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Active Women (active + woman)
Selected AbstractsMuscle fibre size and capillarity in Korean diving womenACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2003K. A. Bae Abstract Aim:, Effects of prolonged habitual cold-water immersion on fibre size and capillarity in vastus lateralis muscle were studied in human beings. The hypothesis tested in the present study was that cold acclimatized human skeletal muscle would have reduced muscle fibre size and higher capillarity, favouring the idea of efficacy of recruitment under cold environment. Methods:, Ten women breath-hold divers (BHDs) and 10 active women (controls CONs) participated in this study. Muscle biopsy was obtained from vastus lateralis and determined fibre type composition and capillary density. Results: A major finding was that all BHDs revealed a markedly smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) in all fibre types than the CONs, or even than any other morphological data reported in previous investigations. Furthermore, mean CSA of type II fibre (range 1205,2766 ,m2) was much smaller than type I fibre (2343,4327 ,m2). The number of capillaries per fibre in different fibre types in the BHDs was higher than in the CONs (P < 0.001), and diffusional area was smaller in type II fibres than in type I fibres (P < 0.001). The BHDs and the CONs have similarity in the percentage of type I fibres, but type II fibre was predominant in both groups. Interestingly the proportion of type IIx fibre in the BHDs was higher (31%) than in the CONs (22%). No significant difference was found in the thigh circumference between the groups. Conclusion:, The present study demonstrates that prolonged habitual cold-water immersion may induce a decrease in fibre size and an increase in capillarity in human skeletal muscle. [source] Opportunistic screening for Chlamydia in general practice: the experience of health professionalsHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 4 2003Elizabeth Perkins Abstract Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common curable bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK. The infection is asymptomatic in up to 70% of women, and if untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Chlamydial infection can be diagnosed using urine testing and is easily treated with antibiotics. In 1999, the UK Department of Health funded a pilot opportunistic Chlamydia screening programme in two health authorities. All sexually active women between the ages of 16 and 24 years attending general practices and other healthcare settings, such as family planning clinics, antenatal clinics and genito-urinary medicine services, were offered the opportunity to be screened for Chlamydia, regardless of the purpose of their visit. This evaluation was funded to assess the feasibility and acceptability of opportunistic screening. The evaluation was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The present paper describes findings from the qualitative evaluation study arising from the health professionals' experience of opportunistic screening in general practice. Receptionists were central to the opportunistic screening model in general practice and it was this aspect of the model that raised most concerns. Whilst general practitioners reported that the involvement of receptionists saved them time, the receptionists themselves were sometimes drawn into discussions for which they felt ill equipped and unsuitably located. This research suggests that a call,recall national screening programme would provide a better model to undertake Chlamydia screening in general practice. The advantages of this model are threefold. First, each individual within the target age range can receive information about Chlamydia through the post. Secondly, the test and more detailed information can be managed by a practice nurse in a private and confidential setting. Thirdly, individuals are not repeatedly offered the test when visiting the surgery. [source] Functional Impact of Relative Versus Absolute Sarcopenia in Healthy Older WomenJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 11 2007Marcos Estrada MD OBJECTIVES: To determine whether adjustment of muscle mass for height2 or for body mass represents a more-relevant predictor of physical performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, using baseline data from a trial comparing upper- and lower-body training. SETTING: Women recruited from the community and gynecological practices in Connecticut. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty-nine healthy older (aged 67.5 ± 4.8), active women receiving estrogen for osteoporosis over 2 years. MEASUREMENTS: Total and appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) and fat mass (AFM) were determined using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance, muscle strength, and fitness measures were obtained at baseline. RESULTS: Adjusting ASM for height2 identifies lean women who are sarcopenic according to published standards yet fails to identify overweight and obese women whose ASM adjusted for body mass is low. ASM divided by body mass (ASM/body mass) is a stronger physical performance predictor, explaining 32.5%, 13.5%, 11.6%, 6.3%, and 6.8% of the variance in maximum time on treadmill, 6-minute walk, gait speed, 8-foot walk, and single leg stance, respectively, whereas ASM divided by height in m2 (ASM/height2) explained only 2.9%, 0.2%, 2.0%, 0.04%, and 0.1%. Multivariate modeling demonstrated considerable overlap in aspects of ASM/body mass and AFM/body mass associated with performance, with ASM/body mass dominant. In contrast, ASM/height2 is a much stronger predictor of leg press 1 repetition maximum and maximum power. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that relative sarcopenia with ASM adjusted for body mass is a better mobility predictor, with absolute sarcopenia a better indicator of isolated muscle group function in healthy postmenopausal women receiving estrogen replacement. [source] Body image and sexual problems in young women with breast cancerPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 7 2006Pat Fobair Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of body image and sexual problems in the first months after treatment among women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger. Background: Breast cancer treatment may have severe effects on the bodies of younger women. Surgical treatment may be disfiguring, chemotherapy may cause abrupt menopause, and hormone replacement is not recommended. Methods: A multi-ethnic population-based sample of 549 women aged 22,50 who were married or in a stable unmarried relationship were interviewed within seven months of diagnosis with in situ, local, or regional breast cancer. Results: Body image and sexual problems were experienced by a substantial proportion of women in the early months after diagnosis. Half of the 546 women experienced two or more body image problems some of the time (33%), or at least one problem much of the time (17%). Among sexually active women, greater body image problems were associated with mastectomy and possible reconstruction, hair loss from chemotherapy, concern with weight gain or loss, poorer mental health, lower self-esteem, and partner's difficulty understanding one's feelings. Among the 360 sexually active women, half (52%) reported having a little problem in two or more areas of sexual functioning (24%), or a definite or serious problem in at least one area (28%). Greater sexual problems were associated with vaginal dryness, poorer mental health, being married, partner's difficulty understanding one's feelings, and more body image problems, and there were significant ethnic differences in reported severity. Conclusions: Difficulties related to sexuality and sexual functioning were common and occurred soon after surgical and adjuvant treatment. Addressing these problems is essential to improve the quality of life of young women with breast cancer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pubic Hair Removal among Women in the United States: Prevalence, Methods, and CharacteristicsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2010Debra Herbenick PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Although women's total removal of their pubic hair has been described as a "new norm," little is known about the pubic hair removal patterns of sexually active women in the United States. Aims., The purpose of this study was to assess pubic hair removal behavior among women in the United States and to examine the extent to which pubic hair removal methods are related to demographic, relational, and sexual characteristics, including female sexual function. Methods., A total of 2,451 women ages 18 to 68 years completed a cross-sectional Internet-based survey. Main Outcome Measures., Demographic items (e.g., age, education, sexual relationship status, sexual orientation), cunnilingus in the past 4 weeks, having looked closely at or examined their genitals in the past 4 weeks, extent and method of pubic hair removal over the past 4 weeks, the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results., Women reported a diverse range of pubic hair-grooming practices. Women's total removal of their pubic hair was associated with younger age, sexual orientation, sexual relationship status, having received cunnilingus in the past 4 weeks, and higher scores on the FGSIS and FSFI (with the exception of the orgasm subscale). Conclusion., Findings suggest that pubic hair styles are diverse and that it is more common than not for women to have at least some pubic hair on their genitals. In addition, total pubic hair removal was associated with younger age, being partnered (rather than single or married), having looked closely at one's own genitals in the previous month, cunnilingus in the past month, and more positive genital self-image and sexual function. Herbenick D, Schick V, Reece M, Sanders S, and Fortenberry JD. Pubic hair removal among women in the United States: Prevalence, methods and characteristics. J Sex Med 2010;7:3322,3330. [source] Short-term Impact of Tension-free Vaginal Tape Obturator Procedure on Sexual Function in Women with Stress Urinary IncontinenceTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 4pt1 2010Hui-Hsuan Lau MD ABSTRACT Introduction., The tension-free vaginal tape obturator (TVT-O) procedure is one of the most commonly used anti-incontinence surgeries, but little is known about its impact on sexual function. Aim., To evaluate sexual function after the TVT-O procedure at 6 months postoperatively. Methods., Fifty-six sexually active women who underwent the TVT-O procedure for severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were evaluated using the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and 6 months after surgery. The perception of incontinence-related quality-of-life were also evaluated by the short form of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) to assess the effect of surgery on incontinence. Main Outcome Measures., Total score and score for each PISQ-12 item. Results., The mean total PISQ-12 score did not differ significantly before (24.0 ± 12.2) and after (23.0 ± 13.2) (P = 0.194) the TVT-O procedure. Scores for individual items on the PISQ-12 varied, with incontinence-related items improving but others, such as the frequency of achieving orgasm deteriorating for some women. The scores of UDI-6 and IIQ-7 were significantly improved by 6-month follow-up, indicating that the operation successfully resolved the incontinence. Conclusion., Despite successful amelioration of SUI by the TVT-O procedure, sexual function does not necessarily improve in the first 6 months after surgery. Lau H-H, Su T-H, Su C-H, Lee M-Y, and Sun FJ. Short-term Impact of tension-free vaginal tape obturator procedure on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence. J Sex Med 2010;7:1578,1584. [source] Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors of Female Sexual Difficulties: An Urban Iranian Population-Based StudyTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009Azita Goshtasebi MD ABTSRACT Introduction., Female sexual dysfunction is common, a multifactorial phenomenon with a potential to cause marital strain, impaired fertility, and poor quality of life. Epidemiologic data are scarce and little is known about the prevalence of sexual difficulties and the exact role of putative risk factors in Iran. Aim., To determine the prevalence of female sexual difficulties and the potential risk factors in an urban Iranian population. Methods., A cross-sectional study was performed in the province of Kohgilooyeh,Boyerahmad (KB) in the southwest of Iran and involved sexually active urban women aged 15 years and over, selected via a quota-based cluster sampling method. The study used an ad hoc questionnaire covering the demographic and reproductive variables as well as the data related to sexual difficulties. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models. The main outcome measures were the prevalence rates and the predictors of sexual difficulties. Main Outcome Measures., The prevalence of female sexual difficulties and the associated risk factors. Results., One thousand four hundred fifty-six sexually active women living in the urban areas of KB province in 2005 were selected. The mean age of the sample was 34.04 ± 9.2 (16,71) years and the mean number of completed grades was 7.18 (±4.8). More than 52% of the participants had experienced at least one type of sexual difficulty. The greatest and smallest frequencies were observed for orgasm difficulty (21.3%, confidence interval[CI]0.95 = 19.2,23.4%) and lubrication difficulty (11.9%, CI0.95 = 10.2,13.6%). Age, education, contraceptive modality, and obstetric/gynecologic procedures were all associated with at least one type of sexual dysfunction. Conclusion., Similar to previous studies, we found a relatively high prevalence of sexual difficulties in this urban population of low socioeconomic status. However, our results concerning the role of some demographic and reproductive variables in producing sexual difficulties were different from those reported by other researchers. Goshtasebi A, Vahdaninia M, and Rahimi Foroshani A. Prevalence and potential risk factors of female sexual difficulties: An urban Iranian population-based study. J Sex Med 2009;6:2988,2996. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,SURGERY: Short Term Impact on Female Sexual Function of Pelvic Floor Reconstruction with the Prolift ProcedureTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009Tsung-Hsien Su MD ABSTRACT Introduction., The Prolift system is an effective and safe procedure using mesh reinforcement for vaginal reconstruction of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but its effect on sexual function is unclear. Aim., To evaluate the impact of transvaginal pelvic reconstruction with Prolift on female sexual function at 6 months post-operatively. Methods., Thirty-three sexually active women who underwent Prolift mesh pelvic floor reconstruction for symptomatic POP were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery. Their sexual function was assessed by using the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and after surgery. The quality of life was also evaluated with the short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) as a control for efficacy of the procedure. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system was used to evaluate the degree of prolapse. Main Outcome Measures., PISQ-12 scores at 6 months post-operatively. Results., The total PISQ-12 score decreased from 29.5 ± 9.0 to 19.3 ± 14.7 (P < 0.001), indicating worsening of sexual function 6 months post-operatively. The behavioral, physical, and partner-related domains of PISQ-12 were each significantly reduced (5.2 ± 3.7 vs. 2.9 ± 3.7, P = 0.016; 15.4 ± 4.7 vs. 10.4 ± 8.6, P = 0.001; 8.9 ± 3.8 vs. 6.4 ± 5.5, P = 0.01, respectively). UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores were significantly improved at the 6-month follow-up, as was anatomic recovery. Of the 33 subjects, 24 (73%) had worse sexual function 6 months after the procedure. Conclusion., The Prolift procedure provided an effective anatomic cure of POP, but it had an adverse effect on sexual function at 6 months after surgery. Su TH, Lau HH, Huang WC, Chen SS, Lin TY, Hsieh CH, and Yeh CY. Short term impact on female sexual function of pelvic floor reconstruction with the Prolift procedure. J Sex Med 2009;6:3201,3207. [source] Association of Lifestyle and Relationship Factors with Sexual Functioning of Women During MidlifeTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009Rachel Hess MD ABSTRACT Introduction., As women progress through menopause, they experience changes in sexual functioning that are multifactorial, likely encompassing biological, psychological, and social domains. Aim., To examine the effects that physical activity, sleep difficulties, and social support have on partnered sexual activity and sexual functioning in women at different stages of the menopausal progression. Methods., As part of an ongoing 5-year longitudinal study, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of sexual functioning data. Main Outcome Measures., Participation in partnered sexual activities, reasons for nonparticipation in such activities among sexually inactive women, and, among sexually active women, sexual functioning defined as engagement in and enjoyment of sexually intimate activities. Results., Of 677 participants aged 41,68, 68% had participated in any partnered sexual activities (i.e., were sexually active) during the past 6 months. Reasons for sexual inactivity included lack of a partner (70%), lack of interest in sex (12%) or in the current partner (5%), and physical problems (4%). Sexually active participants tended to be younger, married, more educated, have more social support in general, fewer comorbid medical illnesses, a lower body mass index, and a higher prevalence of vaginal dryness. Among the sexually active participants, their scores for engagement in activities ranging from kissing to sexual intercourse were higher if they were physically active, had more social support, and lacked sleeping difficulties. Likewise, scores for sexual enjoyment were higher if they were physically active, had more social support, and lacked vaginal dryness. Engagement and enjoyment scores were not associated with marital status or other factors. Conclusions., In midlife women, having social support and being physically active are associated with enhanced sexual engagement and enjoyment. Hess R, Conroy MB, Ness R, Bryce CL, Dillon S, Chang CCH, and Matthews KA. Association of lifestyle and relationship factors with sexual functioning of women during midlife. J Sex Med 2009;6:1358,1368. [source] Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge in Cystic Fibrosis Female Patients and Their ParentsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009Aleksandra Korzeniewska MD ABSTRACT Introduction., The changing outcomes for young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients means that reproductive health issues have become an integral part of CF management. Aim., The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and experiences of reproductive and sexual health issues in women with CF and to investigate the knowledge and reproductive health attitudes of their parents. Main Outcome Measures., Assessment of reproductive and sexual health knowledge in female CF patients and their parents. Methods., A questionnaire study directed to 120 Polish women with CF aged 16 years and older and their parents. Results., Sixty-four patients and their parents responded to the questionnaire. Sixty-eight percent of the patients started sexual intercourse at a mean age of 19.2 years. Eighty-four percent of all sexually active women reported that they did not use any form of contraception. Only 32.8% of women understood the problems connected with their own and male fertility in CF. Popular scientific publications