Relationship between the frequency and duration of masturbation and the sexual health literacy and sexual function of women in western Turkey: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although sexual life and its knowledge are still taboo in many cultures, especially for women, it can negatively affect women's sexual health. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the frequency and duration of masturbation and the sexual health literacy among young Muslim women of reproductive age between 18 and 25 years living in western Turkey. METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 921 young women in western Turkey between March and December 2023. Participants were included in the study per the snowball method. The data consisted of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding masturbation, sexual life, and sexual health literacy. Data were obtained on an online platform and analyzed with SPSS (version 24; IBM). Difference, correlation, and regression analyses were performed. The significance level for statistical analyses was accepted as P < .05. OUTCOMES: The outcomes of the study are the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding masturbation, orgasm, sexual health literacy, and sexual function in women. RESULTS: The participants were young Muslim women aged 21.00 ± 1.89 years (mean ± SD). The frequency of masturbation was 5.06 ± 2.03 times per month, and the duration was 3.47 ± 1.77 minutes per day. Masturbation frequency and duration were significantly associated with sexual health literacy and sexual function (P < .001). According to regression analysis, sexual function increased and sexual health literacy increased as masturbation frequency and duration increased (P < .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study presents results on the current situation regarding the sexual health literacy and sexual lives in women from different geographies and cultures, and it serves as a source for future studies on areas that need to be improved. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The limitation of the study is that it was conducted only with Muslim and Turkish women who use smartphones and are sexually active, so it cannot be generalized to all women. The strengths of the study are that it was conducted with a sample of 921 women, it was based on self-report and addressed many dimensions related to masturbation and female sexuality, and the results were reached through exploratory analysis. CONCLUSION: The study found that the higher the duration and frequency of masturbation in young women, the better their sexual function and higher their sexual literacy.

Effects of probiotics on gastrointestinal symptoms, anthropometric measurements, and breastfeeding duration in infants with colic: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Infantile colic has a multifactorial etiology. Recent studies have suggested that probiotics may be effective in its management. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the Actiregularis strain (5×106 cfu\ml) included in maternal nutrition on gastrointestinal problems, growth development, and breastfeeding outcomes in infantile colic. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in the neonatal outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital in Turkey. METHODS: A probiotic drink containing the Actiregularis (5×106 cfu\ml) strain was added to the diet of mothers in the probiotics group once daily for 15 consecutive days. Data were collected for each infant's 0th (birth), 1st, 4th, and 6th months. RESULTS: Infants whose mothers were administered Actiregularis for 15 days had decreased crying intensity (P = 0.000). When the difference in breastfeeding rates between the groups was significant at the 4th and 6th months (P = 0.044; P = 0.035). There was no difference in anthropometric values except the babies' weights at the 6th month. (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Infants treated with Actiregularis, which was added to their mothers' diet for 15 days, showed a decrease in the frequency of crying, and the difference in breastfeeding rates between the groups was significant at the 4th and 6th months. There was no difference in anthropometric values except the babies' weights at the 6th month. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04374955 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/).

The Effect of Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua) on Sperm Parameters of Infertile Men: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements can increase sperm quality. This study aimed to summarize the available evidence about the effects of carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements on sperm quality and reproductive hormones in infertile men. Systematic searches of five databases were conducted from inception to October 20, with the last update on November 20, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements with nonintervention control groups on infertile man. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2. Summary effect size measures were calculated using a random-effects model estimation and are reported as standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines. The analysis included four studies involving 236 infertile men. It was found that sperm motility of infertile men improved after carob intervention (MD:11.30, 95% CI:5.97 to 16.64, Z = 4.15, p < 0.00001), and there was a significant difference compared to control groups. The effect size of carob on semen quantity in infertile men was positive, and the relationship was statistically significant (MD:5.42, 95% CI:1.58 to 9.42, Z = 2.77, p = 0.006). When hormone parameters of infertile men were analyzed, the MDA (malondialdehyde) value decreased compared to the control group (MD = -4.81, 95% CI: -10.18 to 0.56, Z = 1.76, p = 0.08), and there was a significant difference between them. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) supplements was associated with improvement in sperm quality compared with nonintervention control groups in infertile man. However, high-quality, larger RCTs are required to draw more definitive conclusions.

