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Sexual Medicine Aug 2022Female Genital Sexual Arousal Disorder (FGSAD) seriously affects women's quality of life and Sexual life, but it still lacks ideal FGSAD animal models for further study.
INTRODUCTION
Female Genital Sexual Arousal Disorder (FGSAD) seriously affects women's quality of life and Sexual life, but it still lacks ideal FGSAD animal models for further study.
AIM
To establish a specific model of female genital sexual arousal disorder and explore the mechanisms resulting in FGSAD.
METHODS
After delivery, female rats were guided by expansions of the vagina and ovariectomy (VD+OVX, n = 10); in VD group female rats were just extended by the vagina (VD, n = 10), in OVX group female rats were treated with ovariectomy (OVX, n = 10);the remaining had 1 longitudinal incision as sham group(n = 10).
OUTCOMES
Vaginal dilatation combined with ovariectomy in rats may reflect female genital sexual arousal disorder with high reproducibility and stability.
RESULTS
Vaginal tissue of female rats in OVX group and VD+OVX group showed an increase in blood flow, decrease in muscle content compared to the sham group. The proportion of collagen fiber I/III decreased and the elastic fiber showed significant rupture and fragmentation; Structural reticular integrity was also significantly separated and broken from the muscle fibers. However, there was no significant difference in vaginal blood flow, fibers and vascular between VD group and Sham group. The damage of vaginal tissue in VD+OVX group was more significant than that in OVX and VD groups.
CLINICAL TRANSLATION
We have constructed a specific animal model that can provide clinical insights into the mechanism of FGSAD and serves as a good avenue for further research of its treatment.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
Vaginal dilatation combined with ovariectomy in rats is a specific animal model with high reproducibility and stability, but we do acknowledge the shortcomings and limitation present in our study. Since genital arousal disorder has many different etiologies that impact the vagina, the clitoris and surrounding tissues, there is no "gold standard" model that different models attempt to investigate different etiologies.
CONCLUSION
The female genital sexual arousal disorder model established by vaginal dilatation combined with ovariectomy is a novel rat model with simple induction conditions, which pathogenic mechanism of female genital sexual arousal disorders maybe connected with the change of VEGF and MMP-9 in vaginal fibromuscular system and microvascular. Li G, Yu P, Hu Y, et al. Establishment of Rat Model of Female Genital Sexual Arousal Disorder. Sex Med 2022;10:100530.
PubMed: 35659678
DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100530 -
Cancer Nursing 2018Vaginal brachytherapy, a common treatment of endometrial cancer, is associated with high rates of vaginal stenosis. Recommendations for vaginal dilator use to minimize... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Vaginal brachytherapy, a common treatment of endometrial cancer, is associated with high rates of vaginal stenosis. Recommendations for vaginal dilator use to minimize stenosis generally include 3 times per week for approximately 10 minutes per use. However, adherence rates range widely and are generally well less than 50%.
OBJECTIVES
The aims of this study were to assess feasibility of recruitment to a study of dilator use and test a theoretically driven enhanced educational program (EEP) to increase adherence.
METHODS
Eligibility included women treated with postoperative vaginal brachytherapy for stage I to IIIc endometrial cancer. Patients were randomized to either nurse-delivered standard institutional instruction or EEP.
RESULTS
Of eligible patients, 76% consented, 42 were randomized, and 69% completed the 6-month assessment. Mean age was 58.2 years; 48% were sexually active. There was no difference in adherence between arms. Overall, 20% and 8.3% were adherent to the prescribed use of 3 times per week, and 64% and 16% were adherent to use at least once per week at 6 weeks and 6 months, respectively. Adherence was greater among those motivated by vaginal health and having lower body mass index. Nonadherence was significantly higher among those who are college educated, in the EEP group, and with higher weight.
