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Objective@#Recent studies have shown a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pain and systemic symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. @*Methods@#This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on female students aged 18 to 32 years with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency (25 [OH]D <30 ng/mL). The participants (n=116) received either 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or placebo capsules on a weekly basis for eight consecutive weeks. The outcomes were pain intensity (scored 0 to 10), number of days with pain, number of consumed pain-relief medications (per day), and severity of systemic symptoms (fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea; total score of 0 to 12). @*Results@#Compared with baseline, our participants who received vitamin D experienced significant reductions in pain intensity (-1.0 and -1.5 score at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), the number of days with pain (-1.0 day at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), the number of consumed pain-relief medications (-1.0 at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), and systemic symptoms severity (-1.0 score at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001). No significant improvements were observed in the placebo group in terms of these outcomes. @*Conclusion@#Vitamin D supplementation in women with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency could improve systemic symptoms and reduce pain intensity, the number of days with pain, and the need for consuming pain-relief medications.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#Recent studies have shown a possible association between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of primary dysmenorrhea. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pain and systemic symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. @*Methods@#This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on female students aged 18 to 32 years with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency (25 [OH]D <30 ng/mL). The participants (n=116) received either 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or placebo capsules on a weekly basis for eight consecutive weeks. The outcomes were pain intensity (scored 0 to 10), number of days with pain, number of consumed pain-relief medications (per day), and severity of systemic symptoms (fatigue, headache, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea; total score of 0 to 12). @*Results@#Compared with baseline, our participants who received vitamin D experienced significant reductions in pain intensity (-1.0 and -1.5 score at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), the number of days with pain (-1.0 day at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), the number of consumed pain-relief medications (-1.0 at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001), and systemic symptoms severity (-1.0 score at weeks 4 and 8, P<0.001). No significant improvements were observed in the placebo group in terms of these outcomes. @*Conclusion@#Vitamin D supplementation in women with primary dysmenorrhea and vitamin D deficiency could improve systemic symptoms and reduce pain intensity, the number of days with pain, and the need for consuming pain-relief medications.
ABSTRACT
Background: Sexual problems are common among the middle-aged women; however, there is no deep understanding of sexuality in midlife. The current study aimed to investigate Iranian women's attitudes and experiences about sexual life changes in midlife
Methods: This is a descriptive qualitative study. Seventeen women aged 40 65- years old were purposively selected from urban health centers in Gorgan, Iran, in 2015. Face-to-face, semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted for data collection until data saturation was attained. The resulting data were analyzed based on Graneheim and Lundman's approach. MAXQDA 10 was used for organization of data
Results: Data analysis demonstrated seventh sub-themes and three themes. The emerged themes were entitled [1] "Continuous paradox over being a sexual agent" with three subthemes of beliefs on asexuality as socially accepted view for women in midlife, changing in motivation for sex and changing in sexual performance, [2] "Considering menopause; opportunities and threats for sexual life" with two subthemes of menopause related cons for sexual life and menopause related pros in sexual life, and [3] "Coping strategies for changes in sexuality in midlife" with two subthemes of different psychological reactions to changes that have influenced the sex and take practical steps for restoration of sexual attraction
Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that middle-aged women in a male-dominant culture encounter paradox over being a sexual agent. In a bio-psycho-social approach, they perceived menopause as an opportunity or threat for their own sexuality. Following the conflicts, threats and changes of sexuality in midlife, they adopt diverse coping strategies to improve their sexual relationships and preserve their family
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Background and Aim: Marital satisfaction is a psychological variable and considered as an individual characteristic for couples. Various factors affect marital satisfaction. Personality traits are among the most important factors affecting marital satisfaction. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between personality traits and marital satisfaction based on five factors model of personality