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak on decision-making styles and breastfeeding of pregnant women: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to examine the factors affecting the decision-making styles of pregnant women in the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic, their choice of birth environment, and their decision to start breastfeeding. METHODS: The study was conducted in a cross-sectional descriptive type. The study was conducted with 631 pregnant women who voluntarily participated between January 2020 and April 2021 and met the sample selection criteria. Women aged 18-45 years who had healthy singleton pregnancies were included. Pregnant women with signs or symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 or suspected or diagnosed with birth were excluded from the study. The data were collected by the questionnaire method through the links shared with the pregnant women. Data Collection Form, Questionnaire for Birth and Breastfeeding in the coronavirus disease 2019 Period, and Melbourne Decision-Making Styles Scale-II were used as data collection tools. RESULTS: The mean age of the pregnant women was found to be 28.56±6.36 years. Approximately 50.71% of the participants reported that they preferred normal vaginal delivery. It was reported that 56.1% of the pregnant women had a say in the decision-making process of the delivery method. It has been determined that there is a significant difference between the education status, employment status, pregnancy planning, family type, and the person who has a say in deciding the mode of delivery (p<0.05). The results of the analysis of worrying about starting breastfeeding according to the decision-making styles of the pregnant women in the sample group are examined. The difference between the scores of avoidant and procrastinating decision-making style, which is the sub-dimensions of the scale, and worrying about starting breastfeeding is statistically significant (p<0.029 and p<0.029, respectively). CONCLUSION: The research findings show that situations such as epidemics affect the decisions of pregnant women, and breastfeeding situations and decision-making styles affect each other. For this reason, education programs and guides including guidance services and support systems should be published and pregnant women should be guided correctly.

Colic and sleep outcomes of nonpharmacological intervention in infants with infantile colic: systematic review and metaanalysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the colic and sleep outcomes of nonpharmacological intervention in infants with infantile colic and perform a meta-analysis of the available evidence. METHODS: The literature review for this systematic review was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 using five electronic databases, namely PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and ULAKBIM. Published articles were scanned using MeSH-based keywords. Only randomized controlled trials conducted in the past 5 years were included. The data were analyzed using the Review Manager computer program. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included three studies involving a total of 386 infantile colic infants. After nonpharmacological treatment, it was found that infants with infantile colic reduced crying time (standardized mean difference: 0.61; 95%CI 0.29-0.92; Z=3.79; p=0.00002), improved sleep duration (standardized mean difference: 0.22; 95%CI -0.04 to 0.48; Z=1.64; p=0.10), and decreased crying intensity (mean difference: -17.24; 95%CI -20.11 to 14.37; Z=11.77; p<0.000001). CONCLUSION: According to the meta-analysis findings, it was determined that the risk of bias was low in the studies included and that nonpharmacological chiropractic, craniosacral, and acupuncture treatments applied to infantile colic infants in the three included studies reduced crying time and intensity and increased sleep duration.

Sexuality, quality of life and psychological well-being in older adults: A correlational study.

Objective: This study aimed at analyzing the relationship between general health status, quality of life, and sexual life among older adults. Study design: This descriptive-correlational design study was conducted with the participation of 323 (169 female and 154 male) older people at the age of 65 + . The participants were clients of the outpatient services in a general hospital in Istanbul. Data were collected with the General Health Questionnaire, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, and Quality of Life Scale. Results: Psychological well-being had no association with sexuality scores whereas quality of life had a significant association. Older people with better quality of life had less sexual dysfunctionality. Participants who were up the 75 years old, who have lower education, lower economic status, unemployed, having chronic diseases seemed to experience higher ASEX scores, meaning that higher sexual dysfunction, lower GHQ scores and lower quality of life level. Conclusions: Sexuality in older people changes over time and continues to hold its importance. Less sexual dysfunction seemed to relate with higher quality of life in older people. Researchers should consider the importance of the quality of life on sexual satisfaction in older people.

