Minerva medica
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Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that generally affects young and sexually active women in different stages of their development and sexual life. Because endometriosis affects about 5-10% of women in reproductive age, it is possible to estimate that about 2-4% of those who are sexually active may suffer from sexual dysfunction caused by this disease. ⋯ For this reason, the ideal treatment should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team, with the aim to improve overall sexual functioning and not only to reduce the painful symptoms during intercourse. In light of these considerations, the aim of this narrative review was to provide a general overview about the impact of endometriosis on sexuality of women affected and the effectiveness of surgical and pharmacological treatments in improving sexual function.
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Endometriosis is a common disease in women of reproductive age. In addition to causing pain, it may also reduce fertility. The coexistence of endometriosis and congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) has been frequently reported in the published literature. The present report is a review of existing studies on the subject and our own hitherto unpublished data. ⋯ The analysis of the existing literature has revealed the absence of any consensus about the management, diagnosis, and classification of CUA, especially with regard to the septate uterus. We need to find and speak a common language in order to avoid inappropriate or unnecessary surgery and optimize the individual patient's treatment. The combined presence of endometriosis or adenomyosis and CUA is a reason to perform precise diagnostic imaging investigations and early surgery for the purpose of enhancing the chances of pregnancy in infertile patients. Further research is needed on the subject.
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Herpes zoster (HZ) infection is widespread in the general population - especially in the elderly - and can be associated with major sequelae such as post-herpetic neuralgia. Live attenuated zoster vaccine was licensed in Europe in May 2006 and in Italy in 2010; since March 2014, it has been commercially available in Italy. ⋯ This paper summarizes the virtuous experiences on the effectiveness of the HZ vaccine in the elderly, with a focus on the Italian scenario. Considering the current barriers to this immunization registered in some areas (difficulties of vaccine distribution, lack of physician recommendations, costs), proper educational and communication efforts should be pursued to guarantee a good coverage of HZ vaccination.
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Peri/postmenopausal endometriosis is not as rare as once we thought. Accumulated data revealed that around 1/3-1/4 of women with surgically-diagnosed endometriosis after the age of 40. The uneasiness of the issue of malignant transformation or malignancy in such women created a challenge for us. Here the management strategy for women with endometriosis after the age of 40 is discussed in the light of scientific evidence.