Search

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the hormonal and nonhormonal approaches to symptoms of sexual dysfunction and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Data Sources We conducted a search on the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases, as well as on clinical trial databases. We analyzed studies published between 1996 and May 30, 2020. No language restrictions were applied. Selection of Studies We selected randomized clinical trials that evaluated the treatment of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Data Collection Three authors (ACAS, APFC, and JL) reviewed each article based on its title and abstract. Relevant data were subsequently taken from the full-text article. Any discrepancies during the review were resolved by consensus between all the listed authors. Data Synthesis A total of 55 studies were included in the systematic review. The approaches tested to treat sexual dysfunction were as follows: lubricants and moisturizers (18 studies); phytoestrogens (14 studies); dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; 8 studies); ospemifene (5 studies); vaginal testosterone (4 studies); pelvic floor muscle exercises (2 studies); oxytocin (2 studies); vaginal CO2 laser (2 studies); lidocaine (1 study); and vitamin E vaginal suppository (1 study). Conclusion We identified literature that lacks coherence in terms of the proposed treatments and selected outcome measures. Despite the great diversity in treatment modalities and outcome measures, the present systematic review can shed light on potential targets for the treatment, which is deemed necessary for sexual dysfunction, assuming that most randomized trials were evaluated with a low risk of bias according to the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. The present review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42018100488).

In the last years there has been a huge interest in the study of the human microbiome, and the genital tract one has been no exception. However, we still fail to fully understand the normal and abnormal genital tract microbiome. Despite the increasing knowledge, the diagnosis of vaginitis is mostly empirical and many interventions, such as the use of probiotics, are not supported by good quality evidence.

BackgroundCytolytic vaginosis (CV) is a little-known, controversial condition that is typically not considered for women presenting with vulvovaginitis symptoms. Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to identify and compile the global evidence on CV.MethodsA medical librarian searched Prospero, Wiley Cochrane Library, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, EBSCO CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and Scopus, from inception to April 4, 2019 and updated to October 17, 2021. Studies were eligible if they discussed CV. Two independent reviewers conducted study selection and data extraction.ResultsSixty-four studies were identified, with 67% of studies (n = 43) published since 2007. Studies were from around the world, including the United States (28%, n = 18), Brazil (11%, n = 7), Portugal (11%, n = 7), and China (11%, n = 7). Fifty percent of studies (n = 32) were reviews; the remainder were observational; and of these, 78% (n = 25) were cross-sectional. The most frequent topics included: diagnosis (19%, n = 12), prevalence (17%, n = 11), and overview of CV (50%, n = 32). Evidence for prevalence in symptomatic women (median prevalence of 5%, interquartile range 3%-8%) was based only on 16% of studies (n = 10) with minimal evidence on prevalence in asymptomatic women and across different geographic regions. Microbiological findings, including abundant lactobacilli and fragmented epithelial cells, were found useful to distinguish between CV and vulvovaginal candidiasis, and Lactobacillus crispatus was noted to dominate the vaginal flora in women with CV. Most studies used subjective criteria to diagnose CV as the condition lacks gold-standard microscopic criteria. The suggested primary treatment (baking soda irrigations) was largely based on expert opinion, and there was minimal evidence on associations between CV and other conditions.ConclusionKnowledge gaps currently exist in all realms of CV research. Additional research is needed to confirm the validity of CV and ensure that women are diagnosed and treated effectively.

ABSTRACT Acute vulvar ulcer (Lipschütz’s ulcer) is a rare lesion with local hyperimmunoreactivity triggered by infection, which is characterized by acute, painful, and necrotic ulcerations. This condition is usually found in non-sexually active adolescents, and it resolves spontaneously. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who was diagnosed with COVID-19 who did not have severe symptoms, but had high levels of D-dimer for 9 days. The COVID-19 diagnosis was followed by the appearance of an acute, necrotic, extremely painful vulvar ulcer, although symptoms caused by COVID-19 had improved. We emphasize the importance of the differential diagnosis to exclude diseases such as Behçet’s syndrome, Sexually Transmitted Infections, as well as the presence of viruses that generally trigger Lipschütz’s ulcer, such as Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. No treatment is usually necessary, however, in the present report due to the pain experienced by the patient, we successfully used oral prednisone.

