Masturbation, sexual function, and genital self-image of undergraduate women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between factors related to masturbation, sexual function, and genital self-image among women has not been fully explored in the literature. AIM: The study sought to investigate the association between masturbation frequency, feelings, and behaviors with sexual function and genital self-image in young women. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among 110 undergraduate female students was conducted. Online self-administered questionnaires to assess sociodemographic characteristics, masturbatory frequency, feelings, and behavior were completed. Participants also answered the Brazilian version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS). OUTCOMES: The outcome includes masturbation frequency and behaviors associated, as well as scores on the FSFI and FGSIS. RESULTS: Women showed higher scores in FSFI subdomains when masturbation was considered important for them, along with reported feelings of empowerment and satisfaction during this activity. However, those who experienced negative emotions during masturbation, such as shame or guilt, demonstrated a significant association with lower scores in both FSFI and FGSIS. Masturbation frequency was found to correlate with better sexual function specifically in the desire domain among women who engaged in daily masturbation. Additionally, an association was observed between higher scores in the FGSIS and increased scores in the domains of satisfaction, arousal, and orgasm within the FSFI. There was an association in the domain's satisfaction, arousal, and orgasm of the FSFI with greater scores in FGSIS. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The clinical implications encompass the augmentation of understanding pertaining to female sexual function. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The study provides valuable insights into the sexual behavior of undergraduate female students, and its methodology improves openness in responses, as it provides anonymity given the sensitive nature of the topic studied. Study limitations include the unsuitability of the FSFI questionnaire for sexually inactive women in the past 4 weeks; the participation bias and reporting bias in sexuality searches; and the unknown validity of the investigator-derived questionnaire about masturbation, as it has not been previously validated. CONCLUSION: Masturbation frequency has minimal to no impact on female sexual function, whereas harboring positive feelings toward it and maintaining a positive genital self-image may exert a positive influence on sexual function.

Urinary incontinence and quality of life in high-performance swimmers: An observational study.

Each day more women around the world practice high impact physical activities and this may be a risk factor for urinary incontinence (UI) in young. We verified the prevalence of UI and the impact in quality of life (QoL) in high-performance swimmers, through a cross-sectional observational study with 9 high performance swimmers and 9 sedentary women who responded the International Consultation on incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), participated in a functional evaluation of pelvic floor muscles with bidigital palpation and pad test. We verifed that was present in 78% of high-performance swimmers, and the quality of life was significantly worse (p =.037) when compared to sedentary women. These findings led us to conclude that presence of UI affects the quality of life, even if it is not a factor of abandonment of the sport.

Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Brazilian Transgender Women Following Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional and descriptive study aimed to evaluate the sexual function, urinary function, and quality of life of 26 Brazilian trans women who have undergone gender-affirming surgery (GAS) using the gold standard technique (penile inversion vaginoplasty) in the Gender Identity Transdisciplinary Program at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between March 2016 and July 2017. The Female Sexual Function Index, the SF-36 Health Survey, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form were used. Regarding their surgical results, 84.6% of the women said they were satisfied, 73.1% were sexually functional, and 15.4% reported urinary incontinence not associated with surgery. Participants also reported a good quality of life, despite low scores of pain and physical vitality. Transgender women in our sample reported a good quality of life and sexual function after GAS. Further studies are required to improve the psychosexual wellbeing of this specific population.

Quality of Life and Urinary Incontinence Symptoms in Women Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Combined Case-Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Obese women with large abdominal volume may present with elevated intra-abdominal and intravesical pressure due to their high body mass index (BMI), which leads to an imbalance in the mechanism responsible for urinary continence. Thus, these women have a 2-fold chance of developing urinary incontinence (UI) than nonobese women. Because increased BMI represents a risk factor for UI development, we hypothesize that its reduction could alleviate or decrease the symptoms of this condition in obese women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the impact of weight loss on the severity of UI symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in women undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: This was a combined case-cohort study lasting 1 year, with 26 obese women aged 18 to 59 years who underwent bariatric surgery and presented preoperative UI. The participants' BMI was calculated, their UI was assessed through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, and QoL by the King's Health Questionnaire. Reassessments were performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 postoperative months. RESULTS: We found no significant association between BMI reduction and prevalence and severity of UI. However, the 8-point reduction in BMI was sufficient to decrease the severity of UI. Quality of life improved significantly in 7 of the 9 domains evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our study, we can conclude that the reduction in the prevalence and severity of UI together with weight loss induced by bariatric surgery was more evident in the first 3 months postoperatively, impacting positively the QoL of these women.

