Artigos Originais Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2015;37(11):505-511
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005400
To evaluate the factors associated with anemia among pregnant women receiving public health care in a capital city in Northeastern Brazil.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 428 patients obtained on the basis of the estimated prevalence of anemia during pregnancy (50%), a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), an error of 5% and a sample loss of 20%. Pregnant women who lived in the city and were served by the municipal public health network were considered to be eligible for the study. Socioeconomic, lifestyle, clinical and anthropometric data and dietary iron intake were obtained, and capillary hemoglobin was determined. Anemia was identified as a hemoglobin level <11 g/dL, and its association with risk factors was tested using multivariate Poisson regression analysis, with the results expressed as the Prevalence Ratio (PR) and 95%CI.
The prevalence of anemia was 28.3% and was higher among women with more members in the household (PR=1.49; 95%CI 1.01-2.22; p=0.046) and those living with food insecurity (PR=1.43; 95%CI 1.00-2.04; p=0.047).
The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women receiving care from the public health system of the city is a moderate public health problem, requiring the planning of effective measures for its control.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2015;37(11):505-511
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005400
To evaluate the factors associated with anemia among pregnant women receiving public health care in a capital city in Northeastern Brazil.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 428 patients obtained on the basis of the estimated prevalence of anemia during pregnancy (50%), a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), an error of 5% and a sample loss of 20%. Pregnant women who lived in the city and were served by the municipal public health network were considered to be eligible for the study. Socioeconomic, lifestyle, clinical and anthropometric data and dietary iron intake were obtained, and capillary hemoglobin was determined. Anemia was identified as a hemoglobin level <11 g/dL, and its association with risk factors was tested using multivariate Poisson regression analysis, with the results expressed as the Prevalence Ratio (PR) and 95%CI.
The prevalence of anemia was 28.3% and was higher among women with more members in the household (PR=1.49; 95%CI 1.01-2.22; p=0.046) and those living with food insecurity (PR=1.43; 95%CI 1.00-2.04; p=0.047).
The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women receiving care from the public health system of the city is a moderate public health problem, requiring the planning of effective measures for its control.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2015;37(11):498-504
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005286
To evaluate the risk factors for morbidity and mortality in an obstetric intensive care unit at a university hospital.
Observational cross-sectional study with 492 pregnant/puerperal women. Patients were admitted to the obstetric intensive care unit over a period of one year, being informed about the proposals of the study and a questionnaire was applied. The analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and GraphPad Prism 6. To evaluate risk factors, χ2 tests were used.
The main risk factors to near miss were: non-white race (OR=2.5; PR=2.3); marital status (married women) (OR=7.9; PR=7.1), schooling (primary) (OR=3.1; PR=2.8), being from the countryside (OR=4.6; PR=4.0), low income (OR=70; PR=5.5), gestational hypertensive disorders (OR=16.3; PR=13.2), receiving prenatal care (OR=5.0; PR=4.254) and C-section before labor (OR=39.2; PR=31.2).
The prevalence of near miss was associated with socioeconomic/clinical factors and care issues, revealing the importance of interventions to improve these indicators. Additionally, we suggest a better curriculum insertion of this subject in the discipline of the medical course due to the importance of avoiding the near miss using adequate medical education. The importance of correct prenatal care is emphasized in order to identify potential risks, to provide nutritional support to pregnant women, to treat potential diseases and to establish a maternal immunization program, as well as providing better care regarding the clinical features of the patients, in order to reduce obstetrical and neonatal risk.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2015;37(11):498-504
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005286
To evaluate the risk factors for morbidity and mortality in an obstetric intensive care unit at a university hospital.
Observational cross-sectional study with 492 pregnant/puerperal women. Patients were admitted to the obstetric intensive care unit over a period of one year, being informed about the proposals of the study and a questionnaire was applied. The analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and GraphPad Prism 6. To evaluate risk factors, χ2 tests were used.
The main risk factors to near miss were: non-white race (OR=2.5; PR=2.3); marital status (married women) (OR=7.9; PR=7.1), schooling (primary) (OR=3.1; PR=2.8), being from the countryside (OR=4.6; PR=4.0), low income (OR=70; PR=5.5), gestational hypertensive disorders (OR=16.3; PR=13.2), receiving prenatal care (OR=5.0; PR=4.254) and C-section before labor (OR=39.2; PR=31.2).