The estrogen decrease in postmenopausal women results in functional and anatomical changes in the genitourinary tract. The most prevalent and bothersome symptoms are vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and reduced lubrication, which can significantly affect the quality of life of these women, principally those who are sexually active. Hormonal therapy with local estrogens is generally considered the “gold standard.” However, there are cases in which there are clinical concerns about its use or women opt for non-hormonal options. Thus, safe and effective non-hormonal options are needed to improve symptoms in these women. Moisturizers and lubricants are first-line therapy for breast cancer survivors.

Serious Games have been used in professional training to increase employee engagement and improve training initiatives. This review intends to identify the application of Serious Games in professional training and how these games have been developed, evaluated, and adapted to relate to the learning outcomes. It aims to map the use of Serious Games in professional training, verifying which forms of adaptation are used, learning outcomes, and models and frameworks of Serious Games that include game elements. Different learning outcomes associated with Serious Games were identified, in the general context and professional training, with knowledge acquisition being the most investigated result and questionnaires the most used type of assessment. It was found that several technologies are used in the adaptation of Serious Games. This literature review highlighted gaps in Serious Games research, especially in adaptive games applied in the context of professional training, such as the absence of frameworks for adaptive Serious Games and the lack of a framework for Serious Games that relates game elements to learning outcomes.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a term used to define a compilation of signs and symptoms arising from decreased estrogenic stimulation of the vulvovaginal and lower urinary tract. Among 27–84% of women in postmenopausal are affected for symptoms of GSM, and these can unquestionably impair health, sexual function, consequently the quality of life of these women. The main signs and symptoms of GSM include, among others, burning, irritation, vulvovaginal dryness, dyspareunia, urinary symptoms of urgency, dysuria, or recurrent urinary tract infection. The diagnosis can be made through anamnesis, questionnaires, physical exams, and, sometimes, complementary exams. Objective vaginal assessment is essential and can be complemented by using the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI), or vaginal pH measurement. The acknowledgment of this condition by health professionals is crucial for its identification and proper management and exclusion of other conditions that make a differential diagnosis with it.

Menopause is a physiological and progressive phenomenon secondary to decreased ovarian follicular reserve that significantly affects the genital tract. Although postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy primarily affects postmenopausal women, it is also seen in premenopausal women. The hypoestrogenic condition results in hormonal and anatomical changes, with the main symptoms, are dryness, burning and genital irritation, decreased lubrication, urinary urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections. This review aims to update hormone therapy for urogenital atrophy, both local and systemic, and discusses the importance of understanding and the need for active treatment of this condition. The main therapeutic objective is the relief of symptoms, and hormonal therapy (HT) is still the most effective choice for treating clinical manifestations, despite the side effects of its use. HT should be used in an individualized way to the needs of the women and appropriate to the stage in which she is menopausal, perimenopausal, or after menopause.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The G-spot, a putative erogenous area in the anterior vaginal wall, is a widely accepted concept in the mainstream media, but controversial in medical literature. Aim: Review of the scientific data concerning the existence, location, and size of the G-spot. Methods: Search on Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov and Google Scholar from inception to November 2020 of studies on G-spot's existence, location and nature. Surveys, clinical, physiological, imaging, histological and anatomic studies were included. Main Outcome Measure: Existence, location, and nature of the G-spot. Results: In total, 31 eligible studies were identified: 6 surveys, 5 clinical, 1 neurophysiological, 9 imaging, 8 histological/anatomical, and 2 combined clinical and histological. Most women (62.9%) reported having a G-spot and it was identified in most clinical studies (55.4% of women); in 2 studies it was not identified in any women. Imaging studies had contradictory results in terms of its existence and nature. Some showed a descending of the anterior vaginal wall, that led to the concept of clitourethrovaginal complex. In anatomic studies, one author could systematically identify the G-spot, while another group did not find it. Studies on innervation of the vaginal walls did not systematically identify an area with richer innervation. Conclusion: The different studies did systematically agree on the existence of the G-spot. Among the studies in which it was considered to exist, there was no agreement on its location, size, or nature. The existence of this structure remains unproved.Vieira-Baptista P, Lima-Silva J, Preti M, et al. G-spot: Fact or Fiction?: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2021;9:100435.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection, have serious consequences for sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Ct is one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the world, with approximately 129 million new cases per year. C. trachomatis is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium. The infection is usually asymptomatic, notwithstanding, it could also be associated with severe sequels and complications, such as chronic pain, infertility, and gynecologic cancers, and thus there is an urgent need to adequately treat these cases in a timely manner. Consequently, beyond its individual effects, the infection also impacts the economy of the countries where it is prevalent, generating a need to consider the hypothesis of implementing Chlamydia Screening Programs, a decision that, although it is expensive to execute, is a necessary investment that unequivocally will bring financial and social long-term advantages worldwide. To detect Ct infection, there are different methodologies available. Nucleic acid amplification tests, with their high sensitivity and specificity, are currently the first-line tests for the detection of Ct. When replaced by other detection methods, there are more false negative tests, leading to underreported cases and a subsequent underestimation of Ct infection’s prevalence. Ct treatment is based on antibiotic prescription, which is highly associated with drug resistance. Therefore, currently, there have been efforts in line with the development of alternative strategies to effectively treat this infection, using a drug repurposing method, as well as a natural treatment approach. In addition, researchers have also made some progress in the Ct vaccine development over the years, despite the fact that it also necessitates more studies in order to finally establish a vaccination plan. In this review, we have focused on the therapeutic options for treating Ct infection, expert recommendations, and major difficulties, while also exploring the possible avenues through which to face this issue, with novel approaches beyond those proposed by the guidelines of Health Organizations.