CONCLUSIONS
Feasibility of recruitment into a study of vaginal dilator use was high. Adherence was low, and there was no difference between groups. Adherence to vaginal dilator use requires novel interventions to test.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Nursing education that includes how dilators may maintain vaginal health may improve use because it was a motivator for adherence in this study.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Brachytherapy; Dilatation; Endometrial Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Radiation Injuries; Sexual Behavior; Vagina
PubMed: 28437283
DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000500 -
Medicine Jan 2022This study investigated the efficacy of a vaginal dilator (VD) for the treatment of radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS) and the effect of a VD on sexual quality of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
This study investigated the efficacy of a vaginal dilator (VD) for the treatment of radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS) and the effect of a VD on sexual quality of life.Fifty three patients with endometrial or cervical cancers participated in this prospective observational study. All participants were treated with radical or adjuvant external beam radiotherapy and/or brachytherapy. They were routinely examined 4 times after radiotherapy (RT) and were also asked to complete a validated sexual function-vaginal changes questionnaire. SPSS version 20 and Minitab version 16 were used for the statistical analysis. The statistical significance was set at P < .05.The VS grading score decreased and the comfortably insertable VD size gradually increased throughout a year of VD use; all patients with initial grade 3 showed a VS of grade 2 after 12 months of VD use and 65.8% of the patients with initial grade 2 demonstrated a final VS of grade 1, while 77.8% of the participants who started with the first size of VD reached the third size after 12 months. Starting VD therapy ≤3 months after the end of RT was associated with a significant decrease in VS. A total of 60.9% of participants reported that they did not feel their vaginas were too small during intercourse after 12 months of dilation, whereas only 11.5% gave the same answer before starting dilation. Furthermore, 47.17% rated their satisfaction with their sexual life 5 out of 7 and only 3.77% gave a score of 3 after 12 months of dilation.Endometrial and cervical cancer survivors are encouraged to use VD to treat VS and for sexual rehabilitation after RT. This study recommends starting vaginal dilation no more than 3 months after treatment at least 2 to 3 times a week for 10 to 15 minutes over 12 months. However, larger, well-designed randomized clinical trials should be conducted to develop specific guidelines for VD use and efficacy in VS and sexual sexual quality of life after RT.
Topics: Aged; Brachytherapy; Cancer Survivors; Constriction, Pathologic; Dilatation; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Sexual Behavior; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases
PubMed: 35089231
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000028705 -
Microbiology Spectrum Aug 2022The vaginal microbiota dysbiosis is closely associated with the development of reproductive diseases. However, the contribution of mycobiome to intrauterine adhesion...
The vaginal microbiota dysbiosis is closely associated with the development of reproductive diseases. However, the contribution of mycobiome to intrauterine adhesion (IUA) disease remains unknown. Harnessing 16S and ITS2 rDNA sequencing analysis, we investigate both bacterial and fungal microbiota compositions across 174 samples taken from both cervical canal (CC) and middle vagina (MV) sites of IUA patients. Overall, there is no significant difference in microbial diversity between healthy subjects (HS) and IUA patients. However, we observe the IUA-specific bacterial alterations such as increased and decreased and enriched fungal genera like increased and . Moreover, site-specific fungal-bacterial correlation networks are discovered in both CC and MV samples of IUA patients. Mechanistic investigation shows that Candida parapsilosis, other than Candida albicans and , prevents the exacerbation of inflammatory activities and fibrosis, and modulates bacterial microbiota during IUA progression in a rat model of IUA. Our study thus highlights the importance of mycobiota in IUA progression, which may facilitate the development of therapeutic target for IUA prevention. Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) often leads to hypomenorrhea, amenorrhea, repeat miscarriages, and infertility. It has been prevalent over the last few decades in up to 13% of women who experience pregnancy termination during the first trimester, and 30% of women undergo dilation and curettage after a late, spontaneous abortion. However, the pathogenesis of IUA remains unclear. Despite reports of microbiota dysbiosis during IUA progression, there is little information on the effect of fungal microbiota on the development of IUA. This study not only enhances our understanding of the mycobiome in IUA patients but also provides potential intervention strategies for prevention of IUA by targeting mycobiome.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Dysbiosis; Female; Humans; Microbiota; Mycobiome; Pregnancy; Rats; Tissue Adhesions; Uterine Diseases
PubMed: 35730962
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01324-22 -
International Braz J Urol : Official... 2022The transverse vaginal septum (TVS) with congenital urethra-vaginal fistula (CUVF) is a rare anomaly of the mullerian duct (1, 2). Incomplete channelling of the vaginal...