The prevalence of near miss was associated with socioeconomic/clinical factors and care issues, revealing the importance of interventions to improve these indicators. Additionally, we suggest a better curriculum insertion of this subject in the discipline of the medical course due to the importance of avoiding the near miss using adequate medical education. The importance of correct prenatal care is emphasized in order to identify potential risks, to provide nutritional support to pregnant women, to treat potential diseases and to establish a maternal immunization program, as well as providing better care regarding the clinical features of the patients, in order to reduce obstetrical and neonatal risk.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):519-524
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140005100
To validate a questionnaire to be applied in order to learn and describe the perceptions of specialists in obstetrics and gynecology about their experience and self-confidence in the emergency care for vaginal delivery.
This was a prospective study for the validation of an instrument that contains statements about emergency obstetrical care: breech delivery (n=23), shoulder dystocia (n=20), postpartum haemorrhage (n=24), forceps delivery (n=32), and vacuum extractor (n=5). Participants gave their opinions on each item by applying the Likert scale (0=strongly disagree, 1=partially disagree, 2=indifferent, 3=partially agree and 4=strongly agree). The questionnaire was applied to 12 specialists in obstetrics and gynecology and it was expected to be found a level of comprehension exceeding 80%. A five-point scale was used to assess the understanding of each question (from 0=did not understand anything to 5=understood perfectly and I have no doubt). A score above 4 was considered to indicate sufficient understanding. The instrument used was specially designed to suit the specific demands. The analysis of internal reliability was done using the Cronbach alpha coefficient. For external validation, we calculated the proportion of items with full understanding for each subscale. For research purposes, the alpha should be greater than 0.7.
Participants had a mean age of 33.3 years, with 5.0 standard deviation (SD), and an average interval time since graduation from medical school of 5.8 years (SD=1.3 years). All were specialists with residency in obstetrics and gynecology. The mean proportion of participants who fully understood the items in each emergency was 97.3% for breech delivery, 96.7% for shoulder dystocia, 99.7% for postpartum hemorrhage, 97.4% for forceps delivery, and 98.3% for the use of a vacuum extractor. The results of Cronbach's alpha for the items in each emergency studied were: 0.85 for breech delivery, with 0.72 lower limit of 95% confidence interval ((%%CI), 0.74 for shoulder dystocia (lower limit of 95%CI=0.51), 0.79 for postpartum hemorrhage (lower limit of 95%CI=0.61), 0.96 for forceps delivery (lower limit of 95%CI=0.92), and 0.90 for the vacuum extractor (lower limit of 95%CI=0.79).
The validated questionnaire is useful for learning and describing the perception of physicians about their experience and self-confidence in emergency care for vaginal births.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):519-524
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140005100
To validate a questionnaire to be applied in order to learn and describe the perceptions of specialists in obstetrics and gynecology about their experience and self-confidence in the emergency care for vaginal delivery.
This was a prospective study for the validation of an instrument that contains statements about emergency obstetrical care: breech delivery (n=23), shoulder dystocia (n=20), postpartum haemorrhage (n=24), forceps delivery (n=32), and vacuum extractor (n=5). Participants gave their opinions on each item by applying the Likert scale (0=strongly disagree, 1=partially disagree, 2=indifferent, 3=partially agree and 4=strongly agree). The questionnaire was applied to 12 specialists in obstetrics and gynecology and it was expected to be found a level of comprehension exceeding 80%. A five-point scale was used to assess the understanding of each question (from 0=did not understand anything to 5=understood perfectly and I have no doubt). A score above 4 was considered to indicate sufficient understanding. The instrument used was specially designed to suit the specific demands. The analysis of internal reliability was done using the Cronbach alpha coefficient. For external validation, we calculated the proportion of items with full understanding for each subscale. For research purposes, the alpha should be greater than 0.7.
Participants had a mean age of 33.3 years, with 5.0 standard deviation (SD), and an average interval time since graduation from medical school of 5.8 years (SD=1.3 years). All were specialists with residency in obstetrics and gynecology. The mean proportion of participants who fully understood the items in each emergency was 97.3% for breech delivery, 96.7% for shoulder dystocia, 99.7% for postpartum hemorrhage, 97.4% for forceps delivery, and 98.3% for the use of a vacuum extractor. The results of Cronbach's alpha for the items in each emergency studied were: 0.85 for breech delivery, with 0.72 lower limit of 95% confidence interval ((%%CI), 0.74 for shoulder dystocia (lower limit of 95%CI=0.51), 0.79 for postpartum hemorrhage (lower limit of 95%CI=0.61), 0.96 for forceps delivery (lower limit of 95%CI=0.92), and 0.90 for the vacuum extractor (lower limit of 95%CI=0.79).
The validated questionnaire is useful for learning and describing the perception of physicians about their experience and self-confidence in emergency care for vaginal births.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):514-518
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140005007
To describe the epidemiologic and obstetric characteristics of women with recurrent miscarriages.
