Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare最新文献

{"title":"The need for preconception care: Australian women’s health beliefs, expectations, and trust in healthcare","authors":"Bec Jenkinson ,&nbsp;Matilda Riek ,&nbsp;Susan de Jersey ,&nbsp;Lisa Buckley ,&nbsp;Saba Nabi ,&nbsp;Candice Irvine ,&nbsp;Sherrie Liu ,&nbsp;Seema Mihrshahi ,&nbsp;Kathleen Baird ,&nbsp;Jenny Doust ,&nbsp;Gita D Mishra","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Preconception care aims to improve the health outcomes of parents and their children by optimising health prior to pregnancy. However, inconsistent adoption of preconception care guidelines and low uptake among women highlights the need for further exploration.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aims to explore women’s perceptions of the need for preconception care and the factors influencing these perceptions, including competing demands and expectations perceived by women while planning for pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A participatory, qualitative approach was used, involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with reproductive-aged women in Australia. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts, including Synthesised Member Checking to verify findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Interviews were conducted with 38 women. Three major themes emerged: (1) “Advice from trusted people will go a long way” emphasized the value of trusted connections and expertise; (2) “A bit of a baby factory” highlighted women’s sense of sole responsibility for pregnancy outcomes requiring their extensive efforts to avoid subsequent feelings of guilt and blame; (3) “If people knew” described women’s preference for privacy to avoid scrutiny and judgment.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Women’s perception of the need for preconception care is shaped by intersecting issues of trust, individualised responsibility, and privacy. In the absence of relationship-based care with a trusted primary care provider, women seek lived experience and formal expertise online. Individual responsibility for preconception health is disempowering to women. Relationship-based models of primary maternity care, including midwifery models of care, and parasocial connections with experts may better meet women’s health needs in the preconception period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101092"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Birth Control use in People who had an Abortion in the Southeast Region of the United States","authors":"Jessica Knott ,&nbsp;Carrie Cwiak ,&nbsp;Lynn Disney","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To examine non-use of birth control among people who sought an abortion in the Southeast region. Access to birth control continues to be rife with barriers. There have been many studies that have examined unintended pregnancies and birth control use, but none have studied non-use among people who sought an abortion. Post the Dobbs decision, it is imperative to understand these risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Study Design</h3><div>The self-administered survey was given to all patients presenting for abortion and consented to complete the survey while at the clinic or facility before their abortion. This study examined factors associated with non-use of birth control in people who had an abortion.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 50.2% (n = 1,222) of people presenting for abortion reported using a birth control method. Multivariate analysis showed that white people were 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.7) times more likely to use birth control compared to Black people. People with a bachelor’s degree or higher were 1.8 (95% CI: 1.3, 2.5) times more likely to use birth control, compared to people without high school diploma. Those 200% or above the federal poverty line were 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.6) times more likely to use birth control compared to those below the federal poverty line.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study showed the lack of use of birth control in some populations, highlighting the need for better awareness of and access to birth control and improved education on options for birth control. Policies that promote equitable access to health education and care, and effective options for preventing unintended pregnancy are imperative.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101091"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reconsidering “inclusive language:” Consequences for healthcare and equitableness of a growing linguistic movement to address gender identity with a path forward","authors":"Melissa Bartick ,&nbsp;Hannah Dahlen ,&nbsp;Jenny Gamble ,&nbsp;Shawn Walker ,&nbsp;Roger Mathisen ,&nbsp;Karleen Gribble","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increasingly, the language of female reproduction is changing, so terms directly referencing people’s sex are replaced with terms obscuring sex, a language form commonly called “inclusive language” but more accurately is “desexed language.” Desexed language is promoted as assisting individuals experiencing an inner sense of themselves (a gender identity) in conflict with their sex, a state described as being transgender or gender-diverse. It seemingly assumes no harm to the general population. However, the scant existing research suggests it may not be well accepted or understood. There are a variety of types of desexed language, including globalizing language (e.g. replacing “women” with “people”), biology-based language (e.g. “lactating individuals,” “menstruators”), neologisms (“chestfeeding”), appropriation of terms with other meanings (“sex assigned at birth”), and additive language (e.g. “women and birthing people”). Second- and third-person language (e.g. “if you are sexually active,” “those who are pregnant”) can be a type of desexed language depending on context. Desexed language is likely to have an adverse impact on people with low health literacy and language skills, risk alienation, and cause confusion, especially in non-Western countries and cultures. It may even cause harm to transgender and gender-diverse people who also need clear health communications as well as specialized healthcare. Widespread use of desexed language is contrary to the usual practice of implementing targeted tailored communications for those with specialized needs while using the most effective language for most people for general communications. Comprehensive research on the impact of desexed language is urgently needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101088"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143698015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating family planning with reproductive health services: A multi-case study protocol","authors":"Farina Gul ,&nbsp;Zohra S Lassi ,&nbsp;Gizachew A Tessema ,&nbsp;Mohammad Afzal Mahmood","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Critical gaps exist in the provision of family planning services in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), hindering access. Integrating family planning services with existing health services offers a promising solution to enhance its accessibility. This multi-case study aims to analyse initiatives and develop a framework applicable to diverse resource-limited settings. The objectives of this study are to analyse national documents on FP services integration with other reproductive health service, identify enablers and barriers among different integration examples, and to compare among FP integration initiatives from selected countries. For this paper, cases are defined as specific interventions where family planning services have been integrated into existing reproductive health services at healthcare facilities of LMICs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study will employ national document analysis and qualitative inquiry. The national documents consisting of policies, guidelines, strategic plans and health services packages of selected countries will be analysed. The qualitative data will be collected through 20–25 semi-structured virtual interviews with key stakeholders. These key informants will be healthcare providers, researchers, policy makers and health managers. The data analysis will use both deductive and inductive approaches, applying the six key dimensions of clinical, professional, organisational, system, functional, and normative integration of the Rainbow Model.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This paper will identify the process of integrating FP services, a structured, adaptable approach for integrating family planning services with other reproductive health services in low resource settings and addressing health system gaps in family planning service delivery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101090"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fostering empowerment through communication: The needs, expectations, and experience of maternity care among polish migrant women in Iceland","authors":"Embla Ýr Guðmundsdóttir ,&nbsp;Marianne Nieuwenhuijze ,&nbsp;Annadís Greta Rúdólfsdóttir ,&nbsp;Helga Gottfreðsdóttir","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101087","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Over recent decades, Iceland has evolved into a more diverse society, revealing disparities in perinatal outcomes for migrant women. This study explored the needs, expectations, and experiences of Polish migrant women regarding midwifery care during childbirth in Iceland.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This longitudinal qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews conducted from December 2021 to May 2022. Eight Polish women participated in two interviews: one during their third trimester pregnancy (T1) and another within 12 weeks postpartum (T2). The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The longitudinal analysis generated two overarching themes: (1) Wishing for respectful individualized care and (2) The importance of receiving adequate information and sharing preferences. Additionally, one theme was constructed from T1: (1) Feeling misunderstood, isolated, and longing for support. From T2, two themes were deweloped: (1) The value of emotional and practical support from both midwives and partners during pregnancy and birth and (2) The importance of having a voice in the care process.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Insecurity about pain management and communication challenges were common. Open dialogue and strong connections with midwives were essential for positive care experiences. This study highlights gaps in language support, cultural sensitivity, and tailored information in Icelandic maternity care for Polish migrant women. Providing individualized care, marked by respect and clear communication, empowers women to make informed decisions and fosters a sense of control during childbirth. Addressing these gaps is vital for improving perinatal outcomes and ensuring equitable, comprehensive support for all women during this transformative life event.<ul><li><span>•</span><span><div><strong>Issue:</strong> Migrant women often face unique challenges in maternity care, leading to poorer birth outcomes and unmet needs during childbirth.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div><strong>What is already known:</strong> Research highlights that migrant women may experience communication barriers, lack of culturally appropriate support, and increased vulnerability in healthcare settings.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div><strong>What this paper adds:</strong> This study reveals specific gaps in language support, cultural sensitivity, and tailored information within Icelandic maternity care for Polish migrant women. By interviewing the same women both during pregnancy and postpartum, the study also provides a unique perspective on their evolving needs, expectations, and experiences. It highlights the importance of addressing these areas to enhance the sense of empowerment and overall satisfaction during childbirth.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101087"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“Deprived of my autonomy.” Women’s experiences and self-concepts of Hyperemesis Gravidarum − A qualitative study","authors":"Louise Lindgren ,&nbsp;Sophia Holmlund ,&nbsp;Tooba Choudri ,&nbsp;Malin L. Nording ,&nbsp;Marie-Therese Vinnars ,&nbsp;Maria Lindqvist","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101086","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101086","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Hyperemesis Gravidarum affects women’s health on a physical, psychological, and socioeconomic level, and they express a need for acknowledgement from family and healthcare providers. Historically associated with hysteria, Hyperemesis Gravidarum may still be stigmatised due to lingering perceptions of it as a psychological issue. To enhance understanding of the disease’s impact on women’s health, this study aimed to explore women’s experiences and self-concepts of Hyperemesis Gravidarum.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants were recruited from a social media platform with the following criteria: i) women in Sweden with Hyperemesis Gravidarum who debuted before week 22 of pregnancy, ii) who gave birth within the last four years, and iii) who received intravenous fluid therapy during their illness. Data were gathered through 15 digital, individual, semi-structured, in-depth interviews and were analysed with Reflexive Thematic Analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age of participants was 32. The majority experienced HG within 12–36 months before the interview and were living with a partner. The overarching theme, “<em>Deprived of my Autonomy</em>”, depicts the woman’s transition from being responsible, reliable and hard-working to becoming a woman who perceived herself as <em>disempowered, unprioritised</em> and <em>dependent</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The women experienced a new perception of themselves as unable to meet their own and others’ expectations in managing pregnancy, family, and work and as individuals disbelieved by the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals’ neglectful attitudes may contribute to self-stigma with isolation, and low social support as a result. Healthcare professionals must recognise the impact of dismissive behaviour and implement validating and empowering support structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101086"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143629102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The conceptualisation and evolution of psychological birth trauma in the absence of identifiable risk factors: A scoping review","authors":"Melissa Freestun ,&nbsp;Kendall George Midwife ,&nbsp;Cecelia O’Brien ,&nbsp;Cate Nagle Midwife","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101084","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101084","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Psychological birth trauma is an emerging area of childbirth research lacking a universally accepted definition.<!--> <!-->This scoping review explores how psychological birth trauma has been conceptualised in the literature, focusing on perinatal women without identifiable risk factors (e.g., physical injury, maternal morbidity risk, or prior vulnerabilities).</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To understand the conceptualisation and evolution of psychological birth trauma according to the research literature, map the existing literature on psychological birth trauma, identify key elements and research gaps, and provide insights into the conceptual evolution of psychological birth trauma in the absence of identifiable risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Seven databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Scopus, Cochrane, Informit, Emcare) were searched for published, peer-reviewed studies on psychological birth trauma without identifiable risk factors.<!--> <!-->A scoping review following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework synthesised findings from 231 articles.<!--> <!-->Data were charted to identify key elements and patterns.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five key elements central to psychological birth trauma were identified: variables of psychological trauma, long-term psychological effects, relational and social dynamics, subjective appraisals, and cultural influences.<!--> <!-->Psychological birth trauma is distinct from broader terms like “birth trauma” or “traumatic childbirth,” given its emphasis on emotional and psychological consequences.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Conceptual frameworks for psychological birth trauma and traumatic childbirth may guide future refinement and standardised terminology. Unique psychological dimensions are apparent in women who describe childbirth as traumatic despite lacking identifiable risk factors. This review underscores the need for multidisciplinary research to refine definitions and lays the groundwork for advancing conceptualisations and supporting women’s wellbeing in childbirth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101084"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143619804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The road to equity: A scoping review of the evidence and practices on abortion policies and services in Sweden","authors":"Anna Wängborg ,&nbsp;Johanna Schmidt ,&nbsp;Cristina Mattison,&nbsp;Kirsty Bourret,&nbsp;Marie Klingberg Allvin","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aims of this study are to i) map and synthesize scientific evidence on abortion policies and service provision and delivery developments in Sweden and ii) identify potential facilitators and barriers to equitable abortion services nationally.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A scoping review of peer-reviewed papers (n = 51) and grey literature (n = 23) published 1975–2024 was conducted. The PRISMA-ScR protocol for scoping reviews was followed. Seventy-four (n = 74) documents were included, and a qualitative synthesis was used to summarize, analyze, and assess the body of evidence identified.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Divergence in clinical guidelines was found and indicates inconsistencies in service delivery. Although there is strong evidence supporting midwife’s role in delivering medication abortion, it has not been fully implemented and differs between and within regions. The Swedish abortion legislation prevents the implementation of midwives being key providers of medication abortion and self-managed home abortions in whole, thereby hampering access. The gap analysis show that although abortion services have been well researched, the experiences of migrants are scarcely addressed, and those of LGBTQI + people and persons with disabilities are absent.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Significant progress has been made in advancing access to equitable abortion services through legislative developments, medical innovations and the expansion of midwifery-led medication abortion services. However, some barriers remain including variability in service delivery and there is a research gap from an intersectional perspective. To better inform policy and practice, future research could apply a reproductive justice lens to explore how ethnicity, gender, disability and sexuality intersect and shape access to and experience of abortion services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"43 ","pages":"Article 101071"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Women experiencing the second stage of labour for the first time: A qualitative free-text analysis within the Oneplus trial","authors":"Mia Vilhelmsen ,&nbsp;Malin Edqvist ,&nbsp;Christine Rubertsson ,&nbsp;Karin Ängeby","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Title</h3><div>Women experiencing the second stage of labour for the first time: a qualitative free-text analysis within the Oneplus trial.</div></div><div><h3>Background</h3><div>The second stage of labour is the time from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby. The risks to the woman and the baby are increased during this stage, leading to intensified midwifery care. A positive birth experience is a significant goal of intrapartum care and it is important to investigate how women experience the second stage of labour in particular.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim was to explore women’s experiences of the second stage of labour in their first vaginal birth.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This qualitative study analysed data from the Oneplus trial’s one-month postpartum follow-up questionnaire. The questionnaire included an open-ended question about the second stage of labour and the free-text answers were analysed using inductive and manifest qualitative content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The open-ended question was answered by 865 women and three categories emerged. In the first category, women described their physical and emotional sensations during this stage. The other two categories concerned women’s relationship with midwives. The relationship was a major contributor to a positive experience but also had the opposite potential. Midwives’ use of instructions mostly regarded pushing technique. When women were given instructions, it could lead to feelings of blame instead of accomplishment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The result showed the essentiality of midwifery care during the second stage of labour, as it contained both emotional support and guidance which affected the women’s experiences positively. The experience of being instructed by the midwife during the second stage of labour is more complex and needs further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101083"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143526893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing perceived heating effect and intensity of therapeutic ultrasound between breast tissue and calf muscle in lactating women: An observational study","authors":"Lauren Neill ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Eske ,&nbsp;Wan Hui Yip ,&nbsp;Lalitha Gurram ,&nbsp;Beatriz IR de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Adelle McArdle ,&nbsp;Melinda Cooper ,&nbsp;Angela Jacques ,&nbsp;Leanda McKenna","doi":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101082","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101082","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) is the most common physiotherapy treatment for inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast. However, effective parameters for treatment are unknown, and based on musculoskeletal evidence. This study’s aims were to determine the difference in heat perception (using TUS) between lactating breast and calf muscle tissue and the range of intensities required for heating perception in healthy lactating women.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This repeated measures study recruited lactating mothers who exclusively breastfed infants aged 6 months or younger who responded to social media posts and flyers placed in medical offices. TUS was sequentially applied to the breast and calf, starting from 1Wcm². The intensity at which participants reported first perceived warmth and then most tolerable warmth (or 2.5Wcm²) for the breast and the calf was recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifty mothers (mean age, BMI = 31.6 years, 26.5), first perceived warmth at lower intensities in the breast (Z = −3.637,p &lt; 0.001), but there was no difference between locations for most tolerable warmth (Z = −1.165,p = 0.244). Factors associated with higher perception of first warmth were antidepressant use (β = 0.369[95 %CI:0.103–0.635],p = 0.007) and calf location (β = 0.286[95 %CI:0.055–0.516],p = 0.015). Higher body mass index was the only factor associated with higher perception of tolerable warmth (β = 0.024[95 %CI:0.004–0.044],p = 0.017). The range of intensities required to perceive heating in the breast were 1–2.5Wcm².</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>As perception of breast and calf warmth differs, TUS parameters used to treat musculoskeletal conditions may not be appropriate for inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast. Additional studies are needed to determine the tolerability and effectiveness of TUS using different intensities when treating women with ICLB.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54199,"journal":{"name":"Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare","volume":"44 ","pages":"Article 101082"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}