This study aimed to investigate changes in menstruation and the association of the severity of Omicron with menstruation after the nationwide outbreak of COVID-19 in China. A cross-sectional study adopted an electronic questionnaire to conduct an anonymous online survey. The survey targeted women of reproductive age who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, and were menstruating regularly in the six months prior to the infection, and experienced at least one menstrual cycle after the infection. The 737 included participants were divided into mild and severe groups based on the severity of the infection. Deviations in first menstrual cycle post-infection were reported in 46.4% of participants (mild group 40.1% vs. severe group 55.2%, P<0.05). Menstrual changes were predominantly a late menstrual period (mild group 25.3% vs. severe group 30.4%), a shorter duration of menstrual flow (mild group 10.4% vs. severe group 14.7%), and a decrease in menstrual flow volume (mild group 16% vs. severe group 21.6%). Premenstrual syndrome symptoms in a small number of women were worse compared with pre-infection, especially in the severe group. During the second menstrual period after infection, most participants reported their menstrual characteristics had returned to those of pre-infection (mild group 88% vs. severe group 80.2%, P<0.05). In this investigation, SARS-CoV-2 infection had a substantial effect on women\'s menstrual characteristics, and the changes were mostly transient. Women with more severe COVID-19 symptoms experienced more significant changes. The potential long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on female reproductive health require further observation and research.
Cette étude visait à étudier les changements dans la menstruation et l\'association entre la gravité d\'Omicron et la menstruation après l\'épidémie nationale de COVID-19 en Chine. Une étude transversale a adopté un questionnaire électronique pour mener une enquête anonyme en ligne. L\'enquête visait les femmes en âge de procréer qui avaient été infectées par le SRAS-CoV-2, qui avaient leurs règles régulièrement au cours des six mois précédant l\'infection et qui ont connu au moins un cycle menstruel après l\'infection. Les 737 participants inclus ont été divisés en groupes légers et sévères en fonction de la gravité de l\'infection. Des écarts dans le premier cycle menstruel post-infection ont été signalés chez 46,4 % des participantes (groupe léger 40,1 % contre groupe sévère 55,2 %, P <0,05). Les changements menstruels étaient principalement une période menstruelle tardive (groupe léger 25,3 % contre groupe sévère 30,4 %), une durée plus courte du flux menstruel (groupe léger 10,4 % contre groupe sévère 14,7 %) et une diminution du volume du flux menstruel (groupe léger). 16 % contre groupe sévère 21,6 %). Les symptômes du syndrome prémenstruel chez un petit nombre de femmes étaient pires que ceux observés avant l\'infection, en particulier dans le groupe sévère. Au cours de la deuxième période menstruelle après l\'infection, la plupart des participantes ont déclaré que leurs caractéristiques menstruelles étaient revenues à celles d\'avant l\'infection (groupe léger 88 % contre groupe sévère 80,2 %, P <0,05). Dans cette enquête, l’infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 a eu un effet substantiel sur les caractéristiques menstruelles des femmes, et les changements ont été pour la plupart transitoires. Les femmes présentant des symptômes plus graves de la COVID-19 ont connu des changements plus importants. Les effets potentiels à long terme du SRAS-CoV-2 sur la santé reproductive des femmes nécessitent des observations et des recherches plus approfondies.

BACKGROUND: Over 265 000 women are living with HIV in the USA, but limited research has investigated the physical, mental and behavioural health outcomes among women living with HIV of reproductive age. Health status during the reproductive years before, during and after pregnancy affects pregnancy outcomes and long-term health. Understanding health outcomes among women living with HIV of reproductive age is of substantial public health importance, regardless of whether they experience pregnancy. The Health Outcomes around Pregnancy and Exposure to HIV/Antiretrovirals (HOPE) study is a prospective observational cohort study designed to investigate physical and mental health outcomes of young women living with HIV as they age, including HIV disease course, engagement in care, reproductive health and choices and cardiometabolic health. We describe the HOPE study design, and characteristics of the first 437 participants enrolled as of 1 January 2024.
METHODS: The HOPE study seeks to enrol and follow 1630 women living with HIV of reproductive age, including those with perinatally-acquired HIV, at 12 clinical sites across 9 US states and Puerto Rico. HOPE studies multilevel dynamic determinants influencing physical, mental and social well-being and behaviours of women living with HIV across the reproductive life course (preconception, pregnancy, post partum, not or never-pregnant), informed by the socioecological model. Key research areas include the clinical course of HIV, relationship of HIV and antiretroviral medications to reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes and comorbidities and the influence of racism and social determinants of health. HOPE began enrolling in April 2022.
BACKGROUND: The HOPE study received approval from the Harvard Longwood Campus Institutional Review Board, the single institutional review board of record for all HOPE sites. Results will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed journals and lay summaries.

