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The Journal of Sexual Medicine Apr 2023Surgical repair has a transformative impact on the lives of women affected by female genital fistula; however, various physical, social, and economic challenges may...
BACKGROUND
Surgical repair has a transformative impact on the lives of women affected by female genital fistula; however, various physical, social, and economic challenges may persist postrepair and prevent complete reengagement in relationships and communities. Nuanced investigation of these experiences is needed to inform programming that aligns with women's reintegration needs.
AIM
We investigated the sexual activity resumption, experiences, and concerns of women in Uganda during the year following genital fistula repair surgery.
METHODS
Women were recruited from Mulago Hospital between December 2014 and June 2015. We collected data at baseline and 4 times postsurgery about sociodemographic characteristics and physical/psychosocial status; we also assessed sexual interest and satisfaction twice. We performed in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. We analyzed quantitative findings via univariate analyses, and qualitative findings were coded and analyzed thematically.
OUTCOMES
We assessed sexual readiness, fears, and challenges following surgical repair of female genital fistula using quantitative and qualitative measures of sexual activity, pain with sex, sexual interest/disinterest, and sexual satisfaction/dissatisfaction.
RESULTS
Among the 60 participants, 18% were sexually active at baseline, which decreased to 7% postsurgery and increased to 55% at 1 year after repair. Dyspareunia was reported by 27% at baseline and 10% at 1 year; few described leakage during sex or vaginal dryness. Qualitative findings showed wide variance of sexual experiences. Some reported sexual readiness quickly after surgery, and some were not ready after 1 year. For all, fears included fistula recurrence and unwanted pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that postrepair sexual experiences vary widely and intersect meaningfully with marital and social roles following fistula and repair. In addition to physical repair, ongoing psychosocial support is needed for comprehensive reintegration and the restoration of desired sexuality.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Fistula; Sexual Behavior; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Dyspareunia; Genitalia, Female
PubMed: 36892111
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad010 -
Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Dec 2024Dienogest (DNG) improves endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) and patients' quality of life; however, the modern cornerstone of the management of endometriosis is the...
BACKGROUND
Dienogest (DNG) improves endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) and patients' quality of life; however, the modern cornerstone of the management of endometriosis is the long-term adherence of the patient to medical treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate DNG as a long-term treatment of endometriosis, focusing on patients' compliance and side effects, also correlating with different phenotypes of endometriosis.
METHODS
This was a cohort study on a group of patients with endometriosis ( = 114) undergoing long-term treatment with DNG. During the follow up visits (12, 24, and 36 months) patients were interviewed: an assessment of EAP was performed by using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and side effects were evaluated by using a specific questionnaire of 15 items.
RESULTS
At 12 months, 81% were continuing the DNG treatment, with a significant reduction of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, dysuria and chronic pelvic pain. Of the 19% that discontinued the treatment: 62% was due to spotting, reduced sexual drive, vaginal dryness, and mood disorders. The improvement of EAP was significant for all endometriosis phenotypes, especially in patients with the deep infiltrating type. At 36 months, 73% of patients were continuing the treatment, showing a significant reduction of EAP through the follow up, along with an increase of amenorrhea (from 77% at 12 months to 93% at 36 months). In a subgroup of 18 patients with gastrointestinal disorders, DNG was administered vaginally at the same dosage, showing similar results in terms of efficacy and tolerability.
CONCLUSIONS
DNG was an effective long-term treatment for all endometriosis phenotypes, with few side effects that caused the discontinuation of the treatment mainly during the first year. Thus, the course of 1-year treatment is a predictive indicator for long-term treatment adherence.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometriosis; Treatment Outcome; Cohort Studies; Quality of Life; Pelvic Pain; Nandrolone
PubMed: 38579790
DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2336121 -
Rheumatology International Aug 2022Mucosal dryness and dyspareunia are symptoms that may significantly affect women with primary Sjӧgren syndrome (pSS). We investigated whether vaginal dryness is...