Materials and Methods: In this study, we searched all Iranian and non-Iranian articles published between 2005 and 2016 in both Persian and English languages in the Sciencedirect, Web of Sience, Pubmed, SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, Iranmedex, Irandoc databases. To find relevant articles, we used the key words of "marital satisfaction", "personality characteristics", "personality factors", "five factor model of personality", willingness to accept responsibility, agreeableness, extroversion, neuroticism, openness and combination of them
Results: We found 6508 articles. The findings of the articles indicated significant negative correlation between neuroticism and marital satisfaction. But willingness to accept responsibility, extroversion, agreeableness and openness traits had positive correlation with marital satisfaction
Conclusion: Based on the results of the articles used in our study, neuroticism can affect the marital satisfaction negatively. Determination of different aspects of personality traits in the pre-marriage programs is necessary to increase the stability of marriage and family
ABSTRACT
Background: Reduced sexual desire leaves serious impacts on women's life. The current study aims to investigate the perceptions and concerns of Iranian women of reproductive age with female sexual interest and arousal disorder [FSIAD]
Methods: This qualitative research was conducted using content analysis approach. Data were collected through seventeen in-depth interviews from October 2015 to June 2016. Purposive sampling was carried out from among reproductive-aged women suffering from FSIAD who responded to female sexual function index [FSFI] with mean scores of
Results: The three main themes that emerged in this study included: 1] "Spoiled feminine identity" with two categories of "deteriorated sexual self-esteem" and "deteriorated feminine position", 2] "Struggle in sexual issues" with two categories of concern about losing the relationship and spouse, and surrendering to sexual relationship, and 3] "Deterioration of the couple's relationship" with two categories of deteriorated marital interaction and sexual disharmony between the couple
Conclusion: Feeling inability to play gender role as a woman and fear of losing the spouse are the most important concerns of women with lack of interest in sex. Training communication skills for sexual talks with the spouse and expression of feelings are the first steps to help such women
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological , Qualitative Research , Women's Health , Perception , Sexual BehaviorABSTRACT
Background: Nausea and vomiting are common complaints in the first half of pregnancy. These symptoms can significantly affect a person's personal and professional life. Aromatherapy is one of the types of complementary medicine that is used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint oil on the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy [NVP]
Methods: This was a single-blind clinical trial that was conducted on 56 pregnant women with mild to moderate severity of NVP and 6 to 20 weeks of gestational age. After the determination of gestational age and base severity of NVP in each woman, they were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: peppermint oil [n=28] or placebo [n=28]. Inhalation aromatherapy was done for four days and at the end of each day,they responded to the Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis/Nausea questionnaire [PUQE]. The data obtained were analyzed with Mann-Whitney test and ANOVA with repeated measures using SPSS software version 22. Also, the level of significance was p<0.05
Results: Although the severity of NVP in each intervention group significantly decreased [p<0.001], the comparison of the severity of NVP during the study period and at the end of it was not statistically significant between the placebo and intervention groups
Conclusion: According to the possibility of neurological mechanisms causing NVP, the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint oil and placebo were the same in this study. This similarity can be due to psychological impacts of intervention on pregnant women
ABSTRACT
Sexual affairs are one of the physiological needs affecting human health. Sexual functioning disorders can reduce individual's capabilities and creativities. Sexual relations are in the center of women's quality of life. The most important family planning is to prevent unintended pregnancies. Injectable contraceptives protect women exposed to many complications and mortality due to unintended pregnancies, with tolerable effects on other aspects of women's life. An important aspect of women's life is sexual health. This study aimed to compare sexual function of women using DMPA with women using Cyclofem presented to health centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran in 2013. This descriptive-comparative study was conducted on 240 women in health centers in Tehran, Iran. They were selected by multistage sampling. The data was collected using a questionnaire completed by interviewing. The questionnaire had 2I parts, demographic characteristic section and Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent T-test, U-test, Chi-square, Fisher exact test. The p-value less than 0.05 were applied for all statistical tests as significance level. The difference in sexual function between Cyclofem and DMPA groups was insignificant, but in terms of sexual desire in DMPA users better than and sexual pain them less than in Cyclofem users, the difference between the groups was significant [p<0.05]. In introducing hormonal contraceptive methods, health workers should emphasize their adverse effects on sexual function. Women who use Cyclofem and DMPA should be aware that they may experience some changes in libido and sexual pain