Breastfeeding success in the first 6 months of online breastfeeding counseling after cesarean delivery and its effect on anthropometric measurements of the baby: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of online breastfeeding counseling after cesarean section on breastfeeding success and anthropometric measurements of the baby in the first 6 months. METHODS: The study was conducted with single-blind randomized controlled experimental research design and performed with 151 primiparous women as intervention (n=76) and control (n=75) groups. The mothers were given training in the first 24 h postpartum by applying the "Data Collection Form," "Breastfeeding and Infant Follow-up Form," and "Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form," who followed up at the first and sixth months, and further again for 6 months. RESULTS: Although there was no difference and homogeneity at the beginning of study among the participants in the intervention group compared with the control group, it was observed that the breastfeeding rates at the first and sixth months were higher and significant. When the anthropometric measurements of the participants in both the groups were compared, it was found that there was a significant difference between the measurements of height and weight at discharge, first, and sixth months. Breastfeeding self-efficacy scores in the intervention group were significantly higher at discharge, 4 weeks postpartum, and 6 months postpartum than those in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding training and online counseling given to mothers who give birth by cesarean section during the early postpartum period increased breastfeeding rates and self-sufficiency, and the anthropometric measurements of babies were found to be higher at healthy limits.

Does perinatal period pelvic floor muscle exercises affect sexuality and pelvic muscle strength? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the effect of pelvic floor exercises on female sexual function and pelvic floor strength in the prenatal and postnatal periods and to conduct a meta-analysis of available evidence. METHODS: Published archives, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ULAKBIM databases, were scanned using keywords based on MeSH. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The data were analyzed using the Review Manager computer program (version 5.3). RESULTS: Pooled standardized differences in means of sexual function in both pelvic floor exercise and control group were 6.33 (95%CI 5.27-7.40, p<0.00001) during pregnancy. The pooled standardized differences in means in sexual function after postpartum intervention was 1.19 (95%CI 0.08--2.30, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Evidence has shown a little effect on the pelvic floor muscle training on sexual function in pregnancy and postpartum period in primipara women, and it is a safe strategy that can improve postpartum sexual function.

Attitudes and beliefs regarding sexuality in pregnancy affect sexuality Turkey example: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: It was aimed to examine the effects of attitudes and beliefs regarding sexuality on sexual function during pregnancy. STUDY DESING: Descriptive cross-sectional type research was conducted throughout Turkey between December 2021 and April 2022. The sample was made up of 718 pregnant women across Turkey. The data were obtained through "Data Collection Form", "Attitudes and Beliefs Scale about Sexuality during Pregnancy (ABSSP)" and "Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI)" using online questionnaires using snowball sampling method. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 27.48 ± 4.26 and the gestational weeks were 26.65 ± 6.87. A negative relationship was found between the ABSSP total score average and age, marriage age, gestational week and living child. It was determined that the women's ABSSP total score average and all sub-dimensions were positively related to each other. It was determined that there was a positive relationship between the lower dimension of anxiety and sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction, orgasm and pain and negative. Gender/Attraction sub-dimension was found to be positively related to sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction and FSFI total score average. Concern about pregnancy was found to be negatively related to sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction positive, orgasm and pain with lower size. CONCLUSION: The study findings show that sexual beliefs and sexual desire situations during pregnancy are negatively affected. Sexuality can be negatively affected in societies where counseling on sexuality is inadequate during pregnancy and superstition and behaviors are common.

COVID-19: the unmet need for family planning and its effects on sexuality: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the effect of women's unmet family planning needs on their sexual functions during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 319 women of childbearing age across Turkey between April and May 2021. Data were obtained through online questionnaires using the "Survey Form" and the Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS: It was observed that 46.77% of the participants had difficulty in accessing the family planning method, the most used family planning method during the pandemic period was the withdrawal method with 52.35%, and there was a significant difference between them and the pre-pandemic method (p<0.05). In the regression analysis, it was shown that a one-unit increase in the difficulty of accessing the family planning method and the place reached parameter would lead to an increase of 0.33 points in the sexual function probability of women. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that women of childbearing age living in Turkey had limited access to family planning services during the pandemic, those who used modern methods before the pandemic had to prefer the traditional method, and the sexual functions of women who had fear of becoming pregnant were adversely affected.