously along with active management of the third stage of labor. Calibrated blood collection bags were used to measure postpartum blood loss during the third and fourth stages of labor. RESULTS: Of 886 women approached for the study, 650 who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, and 320 in group A and 321 in group B were analyzed. The maternal characteristics were similar between the groups. The mean blood loss did not differ significantly between the intervention and placebo groups (378.5±261.2 mL vs 383.0±258.9 mL; P=.93). The incidence of primary postpartum hemorrhage was comparable in both groups (15.9% in group A and 15.3% in group B; P=.814). The median quantitative decreases in hemoglobin levels within 12 to 24 hours after delivery were 0.60 g% (interquartile range, 0.40-0.90) in group A and 0.60 g% (interquartile range, 0.40-0.80) in group B, which were comparable in both groups (P=.95). The most common adverse effect reported was dizziness, and there was no thromboembolic event at 3 months follow-up in either group. CONCLUSION: The use of tranexamic acid as a prophylactic measure along with active management of the third stage of labor does not provide additional benefit in reducing the postpartum blood loss and incidence of postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery.

Deriving a prediction model for emergency cesarean delivery following induction of labor in singleton term pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: To derive a prediction model combining various clinical factors associated with increased risk of emergency cesarean section following induction of labor in women with unfavorable cervix. METHODS: All women with singleton term pregnancies undergoing induction of labor and fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in this cross-sectional study after supplying consent. Women with a Bishop score of 6 or less were induced with dinoprostone gel. Multiple regression analysis was used to find the most significant independent predictive factors and these factors were used to develop the predictive model and calculator. RESULTS: After multiple logistic regression, risk of emergency cesarean after induction of labor was significantly associated with the following variables: height (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.955, P = 0.033), nulliparity (aOR 3.987, P < 0.001), closed cervix (aOR 2.030, P = 0.030), fetal station -3 above ischial spine (aOR 2.719, P = 0.043), firm or medium cervical consistency (aOR 2.028, P = 0.004), cervical length 3 cm or longer (aOR 3.090, P = 0.015), posterior cervix (aOR 2.112, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Use of a prediction model would help to reduce the number of emergency cesarean sections secondary to unsuccessful inductions and help in the reduction of maternal and perinatal morbidity.

Pre-COVID and COVID experience of objective structured clinical examination as a learning tool for post-graduate residents in Obstetrics & Gynecology-a quality improvement study.

OBJECTIVE: Due to its comprehensive, reliable, and valid format, the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is the gold standard for assessing the clinical competency of medical students. In the present study, we evaluated the importance of the OSCE as a learning tool for postgraduate (PG) residents assessing their junior undergraduate students. We further aimed to analyze quality improvement during the pre-coronavirus disease (COVID) and COVID periods. METHODS: This quality-improvement interventional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The PG residents were trained to conduct the OSCE. A formal feedback form was distributed to 22 participants, and their responses were analyzed using a five-point Likert scale. Fishbone analysis was performed, and the 'plan-do-study-act' (PDSA) cycle was implemented to improve the OSCE. RESULTS: Most of the residents (95%) believed that this examination system was extremely fair and covered a wide range of clinical skills and knowledge. Further, 4.5% believed it was more labor- and resource intensive and time-consuming. Eighteen (81.8%) residents stated that they had learned all three domains: communication skills, time management skills, and a stepwise approach to clinical scenarios. The PDSA cycle was run eight times, resulting in a dramatic improvement (from 30% to 70%) in the knowledge and clinical skills of PGs and the standard of OSCE. CONCLUSION: The OSCE can be used as a learning tool for young assessors who are receptive to novel tools. The involvement of PGs in the OSCE improved their communication skills and helped overcome human resource limitations while manning various OSCE stations.

Explaining the Unexplained: Examining the Predictive Value of Semen Parameters, Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Metal Levels in Unexplained Infertility.

Background: There is ongoing research to find an optimum modality to predict male fertility potential. Aims: To compare the semen parameters, sperm DNA damage and seminal metal levels of Zinc, Lead and Aluminium among the male partners of couples with unexplained infertility and men with proven fertility. Settings and Design: Prospective case-control study at a tertiary level teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: One hundred male partners of couples with unexplained subfertility and 50 men with proven fertility were included in the study. Male partners of unexplained infertility couples and fertile men were compared for their semen parameters, sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) and seminal metal levels in semen. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test, Student's t-test, sensitivity and specificity analysis, binomial logistic regression analysis. Results: Fertile men had statistically significantly higher mean progressive sperm motility than male partners of unexplained infertility (53.12 ± 9.89% vs. 44.81 ± 19.47%, P = 0.005). Semen volume and sperm concentration were comparable among the cases and control population. The mean sperm DFI was significantly lower among fertile men (10.83 ± 6.28 vs. 21.38 ± 10.28, P < 0.0001). Plotting the receiver-operating characteristic curve the threshold for discrimination was calculated to be 18% DFI. The sensitivity specificity and overall accuracy were 43%, 84% and 56.67%, respectively when the DFI cut-off was set at 18%. Zinc concentration in the semen had a strong positive correlation (Point Biserial correlation coefficient = 0.831) with fertility, whereas lead and aluminium had a moderate negative correlation. Conclusion: Conventional semen analysis had limited differentiating ability for unexplained infertility. The sperm DFI may be employed for explanatory purposes among couples with unexplained subfertility. A lower discriminatory threshold of DFI (18%) has better overall accuracy as opposed to a 30% cutpoint for unexplained subfertility. Among metals, Zinc was strongly correlated with fertility status.