INTRODUCTION:
The transverse vaginal septum (TVS) with congenital urethra-vaginal fistula (CUVF) is a rare anomaly of the mullerian duct (1, 2). Incomplete channelling of the vaginal plate, or an abnormality in the fusion of the vaginal component of mullerian duct with the urogenital sinus results in TVS (1, 3, 4). High CUVF occurs due to the persistent communication between the urogenital sinus and utero-vaginal primordium at the tubercle sinus, whereas low CUVF is due to excessive apoptosis of the vaginal plate during channelling (5). The principles of management of CUVF with TVS include: 1) TVS resection, 2) Create a neovagina. We present a case of CUVF with TVS managed by robotic assistance.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
A 24-year-old female, married for 3 years, presented with cyclical hematuria since menarche, dyspareunia and primary infertility. Examination revealed blind ending vagina 4cm from the introitus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fistulous communication between urethra and vagina, and TVS. Cystourethroscopy confirmed a proximal urethra-vaginal fistula. Urethroscopy guided puncture of the TVS was performed, tract dilated and a catheter was placed across it. Robotic assisted transvaginal approach was planned. Air docking of robot was performed. Traction on the catheter was given to identify the incised edges of the septum. Vaginal flaps were raised laterally, fistulous tract was excised. Proximal vagina mucosa was identified and vaginoplasty was performed.
RESULT:
Patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful. Urethral catheter was removed after 5 days. She had normal voiding and menstruation. Vaginoscopy performed at 1st month follow-up, revealed an adequate vaginal lumen. Vaginal moulds were advised for 6 weeks during the night, following which she resumed her sexual activity. She conceived 6 months post-surgery, and delivered a child by caesarean section.
CONCLUSION:
We successfully managed this case by resection of septum, neovagina creation and thereby achieving normal menstruation and conception. The advantages of robotic approach were magnification, precision and manoeuvrability in a limited space, avoiding a vaginal release incision.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Urethra; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases; Vaginal Fistula
PubMed: 34735094
DOI: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2021.0421 -
European Journal of Oncology Nursing :... Feb 2023Vaginal changes, a frequently reported late effect among women treated with pelvic radiotherapy, can result in sexual dysfunction and distress. Women are recommended...
PURPOSE
Vaginal changes, a frequently reported late effect among women treated with pelvic radiotherapy, can result in sexual dysfunction and distress. Women are recommended vaginal dilator therapy after completed radiotherapy; however, low adoption has been recognized. This study aims to provide insight into women's difficulties with carrying out vaginal dilator therapy and their experiences of information.
METHODS
Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 12 pelvic cancer survivors in a selected sample of women with difficulties adopting the therapy. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
RESULTS
One overarching theme, Being unprepared, emerged from three identified categories relating to Experience of received information, Experience of performing the therapy, and Motivation to perform the therapy. The women experienced the information as unrealistic and insufficient, and requested clearer and earlier information. Bleeding, pain, fear of cancer recurrence, and recalling memories from treatments were experienced. Women described intestinal symptoms, fatigue, and feeling that the therapy was self-harm as barriers to performing the therapy. They described creating routines, breathing exercises, relaxation, pre-warming the dilator and performing therapy together with their partner as helpful strategies.