Mucosal dryness and dyspareunia are symptoms that may significantly affect women with primary Sjӧgren syndrome (pSS). We investigated whether vaginal dryness is correlated with sexual function, and the impact may have on the quality of life (QoL) and mental health well-being in pSS patients. Ethically approved comparative cross-sectional study was designed to assess sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in 65 pSS female patients vs 62 sex-matched controls. The effect of vaginal dryness and fatigue on sexual function was investigated. Vaginal dryness was correlated with oral dryness estimated by salivary flow rate and the Clinical Oral Dryness Score to investigate whether genital dryness is indicative of general mucosal dryness in pSS. Validated questionnaires were used to investigate the effect of sexual function on QoL and mental health well-being. The number of sexually active pSS participants was significantly less than in the control group (28/65 vs 42/62, p < 0.05). The sexual function was significantly impaired in the pSS group (mean FSFI = 19 vs 28.3, p < 0.05). There was no significant association between self-reported vaginal dryness and oral dryness or sexual function. The open-ended questions showed that the most troublesome symptom reported by pSS patients was oral dryness (43%, n = 28/65) followed by fatigue (31%, n = 20/65). Sexual dysfunction had a negative impact on QoL and the mental health well-being of pSS patients in all aspects, especially on the quality of social life (β = 0.7, p = 0.02). Addressing sexual dysfunction can potentially improve the QoL of pSS patients significantly, especially their social well-being.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sjogren's Syndrome; Surveys and Questionnaires; United Kingdom; Vagina; Xerostomia
PubMed: 33688999
DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-04830-6 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Aug 2023Ospemifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator developed for the treatment of moderate to severe postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy, tolerability, and endometrial safety of ospemifene compared with current therapies for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis.
IMPORTANCE
Ospemifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator developed for the treatment of moderate to severe postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to perform a systematic literature review (SLR) and network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the efficacy and safety of ospemifene compared with other therapies used in the treatment of VVA in North America and Europe.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
Electronic database searches were conducted in November 2021 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials targeting postmenopausal women with moderate to severe dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness and involving ospemifene or at least one VVA local treatment were considered. Efficacy data included changes from baseline in superficial and parabasal cells, vaginal pH, and the most bothersome symptom of vaginal dryness or dyspareunia, as required for regulatory approval. Endometrial outcomes were endometrial thickness and histologic classifications, including endometrial polyp, hyperplasia, and cancer. For efficacy and safety outcomes, a Bayesian NMA was performed. Endometrial outcomes were compared in descriptive analyses.
FINDINGS
A total of 44 controlled trials met the eligibility criteria ( N = 12,637 participants). Network meta-analysis results showed that ospemifene was not statistically different from other active therapies in most efficacy and safety results. For all treatments, including ospemifene, the posttreatment endometrial thickness values (up to 52 wk of treatment) were under the recognized clinical threshold value of 4 mm for significant risk of endometrial pathology. Specifically, for women treated with ospemifene, endometrial thickness ranged between 2.1 and 2.3 mm at baseline and 2.5 and 3.2 mm after treatment. No cases of endometrial carcinoma or hyperplasia were observed in ospemifene trials, nor polyps with atypical hyperplasia or cancer after up to 52 weeks of treatment.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Ospemifene is an efficacious, well-tolerated, and safe therapeutic option for postmenopausal women with moderate to severe symptoms of VVA. Efficacy and safety outcomes with ospemifene are similar to other VVA therapies in North America and Europe.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dyspareunia; Vagina; Hyperplasia; Bayes Theorem; Network Meta-Analysis; Vulva; Atrophy; Tamoxifen; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; Vaginal Diseases; Endometrial Neoplasms
PubMed: 37369079
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002211 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) May 2023A phase 2 study showed that 15 mg estetrol (E4) alleviates vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Here, we present the effects of E4 15 mg on vaginal cytology, genitourinary syndrome... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study to select the minimum effective dose of estetrol in postmenopausal participants (E4Relief): part 2-vaginal cytology, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and health-related quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
A phase 2 study showed that 15 mg estetrol (E4) alleviates vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Here, we present the effects of E4 15 mg on vaginal cytology, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and health-related quality of life.