Leptothrix are long bacteria of rare occurrence; although these bacteria have been implicated in causing vaginal symptoms identical to candidiasis, studies on prevalence and effect on overall vaginal health are lacking. In this study, we evaluated data of women referred to a private clinic for treating vulvovaginal symptoms (n = 1847) and reassessed data of our previous and ongoing studies (n = 1773). The overall rate of leptothrix was 2.8% (102/3620), and the mean age of affected women was 38.8 ± 10.65 years (range 18−76). The majority of the women with leptothrix had normal vaginal flora (63.7% [65/102]). Leptothrix was associated with a higher risk of candidiasis (relative risk (RR) 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1600–3.1013; p = 0.010) and a lower risk of bacterial vaginosis (RR 0.55, 95% CI, 0.3221–0.9398; p = 0.029) and cytolytic vaginosis (RR 0.11, 95% CI, 0.0294–0.4643; p = 0.002). No cases of trichomoniasis were observed. Human immunodeficiency virus infection increased the risk of leptothrix (RR 3.0, 95% CI, 1.6335–5.7245; p = 0.000). Among the women evaluated for vulvovaginal symptoms, 2.4% (45/1847) had leptothrix, and in 26.7% (12/45), leptothrix was considered the causative entity. This study suggests that leptothrix occurrence is rare; it remains unresolved if it can be a cause of vulvar symptoms.

Vulvovaginitis is the ultimate example of Potter Stewart’s “I know it when I see it”: everybody knows what it is, but no one can find an adequate and encompassing definition. Despite this obvious limitation, one thing is factual: vulvovaginitis is the reason for at least 2% of office appointments among women, representing a huge amount of time and money spent(1). The human suffering (physical and psychological) associated is uncountable and comes in different dimensions: the recurrence of symptoms, severe conditions misdiagnosed or undiagnosed (even malignant and premalignant ones), and increased risk of developing gynecological and obstetrical complications. The list of complications is extensive, including: pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, sexually transmitted infections (HIV, HPV, herpes), [...]