CONCLUSIONS
Careful discussion, early and clear communication, psychoeducation and supportive follow-up of vaginal changes should be integrated into cancer treatment and follow up. Healthcare professionals should be aware of potential difficulties with vaginal dilator therapy and identify women in need of extended support. Research is required to investigate interventions that suit the needs of female pelvic cancer survivors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Cancer Survivors; Vagina; Qualitative Research; Survivors; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Neoplasms
PubMed: 36603495
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102252 -
Women's Midlife Health 2015Female sexual dysfunction occurs frequently in midlife breast cancer survivors (BCS) and encompasses problems with sexual desire, interest, arousal, orgasm and... (Review)
Review
Female sexual dysfunction occurs frequently in midlife breast cancer survivors (BCS) and encompasses problems with sexual desire, interest, arousal, orgasm and genitopelvic pain. Although common, sexual problems are under-diagnosed and under-treated in BCS. The objective of this review was to assess primary studies that intervene on sexual dysfunction in BCS. In February 2015, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, COCHRANE and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of vaginal (lubricants, moisturizers, estrogens, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], testosterone, vibrators, dilators), systemic (androgens, anti-depressants, flibanserin, ospemifene), physical therapy (physical activity, pelvic floor training), counseling and educational interventions on sexual function in BCS. Observational studies of vaginal interventions were also included due to the paucity of RCTs. The search yielded 1414 studies, 34 of which met inclusion criteria. Both interventions and outcomes, measured by 31 different sexual function scales, were heterogeneous, and therefore data were not pooled. The review found that regular and prolonged use of vaginal moisturizers was effective in improving vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and sexual satisfaction. Educational and counseling interventions targeting sexual dysfunction showed consistent improvement in various aspects of sexual health. No consistent improvements in sexual health were observed with physical activity, transdermal testosterone or hot flash interventions. There was a lack of BCS-specific data on vaginal lubricants, vibrators, dilators, pelvic floor therapy, flibanserin or ospemifene. Overall, the quality of evidence for these studies was moderate to very low. Because each of the interventions with BCS data had limited efficacy, clinical trials to test novel interventions are needed to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations and improve sexual function in BCS.
PubMed: 30766696
DOI: 10.1186/s40695-015-0009-4 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Nov 2022Transverse vaginal septum found in 1/2100 dan 1/72.000 women. The classical management for transvers vaginal septum was septum excision, with risk for vaginal narrowing...
INTRODUCTION
Transverse vaginal septum found in 1/2100 dan 1/72.000 women. The classical management for transvers vaginal septum was septum excision, with risk for vaginal narrowing and vagina shortening after surgery. We reported four cases underwent interdigitating "Y" flap with no vaginal narrowing or shortening after procedure as alternative surgical technique for better result.
PRESENTATION OF CASE
The transverse vaginal septums were right behind hymen to 5 cm proximal from hymen (low to mid location). The post-operative evaluation up to eleven months after surgery found no vaginal narrowing or vaginal shortening. A Case with haematosalphing was re-evaluated one month after surgery and found that the haematosalphing has been resolved and no recurrency on 10 months after surgery. Another case with bigger haematosalphing underwent laparotomy salphingostomy concomitantly with "Y" flap procedure and on 11 months evaluation found no recurrent haematosalphing.
DISCUSSION
As the septum was relatively thick and composed of 2 embryonic origins, dividing them into distal flaps and proximal flaps was possible. Interdigitating "Y" flap technique offer better preservation in vaginal length and less constricture as the technique spread the tissue tension evenly. Cases with haematosalphings implies that adequate drainage through vagina help evacuate the haematosalphing and prevent recurrency. However longer-term evaluation shall be performed.
CONCLUSION
Interdigitating "Y" Flap offers satisfying outcome besides short hospital stay (less intra operative bleeding, no need for postoperative vaginal dilatation, preserved vaginal length and vaginal caliber).
