Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Psychological Morbidity (Stress, Anxiety and Depression) and Fertility Quality of Life amongst Infertile Women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Reeta Mahey, Deeksha Patkar, Mani Kalaivani, Chitralok Hemraj, Raman Deep, Aarthi K Jayraj, Robin Badal, Akriti Shukla","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_241_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_241_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>PCOS is associated with substantial psychological morbidity related to its clinical features and associated infertility.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare psychological morbidity and fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) amongst infertile women with and without PCOS and to correlate the psychological parameters with clinical, socio-demographic, endocrine and metabolic parameters.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>Analytical cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Psychological assessment was done using validated questionnaires for Stress (Perceived Stress Scale); Anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale); depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and quality of life (FertiQoL tool [core]). The main outcome measure was psychological morbidity and FertiQoL scores and correlation of these with clinical, socio-demographic, endocrine and metabolic parameters.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>The categorical data were analysed using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Shapiro-Wilk test/<i>t</i>-test was used to assess the normality and Spearman's rank correlation was applied for correlation analysis. A two-tailed <i>P</i> < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Stress and anxiety were significantly higher in non-PCOS women. Depression and FertiQoL scores were comparable between the two groups. Amongst PCOS women, longer infertility duration and obesity were associated with the lower quality of life based on FertiQ_E, FertiQ_MB and total FertiQoL scores. In non-PCOS women, obese women were more likely to have depression and lower quality of life. Longer duration of infertility led to depression and poor FertiQ_E scores. On regression analysis in PCOS women, BMI was independent factor having positive association with depression, anxiety and negative association with individual and total FertiQoL scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PCOS women had comparable depression and FertiQoL scores and lower levels of anxiety and stress when compared to non-PCOS women. Longer duration of infertility and obesity were associated with depression and lower quality of life irrespective of cause.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"33-42"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061155/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychological, Psychosocial and Economic Factors Affecting Infertile Couples Visiting a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Kalahasti Saranya, S Pradeep, Kuluru Mounika, B Prarthana, Gadige Lakshmi Sravani","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_177_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_177_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Infertility is a complex health issue with psychological, social and economic implications, particularly in rural and traditional communities.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the psychological, psychosocial and economic factors influencing infertile couples attending a tertiary care hospital.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>Cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary care hospital in South India.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 175 couples with primary infertility were assessed using the following validated tools - anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale), depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale), social support (Multidimensional scale of perceived social support), global life satisfaction (Satisfaction with life scale) and socioeconomic status (SES) through Modified BG Prasad classification (2024).</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and independent <i>t</i>-test were used; <i>P</i> < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean age was 26.9 ± 4.7 years for females and 28.5 ± 3.6 years for males. Moderate-to-severe anxiety was seen in 17.7% and moderate depression in 10% of women. Women showed significantly higher anxiety (<i>P</i> < 0.001) and similar rates of depression compared to men. High family support (60.6%) and better SES correlated positively with life satisfaction (<i>P</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Infertility affects psychological and social well-being, particularly in women. Family support and socioeconomic stability are key determinants of better life satisfaction. Psychosocial support should be integrated into infertility care, especially in rural settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"77-84"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outcomes Among Women Using Low-dose Aspirin and Undergoing Euploid, Autologous, Programmed Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Edward McClellan, Yinny Chan, Priyal Chadha, Alejandro Alvarez, Randi Goldman, Rachel Bennett","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_137_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_137_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Low-dose aspirin (LDA) has been used during assisted reproduction; however, the evidence supporting its use remains conflicting.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess whether LDA improves the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in a patient's first autologous, programmed, single frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle with an euploid embryo.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>Retrospective cohort study at an academic center.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study of all first autologous, programmed, single FETs of a single euploid embryo performed at our academic center between 2020 and 2022 assessed the association between LDA and CPR and live birth rate (LBR). A subgroup analysis assessed the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Chi-square tests of association and fixed-effects multivariable logistic regression were performed. Among patients with a live birth, Chi-square tests of association were utilised. Binary logistic regression was performed, adjusting for age and body mass index. Data were analysed using SAS software, version 3.8, Enterprise Edition (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Statistical significance was set at <i>P</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two hundred seventy FETs resulted in 189 clinical pregnancies, and 153 live births. LDA was not associated with CPR or LBR. LDA was also not associated with HDP, although this outcome was only able to be assessed among one hundred twenty patients (78% of all live births).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>LDA use was associated with neither clinical pregnancy nor live birth among autologous, euploid, programmed, single FET cycles.