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Lamonica A, Boeri M, Khan M. The impact of social isolation policies during COVID-19 on suburban mothers and pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Women Health 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38987864 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2024.2377640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this qualitative research paper was to identify how social isolation policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of pregnant women and mothers with opioid use disorder. Between 2020 and 2022, in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 mothers and pregnant women living in the suburbs of Newark, NJ, and New Haven, CT. Participants had to be at least 18 years old, misused or abused opioids in the last 12 months while residing in a suburban location, and pregnant or caring for children aged 12 and younger. We used syndemics theory to guide our grounded theory analysis to identify relationships between social situations, health conditions, and opioid use disorder. Five major themes emerged that were either directly or indirectly impacted by social isolation caused by policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic: Relationships, Environment, Services, Drug Use, and Health. Findings from this study reveal new insights into how mothers and their health were impacted by prolonged social isolation policies and offer suggestions for policymakers and service providers to better address future crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aukje Lamonica
- Public Health, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Miriam Boeri
- North Jersey Research Initiative, North Jersey Research Initiative, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mishal Khan
- North Jersey Research Initiative, North Jersey Research Initiative, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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2
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Treufeldt H, Burton C. Stigmatisation in medical encounters for persistent physical symptoms/functional disorders: Scoping review and thematic synthesis. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 123:108198. [PMID: 38367305 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a scoping review of stigma in medical encounters for persistent physical symptoms and functional disorders (PPS/FD). Stigma is a social attribute that links a person to an undesirable characteristic. It has been extensively studied in relation to mental illness but less so in relation to PPS/FD. METHODS We followed PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines for scoping reviews. Searches for were designed using the SPIDER tool. We used descriptive and thematic analysis. RESULTS The searches identified 68 articles, of which 32 were eligible for inclusion. 31 out of the 32 studies used a qualitative methodology. 8 studies used an explicit definition of stigma, of which 6 used the Goffman (1963) definition. Only 2 studies directly examined clinical consultations, the remainder relied on recalled accounts by patients or professionals. Descriptive analysis identified the focus of the studies included: patient-physician interaction (n = 13); health care professionals' perceptions (n = 7); experiences of illness/stigma (n = 6); broader meaning of illness (n = 3); and patients' experiences of stigma in health care consultations (n = 3). CONCLUSION Patients experience stigmatisation in consultations for a wide range of PPS/FD. This suggests the presence of structural stigmatisation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS There is a need for effective stigma reduction strategies in consultations about persistent physical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hõbe Treufeldt
- Division of Population Health, University of Sheffield, Samuel Fox House, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK.
| | - Christopher Burton
- Division of Population Health, University of Sheffield, Samuel Fox House, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK
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3
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Tetik S, Yalçinkaya Alkar Ö. Turkish women's perception of low sexual desire, its causes and consequences: an online qualitative survey. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH23185. [PMID: 38709901 DOI: 10.1071/sh23185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Background The nature of sexual desire is complex, and little phenomenological consensus exists about its meaning. Low sexual desire (LSD) is a commonly reported sexual difficulty among women, but it is less frequently associated with sexual distress. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore women's understanding of sexual desire, and their perceptions of factors that may contribute to LSD, its effects and their methods of seeking help. Methods The research employed a questionnaire with 12 open-ended questions, developed by the researchers based on sexual script theory. Data were collected from 165 heterosexual Turkish women who reported LSD, recruited through social media platforms between August and October 2021. The data were analysed using a contextual form of thematic analysis to identify and explore patterns. Results The ages of the participants ranged from 20 to 63years. The majority of participants held a Bachelor's degree (81.2%) and in a relationship (78.8%). Three main themes emerged from the study: (1) gendered messages concerning sex, (2) multi-level sexual desire, and (3) minimisation. The research revealed that women's sexual desire is often ignored and repressed, and has negative consequences if not expressed in socially acceptable contexts. The causes of LSD in women go beyond personal factors, and include relational and social influences. Women experiencing LSD report distressing effects on their relationships and general wellbeing, yet they tend not to seek help. Conclusions Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors impacting women's sexual desire and the barriers to seeking help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinan Tetik
- Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Varlik Mh., Halil Sezai Erkut Cd., Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06170, Turkey
| | - Özden Yalçinkaya Alkar
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Esenboga Campus Cubuk, Ankara, 06810, Turkey
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Thorpe S, Dogan-Dixon J, Malone N, Palomino KA. 'Just be strong and keep going': the influence of Superwoman Schema on Black women's perceived expectations of coping with sexual pain. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024; 26:346-361. [PMID: 37226881 PMCID: PMC11214806 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2210199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Superwoman Schema, a conceptual framework that reflects Black women's ability to overcome gendered racism and stress, affects the way Black women choose to cope with health-related issues. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Black women perceive they should cope with sexual pain using the Superwoman Schema as an analytic and interpretative guide. Data were derived from participants who completed an individual interview on sexual pain and pleasure. Deductive thematic analysis was conducted. Results indicated whereas some Black women endorsed all five components of Superwoman Schema as coping strategies for sexual pain, other Black women resisted SWS completely. Additionally, one participant was an outlier and did not endorse or resist SWS. Implications for generational sexual health interventions for Black women are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shemeka Thorpe