A descriptive and analytical study whose inclusion criterion was every woman that was attended at the clinic for recurrent miscarriage (loss group), between January 2006 and December 2010. Patients that did not live in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and those who were not reached by telephone or whose number was not included in the medical record were not included. The Control Group consisted of 204 pregnant women seen at the low-risk prenatal care unit between May 2007 and April 2008. Women who did not accept to be interviewed and those with obstetric risk were excluded from the Control Group. The analyzed variables were: age, education, occupation, marital status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, obstetric history and the gestational age when the losses occurred. The SPSS 18.0 program was used for statistical analysis. Means and standard deviations of continuous variables were compared using the Student's t-test and the frequencies of the nominal variables were compared by the χ2 test.
The mean age of women in the loss group was higher than in the Control Group (32.3±6.3 versus 26.5±6.4 years old, p<0.01). Consumption of alcoholic beverages predominated in the loss group (36.9 versus 22.1%, p=0.01), as well as marital status (93.2 versus 66.7% were married or living in a stable union, p<0.01). The pre-pregnancy body mass index was higher in the loss group (26.9 versus 23.5%, p<0.01). Regarding obstetric history, 103 women with recurrent miscarriage reported 334 pregnancies. Fifty-six of them had 2 or more miscarriages in the first quarter and in 31 of them, 2 or more pregnancies progressed to late abortions/extremely preterm infants.
Some risk factors were identified in women with recurrent losses, such as more advanced age and higher body mass index. These observations agree with more recent proposals regarding recurrent losses that consider the inclusion of losses in various gestational ages.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):514-518
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140005007
To describe the epidemiologic and obstetric characteristics of women with recurrent miscarriages.
A descriptive and analytical study whose inclusion criterion was every woman that was attended at the clinic for recurrent miscarriage (loss group), between January 2006 and December 2010. Patients that did not live in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and those who were not reached by telephone or whose number was not included in the medical record were not included. The Control Group consisted of 204 pregnant women seen at the low-risk prenatal care unit between May 2007 and April 2008. Women who did not accept to be interviewed and those with obstetric risk were excluded from the Control Group. The analyzed variables were: age, education, occupation, marital status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, obstetric history and the gestational age when the losses occurred. The SPSS 18.0 program was used for statistical analysis. Means and standard deviations of continuous variables were compared using the Student's t-test and the frequencies of the nominal variables were compared by the χ2 test.
The mean age of women in the loss group was higher than in the Control Group (32.3±6.3 versus 26.5±6.4 years old, p<0.01). Consumption of alcoholic beverages predominated in the loss group (36.9 versus 22.1%, p=0.01), as well as marital status (93.2 versus 66.7% were married or living in a stable union, p<0.01). The pre-pregnancy body mass index was higher in the loss group (26.9 versus 23.5%, p<0.01). Regarding obstetric history, 103 women with recurrent miscarriage reported 334 pregnancies. Fifty-six of them had 2 or more miscarriages in the first quarter and in 31 of them, 2 or more pregnancies progressed to late abortions/extremely preterm infants.
Some risk factors were identified in women with recurrent losses, such as more advanced age and higher body mass index. These observations agree with more recent proposals regarding recurrent losses that consider the inclusion of losses in various gestational ages.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):509-513
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140005024
To evaluate the influence of maternal obesity on pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal outcomes.
A cross-sectional study with 298 postpartum women. Information was obtained through interviews and access to patients' medical records. The patients were divided into three groups according to their pre-gestational body mass index: normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). Data are reported as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) following multinomial logistic regression analysis to account for confounding variables.
Compared to pregnant women with normal body mass index, overweight women had greater chances of having cesarean delivery, odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 and 95%CI 1.3–3.9, and obese women even more (OR=4.2; 95%CI 2.1–8.1). The chances of gestational diabetes increased in the Overweight (OR=2.5; 95%CI 1.1–5.6) and Obese groups (OR=11.1; 95%CI 5.0–24.6). The occurrence of hypertensive syndrome was also higher in overweight (OR=3.2; 95%CI 1.2–8.1) and obese pregnant women (OR=7.5; 95%CI 2.9–19.1). Major postpartum hemorrhage only showed greater values in the obese women group (OR=4.1; 95%CI 1.1–15.8). Regarding the newborns, the probability of a low Apgar score at first minute was higher in the Obese Group (OR=5.5; 95%CI 1.2–23.7) and chances of macrosomia were higher in the Overweight Group (OR=2.9; 95%CI 1.3–6.3). Data regarding neonatal hypoglycemia were not conclusive.