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"12-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061159/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Editorial Commentary.","authors":"Mohan S Kamath","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_77_26","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_77_26","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147644941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Infertility in South Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Anshul Kumar Kushwaha, Saranya Jaisankar, Arpitha Anbu Deborah, Abirami Asokan, Gunjan Tripathi, Neha Chawla, Mohan S Kamath","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_333_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_333_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Infertility affects about 16.5% of adults in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization, and represents a major global public health concern. Despite this burden, population-level estimates from South Asia remain limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of infertility in South Asia and to assess the quality of existing studies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Embase from inception to 12 April 2025 for studies reporting infertility prevalence in South Asia, excluding studies that did not report the total population from which the prevalence was calculated. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and assessed study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. A random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was performed, and heterogeneity was assessed using <i>I</i>² and Cochran's Q statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 4326 records screened, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review, of which five were eligible for primary analysis. Except for one study from Nepal, the remaining studies were from India. The pooled prevalence of infertility was 8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5%-13%; <i>I</i>² = 98.6%). Community and hospital-based studies showed a prevalence of 10% and 8%, respectively. Primary infertility prevalence was 7% (95% CI: 2%-14%), while secondary infertility was 3% (95% CI: 0%-12%).</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>The review shows a pooled prevalence that is lower than recent global estimates, highlighting the need for robust region-specific data.</p><p><strong>Limitations: </strong>Considerable variation in infertility definitions contributed to substantial heterogeneity and reduced comparability across studies. About one-third of the included studies were clinic-based, which are not ideal for estimating population prevalence. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42024623937.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"2-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061151/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of the Effect of Ketofol and Ketodex as Procedural Sedation and Analgesia for Oocyte Retrieval during <i>In vitro</i> Fertilisation Procedures: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study.","authors":"Sainath Veeranki, Dhruv Jain, Shailendra Kumar, Sana Yasmin Hussain, Puneet Khanna, Lokesh Kashyap, Neena Malhotra, Reeta Mahey","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_234_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_234_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oocyte retrieval requires effective sedation that ensures patient comfort without compromising reproductive outcomes. Although multiple sedative agents are routinely employed during oocyte retrieval, the optimal sedative regimen remains an active research area.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of Ketodex (ketamine-dexmedetomidine) versus Ketofol (ketamine-propofol) for procedural sedation for oocyte retrieval during <i>in vitro</i> fertilisation (IVF) procedures.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>Double blinded, single-centre, randomised controlled pilot study at a tertiary-care IVF centre.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II women (20-40 years) scheduled for transvaginal oocyte retrieval were randomised to receive Ketofol (ketamine + propofol) or Ketodex (ketamine + dexmedetomidine) (<i>n</i> = 30/group). The primary outcome was to determine the mean pain scores during oocyte retrieval and within the first 2 h post-procedure by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Rescue analgesia (fentanyl) and peri-procedural adverse events were recorded. Embryological outcomes included fertilisation and cleavage rates. An exploratory cumulative pain score (CPS), integrating early pain burden with opioid requirement, was also analysed.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Two-group comparison was done with the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i>-test (non-normal data) and independent <i>t</i>-test (normal data). For comparing repeated measures of pain scores over time within groups, the Friedman test was employed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>VAS scores decreased over time in both groups, but were significantly lower in the Ketodex group at all post-operative time points (10 min; 30 min; 1 h; 2 h, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Intraoperative fentanyl requirement was significantly higher with Ketofol compared with Ketodex (median 20.67 μg vs. 0 μg; <i>P</i> < 0.001). Apnoea occurred in 53.3% of Ketofol patients and in none of the Ketodex patients (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Fertilisation rates and cleavage rates were comparable between groups. Exploratory CPS was significantly lower in the Ketodex group (<i>P</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ketodex demonstrated superior analgesic efficacy, opioid sparing and improved safety compared to Ketofol.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"43-53"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147644888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of an Extended 10-day Letrozole Regimen Compared to the 5-day Regimen in Enhancing Ovulation in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomised Controlled Trial.","authors":"Bhavneet Kaur, Archana Kumari, Reeta Mahey, Maroof Ahamad Khan, Aarthi K Jayraj, Neena Malhotra","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_276_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_276_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Letrozole is the first-line agent for ovulation induction; however, response to the standard 5-day regimen may be suboptimal in some women.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim is to compare the efficacy and safety of an extended 10-day letrozole regimen with the conventional 5-day regimen for ovulation induction in infertile women with PCOS.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>Prospective, open-label, parallel-group randomised controlled trial conducted at a tertiary care centre in North India.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Eighty infertile women with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria, 2003) were randomised to receive either letrozole 2.5 mg daily for 10 days or 5 days. Up to three ovulation induction cycles were allowed. Follicular monitoring was performed using transvaginal ultrasonography. Ovulation was triggered with human chorionic gonadotropin, followed by timed intercourse.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Continuous variables were analysed using the <i>t</i>-test or Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A <i>P</i> < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 10-day regimen showed a significantly higher follicular response in the first cycle compared to the 5-day regimen (85.0% vs. 52.5%, <i>P</i> = 0.002). Dose escalation and gonadotropin use were significantly lower in the extended regimen group. No cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome were reported. Pregnancy rates were comparable between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The extended 10-day letrozole regimen significantly improves follicular response without increasing adverse outcomes and may improve cycle efficiency in women with PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"25-32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postmortem Sperm Retrieval in Hanging-Induced Mechanical Asphyxia: Probability and Temporal Dynamics.","authors":"Leena Lokhande, Raghvendra Kumar Vidua, Ashwani Tandon, Sangita Moirangthem, Niranjan Sahoo, Atul S Keche, M Ananthakrishnan","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_254_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_254_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the feasibility of retrieving viable spermatozoa in hanging deaths and their correlation with post-mortem interval (PMI) and sperm quality parameters.