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Otoo-Annan E, Senoo-Dogbey VE. Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Assessing the relationship between feminine/vaginal washes and other factors among Ghanaian women. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:100. [PMID: 38183091 PMCID: PMC10768209 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17668-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a public health problem, with approximately 30-50% of women affected at least once during their lifetime. Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC) is diagnosed following three or four repeated episodes of VVC in a calendar year. This condition poses health concerns with significant impacts on the quality of life of women. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence of RVVC and assessed the relationship between feminine/vaginal washes and other factors on RVVC among Ghanaian women in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was employed to gather data from 304 women. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses, including chi-square/Fisher's exact test and logistic regression, were performed using Jamovi (R Core Team 2021) software. Proportions were calculated, and odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed with the level of significance set at 0.05. RESULTS The prevalence of RVVC was estimated as 48.4% (95% CI 42.6%, 54.1%). Feminine Vaginal wash use (aOR = 3.86; 95% CI = 2.18, 6.84); age 36-45 years (aOR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.76) marital status (aOR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.17, 4.79) and Sexual activity (aOR:0.43: 95%CI = 0.21, 0.88) were significantly associated with RVVC with p < 0.005. CONCLUSION RVVC is prevalent among women in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana. Feminine/Vaginal washes could be cautiously linked to the development of RVVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Otoo-Annan
- Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) School of Public Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vivian Efua Senoo-Dogbey
- Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) School of Public Service, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Public Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Maciel AAM, Cunha FA, Freire TM, de Menezes FL, Fechine LMUD, Rocha JS, de Cássia Carvalho Barbosa R, Martins RT, da Conceição dos Santos Oliveira Cunha M, Santos-Oliveira R, Queiroz MVO, Fechine PBA. Development and evaluation of an anti-candida cream based on silver nanoparticles. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:352. [PMID: 37810191 PMCID: PMC10550885 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03776-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ineffectiveness of azole drugs in treating Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) and Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC) due to antifungal resistance of non-albicans Candida has led to the investigation of inorganic nanoparticles with biological activity. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are important in nanomedicine and have been used in various products and technologies. This study aimed to develop a vaginal cream and assess its in vitro antimicrobial activity against Candida parapsilosis strains, specifically focusing on the synergy between AgNPs and miconazole. AgNPs were synthesized using glucose as a reducing agent and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a stabilizer in varying amounts (0.50, 0.25, and 0.10 g). The AgNPs were characterized using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). Fifty strains of Candida parapsilosis were used to evaluate the synergistic activity. AgNPs synthesized with 0.5 g SDS had an average size of 77.58 nm and a zeta potential of -49.2 mV, while AgNPs with 0.25 g showed 91.22 nm and -47.2 mV, respectively. AgNPs stabilized with 0.1 g of SDS were not effective. When combined with miconazole, AgNPs exhibited significant antifungal activity, resulting in an average increase of 80% in inhibition zones. The cream developed in this study, containing half the miconazole concentration of commercially available medication, demonstrated larger inhibition zones compared to the commercial samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antônio Auberson Martins Maciel
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Group (GQMat), Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Pici Campus, 12100, Fortaleza, CE 60451-970 Brazil
- Departament of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Capitão Francisco Pedro Street, 1210, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE 60270-430 Brazil
| | - Francisco Afrânio Cunha
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Group (GQMat), Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Pici Campus, 12100, Fortaleza, CE 60451-970 Brazil
- Departament of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Capitão Francisco Pedro Street, 1210, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE 60270-430 Brazil
| | - Tiago Melo Freire
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Group (GQMat), Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Pici Campus, 12100, Fortaleza, CE 60451-970 Brazil
| | - Fernando Lima de Menezes
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Group (GQMat), Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Pici Campus, 12100, Fortaleza, CE 60451-970 Brazil
| | - Lillian Maria Uchoa Dutra Fechine
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Group (GQMat), Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Pici Campus, 12100, Fortaleza, CE 60451-970 Brazil
| | - Janaina Sobreira Rocha
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Group (GQMat), Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Pici Campus, 12100, Fortaleza, CE 60451-970 Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Carvalho Barbosa
- Departament of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Capitão Francisco Pedro Street, 1210, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE 60270-430 Brazil
| | - Roxeane Teles Martins
- Departament of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Capitão Francisco Pedro Street, 1210, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE 60270-430 Brazil
| | | | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy and Synthesis of New Radiopharmaceuticals, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941906 Brazil
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy and Strategic Biomaterials, Zona Oeste State University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 220000 Brazil
| | | | - Pierre Basílio Almeida Fechine
- Advanced Materials Chemistry Group (GQMat), Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Pici Campus, 12100, Fortaleza, CE 60451-970 Brazil