Excessive weight (overweight and obesity) during pregnancy increases the chance of maternal complications (gestational diabetes, hypertensive syndrome, and major postpartum hemorrhage) and neonatal outcomes (cesarean delivery, macrosomia, and low Apgar score).
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):509-513
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140005024
To evaluate the influence of maternal obesity on pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal outcomes.
A cross-sectional study with 298 postpartum women. Information was obtained through interviews and access to patients' medical records. The patients were divided into three groups according to their pre-gestational body mass index: normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). Data are reported as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) following multinomial logistic regression analysis to account for confounding variables.
Compared to pregnant women with normal body mass index, overweight women had greater chances of having cesarean delivery, odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 and 95%CI 1.3–3.9, and obese women even more (OR=4.2; 95%CI 2.1–8.1). The chances of gestational diabetes increased in the Overweight (OR=2.5; 95%CI 1.1–5.6) and Obese groups (OR=11.1; 95%CI 5.0–24.6). The occurrence of hypertensive syndrome was also higher in overweight (OR=3.2; 95%CI 1.2–8.1) and obese pregnant women (OR=7.5; 95%CI 2.9–19.1). Major postpartum hemorrhage only showed greater values in the obese women group (OR=4.1; 95%CI 1.1–15.8). Regarding the newborns, the probability of a low Apgar score at first minute was higher in the Obese Group (OR=5.5; 95%CI 1.2–23.7) and chances of macrosomia were higher in the Overweight Group (OR=2.9; 95%CI 1.3–6.3). Data regarding neonatal hypoglycemia were not conclusive.
Excessive weight (overweight and obesity) during pregnancy increases the chance of maternal complications (gestational diabetes, hypertensive syndrome, and major postpartum hemorrhage) and neonatal outcomes (cesarean delivery, macrosomia, and low Apgar score).
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):497-502
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004985
To evaluate the sexual function and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in climacteric women.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 173 women aged 35 to 65 years old, with a steady partner during the last 6 months, who are literate, without cognitive impairment, and with sexual activity for at least 6 months. The instrument used to assess sexual performance was the Sexual Quotient, female version. The association between sexual dysfunction and sociodemographic data, personal, obstetric and sexual history was determined by Pearson's χ2 test and strength of association by the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).
In this study, 46.2% of the women reported sexual dysfunction. There was a decrease in the chance of sexual dysfunction for the age group between 35 and 49 years old (OR=0.3; 95%CI 0.2–0.6) and for women who felt comfortable talking about sex (OR=0.5; 95%CI 0.2–0.8). However, the presence of osteoporosis (OR=3.3; 95%CI 1.5–7.6), urinary incontinence (OR=2.0; 95%CI 1.1–3.7), and surgical corrections of the pelvic floor (OR=2.2; 95%CI 1.1–4.5) increased this chance.
The frequency of sexual dysfunction in women aged 35 to 65 years old was 46.2% and factors such as osteoporosis, urinary incontinence and surgical corrections of the pelvic floor increased the chance of sexual dysfunction.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):497-502
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004985
To evaluate the sexual function and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in climacteric women.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 173 women aged 35 to 65 years old, with a steady partner during the last 6 months, who are literate, without cognitive impairment, and with sexual activity for at least 6 months. The instrument used to assess sexual performance was the Sexual Quotient, female version. The association between sexual dysfunction and sociodemographic data, personal, obstetric and sexual history was determined by Pearson's χ2 test and strength of association by the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).
In this study, 46.2% of the women reported sexual dysfunction. There was a decrease in the chance of sexual dysfunction for the age group between 35 and 49 years old (OR=0.3; 95%CI 0.2–0.6) and for women who felt comfortable talking about sex (OR=0.5; 95%CI 0.2–0.8). However, the presence of osteoporosis (OR=3.3; 95%CI 1.5–7.6), urinary incontinence (OR=2.0; 95%CI 1.1–3.7), and surgical corrections of the pelvic floor (OR=2.2; 95%CI 1.1–4.5) increased this chance.
The frequency of sexual dysfunction in women aged 35 to 65 years old was 46.2% and factors such as osteoporosis, urinary incontinence and surgical corrections of the pelvic floor increased the chance of sexual dysfunction.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):489-496
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140005090
To evaluate the predictive clinical factors for the development of endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women.
Observational cohort study with postmenopausal women who had been at a public university hospital. Clinical, anthropometrical, laboratorial, and ultrasonographic data of 132 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of endometrial polyps and 264 women without endometrial alterations (control) were compared in order to evaluate the predictive factors of endometrial polyps. Women with amenorrhea ≥12 months and ≥45 years of age were included in the study at a proportion of 1 case for 2 controls. The Student's t, χ2, and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis – odds ratio (OR).