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Considering the painfulness of labor and its resulting anxiety, and also, complications such as uterine dysfunction, prolonged labor, and unpleasant memories, the present study was performed aimed to investigate the effect of peppermint aroma on the level of pain and anxiety in the first stage of labor in nulliparous women. This research was done as a clinical trial study on 128 nulliparous women assigned into two groups [64 subjects in aromatherapy group and 64 subjects in control group]. In aromatherapy group, mixtures containing 0.2ml essence of peppermint and 2ml normal saline impregnated gauze, and in the control group, only 2ml normal saline impregnated gauze were attached to their dress collar, and the administration was repeated every 30 minutes. Level of anxiety was measured in dilatations 3-4 and 8-10cm and the intensity of pain in dilatations 4-5, 6-7, and 8-10cm. The data were collected through demographic and obstetric questionnaire, observation checklist, spielberger anxiety questionnaire, and pain numerical rating scale. In this study, the age, job, education, and gestational age were the same in both groups. Also, the level of anxiety was the same in both groups before the intervention, but after the intervention, anxiety level decreased in intervention group compared to control group [p<0.001]. The mean pain score in the dilatations 4-5, 6-7, and 8-10cm decreased in intervention group compared to control group [p<0.001 for all]. Aromatherapy with peppermint essence is recommended for the reduction of pain and anxiety level during labor due to its inexpensiveness, ease and non-invasiveness
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Aromatherapy , Labor Pain , Anxiety , Inhalation , Parity , Labor Stage, First , Pregnancy , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Sexual dysfunction is common among women. It affects on all aspects of women's life. Majority of these problems can be treated in early stages with counseling and a few numbers of them need to be treated by specialists. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PLISSIT-based counseling model on sexual function of women. This was a randomized clinical trial study. It was conducted in an urban health center in Zanjan. Eighty women who were married in the previous 5 years, and had sexual problems, randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group received consultation based on PLISSIT model [Permission-limited Information-Specific Suggestion- Intensive Therapy] by a trained midwife and the control group received routine sexual consultation. Demographic and obstetric information were gathered through standard questionnaire. FSFI [Female Sexual Function Index] questionnaire were used for assessing sexual function. Data were collected from participants at three points: before consultation, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after consultation. Mann-Whitney, T-tests and x[2] used for data analysis. Mean scores of sexual function were 25.3 before consultation, 28.8 two weeks after and 29.4 four weeks after consultation in experimental group. These differences were statistically significant [p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively]. In control group, mean scores of sexual function were 24.48, 24.44, 23.74 before, 2 weeks, 4 weeks after consultation respectively. These differences were not statistically significant [p=0.946 and p=0.375]. There was no significant difference in mean score of sexual function between control and experimental groups before intervention [p=0.408]. However 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the consultation this difference was significant [p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively]. Based on the result of this study, we can claim that sexual problem in women decreased by using the PLISSIT model. Using the PLISSIT model is recommended in health care setting.
ABSTRACT
Unconsummated marriage has been seen in some cases. This study was run to determine the time of consummation of marriage and related factors in women referred to health care centers and hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science in Tehran in 2009.This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 consecutive women. The maximum length of marriage in these women was 4 months and they did not have any known medical or psychiatric disease or addiction. The time of consummating was recorded using questioner and the role of personal and social characteristics were determined. Not being successful in first trying for consummating was also recorded and chi [2] test was used for analysis. Findings showed that in 200 women aged 24.7 +/- 4.44 y with marriage duration of 3.47 +/- 3.44 months, the rate of unsuccessful first try for consummating was%61.It seems that delay in consummating the marriage should be investigated. We recommend further assessment of this problem and its causes, especially because this is a new field of research
ABSTRACT
Different factors affect sexual function and satisfaction. Some studies showed no relationship between type of delivery and sexual function and satisfaction, but others showed association of vaginal or cesarean delivery with sexual function and satisfaction. This study aimed to determine the sexual function and satisfaction in women with vaginal delivery and cesarean referring to Health Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2008. In this cross-sectioned study, 180 women [90 vaginal deliveries and 90 cesarean deliveries] were selected with multiple sampling. Data collection was performed by questionnaires including socio-demographic characteristics, history of obstetric and sexual function and sexual satisfaction. The questionnaire was completed by interview in private place. Data were analyzed via descriptive and chi square test using SPSS software. There was no signification difference in sexual function including desire, arousal, orgasm and resolution, and sexual satisfaction after delivery between two groups. We did not find significant difference between women with vaginal delivery and women with cesarean delivery. Therefore it seems that various physical and mental factors affect sexual function