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Lietz A, Eckel F, Kiss H, Noe-Letschnig M, Farr A. Quality of life in women with chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis: A sub-analysis of the prospective multicentre phase IIb/III Prof-001 study. Mycoses 2023. [PMID: 37147720 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13602] [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: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC), defined as three or more episodes of vulvovaginal candidosis per year, significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) and sexual health. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to assess health-related QoL in women with RVVC using validated questionnaires before and after treatment. The secondary objective was to analyse the effect of RVVC on women's sexual health. PATIENTS/METHODS This was a sub-analysis of a randomised, controlled, double-blinded study titled 'A phase IIb/III, parallel-arm, randomized, active-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, non-inferiority study in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis to compare the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of topically administered ProF-001 (Candiplus®) to oral fluconazole, which was conducted at 35 study sites in Austria, Poland and Slovakia. QoL was assessed using the European Quality of Life (EQ) five-dimension five-level scale (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) questionnaires, followed by specific questions regarding sexuality. RESULTS From 2019 to 2021, 360 of 432 (83.3%) women with RVVC had accomplished a 6-months maintenance treatment and were enrolled in this sub-analysis. The EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores demonstrated improved QoL in 137 (65.2%) and 159 (75.4%) women after 6 months of maintenance treatment. Each individual aspect of sexual health significantly improved (all p < .05). A reduction in pain frequency during or after sexual intercourse in the 6-month period occurred in 124 (66.3%) women. CONCLUSIONS Women with RVVC had high QoL and sexual health impairment; however, a 6-months maintenance treatment resulted in effective improvement in QoL and sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lietz
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fanny Eckel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Kiss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Alex Farr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Thomas-White K, Navarro P, Wever F, King L, Dillard LR, Krapf J. Psychosocial impact of recurrent urogenital infections: a review. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231216537. [PMID: 38099456 PMCID: PMC10725120 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231216537] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent urogenital infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and urinary tract infections have a high prevalence and pronounced psychosocial impact. However, no review has compared the psychosocial impacts across infection types. This narrative review discusses the impact of common recurrent urogenital infections on psychosocial aspects, including quality of life, stress, mental health, sexual health, work productivity, race and ethnicity, and satisfaction of medical care. Validated questionnaires show that women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infections have decreased scores on all aspects of quality of life. Those with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infections show lower mental health scores compared to the general population, with increased risk of anxiety and depression. Recurrent urogenital infections affect sexual relationships and intimacy, including avoidance due to symptoms or as a method of prevention. Recurrent infections also increase medical cost and negatively affect work productivity, leading to a combined estimated cost of over US$13 billion per year. There are clear effects of racial inequality involving minority populations that affect diagnosis, treatment, prevalence, and reporting of recurrent urogenital infections. Satisfactory medical treatment improves quality of life and mental health in those suffering from these conditions. Research evaluating psychosocial aspects of recurrent urogenital infections is variable and is not comparable across vulvovaginal conditions. Even so, psychosocial factors are important in understanding contribution and consequence of urogenital infections. Education, awareness, normalization, community support, and access to care can help to alleviate the negative implications of recurrent urogenital infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lillian R Dillard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jill Krapf
- The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington, DC, USA
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A New Approach for the Treatment of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with a Combination of Pea Protein, Grape Seed Extract, and Lactic Acid Assessed In Vivo. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121251. [PMID: 36547584 PMCID: PMC9787890 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is considered the second most common vaginal infection. Up to 8% of women in various populations experience more than three or four episodes within one year, which is regarded as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). Current therapies involve antifungal drugs that provide static effects but do not prevent recurrences due to increased antimicrobial resistance; thus, alternative therapies to antifungals are needed to prevent RVVC. METHODS A murine model of Candida albicans-induced RVVC was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a topical product containing pea protein (PP), grape seed extract (GS), and lactic acid (LA) to treat recurrent infections. Mice were inoculated with three separate vulvovaginal infections of 5 × 104 cells/mL C. albicans, and histological evaluation, a myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. and an ELISA kit for Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on vaginal tissues were performed. RESULTS The data obtained highlighted that the combination of PP, GS, and LA significantly preserved vaginal tissue architecture and prevented vaginal inflammation, proving its efficacy for the management of RVVC. Moreover, the combination of PP, GS, and LA notably increased azole efficacy by adding a new mechanism of action when administered concomitantly. CONCLUSION Taken together, results demonstrated that the treatment with a combination of PP, GS, and LA is able to reduce the adhesion of C. albicans.
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Pereira e Silva ACM, Brito MB, Robatto M, Pavie MC, Villas Boas AQ, Sousa R, Lordelo P. Blue Light-Emitting Diode Therapy for Chronic Vulvovaginitis Symptoms: A Series of Cases. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 2022; 40:747-750. [DOI: 10.1089/photob.2022.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariana Robatto
- Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Raiane Sousa
- Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Brazil
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Bradfield Strydom M, Walpola RL, McMillan S, Khan S, Ware RS, Tiralongo E. Lived experience of medical management in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a qualitative study of an uncertain journey. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:384. [PMID: 36123738 PMCID: PMC9487134 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01973-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is experienced by up to 10% of pre-menopausal women globally, yet there is limited research exploring the perspective of women living with this challenging condition.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with Australian women experiencing RVVC were conducted between April–July 2021. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was conducted.
