Journal of women's health
-
Journal of women's health · Jul 2020
Topical Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptor Agonist Applied to the Nipple/Areola Complex Improves Female Orgasmic Function.
Background: The impact of nipple sensation and its relationship to sexual function have often been neglected in medical literature. However, several recent studies report the importance of the nipple/areola complex (NAC) in sexual arousal and overall function. The nipple is composed of smooth muscle that can be erected via adrenergic nerves. ⋯ The arousal, lubrication, and orgasm domains of the female sexual function index (FSFI) were used to measure sexual function. Results: The application of phenylephrine hydrochloride was shown to increase nipple sensitivity to pressure by an average of 20% in our cohort of 13 breast augmentation patients. In addition, it was shown that intermittent application of the alpha-1 agonist for 8 weeks increased basal NAC sensitivity. In the follow-up pilot study, we demonstrate that stimulation of the NAC with RJ101 produced statistically significant increases versus placebo in the lubrication and orgasm domains of the FSFI, p = 0.0226 and p = 0.0269, respectively. Conclusion: For the first time, we demonstrate that the application of a topical alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist or a norepinephrine-releasing agent increases the sensitivity of the NAC and subsequently significantly improves sexual function.
-
Background: As the first large numbers of female physicians complete their careers, information is needed to enable institutions and individuals to optimize the final career phase and transition to retirement of these women, as well as to help younger women physicians prepare for later phases of their careers. Materials and Methods: To identify the leading issues for older female physicians, a 34-item electronic questionnaire covering heath, finances, preparation for and attitudes about retirement, caretaking responsibilities, life-work integration, various aspects of discrimination and harassment, professional isolation, and work-related stress and burnout-incorporating standardized measures of career satisfaction was distributed through the Kansas Medical Society and nationally through the American Medical Association Senior Physicians Section newsletter to female physicians older than 60 years in 2018. A total of 155 physicians self-identified as eligible and completed at least half of the survey. Results: Respondents were 60-87 years of age, mean 70.4 (±6.4) years. The majority reported good health and being financially well prepared for retirement. ⋯ Measures of career and job satisfaction were reasonably high, despite negative work environment and burnout scores. Problems with family/career balance, age- and gender-based discrimination and harassment, salary inequity, and professional isolation persisted throughout their careers, but diminished in frequency for senior women. Conclusions: Issues faced by younger women physicians do not disappear with age or seniority. To recruit and support female physicians, issues such as balancing family/work responsibilities, combating harassment and bias, and promoting healthy work environments must be addressed throughout their entire careers.
-
Journal of women's health · Jul 2020
Beyond Birth Control: Noncontraceptive Benefits of Hormonal Methods and Their Key Role in the General Medical Care of Women.
Contraceptives that contain estrogen and/or progestins are used by millions of women around the world to prevent pregnancy. Owing to their unique physiological mechanism of action, many of these medications can also be used to prevent cancer and treat multiple general medical conditions that are common in women. ⋯ This article will describe the specific mechanisms of action and summarize the available data documenting how hormonal contraceptives can prevent ovarian and uterine cancer and be used to treat women with a variety of gynecological and nongynecological conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding, polycystic ovary syndrome, acne, and migraines. Contraceptive methods containing estrogen and progestin can be used for a wide variety of medical issues in women.
-
Background: Limited surveillance of preconception care (PCC) impedes states' ability to monitor access and provision of quality PCC. In response, we describe PCC indicators and the evaluation process used to identify a set of PCC indicators for state use. Materials and Methods: The Surveillance and Research Workgroup and Clinical Workgroup of the National Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative used a systematic process to identify, evaluate, and prioritize PCC indicators from nationwide public health surveillance systems that Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programs can use for state-level surveillance using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). ⋯ After conducting evaluations, obtaining stakeholder input, and consulting with subject matter experts, the list was narrowed to 30 PCC indicators for states to consider using in their MCH programs to inform the need for new strategies and monitor programmatic activities. PRAMS is the data source for 27 of the indicators, and BRFSS is the data source for three indicators. Conclusions: The identification and evaluation of population-based PCC indicators that are available at the state level increase opportunities for state MCH programs to document, monitor, and address PCC in their locales.