Despite ongoing medical advancements in infertility treatment, the significant impact of sexuality on this journey often goes unaddressed. The present research aims to examine sexual conversations during ART visits, including who initiate the conversation and their content.This quali-quantitative study delves into analyzed video-recorded ART visits to explore how \"sex\" conversations are broached during healthcare interactions. Our findings reveal a strikingly low proportion of utterances related to sexuality, accounting for only 1.3% of the total 14,372 utterances analyzed. Sex utterances were mainly introduced by physicians (72%), while regarding those introduced by the couple, 64% were reported by men. From the qualitative analysis on the utterances emerged three distinct levels of communication about sex: explicit, almost explicit, and implicit. While physicians and males exhibit an almost balanced distribution across the 3 levels, female patients primarily respond to explicit and almost explicit communication initiated by physicians. The low percentage of sexual utterances underscores the rarity of these conversations during ART interactions, despite the clinical field where sexual health should deserve a crucial attention. Opening the door to conversations about sexuality could help to create a safe and supportive space for patients to talk about sex, with a potential impact on well-being and quality of care during the ART process.

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of health literacy and the self-care skills in improving individual and social health and health costs reduction, scientific evidence indicates women\'s poor awareness of self-care needs and low health literacy concerning reproductive and sexual health in most societies. The present study was conducted to specify the effect of health awareness promotion on self-care needs and reproductive and sexual health literacy of newly married women.
METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 newly married women aged 15-45 in Tehran, Iran from August 2021 to the end of December 2021. The participants were randomly assigned into the intervention (n = 32) and control (n = 32) groups. The intervention group received four individual health awareness-promotion education sessions. The reproductive and sexual self-care needs, and sexual health literacy questionnaires, were completed before and 4-week after the intervention through interview. The data were analyzed using SPSS26 software. The independent t-tests and ANCOVA were used to comparison the mean scores and a significance level of P < 0.05 was considered.
RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that after counseling, the average overall score of perceived reproductive and sexual self-care needs significantly decreased in the intervention group [Mean (standard deviation(SD)): 125.70 (24.70)] compared to the control group [Mean (SD): 87.1 (23.42)][P = 0.001]. Also, the mean score of sexual and reproductive health literacy significantly increased in the intervention group [Mean (SD): 125.50 (14.09)] compared to the control group [Mean (SD): 97.15 (14.90)] after intervention [P = 0.01].
CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the positive effect of health promotion awareness educations on reproductive and sexual self-care needs and health literacy among newly married women. Therefore, health promotion interventions should be incorporated in health services provision programs for newly married women in comprehensive health centers to improve the health of women and families.
BACKGROUND: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20171007036615N7 Date of registration: 2021-09-21. URL: https://fa.irct.ir/trial/58597 .

UNASSIGNED: Depression is a global health concern with significant consequences, especially for women. Hormonal changes and gender disparities contribute to its prevalence. Hormonal contraceptives are widely used among women of reproductive age, but some users report mood-related side effects.
UNASSIGNED: This study aims to investigate the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and depression among women in Mogadishu, Somalia.
UNASSIGNED: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at two hospitals in Mogadishu, targeting married women aged 15-49 using hormonal contraceptives. A sample size of 227 participants was determined, and data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, including multivariate logistic regression.
UNASSIGNED: The prevalence of depression among participants was 33.5%, with significant associations observed between depression and occupation, income level, type of hormonal contraceptive used, and duration of contraceptive use. Housewives, individuals with lower income, users of oral pills and implant methods, as well as those with shorter durations of contraceptive use, constituted the high-risk groups for depression.
UNASSIGNED: Depression poses a concern among women using hormonal contraceptives in Mogadishu, Somalia. Healthcare providers should educate women about potential side effects and consider individualized contraceptive recommendations. Mental health support initiatives and awareness campaigns should be introduced. Future research is recommended to further understand and address depression in this context.

Introduction: Epidemiological evidence over the last few decades has consistently shown that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes, including male and female infertility, poor-pregnancy outcomes, and increased risk of diseases in childhood and beyond. To investigate the effects of EDCs and lifestyle on all aspects of reproduction (including early oocyte development, fertilization, embryo development, embryo implantation, abortion, and preterm birth). Methods: We performed this cohort study on patients receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Biological samples including urine, serum, follicular fluid, semen, fetal tissue, decidua, and placenta, were obtained. Results: By studying the correlations between reproductive outcomes and environmental pollutant exposure and lifestyle, we determined the toxicological mechanisms and health effects of EDCs on female reproductive health. We found that higher concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were correlated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Using specific biomarkers, we also detected the concentrations of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in urine and found that OPFRs may disrupt hormone homeostasis. Discussion: All of these results reveal EDCs may disrupt female reproduction.