Results
Ten RVVC patients were interviewed. IPA revealed an uncertain journey living with RVVC for all participants ranging from initial symptoms and difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis, the trial and error of symptom management, to the overall debilitating impact of living with a personal and intimate health condition. Four key themes were identified: Theme 1 outlined challenges and delays in diagnosis and clinically appropriate management. Theme 2 found that health care professional (HCP) knowledge limitations impacted RVVC management. Theme 3 illustrated the consequences of a lack of HCP support leading to self-referral and self-education. Theme 4 details the significant emotional and psycho-social repercussions of RVVC.
Conclusions
This debilitating, life-long disease has a prolonged effect on women both physically and psychologically. Living with RVVC seems an uncertain journey that, to a large degree, women feel they must navigate alone. While resilience and self-empowerment were noted, better support through evidence-based treatment options, educated and evidence-informed HCPs and a sympathetic social support network is needed to decrease the disease burden. Future clinical management guidelines and patient support need to consider the findings of this study.
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Climate Change and Global Distribution of Cryptococcosis. Fungal Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89664-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Faria-Gonçalves P, Rolo J, Gaspar C, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A. Virulence Factors as Promoters of Chronic Vulvovaginal Candidosis: A Review. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:755-773. [PMID: 34613569 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00592-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The vast majority of the species of the genus Candida spp. is commensal in humans; however, some are opportunistic pathogens that can cause infection, called candidosis. Among the different types of candidosis, we highlight the vulvovaginal (VVC) which can occur in two main clinical variants: chronic (cVVC) and episodic or sporadic. The incidence of cVVC has been worrying the scientific community, promoting the research on genotypic and phenotypic causes of its occurrence. We summarize important findings on factors that favor chronic vulvovaginal candidosis with respect to molecular epidemiology and the expression of various virulence factors, while clarifying the terminology involving these infections. AIM AND METHODOLOGY The aim of this review was to gather research that linked virulence factors to VVC and its persistence and recurrence, using two databases (Pubmed and Google Scholar). Predisposing factors in women for the occurrence of cVVC and some studies that refer new preventive and alternative therapies were also included, where appropriate. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Several studies have been shedding light on the increasing number of persistence and recurrences of VVC. The expression of virulence factors has been related to both chronic forms of VVC and antifungal resistance. Other studies report mutations occurring in the genome of Candida spp. during the infection phase which may be important indications for new therapies. The introduction of preventive therapies and new therapies has revealed great importance and is also highlighted here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faria-Gonçalves
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, Lubango, Angola.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Rolo
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Gaspar
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Health Products Research and Development Lda, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Health Products Research and Development Lda, Covilhã, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Health Products Research and Development Lda, Covilhã, Portugal
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Başer E, Aydoğan Kırmızı D, Kara M, Yalvaç ES. Sexual function, depression, anxiety, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2021; 22:151-152. [PMID: 33663197 PMCID: PMC8187981 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2021.2020.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emre Başer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yozgat Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Demet Aydoğan Kırmızı
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yozgat Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Kara
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ahi Evran University Training and Research Hospital, Kırşehir, Turkey
| | - Ethem Serdar Yalvaç
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yozgat Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey
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Yildiz S, Alay I, Eren E, Karaca I, Gultekin G, Kaya C, Cengiz H. The impact of cryotherapy for symptomatic cervical ectropion on female sexual function and quality of life. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2020; 41:815-820. [PMID: 33073648 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2020.1803243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In rare cases, cervical ectropion causes symptoms such as abundant leucorrhoea, postcoital bleeding, recurrent cervicitis, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. Cryotherapy is a commonly used treatment for symptomatic cervical ectropion. We assessed the impact of cryotherapy on sexual function and quality of life among patients with symptomatic cervical ectropion. In this prospective observational study, 73 patients were assessed before and six months after cryotherapy treatment using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Short Form-12 Health Survey questionnaires. The double-freeze cryotherapy procedure was performed using a cryotherapy unit, and liquid nitrogen was used as a refrigerant. The mean physical and mental quality of life scores were significantly improved after treatment. With the exception of the pain domain, the overall and domain FSFI scores exhibited no significant differences before and after cryotherapy. The sexual pain domain scores were significantly increased after treatment. There was a statistically significant improvement in vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and postcoital bleeding symptoms after the cryotherapy. We concluded that cryotherapy is an effective and feasible treatment for symptomatic cervical ectropion. Although cryotherapy results in improved quality of life scores, it has no significant impact on female sexual function.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Cryotherapy is the most preferred treatment option for symptomatic cervical ectropion. Its feasibility and effectiveness with respect to symptom relief have been observed in previous studies. No study has evaluated quality of life and sexual function after cryotherapy among patients with symptomatic cervical ectropion.What do the results of this study add? Although the patients' quality of life scores were significantly improved after treatment, no significant improvement was observed in overall and domain sexual function scores, with the exception of the pain domain. The sexual pain domain scores were significantly improved after cryotherapy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients should not expect better sexual function after cryotherapy. Comparative studies should seek to identify the ideal treatment option, which would result in both symptom relief and better sexual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukru Yildiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ismail Alay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ecem Eren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Karaca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gul Gultekin
- Department of Family Medicine, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cihan Kaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Cengiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydın University, Istanbul, Turkey
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