METHODS
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, postmenopausal participants (n = 257, 40-65 y) were randomized to receive E4 2.5, 5, 10, or 15 mg or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes were the vaginal maturation index and maturation value, genitourinary syndrome of menopause score, and the Menopause Rating Scale to assess health-related quality of life. We focused on E4 15 mg, the dose studied in ongoing phase 3 trials, and tested its effect versus placebo at 12 weeks using analysis of covariance.
RESULTS
Least square (LS) mean percentages of parabasal and intermediate cells decreased, whereas superficial cells increased across E4 doses; for E4 15 mg, the respective changes were -10.81% ( P = 0.0017), -20.96% ( P = 0.0037), and +34.17% ( P < 0.0001). E4 15 mg decreased LS mean intensity score for vaginal dryness and dyspareunia (-0.40, P = 0.03, and -0.47, P = 0.0006, respectively); symptom reporting decreased by 41% and 50%, respectively, and shifted to milder intensity categories. The overall Menopause Rating Scale score decreased with E4 15 mg (LS mean, -3.1; P = 0.069) and across doses was associated with a decreasing frequency and severity of VMS ( r = 0.34 and r = 0.31, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
E4 demonstrated estrogenic effects in the vagina and decreased signs of atrophy. E4 15 mg is a promising treatment option also for important menopausal symptoms other than VMS.
Topics: Female; Humans; Estetrol; Postmenopause; Quality of Life; Vulva; Menopause; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases; Double-Blind Method; Atrophy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36809193
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002167 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Apr 2023Women with a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant are advised to undergo premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy after completion of childbearing, to reduce their risk...
BACKGROUND
Women with a BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant are advised to undergo premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy after completion of childbearing, to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer. Several studies reported less sexual pleasure 1 to 3 years after a premenopausal oophorectomy. However, the long-term effects of premenopausal oophorectomy on sexual functioning are unknown.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to study long-term sexual functioning in women at increased familial risk of breast or ovarian cancer who underwent a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy either before the age of 46 years (premenopausal group) or after the age of 54 years (postmenopausal group). Subgroup analyses were performed in the premenopausal group, comparing early (before the age of 41 years) and later (at ages 41-45 years) premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy.
STUDY DESIGN
Between 2018 and 2021, 817 women with a high familial risk of breast or ovarian cancer from an ongoing cohort study were invited to participate in our study. Because of a large difference in age in the study between the premenopausal and postmenopausal salpingo-oophorectomy groups, we restricted the comparison of sexual functioning between the groups to 368 women who were 60 to 70 years old at completion of the questionnaire (226 in the premenopausal group and 142 in the postmenopausal group). In 496 women with a premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, we compared the sexual functioning between women in the early premenopausal group (n=151) and women in the later premenopausal group (n=345). Differences between groups were analyzed using multiple regression analyses, adjusting for current age, breast cancer history, use of hormone replacement therapy, body mass index, chronic medication use (yes or no), and body image.
RESULTS
Mean times since risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy were 20.6 years in the premenopausal group and 10.6 years in the postmenopausal group (P<.001). The mean age at questionnaire completion was 62.7 years in the premenopausal group, compared with 67.0 years in the postmenopausal group (P<.001). Compared with 48.9% of women in the postmenopausal group, 47.4% of women in the premenopausal group were still sexually active (P=.80). Current sexual pleasure scores were the same for women in the premenopausal group and women in the postmenopausal group (mean pleasure score, 8.6; P=.99). However, women in the premenopausal group more often reported substantial discomfort than women in the postmenopausal group (35.6% vs 20.9%; P=.04). After adjusting for confounders, premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy was associated with substantially more discomfort during sexual intercourse than postmenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-9.4). Moreover, after premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, more severe complaints of vaginal dryness were observed (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.7). Women with a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy before the age of 41 years reported similar pleasure and discomfort scores as women with a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy between ages 41 and 45 years.