This study explores the influence of situational context on parent-adolescent communication about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues in the urban slums of Ibadan, Nigeria. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in the Southeast and Northeast LGAs of Ibadan. Eight (8) vignette-based focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents and adolescents of both sexes were conducted in addition to four (4) key informant interviews (KIIs) with community and women\'s leaders. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was adopted using ATLAS Ti 9 software. Findings portray SRH meanings and experiences, intergenerational cultural norms, and expectations for SRH, gender double standards in SRH discussion, streetwise SRH knowledge, and social media exposure as contexts that interfere with parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues. The findings show that despite understanding the need for SRH discussion, parents and adolescents lack effective communication on SRH issues due to the interference of unfiltered streetwise SRH knowledge and social media exposure. Also, SRH conversation between parents and adolescents promotes gender inequalities as different information is passed to adolescent girls and boys. Interventions that take into account situational occurrences must be geared towards enabling parents to give their adolescents early exposure to relevant, context-specific SRH knowledge.

UNASSIGNED: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of childbearing age. High levels of voluntary childlessness and high levels of pregnancy-related fears have been reported amongst these patients in several quantitative studies. We investigated the lived experiences of pregnant patients to better understand decision-making processes around family planning.
UNASSIGNED: Nine participants between 7 and 34 weeks pregnant (6 Crohn\'s Disease/3 Ulcerative Colitis), with an age range of 22-39 were recruited prospectively from three United Kingdom hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and audio recorded. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret the data.
UNASSIGNED: Two main themes emerged: 1) IBD is perceived as a threat to family planning; and 2) healthcare professional advice, support, and reassurance was important. IBD was viewed as a potential threat to fertility and reproductive health. Consequently, women\'s lived experience of pregnancy is shaped by anxiety and pregnancy-related worries for mother and baby. Mothers actively sought out expert medical assurances to alleviate some of the perceived fears.
UNASSIGNED: Previous research has repeatedly found that women with IBD exhibit high levels of pregnancy-related worries and anxieties. Our findings find that high levels of anxiety are due to patients\' perceptions that IBD is a threat to their reproductive health and their offspring. Women relied on a medicalized discourse to understand their IBD experiences during pregnancy and actively sought biomedical resources for assistance before and during pregnancy. Consultants should be aware that when dealing with pregnant patients, some women may experience anxiety and require extra support.

UNASSIGNED: many young people globally grapple with early pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STD), especially in regions like Africa and particularly Niger due to high poverty rates. Various sexual and reproductive health (SRH) projects aim to address these challenges. This study evaluated the JADES 2 project\'s implementation of SRH services provided focusing on the quality of these services in Niger in 2021.
UNASSIGNED: a cross-sectional evaluative study was conducted based on Donabedian and Bruce\'s theory from March 10 to August 15, 2021, in Niger. The evaluation was carried out through the analysis of supervision data, administration of questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews in 9 Integrated Health Centers and Youth-Friendly Centers. Across these sites, 203 adolescents and young people, as well as 9 healthcare workers involved in providing SRH services, were interviewed. The composite indicator in the field developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000 was used.
UNASSIGNED: the quality score estimated for the project was 67% indicating that the services provided was of good quality. The majority (56%) of surveyed people were very satisfied with the services received, and 65% were aware of at least two methods of preventing Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and three methods of preventing early pregnancies.
UNASSIGNED: the SRH services implemented are of acceptable quality. The study identified gaps in the process of service provision, particularly regarding confidentiality and the availability of inputs and medications.

BACKGROUND: There is debate about the causes of the recent birth rate decline in high-income countries worldwide. During the pandemic, concern about the effects on reproductive health has caused vaccine hesitancy. We investigated the association of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection with involuntary childlessness.
METHODS: Females in fertility age within a prospective multicenter cohort of healthcare workers (HCW) were followed since August 2020. Data on baseline health, SARS-CoV-2-infection, and vaccination were obtained and regularly updated, in which serum samples were collected repetitively and screened for anti-nucleocapsid and anti-spike antibodies. In October 2023, participants indicated the presence of involuntary childlessness with onset during the pandemic, whereas those indicating an onset before the pandemic were excluded. The association of involuntary childlessness and SARS-CoV-2-vaccination and infection was investigated using univariable and multivariable analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to compare those reporting involuntary childlessness with those birthing a child since 2020.
RESULTS: Of 798 participants, 26 (3.2%) reported involuntary childlessness starting since the pandemic. Of the involuntary childless women, 73.1% (19/26) were vaccinated compared to 86.0% (664/772) without involuntary childlessness (p = 0.73). SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported by 76.9% (20/26) compared to 72.4% (559/772) of controls (p = 0.64). Neither SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (aOR 0.91 per dose, 95%CI 0.67-1.26) nor infection (aOR per infection 1.05, 95%CI 0.62-1.71) was associated with involuntary childlessness. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these results.
CONCLUSIONS: Among female HCW of fertility age, 3.2% indicated involuntary childlessness, which is comparable to pre-pandemic data. No association between involuntary childlessness and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection was found.