and other CF patients were identified as the most important source of information. Only 23% of parents understood the problems connected with female fertility in CF; 44% of parents thought that man with CF had normal fertility. Seventy-five percent of the women and 40% of the parents felt that sexual health discussions should begin between age 12 and 14 years with a CF doctor and the mother. Conclusions., Our study showed that significant knowledge gaps exist regarding fertility issues in both CF patients and CF parents. Women with CF have some general knowledge about sexual issues but insufficient knowledge to have a safe sexual life. The results helped us to develop the educational program for CF patients. Korzeniewska A, Grzelewski T, Jerzy,ska J, Majak P, So,oniewicz A, Stelmach W, and Stelmach I. Sexual and reproductive health knowledge in cystic fibrosis female patients and their parents. J Sex Med 2009;6:770,776. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,WOMEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH: Comparison of Androgens in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Those on Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) vs.THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006Those not on COCs ABSTRACT Introduction., Approximately one out of four sexually active women in the United States uses some form of hormonal contraceptive method because they provide the most effective reversible method of birth control available. However, little attention has been paid to possible adverse effects of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on sexual functioning. Aims., The aim of this study was to examine the potential effects of COCs on women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). It was hypothesized that female patients with generalized, acquired HSDD on COCs have lower androgen levels than those not on COCs. Methods., The patients were healthy premenopausal women with HSDD, aged 22,50 years. Subjects had a history of adequate sexual desire, interest, and functioning. Participants were required to be in a stable, monogamous, heterosexual relationship and were screened for any medication or medical or psychiatric disorders that impact desire. The patients met operational criteria for global, acquired HSDD. The 106 patients were divided into two groups: those on COCs (N = 43) and those not on COCs (N = 63). A two-tailed t -test comparison was made between the two groups comparing free and total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Main Outcome Measures., The main outcome measures are the differences between the two groups comparing free testosterone, total testosterone, and SHBG. Results., These patients with HSDD on COCs had significantly lower free and total testosterone levels compared with those who were not on COCs. The SHBG was significantly higher in the group on COCs compared with those who were not on COCs. Conclusion., The result of this study suggests that COCs in premenopausal women with HSDD are associated with lower androgen levels than those not on COCs. Further research is required to determine if low androgen levels secondary to COCs impact female sexual desire. Warnock JK, Clayton A, Croft H, Segraves R, and Biggs FC. Comparison of androgens in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Those on combined oral contraceptives (COCs) vs. those not on COCs. J Sex Med 2006;3:878,882. [source] Physical activity, Body Mass Index and health care costs in mid-age Australian womenAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2008Wendy J. Brown Abstract Objective: This study examined the relationships between combined categories of physical activity (PA) and Body Mass Index (BMI) with health care costs in women and assessed the potential cost savings of improving PA and BMI in sedentary mid-age women. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 2001 survey data linked to health service use data for the same year from 7,004 mid-age women (50-55 years) participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Results: The mean (median; interquartile range) annual cost of Medicare-subsidised services was $542 (355; 156-693) per woman. Costs were 17% higher in obese than in healthy-weight women and 26% higher in sedentary than in moderately active women. For sedentary obese women, mean costs were 43% higher than in healthy weight, moderately active women. After adjustment for potential confounders, the relative risk of ,high' claims (,15 claims per year) for overweight women who reported ,moderate' or ,high' PA were lower than for women with healthy BMI who reported no PA. Conclusions and Implications: Lower PA and higher BMI are both associated with higher health care costs, but costs are lower for overweight active women than for healthy-weight sedentary women. At the population level these data suggest that there would be significant cost savings if all sedentary mid-age women could achieve at least ,low' levels of PA (60-150 minutes a week). [source] | ||||||||||