A fiber-optic sensor-based device for the measurement of vaginal integrity in women

Vaginal Sensors

The development and market emergence of vaginal sensors have begun to demonstrate their impact on women's healthcare. Until recently, in limited cases, these sensors have exhibited their capabilities in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the vaginal tract during different stages of women's lives. This Perspective is a compilation of what has been accomplished so far in the landscape of vaginal sensors. The text explores the diverse types of vaginal sensor technologies, their applications, and their potential impact on women's healthcare. The review introduces the anatomy of the vagina and cervix and categorizes vaginal sensors that have been developed, highlighting the technologies and potential applications. The paper covers biomarkers of the vaginal tract and discusses their importance in maintaining the overall characteristics of the vaginal system. The text also explores the clinical implications of vaginal sensors in pregnancy monitoring, disease detection, and sexual health management. In the final step, the manuscript provides future perspectives and possibilities that can be incorporated in the emerging field of vaginal sensors.

Technologies for Evaluation of Pelvic Floor Functionality: A Systematic Review

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem in women and has a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this review was to provide a general overview of the current state of technology used to assess pelvic floor functionality. It also provides literature research of the physiological and anatomical factors that correlate with pelvic floor health. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and IEEE databases were searched for publications on sensor technology for the assessment of pelvic floor functionality. Anatomical and physiological parameters were identified through a manual search. In the systematic review, 114 publications were included. Twelve different sensor technologies were identified. Information on the obtained parameters, sensor position, test activities, and subject characteristics was prepared in tabular form from each publication. A total of 16 anatomical and physiological parameters influencing pelvic floor health were identified in 17 published studies and ranked for their statistical significance. Taken together, this review could serve as a basis for the development of novel sensors which could allow for quantifiable prevention and diagnosis, as well as particularized documentation of rehabilitation processes related to pelvic floor dysfunctions.

[Vaginal gas: Review]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article was to review the literature about vaginal winds (VW).

METHODS

A literature review (Medline database, Cochrane Library and Google scholar) with no time limit was performed using keywords "vaginal winds", "vaginal noise", "vaginal gaz", "flatus vaginalis", "vaginal flatus", "colpophony", "Garrulitas vulvae", "vaginal laxity".

RESULTS

From 412 articles about VW, 15 have been selected and 99 from 110 about vaginal laxity. VW occurs during physical exercises but also during and just after coïtus. The prevalence is about 20%. The pathophyiology of VW is probably a vaginal hyperlaxity itself secondary to pelvic floor muscles weakness and thus increased diameter of vaginal hiatus. VW alter sexual function in female patients but this sexual function seems not influenced in male partners. Tampons or pessaries are currently the most commonly proposed treatment (but naturally impossible to use during sexual intercourse), but some results from vaginal laser therapy are encouraging.

CONCLUSION

Data from the literature suggest that vaginal winds are frequent and seriously impact quality of life of female patients. Childbirth and more generally vaginal laxity are the main causes. Pelvic-floor exercises, tampons, pessaries, surgery and laser can be proposed in order to improve sexual function in patients seeking treatment.