Explore the vast range of titles available.

\"The ... memoir of one brave woman who, along with her daughters, has kept tens of thousands of her fellow Somali citizens safe, healthy, and educated for more than twenty years\"--Dust jacket flap.

Introduction Sexual health is an important aspect of quality of life, yet both healthcare professionals and patients might hesitate to bring up the topic during appointments. Our study investigated obstetrician‐gynecologists' (OB/GYNs') self‐reported competences in discussing and treating sexual problems, as well as the barriers to bringing up the subject. An additional aim was to evaluate the need for continuing education in sexual medicine. Material and methods A web‐based questionnaire was sent to the members of The Finnish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 1212). The survey was completed by 328 respondents (275 specialists and 53 OB/GYN residents). Their background information (gender, age, education, occupational status, daily number of patients, and daily number of patients with sexual health issues) was assessed. The questionnaire included four fields: (A) self‐reported competence in discussing and treating patients with sexual problems (three questions), (B) the barriers to bringing up sexual problems with patients (nine questions), (C) the source of education in sexual medicine (two questions), and (D) the need for education in sexual medicine (two questions). Results Most of the OB/GYNs self‐reported their competence to be good in discussing sexual problems, but poor in treating patients' sexual problems. The male OB/GYNs reported better competence than did the females. Several barriers were identified—most frequently, “shortness of the appointment time” (76%), “lack of knowledge about sexual medicine” (75%), and “lack of experience with sexual medicine” (74%). Older OB/GYNs and male OB/GYNs reported fewer barriers. The majority of the respondents considered their previous education in sexual medicine to be insufficient, especially in medical school (95%), but also in residency (83%), and they reported a need for additional education. Conclusions Our study indicated several barriers that hindered OB/GYNs from assessing sexual problems during appointments. Although OB/GYNs reported a good competence in discussing sexual problems, they reported a poor competence in treating them. Their previous education in sexual medicine was rated as insufficient, and continuing education was desired. The information provided by our study can be used for improving and organizing education in sexual medicine, which is crucial for diminishing the barriers to discussing and treating sexual problems. Obstetrician‐gynecologists self‐reported a good competence in discussing, but a poor competence in treating sexual problems. The majority considered their current state of education in sexual medicine insufficient.

Background Evidence indicates benefits of HPV vaccination beyond primary prevention, including for women treated for high-grade lesions (HSIL/CIN2+), immunocompromised individuals, and healthcare personnel. Despite comprehensive guidelines, clinical implementation remains inconsistent. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Polish obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) regarding HPV vaccination, with emphasis on recommendations extending beyond primary prevention. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Polish OBGYNs between October 2024 and June 2025 as part of a European Federation for Colposcopy initiative. The anonymous questionnaire assessed attitudes, guideline awareness, clinical practice patterns, and demographics. Descriptive statistics were applied. Results Respondents demonstrated broadly positive attitudes toward HPV vaccination, with nearly all reporting that they inform patients about adult vaccination options. Adherence to national regulations was high (> 97%), and most participants were familiar with recommendations from professional societies. Younger physicians, vaccinated respondents, and OBGYNs with completed specialty training reported the highest awareness of guidelines and were most supportive of vaccination beyond primary prevention. A significant proportion endorsed vaccination for women treated for HSIL/CIN2+, individuals with HIV, and immunosuppressed patients after organ transplantation. Strong support was also expressed for expanding reimbursement to improve adult access. Furthermore, respondents emphasized the importance of randomized controlled trials to validate extended indications and guide evidence-based policy. Conclusion Polish OBGYNs show strong support for HPV vaccination, including extended use in high-risk groups. Ongoing education and further clinical research are needed to guide consistent implementation and inform evidence-based policy.

Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYNs) mothers, serving dual roles as healthcare providers and patients, present an interesting demographic for studying this dynamic, particularly in China where empirical data on this subject is limited. The study aimed to determine whether OB-GYNs experience better pregnancy outcomes compared to non-physician women, hypothesizing that their medical background could lead to different health behaviors and outcomes. This was a retrospective matched cohort study conducted at the Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. It included 100 OB-GYNs who gave birth between January 2012 and April 2022 and a matched control group of 200 non-medical background women. Outcomes measured were Cesarean section rates, emergency cesarean section, operative vaginal delivery, birth weight, Apgar score, and various pregnancy and childbirth complications. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, generalized estimating equation model and Fisher’s exact tests. Cesarean section rates were similar between OB-GYNs (32%) and non-physicians (36.5%). OB-GYNs had similar incidences of pregnancy complications compared with non-physicians except postpartum hemorrhage (0% in OB-GYNs vs. 5.5% in non-physicians, P  = 0.018). The findings indicate that OB-GYNs do not differ significantly from non-physician women in terms of Cesarean section rates and incidences of pregnancy complications except postpartum hemorrhage.