PubMed: 36270208
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107601 -
Scientific Reports May 2023The prevalence of cesarean sections is rising rapidly and is becoming a global issue. Vaginal birth after a cesarean section is one of the safest strategies that can be... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The prevalence of cesarean sections is rising rapidly and is becoming a global issue. Vaginal birth after a cesarean section is one of the safest strategies that can be used to decrease the cesarean section rate. Different fragmented primary studies were done on the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section and its associated factors in Ethiopia. However, the findings were controversial and inconclusive. Therefore, this meta-analysis was intended to estimate the pooled success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Pertinent studies were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, direct open-access journals, and Ethiopian universities' institutional repositories. The data were analyzed using Stata 17. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. I squared statistics and Egger's regression tests were used to assess heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. A random effects model was selected to estimate the pooled success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section and its associated factors. The PROSPERO registration number for this review is CRD42023413715. A total of 10 studies were included. The pooled success rate of vaginal birth after a cesarean section was found to be 48.42%. Age less than 30 years (pooled odds ratio (OR) 3.75, 95% CI 1.92, 7.33), previous history of vaginal birth (OR 3.65, 95% CI 2.64, 504), ruptured amniotic membrane at admission (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.94, 4.26), 4 cm or more cervical dilatation at admission (OR 4, 95% CI 2.33, 6.8), a low station at admission (OR 5.07, 95% CI 2.08, 12.34), and no history of stillbirth (OR 4.93, 95% CI 1.82, 13.36) were significantly associated with successful vaginal birth after cesarean section. In conclusion, the pooled success rate of vaginal birth after a cesarean section was low in Ethiopia. Therefore, the Ministry of Health should consider those identified factors and revise the management guidelines and eligibility criteria for a trial of labor after a cesarean section.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Cesarean Section; Vaginal Birth after Cesarean; Ethiopia; Parturition; Labor, Obstetric
PubMed: 37188702
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34856-8 -
Midwifery Sep 2023To conduct a systematic review exploring women's experiences, views and understanding of any vaginal examinations during intrapartum care, in any care setting and by any... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review exploring women's experiences, views and understanding of any vaginal examinations during intrapartum care, in any care setting and by any healthcare professional. Intrapartum vaginal examination is deemed both an essential assessment tool and routine intervention during labour. It is an intervention that can cause significant distress, embarrassment, and pain for women, as well as reinforce outdated gender roles. In view of its widespread and frequently reported excessive use, it is important to understand women's views on vaginal examination to inform further research and current practice.
DESIGN
A systematic search and meta-ethnography synthesis informed by Noblit and Hare (1988) and the eMERGe guidance (France et al. 2019) was undertaken. Nine electronic databases were searched systematically using predefined search terms in August 2021, and again in March 2023. Studies meeting the following criteria: English language, qualitative and mixed-method studies, published from 2000 onwards, and relevant to the topic, were eligible for quality appraisal and inclusion.
FINDINGS
Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Three from Turkey, one from Palestine, one from Hong Kong and one from New Zealand. One disconfirming study was identified. Following both a reciprocal and refutational synthesis, four 3rd order constructs were formed, titled: Suffering the examination, Challenging the power dynamic, Cervical-centric labour culture embedded in societal expectations, and Context of care. Finally, a line of argument was arrived at, which brought together and summarised the 3rd order constructs.
KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF PRACTICE
The dominant biomedical discourse of vaginal examination and cervical dilatation as central to the birthing process does not align with midwifery philosophy or women's embodied experience. Women experience examinations as painful and distressing but tolerate them as they view them as necessary and unavoidable. Factors such as context of care setting, environment, privacy, midwifery care, particularly in a continuity of carer model, have considerable positive affect on women's experience of examinations. Further research into women's experiences of vaginal examination in different care models as well as research into less invasive intrapartum assessment tools that promote physiological processes is urgently required.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Gynecological Examination; Anthropology, Cultural; Parturition; Labor, Obstetric; Midwifery; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37315454
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103746