Quality of life and fertility preservation counseling for women with gynecological cancer: an integrated psychological and clinical perspective.

Purpose: Relational and sexual problems are frequent in patients with a diagnosis of gynecological cancer, because this disease has a strong negative impact on female identity and sexuality. Psychological and sexual functioning is affected by inauspicious diagnosis. Furthermore, therapies may compromise reproductive function. The aim of this study is to propose a general overview on the impact of gynecological cancer on quality of life and psychological and sexual functioning, as well as on the importance of adequate counseling related to fertility preservation techniques.Materials and methods: We provide a narrative overview of the recent literature about quality of life and fertility preservation counselling in women with gynecological cancer.Results and conclusions: According to recent studies, 75% of women between 18 and 45 years with a diagnosis of cancer wish to have children. When cancer affects the reproductive system, the psychological distress is even stronger because there is a loss of menstrual function and fertility. Currently, fertility preservation techniques in women with gynecological cancer are beneficial and lead to an improvement in the quality of life.

Sarcopenia in Ovarian Cancer Patients, Oncologic Outcomes Revealing the Importance of Clinical Nutrition: Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies. Its usual clinical manifestation is at advanced stages, with nutritional impairment, weight loss, and a consequent decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength (defined as sarcopenia). The relationship between sarcopenia and decreased survival was demonstrated not only in ovarian cancer but also in other cancer types, such as hepatocellular, pancreatic, lung, colon, cervical, metastatic breast, and renal cancer. The aim of this study is to review the current evidence regarding the relationship between sarcopenia and the surgical and oncological outcomes in ovarian cancer patients. METHODS: The systematic search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRSIMA) statement. The terms "SARCOPENIA" AND "OVARIAN CANCER" were systematically used to search PubMed and Scopus databases. Original reports in English language were identified, with the purpose to include all relevant papers regarding the role of sarcopenia and indicators of skeletal muscle quality assessment in gynecological ovarian cancer. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies were considered eligible for the present review. The strength of recommendation was moderate and the level of evidence was low in all selected articles. No prospective studies were conducted and most of the papers were case-control series comparing ovarian cancer sarcopenic population vs. non sarcopenic population. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia appears to have an important role in oncological outcomes of ovarian cancer patients. However, sarcopenia occurrence during disease history and mechanisms underlying the possible impairment in prognosis should be better investigated. Prospective trials are awaited in order to obtain a better insight in this topic.

Clinical and Psychological Outcomes of the Use of Vaginal Dilators After Gynaecological Brachytherapy: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensions of the vaginal canal in patients undergoing gynaecological brachytherapy and the effect of the use of vaginal dilators (VD) used in the follow-up of pelvic physiotherapy. METHODS: A total of 88 patients were randomly allocated to the control group (CG) and intervention group (IG). Three evaluations were performed: pre-brachytherapy, post-brachytherapy and follow-up of 3 months. The CG received standard guidance from the health team while the IG was instructed to use VD for 3 months. The dimensions of the vaginal canal (main outcome) were defined by the length of the vagina (centimetres), width (number of full clockwise turns of the opening thread of a gynaecological speculum) and area (defined by the size of the VD). Quality of life and pelvic floor (PF) functionality were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was no effect of the VD on vaginal length, width and area among the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. However, in the analysis stratified by adhesion, the CG had a significant decrease in the vaginal area. PF was predominantly hypoactive throughout the follow-up. Quality of life improved in both groups, but the reduction of constipation, vaginal dryness and stress urinary incontinence manifested only in the IG. CONCLUSION: The use of VD did not alter the dimensions of the vaginal canal within the first 3 months after the end of radiotherapy treatment. However, there was a large sample loss during follow-up so studies with a larger sample number and longer follow-up time need to be conducted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03090217.

Multidisciplinary management of women with pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms.A clinical and psychological overview.

Although female sexual dysfunctions are common among women with urogynecological conditions, they have not been thoroughly studied and there are still many questions without an answer. The recent evidence on sexual disorders in women with urogynecological diseases shows a quite wide spectrum of therapeutic approaches, which require the physicians to take into account not only the primary symptoms, but also all the associated factors negatively affected. It has been widely underlined that gynecological diseases are often associated with high stress and have a negative impact on quality of life and psychological well-being of women affected. For this reason, a multidisciplinary approach for the management of these diseases is highly recommended. Also in the case of urogynecological disorders, it is important to take into account psychological outcomes throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. In the light of these considerations, the aim of this short review is to evaluate the impact of the main urogynecological diseases and the currently available therapeutic options in order to improve quality of life and sexuality of these patients and to stress the need for a multidisciplinary approach in order to minimize the negative consequences of these diseases for the sexual well-being of women and their partners.