Patients with endometrial polyps were older and had been in menopause for a longer time compared to control (p<0.0001). The percentage of obese women with polyps (72.0%) was higher compared to the Control Group (39%; p<0.0001). The measurement of waist circumference was superior among patients with polyps (p=0.0001). We observed a higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia in patients with endometrial polyps (p<0.0001). According to the US National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) criteria, 48.5% of women with polyps and 33.3% of the Control Group were classified as having metabolic syndrome (p=0.004). Analysis of risk for endometrial polyps formation showed higher chances of occurrence of the disorder in patients with: BMI≥25 kg/m2 (OR=4.6; 95%CI 2.1–10.0); glucose ≥100 mg/dL (OR=2.8; 95%CI 1.3–5.9); dyslipidemia (OR=7.0; 95%CI 3.7–13.3); diabetes (OR=2.5; 95%CI 1.0–6.3), and metabolic syndrome (OR=2.7; 95%CI 1.1–6.4) compared to the Control Group.
In postmenopausal women, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and presence of metabolic syndrome were predictive factors for the development of endometrial polyps.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):489-496
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140005090
To evaluate the predictive clinical factors for the development of endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women.
Observational cohort study with postmenopausal women who had been at a public university hospital. Clinical, anthropometrical, laboratorial, and ultrasonographic data of 132 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of endometrial polyps and 264 women without endometrial alterations (control) were compared in order to evaluate the predictive factors of endometrial polyps. Women with amenorrhea ≥12 months and ≥45 years of age were included in the study at a proportion of 1 case for 2 controls. The Student's t, χ2, and logistic regression tests were used for statistical analysis – odds ratio (OR).
Patients with endometrial polyps were older and had been in menopause for a longer time compared to control (p<0.0001). The percentage of obese women with polyps (72.0%) was higher compared to the Control Group (39%; p<0.0001). The measurement of waist circumference was superior among patients with polyps (p=0.0001). We observed a higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia in patients with endometrial polyps (p<0.0001). According to the US National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) criteria, 48.5% of women with polyps and 33.3% of the Control Group were classified as having metabolic syndrome (p=0.004). Analysis of risk for endometrial polyps formation showed higher chances of occurrence of the disorder in patients with: BMI≥25 kg/m2 (OR=4.6; 95%CI 2.1–10.0); glucose ≥100 mg/dL (OR=2.8; 95%CI 1.3–5.9); dyslipidemia (OR=7.0; 95%CI 3.7–13.3); diabetes (OR=2.5; 95%CI 1.0–6.3), and metabolic syndrome (OR=2.7; 95%CI 1.1–6.4) compared to the Control Group.
In postmenopausal women, obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and presence of metabolic syndrome were predictive factors for the development of endometrial polyps.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):484-488
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004952
To evaluate sexual function in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
This is a case-control study including 278 women assisted in Human Reproduction services and at the Gynecology Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. The women were divided into a study group (168 infertile women) and a control group (110 fertile women), and they answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire used the assess the sexual function. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) for the chance of sexual dysfunction in infertile women (p<0.05).
Out of the analyzed women, 33.09% reported sexual dysfunction, with no difference in the FSFI score between groups (p=0.29). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was of 36.30% among infertile women and 28.18% among fertile women; however, there was no difference between FSFI scores (p=0.36). The desire and arousal domains were significantly different among infertile women (p=0.01). Infertile women had the same chances of having sexual dysfunction as fertile women (OR=1.4, 95%CI 0.8–2.4; p=0.2).
There were no differences between infertile and fertile women. Infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques require professional approach to sexual health regarding desire and arousal.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(11):484-488
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004952
To evaluate sexual function in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.
This is a case-control study including 278 women assisted in Human Reproduction services and at the Gynecology Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. The women were divided into a study group (168 infertile women) and a control group (110 fertile women), and they answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire used the assess the sexual function. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) for the chance of sexual dysfunction in infertile women (p<0.05).
Out of the analyzed women, 33.09% reported sexual dysfunction, with no difference in the FSFI score between groups (p=0.29). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was of 36.30% among infertile women and 28.18% among fertile women; however, there was no difference between FSFI scores (p=0.36). The desire and arousal domains were significantly different among infertile women (p=0.01). Infertile women had the same chances of having sexual dysfunction as fertile women (OR=1.4, 95%CI 0.8–2.4; p=0.2).
There were no differences between infertile and fertile women. Infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques require professional approach to sexual health regarding desire and arousal.