The anatomical measurements of vulva in Indian women: A cross-sectional prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the anatomical dimensions of the vulva in adult Indian women. To analyze their correlations with age, body mass index (BMI), parity, and mode of delivery. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care university hospital in India, among 400 women aged 18 years and above. Various vulval measurements were taken, and Pearson's correction was applied to variables like age, BMI, parity, and mode of delivery. RESULTS: Mean length of glans of clitoris was 5.2 ± 1.43 mm, the labia minora width was 2.6 ± 0.74 cm, length of introitus was 1.3 ± 0.59 cm, and perineal body length was 2.3 ± 0.60 cm. The range of some measurements was extensive, for example labia minora width ranged from 0.7 to 4.9 cm. Normal centile curves were constructed for vulval measurements according to age groups. Statistically significant positive correlations of age, BMI, and obstetrical history were seen with labia minora width (r = 0.165, P = 0.001; r = 0.284, P < 0.001; r = 0.246, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The centile curves can be used as a reference for the Indian population of different ages. These can be used when counseling women coming for female genital cosmetic surgery.

In it together: A dyadic approach to assessing the health-related quality of life and depression among infertile couples.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to assess the perceived quality of life (QOL) and to estimate the prevalence of depression among infertile couples as well as to study the congruence of the outcome among both partners. The sociodemographic factors influencing these outcomes were also examined. METHOD: A prospective, cross-sectional study of 130 infertile couples over 1 year at a tertiary level teaching hospital. Couples were requested to complete the WHOQOL-BREF instrument and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data was analyzed using paired t test, 1-way multivariate linear variance analysis, and regression, and correlation models. RESULTS: Mean QOL scores between men and women showed a strong agreement within psychological, social, environmental, and physical domains (r = .70, .67, .69, and .59 likewise). The presence of depressive symptoms was associated with significantly impaired QOL scores through all domains. Depression was present in 30.6% of female partners and 27.2% in male partners. Pearson correlation between female partner BDI scores and male partner scores was highly statistically significant with a correlation coefficient of .745. The presence of depression was not found to be significantly associated with sociodemographic and clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: QOL and depression scores of 1 partner were reflected in the scores of the other partner. Henceforth, screening and psychoeducation should be couple based considering the couple as 1 unit which is likely to improve the mental wellbeing of the couple. The presence of depression is not influenced by the sociodemographic profile of couples therefore all infertile couples should be screened and offered counseling. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Postmenopausal Bleeding as a Late Sequela of Pelvic Fracture.

Postmenopausal bleeding is one of the common presenting complaints in the gynecological outpatient department. The common causes of which are atrophic endometritis, vaginitis, estrogen therapy, cancer endometrium, and cancer cervix. Hereby, we present a rare case of a 65-year-old female presented with postmenopausal bleeding who had history of trauma 1 year back with pelvic bone fracture. The cause of postmenopausal bleeding, in this case, is abnormal bony protrusion secondary to malunited pelvic fracture causing laceration of the right lateral vaginal wall. The case was managed by local osteotomy and vaginal wall repair.

Role of birth companion in COVID-19: indispensable for her and an auxiliary hand for us.

The pandemic of COVID-19 has proved to be a global catastrophe. Pregnant females could be more vulnerable to the infection owing to the immune modulation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant females including those with COVID-19 suspicion or confirmed status have right to 'safe and positive childbirth experience' which includes a companion. The birth companion, is present at all times with the patient, from the initiation of labor till breastfeeding. The COVID-19 crisis has taken its toll on the healthcare system. The number of infected antenatal females are expected to increase. If a birth companion is trained in basic intrapartum and postpartum observation and care, he/she can be utilised to minimize unnecessary patient-clinician interface and optimize manpower in this critical time.

Improving reproductive outcomes of intrauterine insemination: Does endometrial scratch injury help? A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE(S): Current evidence suggests that endometrial injury improves clinical pregnancy rate while having no effect on miscarriages in women undergoing IVF/ICSI. However, there is no substantial evidence to advocate the use of endometrial injury to benefit the outcomes of IUI treatment. Additionally, there is no clear consensus about the ideal timing, underlying mechanism and optimum intensity of endometrial injury required. The study examines the effect of intentional endometrial injury/scratch in the early proliferative phase of stimulated cycle on reproductive outcomes (clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates and miscarriage occurrence) of intra-uterine insemination treatment (IUI). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This prospective, randomized control interventional study was conducted in a tertiary level teaching institution from April 2018 to February 2020. 150 eligible couples requiring IUI treatment who agreed to participate were randomly allocated on 1:1 basis to either control or intervention group. The trial participants received up to 3 cycles ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate and intra-uterine insemination. In addition, women in intervention group were subjected to endometrial scratch injury on day 6-7 of their stimulated cycle. 154 cycles in control arm and 128 cycles in intervention group were analyzed for clinical pregnancy, miscarriages and pain experienced by the women during endometrial scratch injury using the statistical package SPSS (version 21). RESULT: Similar cumulative clinical pregnancy rates (12.5% Vs 13.6%, RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.44-3.37, p = 0.713), biochemical pregnancy rates (17.1% vs 22.9%, RR 1.43, CI 0.59-3.47, p = 0.421) and ongoing pregnancy rates (10.93% Vs 11.47%, RR 1.05, CI 0.35-3.21, p = 924) were observed in control and intervention arms. Likewise, the relative risk of miscarriage occurrence in the intervention arm was 1.32 (95% CI 0.39-4.32, p = 1.000) which was not statistically different from control group. Mean pain score of 6.93 on numerical pain rating scale was experienced by women whilst having endometrial scratch injury. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to defend the use of endometrial scratch injury in intra-uterine insemination treatment, as it is moderately painful and have uncertain beneficial influence on reproductive outcomes.