CONCLUSION
More than 15 years after premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, the proportion of sexually active women was comparable with the proportion of sexually active women with a postmenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. However, after a premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, women experienced more vaginal dryness and more often had substantial sexual discomfort during sexual intercourse. This did not lead to less pleasure with sexual activity.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Adult; Salpingo-oophorectomy; Cohort Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genes, BRCA1; Genes, BRCA2; Ovariectomy; Ovarian Neoplasms
PubMed: 36403862
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.11.1289 -
Patient Related Outcome Measures 2022To understand women's perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs surrounding menopause transition and increase understanding of digital technology use for symptom management.
PURPOSE
To understand women's perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs surrounding menopause transition and increase understanding of digital technology use for symptom management.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Information was obtained using three studies of women aged 40-65 years experiencing menopause transition symptoms. The HealthyWomen online cross-sectional survey was designed to reflect an inclusive sociodemographic sample representative of the US population. BECOME was a blinded, ethnographic, qualitative research study of women's menopause transition experiences and comprised facilitator-led online asynchronous discussions, online homework entries, and audio-only teleconferences. The NODE.Health online, two-part, cross-sectional patient survey was designed to capture patient and healthcare provider (HCP) sentiment about the use of digital health technologies to address gaps in perimenopausal symptom knowledge and management.
RESULTS
The HealthyWomen survey included 1045 participants, 37 were included in BECOME, and 100 completed the NODE.Health survey. Hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems were the most frequently experienced symptoms in the HealthyWomen survey, and over half of participants experiencing symptoms felt the need to seek relief. Whether menopause was considered a medical problem or natural process differed by self-identified race, culture, and ethnicity, as did the likelihood of consulting a HCP over symptoms. Participants preferred to discuss menopause transition with HCPs who did not rush them, were good listeners, and had expertise in the area. Most technology experience was with health websites, but nearly half were unsatisfied with online resources describing menopause-related symptoms. Convenience, ease of use, and accessibility were the most common reasons for pursuing digital health technology.
CONCLUSION
Factors such as cultural beliefs, values and attitudes towards menopause determine personal experiences. More open discussions with friends, family, and HCPs may raise awareness and reduce barriers to seeking help. To provide optimal care throughout the menopause transition, HCPs should consider patients' psychosocial and cultural backgrounds, and personal and subjective perspectives.
PubMed: 36540377
DOI: 10.2147/PROM.S375144 -
Cureus Jul 2023Introduction Sexual dysfunction is rarely studied in Indonesian patients with breast cancer. We aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction symptoms following...
Introduction Sexual dysfunction is rarely studied in Indonesian patients with breast cancer. We aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction symptoms following chemotherapy, as well as the pattern and the associated factors. Methods This cross-sectional study included 135 female breast cancer patients receiving primary chemotherapy. The present study measured the prevalence of sexual dysfunction symptoms using an e-questionnaire containing Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4 at different time points. Other data included sociodemography, clinicopathology, treatment, and other concurrent symptom characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression tests were used to analyze any association among variables. Results In the whole panel, 86 (63.7%) of 135 cases experienced sexual dysfunction. The most common symptom was vaginal dryness (45.9%), followed by decreased libido (45.2%), dyspareunia (13.3%), delayed orgasm (11.1%), and anorgasmia (8.9%). When observed at five different time points, the frequency of symptoms increased during chemotherapy and persisted until six months after completing treatment. Chemotherapy duration of >120 days was associated with a higher probability of vaginal dryness (p=0.012) and decreased libido (p=0.033). Spouse age ≥55 years old and body mass index (BMI) ≥23 kg/m were associated with a reduced probability of decreased libido (p=0.033 and 0.025, respectively). The presence of comorbidity was associated with a reduced probability of delayed orgasm (p=0.034). Conclusions A significant proportion of patients with breast cancer had sexual dysfunction following chemotherapy. Vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and dyspareunia were the commonest symptoms observed. Duration of chemotherapy, spouse age, BMI, and comorbidity were associated with the risk of sexual dysfunction occurrence.