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>A descriptive observational study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS Bhopal.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>PMSR was performed in 18 medicolegal autopsy cases involving males aged 18-49 years within 24 h of death using an in-house innovated vaso-epididymal wash technique. Sperm motility and viability were assessed using an automated semen quality analyser and the eosin dye exclusion test.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and Chi-square tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Motile sperm were recovered in 44.4% and viable sperm in 50% of cases. Mean motility and viability in positive samples were 14.5% and 29.9%, respectively. Viability stays up to 21.5 h post-mortem, peaking at 72%. No significant correlation was seen between PMI and sperm quality. A strong association between immotile and viable sperm supports a two-step degradation process, with motility loss preceding cellular death.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results confirm the recovery of motile and viable sperm in 50% of hanging-related deaths up to 21.5 h post-mortem (peak 72%, <i>P</i> > 0.05), supporting the feasibility of PMSR. The findings challenge the linear model of time-dependent sperm degradation and emphasise the need for rapid processing and standardised medico-legal and ethical PMSR protocols in India.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"17-24"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comprehensive Genome-wide DNA Methylation Analysis in Blood Reveals Differentially Methylated Regions Associated with Immune Response and Steroidogenesis Pathways in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A cross sectional study.","authors":"Priyal Sharma, Manish Kumar Tripathi, Vivek Kumar, Manish Jain, Ashutosh Halder","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_195_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_195_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder with a multifactorial aetiology, including genetic and epigenetic components. Despite increasing evidence highlighting the role of epigenetic modifications in PCOS, their contribution to disease progression remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the role of DNA methylation in the aetiology of PCOS.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>This is a hospital-based observational study.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The materials and methods of this study were to examine the role of DNA methylation in PCOS. Genomic DNA was isolated using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit, and DNA methylation profiling was performed using the Infinium Human Methylation 850K (EPIC) array in 43 PCOS cases compared with controls.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>The Student's <i>t</i>-test (two-tailed) was used to compare the means and derive statistical significance from the independent groups. The ChAMP software package was used for methylation analysis on the R interface v4.2.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Differential methylation analysis identified 243 differentially methylated CpG sites within 26 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) (|Δβ| > 0.1, <i>P</i> < 0.05). Notably, most DMRs were located in promoter regions near CpG islands and shores, with a significant proportion (23.07%) mapping to chromosome 6. The majority (76.9%) of DMRs exhibited hypomethylation, whereas the top two DMRs were hypermethylated. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that differentially methylated genes were associated with key pathways, including Th17 cell differentiation, steroid biosynthesis and autoimmune thyroid disease. Gene ontology analysis highlighted enrichment in immune-related biological processes, MHC protein complexes and molecular functions, including prenyltransferase and transaminase activities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings underscore the potential contribution of epigenetic modifications to PCOS pathogenesis, particularly through immune regulation and steroid metabolism. Further studies with larger cohorts and functional validation are warranted to establish the role of these epigenetic changes in PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"68-76"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061153/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147644886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Help-Seeking Behaviour and Care Delays in Indian Patients Attending a Speciality Sexual Health Clinic: A Retrospective Cohort study.","authors":"Tulika Datta, Nikunj Satish Gokani, Ashima Sahore, Sandip Deshpande","doi":"10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_206_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_206_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), low sexual desire (LSD) and vaginismus substantially affect psychosocial well-being yet remain underreported in India due to stigma, limited provider training and fragmented care pathways.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to examine help-seeking patterns, delays in care and prior treatment attempts amongst patients presenting with sexual disorders.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>This was a retrospective observational study using anonymised records from a specialised sexual health clinic in India (January 2022-December 2024).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Records of patients with ED (<i>n</i> = 8980), PE (<i>n</i> = 9460), LSD (<i>n</i> = 1135) or vaginismus (<i>n</i> = 318) were analysed. Variables included symptom duration, previous consultations and self-medication.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Descriptive statistics were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most patients (72%) had not sought formal care before presentation, and 46% reported symptoms for more than 1 year. Self-medication was common in ED (12.7%) and PE (11.3%), particularly amongst individuals over 30 years, but uncommon in vaginismus (0.6%). Prior consultations were limited (ED: 24.5%; PE: 21.0%), and patients under 30 years were least likely to have accessed care. Older age correlated with greater self-medication (<i>r</i> = 0.32, <i>P</i> < 0.05), and longer symptom duration correlated with previous consultation attempts (<i>r</i> = 0.28, <i>P</i> < 0.05). Diagnostic category influenced delay, with ED and PE associated with the longest help-seeking intervals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Substantial delays in help-seeking persist across sexual health diagnoses, especially amongst younger patients and those with ED or PE was observed. These findings highlight gaps in awareness, accessibility and confidence in seeking care. Strengthening clinician training, improving public education and expanding telehealth pathways may support earlier presentation and better outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15975,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences","volume":"19 1","pages":"62-67"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147645210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}