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jardin Dogan-Dixon
- Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Natalie Malone
- Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kaylee A. Palomino
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Foster F, Mendygali A, Makhadiyeva D. "The habit of keeping silent": An exploratory-descriptive qualitative study of the knowledge and attitudes of Kazakhstani gynecologists toward dyspareunia. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241259169. [PMID: 39044439 PMCID: PMC11268018 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241259169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspareunia (pain during sex) is a common condition that causes physical and emotional stress for many women. This condition can be caused by various factors, including physical, hormonal, inflammatory, viral, neoplastic, psychological, and traumatic events. Anatomical causes include pelvic floor muscular weakness, uterine retroversion, hymenal remnants, and pelvic organ prolapse. The etiology of this condition is complex, causing it to be often overlooked. OBJECTIVES The main aim of this study was to conduct a qualitative exploratory study and provide a comprehensive description of the knowledge and attitudes held by gynecologists in Kazakhstan on the medical validity, diagnosis, and treatment of dyspareunia. DESIGN This is an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study. METHODS Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 10 physicians. They were identified as obstetrics and gynecology specialists, gynecologic oncologists, and outpatient gynecologists. The average number of years spent practicing their specialty is 15.7, with the shortest being 4 years and the longest being 35 years. All the participants are female. Braun and Clarke's six-stage, step-by-step methodology was used for the thematic analysis. RESULTS Findings suggest that gynecologists in Kazakhstan have knowledge of the most common causes of dyspareunia, although they still often attribute women's distress to psychological rather than physical factors. It was found that due to stigma and mutual embarrassment open dialogue about sexual health was lacking between patients and physicians. In addition, gynecologists describe difficulties discussing symptoms and performing intimate examinations due to time constraints and a lack of privacy at state facilities. CONCLUSION To knowledgeably diagnose and treat patients with dyspareunia, gynecologists recommend further training to acquire the requisite evidence-based knowledge and competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye Foster
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine (NUSOM), Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Aigerim Mendygali
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine (NUSOM), Astana, Kazakhstan
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6
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Wiggleton-Little J. "Just" a painful period: A philosophical perspective review of the dismissal of menstrual pain. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241255646. [PMID: 38773901 PMCID: PMC11113068 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241255646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Science and society typically respond to dysmenorrhea-or painful menstrual cramps-as a normal, natural, and inevitable part of menstruation. This normalization has greatly contributed to the systemic dismissal of painful menstrual cramps. Stigma, secrecy, and the expectation to "cope" fuel the normalization of menstrual pain. In this article, I argue that the normalization of menstrual pain restricts the ability to share an excruciating menstrual pain in a way that would otherwise elicit alarm or concern. This can cause clinicians to downgrade menstrual pain, and even menstruating persons to downgrade their own pain. I refer to the dismissal of menstrual pain as an example of a pain-related motivational deficit. A pain-related motivational deficit describes instances in which an utterance fails to motivate due to societal practices and ideas that make it difficult to recognize the import of the embodied experience being shared.
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Parnell KJ, Spiker DA, Johnson TAK, May MB. Attitudes toward Help-Seeking for Sexual Problems among College Women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:535-544. [PMID: 35138970 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2029808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prior research has indicated that 65-70% of college age women have experienced at least one sexual problem. Sexual problems are associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and relationship distress; however, few college age women seek professional help for sexual difficulties. The present study used the Theory of Planned Behavior to explore how adherence to traditional feminine norms and self-stigma are associated with intention to seek professional psychological help for a sexual difficulty. Results of structural equation modeling analysis demonstrated approximate fit in a sample of 259 college women. The structural model indicated that self-stigma and stronger endorsement of specific feminine gender norms (i.e., romantic relationship, sexual fidelity, sweet and nice) were found to be associated with less intention to seek help for a sexual problem. We discuss future research directions and implications for clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth J Parnell
- Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, University of Northern Colorado
| | | | - Tiana A K Johnson
- Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, University of Northern Colorado
| | - Mackenzie B May
- Applied Psychology and Counselor Education, University of Northern Colorado
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Dysmenorrhea across the lifespan: a biopsychosocial perspective to understanding the dysmenorrhea trajectory and association with comorbid pain experiences. Pain 2022; 163:2069-2075. [PMID: 35420567 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Rivera S, Dykstra C, Flood A, Herbenick D, DeMaria AL. "Worse Than Disappointing": Prediagnostic Health Care Challenges of Women With Inflammatory Vulvar Dermatoses. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:53-59. [PMID: 34928253 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate challenges women face before inflammatory vulvar dermatosis diagnosis to guide interventions for improving time to diagnosis and health care experiences. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present analysis was part of a larger study exploring sexual health and quality of life of women with vulvar and nonvulvar inflammatory dermatoses, evaluated via a 20-minute web-based survey. One open-response item asked participants to "briefly describe any challenges you faced with regards to health care or health care providers in the time when you were seeking a diagnosis"; this item informed the present study. Eligible participants were women older than 18 years, living in the United States, with diagnosis of an inflammatory vulvar dermatosis persisting at least 1 month. Participants (n = 118) had a mean age of 46.55 ± 15.35 years, and 64% (n = 75) had lichen sclerosus. RESULTS Provider-based challenges consisted of insensitive communication and ascribing physical symptoms to mental health issues, self-harm, or other factors. System-based challenges included confusing referral networks, limited specialist access, and widespread lack of provider education. Personal challenges for participants seeking care included feelings of embarrassment and reduced health care efficacy. Challenges led to emotional response and impact for participants, characterized by negative (e.g., distrust in the medical system) or positive (e.g., self-advocacy efforts, strong social media communities) outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide unique insights into the challenges women experience before inflammatory vulvar dermatosis diagnosis. This study creates new knowledge exploring the diagnostic journey accompanying inflammatory vulvar dermatoses and contributes practically to clinical and research needs of this understudied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Rivera
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Chandler Dykstra
- Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Anna Flood
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
| | - Andrea L DeMaria
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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10
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Chisari C, Begleris I, Monajemi MB, Lewis F, Moss-Morris R, Scott W, McCracken LM. A Network Analysis of Selected Psychosocial Factors in Vulvodynia and Its Subtypes. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:2863-2875. [PMID: 34453826 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychosocial factors are related to pain and sex-related outcomes in provoked vulvodynia and possibly in mixed and spontaneous vulvodynia. However, a broader behavioral framework, such as the psychological flexibility model, has received limited attention in this context. Recently, additional psychosocial variables have also emerged that appear relevant to vulvodynia, including perceived injustice, body-exposure anxiety during intercourse, and unmitigated sexual communion. The present study applied network analysis to explore relations between psychological flexibility, newly emerging psychosocial variables relevant to vulvodynia, and their associations with vulvodynia outcomes. The study also explored potential differences across vulvodynia subtypes. DESIGN An online cross-sectional study of 349 participants with vulvodynia (112 provoked, 237 spontaneous/mixed) was carried out. METHODS Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including questions on pain and sexual outcomes, depression, facets of psychological flexibility, body-exposure anxiety during intercourse, unmitigated sexual communion, and perceived injustice. Networks were computed for the total sample and for provoked and mixed/spontaneous vulvodynia subsamples. RESULTS Perceived injustice, pain acceptance, and depression were "central" factors among the included variables, in all models. Psychological flexibility processes were relevant for all networks. Depression was more central in the network for mixed/spontaneous vulvodynia; body-exposure anxiety during intercourse was most central for the provoked subtype. CONCLUSIONS Among the included variables, perceived injustice, pain acceptance, depression, and psychological flexibility appear to be important in vulvodynia. As different factors are significant across subtypes, tailored treatment approaches are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Chisari
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mani B Monajemi
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Lewis
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's & St. Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rona Moss-Morris
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Whitney Scott
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK.,INPUT Pain Management Unit, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Schneider M, Tallaksen DW, Haukland M, Haugstad GK. If I stop, then what am I supposed to do? The experiences of sexual intimacy of women who live with provoked vestibulodynia. Health Care Women Int 2021; 43:176-193. [PMID: 33600288 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1868473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We explored the experiences of sexual intimacy in women living with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), a chronic pain condition where pain at the vaginal opening is triggered by touch. We conducted in-depth interviews with nine women who had suffered from PVD. Our findings reveal that their ability to trust and accept themselves is essential to how they cope when pain disrupts their freedom to have sexual intercourse. The tendency to endure painful intercourse and not tell the partner is driven by fear of rejection and conflict. Those who are able to overcome their fear, experience deeper intimacy and more sexual pleasure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe Schneider
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Willy Tallaksen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magne Haukland
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Killi Haugstad
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Sorensen J, Bautista KE, Lamvu G, Feranec J. Evaluation and Treatment of Female Sexual Pain: A Clinical Review. Cureus 2018; 10:e2379. [PMID: 29805948 PMCID: PMC5969816 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.2379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyspareunia and vulvodynia are genital pain disorders that have devastating effects on women's quality of life. These disorders occur with high prevalence and place a significant financial burden on women and the health care system. Many women do not report genital pain, and most providers do not inquire about this type of pain. As a result, women also experience social isolation. Numerous treatments are thought to improve quality of life and decrease pain; however, more studies are needed. This review aims to provide an overview of clinical evaluation methods and to summarize treatment options for women suffering from dyspareunia and vulvodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Sorensen
- University of Central Florida Ucf Com/hca Gme Consortium Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, UCF/ Orlando Va Medical Center
| | | | - Georgine Lamvu
- Division of Surgery, Gynecology Section Orlando Va Medical Center, University of Central Florida College of Medicine , Orlando, USA
| | - Jessica Feranec
- Division of Surgery, Gynecology Section Orlando Va Medical Center, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA
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