PubMed: 37449290
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41744 -
Journal of Menopausal Medicine Aug 2022This study aims to assess the effect of ultralow dose 0.005% estriol vaginal gel in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to assess the effect of ultralow dose 0.005% estriol vaginal gel in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
METHODS
In this prospective and multicenter single-arm study, efficacy was assessed by the evaluation of the epithelial maturation value (MV), vaginal pH, symptoms and signs of vulvovaginal atrophy. Tolerability, acceptability, and the effect on intimate relationships were also evaluated.
RESULTS
We included 35 postmenopausal women with moderate-to-severe vaginal dryness. The most bothering symptom reported was vaginal dryness. The mean increase in the MV after 7 and 14 days of treatment were 22.1 ( < 0.001) and 39.9 ( < 0.001) points, with an increase in the superficial cells of 17.7 percentage points (pp) (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.9-27.4; < 0.001) and 41.4 pp (95% CI, 28.2-54.6; < 0.001) observed at the timepoints. Additionally, the pH decreased by 0.6 ± 0.7 (mean ± SD) at 7 days ( < 0.0001) and by 1.1± 0.8 at 14 days ( < 0.0001) from a baseline mean value of 6.3 ± 0.8. The severity of vaginal dryness (range, 0 [none] to 3 [severe]) was significantly reduced by a mean of 1.4 points ( < 0.0001) at 7 days and 2 points ( < 0.0001) at 14 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultralow dose 0.005% estriol vaginal gel produced a rapid improvement of most relevant symptoms and signs of GSM. This clinically meaningful response was observed from the initial days of treatment, confirming a fast onset and a progressive action.
PubMed: 36070871
DOI: 10.6118/jmm.21038 -
Sexual Medicine Apr 2023Pelvic cancers are among the most common cancers, impacting millions of individuals worldwide annually. However, little is known about the impact of more rare pelvic...
BACKGROUND
Pelvic cancers are among the most common cancers, impacting millions of individuals worldwide annually. However, little is known about the impact of more rare pelvic cancers on the sexual health of females.
AIM
In this study we explored sexual health experiences of female pelvic cancer survivors (FPCS) and their healthcare providers (HCP) in order to identify the most salient impacts of pelvic cancer on sexual function.
METHODS
In this qualitative study, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 15 female patients with vulvar, vaginal, uterine, ovarian, endometrial, cervical, bladder, and/or colorectal cancers. Additionally, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with HCPs who treat pelvic cancers ( = 9). For data analysis, qualitative framework analysis was used.
OUTCOMES
We used the collected data and analysis of findings to establish recommendations including ways to improve sexual health and function in female survivors of pelvic cancer.
RESULTS
Most FPCS experienced negative impacts on their sexual health and function through increased pain and dryness, bleeding due to atrophy, decreased libido, and psychosocial issues such as body dysmorphia. Females with the rarer vulvar and vaginal cancers faced additional challenges to their sexual health such as shortening of vaginal canals, high levels of neuropathy, lack of sexual activity with their partners, and suicidal ideation. FPCS had unmet sexual health needs, which can be attributed to lack of appropriate training by HCPs and lack of resources and availability of services. Although HCPs recognized the importance of providing sexual healthcare, they lacked confidence in their ability to facilitate a conversation on sexual health with their patients, and often avoided this topic.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The sexual health outcomes of FPCS can be improved by providing targeted training for HCPs, developing standard resources for sexual health, and integrating tiers of support, including group interventions and counseling.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
The main strength of this study is that data were collected from HCPs as well as FPCS, thus providing a more in-depth overall picture of the current strengths and weaknesses of the resources for sexual health support available for this patient population. A limitation of this study is that the experiences of transgender men were not captured.
CONCLUSIONS
Sexual difficulties are very common in all FPCS, particularly survivors of vulvar and vaginal cancers. Improvement of sexual health outcomes is needed in this patient population, which can be achieved by providing more training for HCPs, developing robust resources for FPCS and their sexual health, and providing more opportunities for tiered support.
PubMed: 36910701
DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfac002