Women's health (London, England)最新文献

{"title":"Caregiver report of the experiences of infant and child diaper insecurity, social support, and utilization of resources to help meet basic family need in the United States: A nationally-representative cross-sectional survey.","authors":"Kelley E C Massengale, Megan V Smith, Kristin P Tully","doi":"10.1177/17455057261456861","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261456861","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDiaper insecurity is associated with caregiver health and quality of life through relationships with financial stress, inability to meet other basic health and material needs, constraints on engagement in community, workforce, school, and early childhood education, and negative associations with caregivers' own and their child's health and mental health.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to better understand affective components of diaper affordability, how these components may contribute to perceptions of social support, and to understand if and how households would like to receive diaper support.DesignCross-sectional observational study.MethodsData were collected via an online survey from March-April 2024. Surveys were completed by U.S. adults (N=1,000) who were caregivers of a child in their home wearing diapers.ResultsHalf of households (46.7%, n=467) reported diaper insecurity. Caregivers with diaper insecurity were more likely to report feeling alone (OR=8.19, CI=5.78-11.59), judged (OR=6.83, CI=5.07-9.21), helpless (OR=4.62, CI=3.54-6.03), and stressed or anxious (OR=4.54, CI=3.46-5.95) due to diaper affordability compared to those who reported being diaper secure. Most households with diaper insecurity (84.6%, n=395) had accessed resources for help meeting basic needs. Participants with diaper insecurity were less likely to feel treated in the way they deserve by healthcare professionals, community organizations, or the people close to them compared to participants without diaper insecurity. Diaper insecurity and negative affective components of diaper affordability significantly predicted perceived social support F (26, 972)=20.429, <i>p</i>< 0.01), adj. <i>R</i>²=.34. Overall, the majority of all caregivers (68.1%, n=639) reported that receiving help with diapers from a local diaper bank would be \"extremely helpful\" or \"very helpful.\".ConclusionMore families in the United States may be struggling to afford diapers than are identified with diaper insecurity screening questions. Caregivers identified negative affective components of diaper affordability including feelings of judgement and aloneness which were associated with lower perceptions of social support. Households with and without diaper insecurity indicated that receiving 50 free diapers per month per child from a local diaper bank would be helpful. The support and expansion of diaper banks' distribution efforts would help families with young children in ways they identified as meaningful.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261456861"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13222403/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148102201","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":"High sensitivity for peripartum cardiomyopathy among large language models during differential diagnosis consideration.","authors":"Thomas Gausepohl, Melanie Ricke-Hoch, Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner, Johann Bauersachs, Tobias Jonathan Pfeffer","doi":"10.1177/17455057261476573","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057261476573","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundPeripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare, potentially life threatening condition with nonspecific heart failure symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis. Large language models (LLMs) may support differential diagnosis suggestion.ObjectivesTo assess whether commonly available LLMs can suggest PPCM and differential diagnoses based on typical symptoms.DesignComparative evaluation of three LLMs using standardized clinical scenarios.MethodsChatGPT (GPT-5), Gemini (2.5 Flash), and Claude (Sonnet 4.5) were queried with prompts describing a 34-year-old woman with PPCM-related symptoms, with and without postpartum context. Responses were analyzed for PPCM and key differential diagnoses recommended by the European Society of Cardiology.ResultsChatGPT and Claude consistently identified PPCM. Gemini suggested PPCM mainly when dyspnea or edema were present and required postpartum context when palpitations were reported. Claude listed the most differential diagnoses.ConclusionLLMs are a valuable tool among differential diagnosis suggestion but performance varies and cannot replace clinical judgment.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261476573"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13490792/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148802780","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 qualitative systematic review of the implications of desexed language in women's healthcare and healthcare literature.","authors":"Abigail Greenfield, Ciara Higley, Naomi Black, Majel McGranahan","doi":"10.1177/17455057261430199","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261430199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Increasing numbers of people identifying as transgender and gender diverse (TGD) have introduced challenges regarding language used in women's healthcare. TGD individuals are defined as those whose gender identity does not align with their sex. This growing patient group has ignited debates over whether language in women's health should be desexed to accommodate TGD individuals, for example, replacing \"mother\" with \"pregnant people.\" Some argue such language is inclusive, while others are concerned it is inaccurate and disrespectful.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the implications of desexed language in women's healthcare and healthcare literature.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Qualitative systematic review synthesising primary research on desexed language in women's healthcare.</p><p><strong>Data sources and methods: </strong>Qualitative studies examining desexed language in women's healthcare, published 2010-2024, were included. A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Risk of bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and data analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six studies were included, with 80 participants, 13 of whom were women who were not TGD. Themes identified: (1) Language and communication - reflecting differing views on desexed language and the importance of consistent definitions of sex and gender identity; (2) Education - gaps in healthcare professionals' confidence highlight the need for improved clinical education on TGD language use; (3) Structural challenges - issues with clinical documentation and environments; and (4) Barriers to care - poor healthcare experiences meaning TGD patients may avoid seeking care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights the need for resources tailored to TGD individuals, clinician education on personalised language use and improvements to clinical documentation to ensure sex is always recorded, with gender identity included if relevant. Insufficient evidence exists to support universal implementation of desexed language in women's healthcare. Findings suggest it is not well understood or accepted by women who are not TGD and research is needed to understand its impact on wider groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261430199"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033060/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147535247","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":"Recent obstetrical and gynaecological care experiences and their sociodemographic and mental health correlates: A latent class analysis.","authors":"Léa Jeanne Séguin, Sylvie Lévesque, Arianne Jean Thorn, Isabelle Boucoiran, Sarah Landry, Natacha Godbout","doi":"10.1177/17455057261455494","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261455494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHigh-quality obstetrical and gynaecological care is vital for physical, psychological, and sexual health. However, research has documented widespread patterns of dehumanized and discriminatory care, with marginalized groups disproportionately impacted. Such care can cause lasting harm, underscoring the need for a trauma-informed and person-centred research to better understand and address these experiences.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to: (1) identify profiles of recent obstetrical and gynaecological patient-provider interactions in Québec, Canada, and (2) examine their links to sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and sexual wellbeing.DesignThe current study is cross-sectional.MethodsA community sample (<i>n</i> = 1490) having received gynaecological or obstetric care in the last seven years in Québec completed an online survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics, mental health and sexual wellbeing indicators, as well as provider mistreatment, perceived discrimination, and decisional autonomy during the most recent care experience.ResultsLatent class analyses (LCA) identified a four-class solution. <i>Humanizing care</i> (39.7%) featured high decisional autonomy and no mistreatment or perceived discrimination. <i>Subpar care</i> (30.7%) showed moderate autonomy with provider neglect, but no discrimination or provider aggression. <i>Dehumanizing care</i> (17.7%) and <i>patronizing care</i> (11.8%;) involved discrimination and neglect, with the former also facing judgement, aggression, and rights infringements, and the latter, low autonomy but no provider aggression. <i>Dehumanizing care</i> class participants were the youngest and most likely to be socially marginalized (e.g., gender- and sexually diverse, racialized, less educated) and to report poor mental health and poor sexual wellbeing. <i>Humanizing care</i> participants were predominantly older and cisheterosexual and were the least likely to report poor mental health and sexual wellbeing. <i>Subpar care</i> and <i>patronizing care</i> classes included more gender- and sexually diverse individuals and intermediate levels of poor mental health and sexual wellbeing.ConclusionThis study reveals systemic mistreatment in medical care and urges structural reforms, including anti-Black racism training and culturally competent, inclusive practices in gynaecology and obstetrics.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261455494"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13305653/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321245","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":"\"Hormones rule me\": A qualitative exploration of the impact of perimenopause on women with ADHD.","authors":"Christina Kini-Seery, Samantha Trevaskis, Ken Kilbride, Margo Wrigley, Jessica Bramham","doi":"10.1177/17455057261450178","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261450178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundPerimenopause appears to be a particularly complicated period for women with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), who report increased physical, sexual, and mood-related symptoms compared to neurotypical women.ObjectivesThe present study sought to investigate qualitatively how women with ADHD experience perimenopause.DesignThe present study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design.MethodsNineteen cisgender women with ADHD residing in Ireland (age range = 29-62, <i>M</i> = 47.17, <i>SD</i> = 6.59) participated in semi-structured. Interviews were conducted online, via Zoom or email, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.ResultsFour themes were developed. <i>\"It literally just hit me like a punch in the face\": Navigating emotional and cognitive changes</i> showcased the impact on ADHD and mental health. <i>\"I ache and I feel old\": Navigating physical changes</i> explored how the physical symptoms of perimenopause affect women relationship to their bodies, especially sexual symptoms. <i>\"Whatever I'm searching for perimenopause, it should be within the light of ADHD\": Navigating healthcare</i> highlighted the importance of integrated care for ADHD and perimenopause. <i>\"It's like going through a fire that burns off all that you don't need anymore\": Finding the positives</i> suggested that while challenging, perimenopause could bring new compassion and understanding for ADHD.ConclusionThese results highlight the complications and difficulties experienced by women with ADHD during perimenopause, and the importance of supporting them with integrated, affirming healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261450178"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13379672/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148474655","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":"Effect of relaxation practices on labour pain and choice of epidural: An exploratory mixed-method study.","authors":"Mo Tabib, Tracy Humphrey, Katrina Forbes-McKay","doi":"10.1177/17455057261435178","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261435178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Theoretical literature suggests utilising relaxation practices during labour can mitigate perceived pain. However, empirical evidence regarding their effectiveness in reducing epidural use remains inconclusive. Investigating women's experiences with relaxation techniques during labour, alongside their use of epidural, may provide further insights into these conflicting results.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate women's experiences regarding the impact of relaxation practices on labour pain and the utilisation of epidurals, following attendance at an antenatal relaxation class (ARC).</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>An exploratory sequential mixed method was used.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Phase 1 explored the experiences of women using qualitative interviews. Phase 2 was a prospective longitudinal cohort study using online surveys completed before and after attending ARC and post-birth.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 17 women interviewed in Phase 1, all 15 who experienced labour reported using '<b>relaxation for labour pain</b>' which enhanced their ability to <i>cope with labour pain</i>, resulting in <i>satisfaction and pride.</i> However, the effectiveness of these practices in influencing epidural use depended on the '<b>space for relaxation</b>' shaped by the physical <i>surroundings, clinical context</i>, and <i>birth attendants</i>. Among the 91 women who participated in Phase 2, both the 'intended use of epidural' post-class and the 'actual use of epidural' post-birth were significantly lower than the 'intended use of epidural' pre-class. Women whose labour started spontaneously reported using relaxation techniques at home to manage pain, and most delayed hospitalisation until labour was established.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Educating women on relaxation practices can enhance their ability to cope with labour pain and reduce the use of epidural for pain management.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261435178"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13065285/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635098","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":"Yearning for movement. A qualitative interview study exploring physical activity in the context of endometriosis-associated chronic pain.","authors":"Josefin Larsson, Birgit Heckemann, Emma Varkey, Axel Wolf, Sofia Jonsvik, Karin Sundfeldt, Paulin Andréll","doi":"10.1177/17455057261455291","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261455291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundChronic pain is a common symptom of endometriosis with significant negative impact on physical and social activities. Patients perceive that healthcare professionals lack knowledge about the condition, and that available treatment options provide insufficient pain relief. Physical activity is recommended for endometriosis-associated pain in Swedish guidelines. However, little is known about how patients perceive and engage in physical activity in daily life.ObjectivesTo explore physical activity, self-management strategies and healthcare experiences in individuals with endometriosis-associated chronic pain.DesignA qualitative descriptive design.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 15 participants between December 2021 and September 2022. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe overarching theme identified from the analysis, \"Yearning for movement\", captures both the strong desire to be physically active and the challenges of doing so while living with endometriosis-associated chronic pain. Three categories illuminate the various paths participants took in their efforts to manage physical activity. \"<i>Monitoring and assessing</i>\" describes participants' continuous monitoring of their pain and energy levels and assessment of their ability to participate in social or physical activities. \"<i>Seeking healthcare</i>\" describes the participants' needs for greater support and understanding from healthcare professionals. \"<i>Adapting and trying to take action</i>\" describes the actions the participants took to manage physical activity in daily living.ConclusionIndividuals living with endometriosis-associated chronic pain experience considerable limitations on physical functioning and a continuous time-consuming and laborious monitoring of pain and energy levels. Participants wished for increased knowledge about chronic pain and greater support for physical activity. These results call for improved support from healthcare for individuals suffering from endometriosis-associated chronic pain for both physical activity as well as pain-education.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261455291"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13195239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147990431","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":"Participants' perceptions of the preconception phase of the <i>Bukhali</i> trial for young women in Soweto, South Africa: A qualitative study.","authors":"Catherine E Draper, Nosibusiso Tshetu, Nokuthula Nkosi, Stephen J Lye, Shane A Norris","doi":"10.1177/17455057261469051","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261469051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe preconception phase of the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative <i>Bukhali</i> randomised controlled trial has been completed with young women in Soweto, South Africa. Given the gap in preconception care and interventions in low- and middle-income countries, and low levels of awareness about preconception health as a concept, it is important to understand participants' perceptions of this phase of the trial.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to report on trial participants' perceptions of the preconception phase of the trial, with a focus on its acceptability.DesignThis qualitative, descriptive study formed part of the <i>Bukhali</i> process evaluation.MethodsParticipants were purposively selected from the intervention (n=22) and control (n=17) arms of the <i>Bukhali</i> trial. Eight semi-structured focus groups were conducted with participants (two rounds of focus groups with same participants, including some replacements). A codebook thematic approach was taken to the descriptive process of data analysis.ResultsThe main themes identified were perceptions of preconception and pregnancy planning, perceived impact of the trial, motivation for staying involved in the trial, agency, and suggestions for preconception services. The trial was viewed as acceptable by women participating in both the intervention and control arms of the trial, but preconception remains an unfamiliar term. Terms such as pregnancy planning, family planning, and 'preventing' added to the confusion around the framing of health promotion for young women who are not pregnant. Participants preferred a longer intervention or service, and wanted this service to be delivered in a similar way to the <i>Bukhali</i> trial, not in clinics by nurses.ConclusionAddressing preconception health with young women in Soweto should be done in a way that is contextually relevant, and that over time, contributes to their learning and development, benefitting their physical and mental health, irrespective of their pregnancy plans or intentions.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261469051"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13519232/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148820435","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":"Exploring Indonesian midwives' training experiences and knowledge related to cervical screening and HPV DNA testing in East Nusa Tenggara province.","authors":"Sandra Olivia Frans, Ariane Utomo, Linda Rae Bennett","doi":"10.1177/17455057261487155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057261487155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundIndonesia has the highest rates of cervical cancer mortality in Southeast Asia, mainly due to poor access to and low uptake of cervical screening. Indonesian midwives are primarily responsible for conducting cervical screening, yet there is very limited research on their relevant knowledge, training and capacity to provide screening.ObjectiveThis study explored midwives' experiences of cervical screening training and their knowledge related to CC, cervical screening using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.DesignA qualitative study design was employed, based on primary data collected through fieldwork using semi-structured interviews and supplemented by a knowledge assessment questionnaire.MethodsTwenty-four midwives across two districts, one semi-urban and one rural, participated. Qualitative data were analysed using a codebook thematic analysis approach, and questionnaire data were descriptively analysed.ResultsMidwives' mean knowledge score was 75%, with midwives trained in cervical screening scoring higher than untrained midwives. Our findings highlighted inequitable access to training, with midwives in the more urban district having more access to training and higher knowledge. Midwives emphasised that adequate training and continuous practice of the VIA were crucial to building confidence in service delivery. Key knowledge gaps included poor understanding of the relationships between HPV infection, pre-cancer lesions, cervical cancer and its prevention. Midwives' poor knowledge of cervical cancer aetiology and asymptomatic pre-cancer lesions resulted in only recruited women who came with associated symptoms.ConclusionsGeographical inequality in human resource investment in remote areas limits women's access to quality cervical screening and impedes progress towards cervical cancer elimination. Supporting midwives through thorough and up-to-date training, including HPV DNA testing, is essential to increase screening access and uptake, and for the transition to HPV DNA testing.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261487155"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A longitudinal, qualitative exploration of women's sexual recovery following surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse.","authors":"Kaylee Ramage, Erin A Brennand, Lauren M Walker","doi":"10.1177/17455057261437391","DOIUrl":"10.1177/17455057261437391","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more female pelvic structures descend from their anatomic position into or through the vagina. Previous quantitative research has shown that POP may adversely affect sexual activity, with mixed results regarding the impact of surgical repair of POP on women's sexual activity.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our study addresses the need for longitudinal, qualitative research centering women's lived experiences of POP, examining women's sexual activity before and after POP surgery.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Qualitative.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted remote, longitudinal, qualitative interviews with women experiencing POP across three time points: prior to surgery, 3 months post-surgery, and 6 months post-surgery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three major themes emerged elucidating women's return to sexual activity after surgical repair of POP, experiences with sexual activity prior to and post-surgery, and sexual outcomes and rewards experienced prior to and post-surgery. Women's expectations for sexual activity post-surgery were not always achieved, and recovery time was often slower than anticipated; however, most women reported improved sexual activity by 6 months post-surgery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study highlights the complexity of women's sexual experiences before and after POP surgery. Clinical counseling around the impact of surgical repair of POP on sexual activity should include expectation management, including the timeline for recovery and which aspects of sexuality may improve.</p>","PeriodicalId":75327,"journal":{"name":"Women's health (London, England)","volume":"22 ","pages":"17455057261437391"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13110285/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147724906","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}