Quality of life, anxiety and depression in Turkish women prior to receiving assisted reproductive techniques

This study evaluated the quality of life and anxiety-depression levels of patients prior to receiving assisted reproductive techniques. This cross-sectional research was conducted in the In-Vitro Fertilization Unit of a private University's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Study participants consisted of 160 individuals diagnosed as infertile whose treatment plans were determined, as well as 160 reportedly healthy fertile individuals [n=320]. Each participant completed the Patient Identification Form, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Quality of Life Scale questionnaires. The results of this study indicate a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety in the infertile group [p<0.05]. Also, quality of life scores were found to be lower in the infertile group [p<0.05]. Individuals who experience infertility need psychological support in order to overcome the psycho-social difficulties they experience. It is essential to have studies that stress the importance of integrating psychological and emotional support into clinical practice

Transobturator Tape Operation Is More Effective in Premenopausal Women than in Postmenopausal Women with Stress Incontinence

PURPOSE: Midurethral synthetic slings for female stress urinary incontinence are minimally invasive polypropylene mesh tapes that are inserted under the midurethra with trocars. In the past decade, this new technology has become the most commonly performed procedure for female stress urinary incontinence, replacing the traditional open procedures. However, its effectiveness in pre- and postmenopausal women has not previously been compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed the clinical outcome of the transobturator tape (TOT) procedure in premenopausal (n=45) and postmenopausal (n=49) women by means of self-report and the Urinary Distress Inventory 6 (UDI-6) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age of the pre- and postmenopausal women was 44 and 60 years, respectively. Mean parity was 2.4 and 3, respectively. There were no significant differences with respect to mean operation time, duration of hospitalization, or intraoperative and postoperative complications. However, premenopausal women were more satisfied with the operation than were postmenopausal women (p=0.014). Also, UDI-6 scores were significantly better in premenopausal women (p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The TOT operation appeared to be more effective in premenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our results.