This cross-sectional study evaluated gynecologists' attitudes, practices, and knowledge of obstetricians in Egypt towards virginity testing (VT). The study involved 120 gynecologists from private clinics and hospitals in Ismailia, Egypt. The questionnaire was developed in three sections: Section one asked questions on participants' socio demographic backgrounds, while Section two inquired on the gynecologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning VT. Section three of the questionnaire solicited information from the respondents about the characteristics of women who were submitted for VT. The results showed that 82.5% of the participants were unable to adequately identify VT. Sixty-five (54.2%) of the participants reported negative attitudes towards VT. The most common motivation for performing VT was the exclusion of an imperforate hymen in 70% of participants. 68.2% of women who presented for VT were unmarried, and 80.8% were Muslims. Virginity testing is practiced among Egyptian gynecologists despite the lack of accurate knowledge and a positive attitude towards its disadvantages. Cette étude transversale a évalué les attitudes, les pratiques et les connaissances des gynécologues-obstétriciens en Égypte concernant le test de virginité (TV). L'étude a porté sur 120 gynécologues exerçant dans des cliniques et hôpitaux privés d'Ismaïlia, en Égypte. Le questionnaire était composé de trois sections : la première portait sur le profil sociodémographique des participants, la deuxième sur leurs connaissances, leurs attitudes et leurs pratiques relatives au TV, et la troisième sur les caractéristiques des femmes ayant subi un TV. Les résultats ont montré que 82,5 % des participants étaient incapables d'identifier correctement un TV. Soixante-cinq (54,2 %) d'entre eux ont exprimé des attitudes négatives à son égard. La principale motivation pour la réalisation d'un TV était l'exclusion d'un hymen imperforé (70 % des participants). 68,2 % des femmes ayant subi un TV étaient célibataires et 80,8 % étaient musulmanes. Les tests de virginité sont pratiqués par certains gynécologues égyptiens malgré un manque de connaissances précises et une attitude plutôt positive face à leurs inconvénients.

The Japanese government suspended its proactive recommendation for routine HPV vaccination for nine years, from June 2013 to May 2022, due to concerns about unconfirmed reports of adverse events. This study represents the fifth in our ongoing series of surveys assessing Japanese obstetricians’ and gynecologists’ attitudes toward HPV vaccination, and the first survey conducted since the recommendation was reinstated. In January 2024, we distributed a questionnaire to 632 obstetricians and gynecologists affiliated with Osaka University Hospital. The survey evaluated their attitudes toward HPV vaccination for both daughters and sons. A total of 348 specialists (55.1%) responded. After the government resumed its proactive recommendation, approximately 90% of their daughters had received or planned to receive the HPV vaccine. Among daughters eligible for catch-up vaccination, 71.4% had been vaccinated. Over 70% of respondents agreed that boys should also routinely receive HPV vaccination. Among those with sons aged 12 to 16 at the time of approval for boys, 12.5% had vaccinated them. Most respondents ensured HPV vaccination for their daughters, and some for their sons. Encouraging physicians from other specialties to do the same may help promote widespread HPV vaccine uptake in Japan.

The purpose of this study was to document current awareness, attitudes, and training regarding the care of women with disabilities by obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) and explore barriers that may explain observed discrepancies in care. One thousand ob-gyns, including 500 members of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network (CARN), were surveyed on practice accessibility, training, awareness, barriers, beliefs, comfort, challenges, practices, contraceptive counseling, and preconception/pregnancy counseling. CARN, 49.0%, and non-CARN, 19.4%, members completed the survey for an overall response rate of 33.9%. Most respondents indicated feeling \"somewhat\" (57.5%) or \"very\" (21.9%) aware of the special healthcare needs of women with disabilities. Only 17.2%, however, received any information or training on the provision of healthcare to women with disabilities. Eighty-one percent agreed somewhat or strongly that women with disabilities are less likely to receive comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Respondents who provided contraceptive counseling (94.3%) initiated it with women of reproductive age who did not have a disability more frequently than those who had a disability. Finally, only 19.3% felt \"definitely\" adequately equipped to manage the pregnancies of women with disabilities. Women with disabilities require reproductive healthcare no less than women without disabilities; however, the evidence consistently identifies disparities. This study suggests that while ob-gyn providers are aware of these issues, they lack adequate training and resources to provide equal care.

Surgical smoke is the gaseous by-product produced by heat generating devices in various surgical operations including laser conization and loop electrosurgical procedures that often are performed by gynecologists. Surgical smoke contains chemicals, blood and tissue particles, bacteria, and viruses, which has been shown to exhibit potential risks for surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and technicians in the operation room due to long term exposure of smoke. In this review, we describe the detailed information of the components of surgical smoke. Moreover, we highlight the effects of surgical smoke on carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and infection in gynecologists. Furthermore, we discussed how to prevent the surgical smoke via using high-filtration masks and smoke evacuation systems as well as legal guidelines for protection measures among the gynecologists.

Background: Historically, menopausal symptoms have been hugely under-treated and under-reported, with many women struggling to manage intrusive, bothersome symptoms which can significantly affect quality of life. In the past couple of years, awareness of the impact of the menopause has risen in the public health agenda but many women are still not receiving adequate information and support. Aim: To gain an in-depth understanding of the barriers that impact women's access to treatment and uptake of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Design and Setting: Qualitative study with perimenopausal and menopausal women, general practitioners (GPs) and gynaecologists in the UK. Methods: Sixty-minute in-depth interviews conducted with 20 menopausal women, 30 GPs and 10 gynaecologists. Data from the interviews were analysed thematically. Results: Barriers to seeking help for menopausal symptoms include: a lack of knowledge of the full range of symptoms, stigma, embarrassment and the belief that it is part of normal ageing. Previous negative experience in accessing advice or treatment discouraged women from pursuing help. There are substantial differences in the beliefs and attitudes towards the menopause amongst GPs and often a lack of confidence in prescribing HRT. Secondary care services can consequently be overwhelmed by an explosion in uncomplicated referrals which could be effectively managed in primary care. Conclusion: There are barriers at each point in the management pathway: from women not feeling empowered to seek medical advice, to some women feeling their symptoms are dismissed by healthcare professionals (HCP); or HCPs not recognising some of the less common menopausal symptoms, not offering options for treatment, both hormonal and non-hormonal, or offering onward specialist referral for complex issues outside their expertise. There are multiple opportunities to address these gaps in knowledge, including the use of HCP education and culturally appropriate leaflets to reach a wider range of perimenopausal and menopausal women. Keywords: menopause, treatment barriers, patient research, hormone replacement therapy