Nezihe Kizilkaya Beji

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Low Sexual Function in Women: A Study of 1,009 Women in an Outpatient Clinic of a University Hospital in Istanbul

INTRODUCTION Sexual functioning is a common and multidimensional problem, associated with multiple biological, medical, psychological, sociocultural, political, economic, and interpersonal factors. AIM The study was planned to determine the prevalence and risk factors for low sexual function in women in an outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Istanbul. METHODS Totally, 1,009 women over 20 years of age or their healthy female companions were interviewed in the outpatient clinics of the Department of Internal Medicine in a university hospital in Istanbul. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function. RESULTS The mean age of women was 38.62 +/- 12.82 and 22.2% of women were postmenopausal. The mean FSFI score was found to be 24.25 +/- 9.50 out of a maximum total score of 36. Based on the total FSFI score, 43.4% of the women had scores less then 26. The mean domain scores were: desire 3.14 +/- 1.47, arousal 3.60 +/- 1.85, lubrication 4.53 +/- 2.01, orgasm 4.02 +/- 1.97, satisfaction 4.27 +/- 1.64, and pain 4.69 +/- 1.96 out of a maximum domain score of six. The rate of low sexual function by the age groups were 22% for those 20-29 years, 39.7% for those 30-39 years, 50.2% for those 40-49 years, 71.3% for those 50-59 years, 82.9% for those 60-64 years, and 87.8% for those 65 and over. Lower educational level, menopause, depression, presence of sexual dysfunction in their partner, and contraceptive use were found to be significantly associated with low sexual function in women. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of low sexual function in women was found to significantly increase with age. The most significantly affected domains were desire and arousal followed by orgasmic problems, satisfaction, and pain, respectively.

Effects of Fathers’ Attendance to Labor and Delivery on the Experience of Childbirth in Turkey:

This study was planned to experimentally determine the effects of fathers’ attendance to labor and delivery on the experience of childbirth. Fifty primigravidae low-risk women and their partners were recruited to the study. The first 25 women were included in the experimental group, and their partners were allowed to participate in birth. The remaining 25 women were included in the control group, and their partners were not allowed to participate in birth. Perception of Birth Scale and Father Interview Form were used to evaluate couples’ experiences during labor and delivery. In conclusion, fathers’ support in birth helped mothers to have more positive experiences in all aspects of childbirth. There was no relationship between fathers’ support and length of labor, use of pain-relieving drugs, or obstetric interventions in birth. When mother and father were supported during labor and delivery, the rate of the fathers who adopted an active role was high.

A study on urogenital complaints of postmenopausal women aged 50 and over

Objective.  The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of urogenital complaints in postmenopausal women aged 50 and over.

Bladder Training and Kegel Exercises for Women with Urinary Complaints Living in a Rest Home

Background: Urinary incontinence is an annoying, uncomfortable and unpleasant condition affecting the elderly. The problem of bedwetting and other urinary complaints are common in rest homes. Objective: Our study aimed to determine the efficiency of bladder training and Kegel exercises for older women living in a rest home. Methods: This is an experimental prospective research study. Through a randomization process, 25 women were included in the treatment group, and another 25 were included in the control group. Participants were living in a rest home for women aged older than 65 years with urinary complaints. The pretreatment interview form, Quality of Life Scale, Mini-Mental Test, Rankin Scale, daily urinary forms and pad tests were administered to the treatment and control groups. Bladder training and Kegel exercises were given to the treatment group for 6–8 weeks. The second evaluation was performed 8 weeks after treatment, and the last evaluation was carried out 6 months after treatment. Results: The average age of the treatment group was 78.88 ± 4.80 years, and the average age of the control group 79.44 ± 5.32 years. Urgency, frequency and nocturia were common complaints. Pretreatment, 8-week and 6-month evaluations revealed that the amount of urinary incontinence with urgency, frequency and nocturia complaints statistically and significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to the control group. In the pad test results, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the treatment group compared to the control group. A significant increase in pelvic floor strength was observed in the treatment group compared to the control group upon all evaluations. Conclusion: Behavioral therapy can be used easily as an effective treatment for urinary incontinence in elderly women living at a rest home.