Influência da prática de futsal amador na força muscular do assoalho pélvico / Influence of amateur futsal practice on pelvic floor muscle strength

INTRODUÇÃO: há poucas informações sobre o impacto do treinamento intenso de bola na biomecânica dos músculos do assoalho pélvico em atletas de futsal. OBJETIVO: avaliar a influência da prática de futsal amador na força muscular do assoalho pélvico. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional descritivo, transversal, de natureza quantitativa, com atletas amadores de futsal. Aplicou-se um questionário sobre o histórico ginecológica e prática esportiva. O exame físico com um perineômetro demonstrou contração muscular através da Escala de Sauer. RESULTADOS: Idade média de 27,0 ± 4,1 anos, índice de massa corporal 23,9 ± 3,3 kg / cm2, atletas com função regular do assoalho pélvico (n = 8,80%), tempo de contração da musculatura do assoalho pélvico de 9,2 ± 1,6s tempo de jogo de 18,4 ± 4,9. Encontramos uma associação moderada entre o tempo de contração dos músculos do assoalho pélvico versus tempo de jogo (r=-0,653; p=0,040) e esse achado foi ratificado por uma análise de regressão linear simples, onde há uma influência de 36% da prática de futsal na força dos músculos do assoalho pélvico. CONCLUSÃO: Há influência direta da prática de futsal amador na força de contração dos músculos do assoalho pélvico. É essencial enfatizar a importância dos músculos do assoalho pélvico nesses atletas, uma vez que a fraqueza muscular é um fator predisponente para a presença de sintomas de perda urinária. [AU]

INTRODUCTION: In futsal athletes there is few information about the impact of intense ball training on pelvic floor muscles' biomechanics. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the influence of amateur futsal practice on pelvic floor muscle strength. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cross-sectional, descriptive observational study of a quantitative nature with 10 amateur futsal athletes. A questionnaire on gynecological history and sports practice was applied. Physical examination with a perineometer demonstrated muscle contraction through the Sauer Scale. RESULTS: Average adult age of 27.0 ± 4.1 years, body mass index 23.9±3.3 kg/cm2, the athletes had regular pelvic floor function (n =8, 80%), contraction time of the pelvic floor muscles 9.2 ± 1.6s, playing time 18.4±4.9. We found a moderate association between the pelvic floor muscles' contraction time vs. playing time (r = -0.653; p = 0.040) and this finding was ratified by a simple linear regression analysis, where there is a 36% influence of the futsal practice on pelvic floor muscles' strength. CONCLUSION: There is a direct influence of amateur futsal practice on pelvic floor muscles' contraction force. It is essential to emphasize pelvic floor muscles' importance in these athletes, since muscle weakness is a predisposing factor to the presence of urinary loss symptoms. [AU]

Indicadores antropométricos e fatores de risco cardiovascular em trabalhadores rurais / Anthropometric indicators and cardiovascular risk factors in rural workers / Indicadores antropométricos y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en trabajadores rurales