Background: Vulvodynia is a frequently missed pathology, often confused with vaginismus. The Q-tip test (QTT) is fundamental for the diagnosis; however, there is lack of data about its performance in asymptomatic women. Objective: This study intended to evaluate the QTT for painful vestibular spots in asymptomatic women. Methods: Q-tips were gently pressed at different areas of the vulvar vestibule to obtain a 0–10 score representing the pain felt. This was performed in 267 consecutive patients presenting to the gynecology outpatient clinic for reasons other than vulvovaginal complaints. A questionnaire was done to evaluate the possibility of unrecognized vulvodynia. Results: Out of the 267 women, 18 (6.7%) fitted the diagnosis of vulvodynia and were excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 249, 41 (16.5%) had a positive QTT. We could not find differences in the sexual activity rate between women with and without a positive QTT. No demographic differences could be found between the two groups. Only depression was more common in women with a positive QTT [31.7% (13/41) versus 10.8% (21/208), p=.001). Conclusions: Asymptomatic women can have painful vestibular spots in the absence of vulvodynia. A positive QTT cannot be considered equivalent to vulvodynia, highlighting the need for extensive workup of these women before that diagnosis can be assumed.

Abstract Objective To assess themedical doctors andmedical students’ opinion regarding the evidence and ethical background of the performance of vulvovaginal aesthetic procedures (VVAPs). Methods Cross-sectional online survey among 664 Portuguese medical doctors and students. Results Most participants considered that there is never or there rarely is amedical reason to perform: vulvar whitening (85.9% [502/584]); hymenoplasty (72.0% [437/607]); mons pubis liposuction (71.6% [426/595]); “G-spot” augmentation (71.0% [409/576]); labia majora augmentation (66.3% [390/588]); labia minora augmentation (58.3% [326/559]); or laser vaginal tightening (52.3%[313/599]).Gynecologists and specialistsweremore likely to consider that there are no medical reasons to performVVAPs; the opposite was true for plastic surgeons and students/residents. Hymenoplasty raised ethical doubts in 51.1% (283/554) of the participants. Plastic surgeons and students/residents were less likely to raise ethical objections, while the opposite was true for gynecologists and specialists. Most considered that VVAPs could contribute to an improvement in self-esteem(92.3% [613/664]); sexual function (78.5% [521/664]); vaginal atrophy (69.9% [464/664]); quality of life (66.3% [440/664]); and sexual pain (61.4% [408/664]). Conclusions While medical doctors and students acknowledge the lack of evidence and scientific support for the performance of VVAPs, most do not raise ethical objections about them, especially if they are students or plastic surgeons, or if they have had or have considered having plastic surgery.

Objective. To characterize the vaginal microbiome and the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the women of Príncipe (São Tomé and Príncipe). Methods. Cross-sectional study of 100 consecutive women, invited for a free appointment and cervical cancer screening. A vaginal slide (wet mount microscopy) and a cervical sample (ThinPrep®) (Pap test, high risk human papillomavirus [HR-HPV], N. gonorrhea [NG], T. vaginalis [TV], and C. trachomatis [CT]) were obtained. Results. TV, NG, CT, and HIV were found in 8.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 2.0%, respectively, and were more prevalent in younger women. HR-HPV was positive in 36.7%; 2 were positive for HPV18, but none for HPV16. Coinfection of HPV with other STIs was 8.3%. Prevalence of abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) was 82.5%, mostly bacterial vaginosis (BV) 54.6%, and moderate/severe aerobic vaginitis (msAV) 25.8%. HR-HPV was not related to BV (p=0.67). The association of abnormal Pap test with msAV was not significant (p=0.08). Conclusion. The prevalence of NG, CT, TV, and HR-HPV was according to expected, while that of HR-AVF was higher. The surprisingly low prevalence of HPV16 and HPV18 must be considered in the design of programs for prevention and vaccination; this setting can be useful as a model for postvaccination scenarios.

