The impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the sexual health of male healthcare professionals.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affected the mental and sexual health of individuals, especially healthcare professionals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in anxiety and sexual activity of male healthcare professionals following vaccination. METHODOLOGY: This prospective cross-sectional and descriptive online survey was conducted between July 1, 2021 and November 1, 2021, involving a total of 170 healthcare professionals. Socio-demographic characteristics, pre- and post-vaccination anxiety and sexual activity levels of the participants were compared. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in only the intercourse times of the participants post vaccination (p = 0.034). The Beck anxiety inventory score decreased from median: 19 (minimum (min): 16, maximum (max): 47) before vaccination to median: 17, (min: 10, max: 43) after vaccination (p < 0.001). Likewise, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) scores decreased after vaccination (median: 10, min: 5, max: 20) compared to before vaccination (median: 12, min: 5, max: 18) (p < 0.001). International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score also increased after vaccination (25.49 ± 6.50) compared to before vaccination (24.71 ± 7.10) (p < 0.001). Orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction scores also improved (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, p = 0.027, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mental and sexual disorders increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to immunity, the vaccine also had positive effects on anxiety and sexual activity.

Importance of emergency department waiting period in Fournier's Gangrene; 10 years of experience.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a disease with high mortality rate. The first diagnosis is performed in the emergency department (ED). In this study, we investigated the importance of the time period for diagnosis in the ED. METHODS: The data of patients who were treated for FG between 1 January 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Waiting period of the patients in ED was calculated. Risk factor score calculations were calculated to predict FG mortality and prognosis. The effects of the ED waiting period on the duration of admission to the hospital, the number of debridements and mortality status and relationship with FG mortality risk factor scores were investigated. RESULTS: In a 10-year period, a total of 66 patients were included in the study. It was found that the median age of the patients was 56 years. ED waiting period median (IQR) was 105 (115) minutes. It was observed that there was a significant positive correlation between the ED waiting period, duration of admission to hospital (rs: 0.537, P < .001) and patients mortality status (rs: 0.482, P < .001). The ED waiting period was higher in patients with FG mortality. It was observed that the ED waiting period holds a diagnostic value in predicting mortality (P < .001). The cut-off limit predicted for this value was determined as 136 minutes. CONCLUSION: FG is a urological emergency. ED waiting period affects mortality rate and length of hospital stay. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment is conducted in the ED, the lower the mortality rate and length of stay in the hospital will be.