RESUMO Introdução: A obesidade tem provocado diversos agravos à saúde, impulsionada pela industrialização, avanços tecnológicos, urbanização e estilo de vida; esses aspectos estão relacionados com disfunções cardiovasculares. Diversos fatores estão associados aos problemas saúde da população, os quais podem ser previamente identificados com técnicas simples, como medidas antropométricas e escores de risco, usadas para determinar possíveis riscos. Objetivo: Relacionar variáveis antropométricas com o Escore de Risco de Framingham (ERF) em trabalhadores rurais. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 138 trabalhadores rurais, submetidos ao questionário de estilo de vida, avaliação antropométrica, bioquímica, cardiovascular e determinação do ERF. A antropometria foi estimada com os indicadores índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura (CC), relação cintura-quadril (RCQ), índice de conicidade (IC) e razão circunferência cintura-estatura (RCEst); o perfil bioquímico identificou colesterol total, colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL, triglicerídeos e glicemia; a função cardiovascular foi avaliada pela pressão arterial sistólica e pressão arterial diastólica em repouso. A partir das informações, os sujeitos foram classificados segundo o ERF em G1 (baixo risco), G2 (risco intermediário) e G3 (alto risco). As análises estatísticas constaram de frequência e percentual, comparação de médias pelo teste Kruskal-Wallis, e correlação de Pearson ou Spearman, considerando p < 0,05. Resultados: Com relação aos ERF, 81,4% sujeitos do sexo feminino e 51,9% do masculino apresentaram baixo risco cardiovascular, com mais da metade dos trabalhadores com respostas inadequadas nos parâmetros RCQ (58,7%), RCEst (67,4%), CT (58,0%) e LDL (52,9%). Na relação do total de pontos absolutos do ERF com as variáveis antropométricas, CC e RCEst demonstraram correlações fracas (0,293 e 0,175, respectivamente) e RCQ e IC, correlações moderadas (0,475 e 0,459, respectivamente). Conclusão: Alguns indicadores antropométricos (RCQ e IC) apresentaram relações mais fortes com o ERF, apontando que são mais efetivas em determinadas populações, além de indicar a maior probabilidade de eventos cardiovasculares nos trabalhadores rurais. Nível de Evidência III; Estudos diagnósticos - Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obesity has caused several health problems, driven by industrialization, technological advances, urbanization, and lifestyle; these aspects are related to cardiovascular disorders. Several factors are associated with population health problems, which can be previously identified through simple techniques such as anthropometric measurements and risk scores, used to determine potential risks. Objective: To relate anthropometric variables with the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in rural workers. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 138 rural workers, who completed a lifestyle questionnaire, anthropometric, biochemical, and cardiovascular evaluation and FRS evaluation. The anthropometry was estimated using the indicators body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), conicity index (CI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR); the biochemical profile identified total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and glycemia; the cardiovascular function was evaluated by systolic blood pressure and resting diastolic blood pressure. From this information, the subjects were classified according to the FRS in G1 (low risk), G2 (intermediate risk) and G3 (high risk). The statistical analyses consisted of frequency and percentage, comparison of means by Kruskal-Wallis test, and correlation of Pearson or Spearman, considering p<0.05. Results: Regarding FRS, 81.4% of the female subjects and 51.9% male showed low cardiovascular risk, with more than half of workers with inadequate responses in WHR (58.7%), WHtR (67.4 %), TC (58.0%) and LDL (52.9%). In the relation between the total of absolute points of FRS and the anthropometric variables, WC and WHtR showed weak correlations (0.293 and 0.175, respectively) and WHR and CI showed moderate correlations (0.475 and 0.459, respectively). Conclusion: Some anthropometric indicators (WHR and CI) had stronger relationships with FRS, indicating that they are more effective in certain populations, besides implying the higher probability of cardiovascular events in rural workers. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic studies - Investigating a diagnostic test.

RESUMEN Introducción: La obesidad ha provocado diferentes problemas de salud, impulsada por la industrialización, avances tecnológicos, urbanización y estilo de vida; estos aspectos están relacionados con disfunciones cardiovasculares. Varios factores están asociados a los problemas de salud de la población, los cuales pueden ser identificados previamente con técnicas simples, como medidas antropométricas y escores de riesgo, usadas para determinar posibles riesgos. Objetivo: Relacionar variables antropométricas con la Puntuación de Riesgo de Framingham (PRF) en trabajadores rurales. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 138 trabajadores rurales sometidos al cuestionario de estilo de vida, evaluación antropométrica, bioquímica, cardiovascular y determinación de la PRF. La antropometría se estimó con los indicadores índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de la cintura (CC), relación cintura/cadera (RCC), índice de conicidad (IC) y razón cintura-estatura (RCE); el perfil bioquímico identificó colesterol total, colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL, triglicéridos y glucemia; la función cardiovascular fue evaluada por la presión arterial sistólica y la presión arterial diastólica en reposo. A partir de las informaciones, los sujetos fueron clasificados de acuerdo con la PRF en G1 (bajo riesgo), G2 (riesgo intermedio) y G3 (alto riesgo). Los análisis estadísticos consistieron en frecuencia y porcentaje, comparación de promedios por la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis y correlación de Pearson o Spearman, considerando p < 0,05. Resultados: En cuanto a las PRF, el 81,4% de las mujeres y el 51,9% de los hombres tenían bajo riesgo cardiovascular, con más de la mitad de los trabajadores con respuestas inadecuadas en los parámetros RCC (58,7%), RCE (67,4%), CT (58,0%) y LDL (52,9%). En la relación del total de puntos absolutos de la PRF con las variables antropométricas, CC y RCE demostraron correlaciones débiles (0,293 y 0,175, respectivamente) y RCC y IC, correlaciones moderadas (0,475 y 0,459, respectivamente). Conclusión: Algunos indicadores antropométricos (RCC e IC) presentaron relaciones más fuertes con la PRF, apuntando que son más eficaces en determinadas poblaciones, además de indicar la mayor probabilidad de eventos cardiovasculares en los trabajadores rurales. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudios de diagnósticos - Investigación de un examen para diagnóstico.