Objectivos: Avaliação dos resultados obtidos através dos protocolos instituídos no Serviço para despiste de trombofilias e/ou neoplasias em doentes internados ao longo de 5 anos com o diagnóstico de trombose venosa profunda (TVP). Material e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, através da consulta dos processos hospitalares, de todos os doentes com idade igual ou inferior a 50 anos internados no Serviço entre 01 de Janeiro de 2006 e 31 de Dezembro de 2010 com esse diagnóstico, e análise dos resultados obtidos nos protocolos. Resultados: De um total de 89 doentes, 64 (71,9%) eram do sexo feminino e 25 (28,1%) do masculino, sendo a média de idades de 33,3 ±10,0 anos. 14,6% dos doentes já haviam tido, pelo menos, um episódio prévio de TVP e 78,7% apresentavam, pelo menos, um factor de risco. Em 65 doentes (73,0%) foi aplicado o protocolo de despiste de trombofilias e de neoplasias, tendo sido detectadas trombofilias congénitas em 41 doentes (63,1%), dois casos de síndrome dos anticorpos anti-fosfolipídicos (SAF), um caso de gamapatia monoclonal, um de neoplasia do pulmão e um de cordoma do sacro. 49 dos doentes que realizaram os protocolos (75,4%) foram orientados para a Consulta de Hematologia, sendo que em 40 deles (81,6%) foi sugerido manter a anticoagulação oral por um período superior a 12 meses. Conclusões: Dada a elevada prevalência de polimorfismos genéticos que conferem risco trombótico acrescido e os não raros casos de SAF e de neoplasias ocultas presentes nesta população de doentes, considera-se que, apesar dos elevados custos, se deverá continuar a fazer o despiste deste tipo de patologias.Objectives: Evaluation of the results obtained with the application of specific protocols established in the Department for screening for thrombophilia and malignancy in patients hospitalized during a period of five years with the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed through the review of the clinical files of all patients aged 50 or less hospitalized in our Department between January 1st 2006 and December 31st 2010 with that diagnosis, and the results obtained in the protocols were analysed. Results: From a total of 89 patients, 64 (71,9%) were females and 25 (28,1%) were males, and the mean age was 33,3 ±10,0 years. 14,6% of the patients had already had, at least, one previous episode of deep venous thrombosis and 78,7% had, at least, one risk factor. The protocol for screening for thrombophilia and malignancy was applied to 65 patients (73,0%), being detected congenital thrombophilias in 41 patients (63,1%), two cases of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), one case of monoclonal gammopathy, one of lung cancer and one of sacral chordoma. 49 of the patients subjected to the protocols (75,4%) were referred to the Hematology Clinic for evaluation and in 40 of those patients (81,6%) was suggested keeping oral anticoagulation for more than 12 months. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of genetic polimorphisms that confer a higher thrombotic risk and the not rare cases of APS and of occult malignancies present in this population, it is considered that, despiste its elevated costs, the screening for these kind of pathologies should continue to be done.

Doente de 19 anos com quadro de febre com 8 dias de evolução e posterior instalação súbita de afasia, hemiparésia esquerda e alterações do comportamento. Aumento das proteínas de fase aguda no estudo analítico. TAC e RMN crânio-encefálicas revelaram lesão isquémica temporo-parietal direita. Ecocardiograma excluiu endocardite. Eco-döppler e angio-TAC carotídeo-vertebrais mostraram formação vegetante, móvel com a pulsação cardíaca, na artéria carótida comum direita. Submetido, de urgência, a cirurgia carotídea. Intraoperatoriamente constatou-se a presença de trombo ligeiramente aderente à artéria carótida comum e na dependência de lesão da íntima subjacente, tendo-se procedido à sua exérese e a arteriorrafia primária. Aponta-se como etiologia mais provável do quadro, uma vasculite secundária a infecção por HSV1 (infecção activa) ou por Rickettsia conorii.19 years old patient with fever for 8 days associated with sudden aphasia, left hemiparesis and abnormal behavior. Increased acute phase proteins in the analytical study. Head CT scan and MRI revealed a right temporo-parietal ischemic lesion. An echocardiogram excluded endocarditis. Ultrasound and CT angiography scanning of the extracranial cerebral circulation showed a vegetative formation, mobile with the heartbeat, in the right common carotid artery. Submitted, urgently, to carotid surgery. Intraoperatively, a slightly adherent thrombus to the common carotid artery was found and in the dependence of an underlying injury to the intima. The thrombus was ressected and a primary arteriorrhaphy performed. It is pointed out a vasculitis secondary to HSV1 (active infection) or to Rickettsia conorii infection as the most likely etiology of the clinic.