Effects of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Therapy on Chronic Pelvic Pain

Objective: This research is a prospective study which was designed to determine the effects of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) therapy on the quality of life and sexual life of patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Methods: The sample consisted of an experimental group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 12), in total 24 patients. The experimental group was treated with PTNS once a week (in total 12 sessions), while the control group received routine intervention. Results: The pain frequency and intensity in women who underwent PTNS decreased considerably. Women had less pain during sexual intercourse after PTNS. We determined in our study that PTNS improved the quality of life of women with CPP by decreasing the intensity of pain and contributed to a more comfortable performance of their daily activities. Conclusions: PTNS is a type of treatment which contributes to the quality of life of women with CPP by decreasing the intensity of pain.

Biopsychosocial risk factors for preterm birth and postpartum emotional well-being: a case–control study on Turkish women without chronic illnesses

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The study aimed to determine bio-psycho-social risk factors for preterm birth in a sample of Turkish women without chronic illnesses and evaluate their anxiety and depression in early postpartum period. BACKGROUND Preterm birth is a devastating event with long-term health and social implications. Studies have identified several risk factors; however, the contribution of these causes differs by ethnic groups. DESIGN This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Istanbul over one year. In total, 149 preterm mothers were included in the case group and 150 term mothers who delivered in the same day with a case group woman were included in the control group. Chronic illnesses and anomalies were excluded. METHOD Data were gathered using a form that addressed risk factors for preterm birth. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Beck Depression Inventory and Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered within 24-72 hours after birth. RESULTS Logistic regression analysis revealed that partners lower education (≤ 8 years), history of preterm birth, antenatal hospitalisation, genitourinary infection and irregular prenatal care were significant risk factors. Perceived social support from family and friends were significantly lower in preterm group. Preterm mothers experienced significantly more anxiety and depressive symptoms in early postpartum. CONCLUSION Many of the socio-economical and obstetric causes of preterm births were similar to other countries with higher preterm birth rates. Preterm births were associated with lower social support along with more anxiety and depressive symptoms in early postpartum. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Women who have established risk factors can be targeted for more intensive antenatal care for the prevention of preterm birth. Increased maternal anxiety and depression reveal the necessity of emotional support immediately after birth.

Determining lower urinary tract symptoms and associated risk factors in young women.

To determine lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and associated risk factors in women aged 20 years and older.

Comparison of the effects of electrical stimulation and posterior tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome.

Aim: To compare the effects of transvaginal electrical stimulation (ES) and posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Methods: Women applying with symptoms of urgency, frequency, and nocturia with or without incontinence and diagnosed with OAB were divided into an ES or PTNS group. Bladder diary, urodynamics, 1-hour pad test, and King’s Health Questionnaire were performed before and after treatment. ES was applied for 20 min, 6–8 weeks with pulses of 10–50 Hz square waves at a 300-µs or 1-ms pulse duration and a maximal output current of 24–60 mA with 5–10 Hz frequency, three times per week. PTNS was applied for 30 min once a week for 12 weeks. Results: Thirty-five patients received ES, 17 patients received PTNS. Pad test, urinary diary, and quality of life parameters after both treatments decreased significantly; the decrease in the ES group was greater. The number of patients who describe themselves as cured was higher in the ES group. Conclusion: PTNS and ES are both effective in the treatment of OAB with significant improvement in objective and subjective parameters. Objective results show no significant difference between the two groups; however, the number of patients who describe themselves as cured in the ES group was significantly higher.

Results of TVT operations alone and combined with other vaginal surgical procedures

Abstract. We made a study of 61women with genuine stress incontinence (GSI). They all had a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and 28 patients had concomitant vaginal surgery. The cure rates and complication rates for the two groups were similar.

The Effects of Menorrhagia on Women’s Quality of Life: A Case-Control Study

Objective. The purpose of this study is to identify menstruation characteristics of the women and the effects of menorrhagia on womens quality of life. Methods. The study was designed as a descriptive, case-control one. Results. Of the women in the case group, 10.9% stated that their menstrual bleeding was severe and very severe before complaints while 73.2% described bleeding as severe or very severe after complaints. Among those who complained about menorrhagia, 46.7% pointed that they used hygienic products that are more protective than regular sanitary pads. Women also stated that their clothes, bed linens, and furniture got dirty parallel to the severity of the bleeding. In all subscales of SF-36 scale, quality of life of the women in the menorrhagia group was significantly lower than the ones in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Menorrhagia has negative effects on womens quality of life. Therefore, quality of life of the women consulting the clinics with menorrhagia complaint should be investigated and effective approaches should be designed.