A study of male friendly approach in obstetrics and gynaecology outpatient department

Background: Involvement of male relative in management of female reproductive disorders is low in many countries including India. Active participation of male relatives by establishing male friendly approach in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGY) outpatient department is a novel concept. This study explores the perceptions of male relatives accompanying the patients regarding male friendly approach which constitutes attitude of medical and paramedical staff towards them, involvement of male relatives in counseling and their role in decision making in obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department.Methods: This prospective study was carried out over three months in Obstetrics-Gynecology outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Male relatives accompanying the patient were enrolled in the study. The participants were allowed to remain present at the time of history taking and post examination counseling. They were also asked to be part of the decision making whenever required. Feedback from the male relatives was obtained using a questionnaire.Results: Out of 450 patients attending the OBGY Outpatient Department (OPD) during the three months study period 100 were accompanied by male relatives. Participation in decision making was the commonest reason for accompanying the patient (36%). All the male relatives involved in this study were satisfied with the approach of doctor and paramedical staff and 85% were willing to accompany their female relative at every visit.Conclusions: Making health services for women more male friendly would increase participation of male relative in healthcare of female reproductive disorders. This can improve women’s health and eventually reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality

Study of adaptability and efficacy of menstrual cup in managing menstrual health and hygiene

Background: Menstrual cups have been available for decades, but their use is limited by bulky design and the need for multiple sizes. However, some benefits have been reported like improvement in managing health and hygiene during menstruation, better information on the average menstrual fluid discharged by women during menstruation and attainment of more knowledge bridging the lacuna in knowledge about the adaptability and efficacy of menstrual cup as a better alternative to conventional options. The study is aimed towards assessing the adaptability and the effectiveness of menstrual cup by naïve users who have been using sanitary pads/tampons/cloth as conventional menstrual sanitary protection.Methods: The study was conducted at conducted Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society, Medical College and Hospital, Dharpur, Patan, Gujarat, India. Total 158 participants aged between ages of 20 to 50 years with regular menstrual cycle were enrolled in the study. Participants were provided menstrual cups to be used for three consecutive menstrual cycles. They were given detailed explanation/information about its usage. Feedback was obtained after every cycle for three cycles using a structured questionnaire.Results: The cup was preferred for comfort, dryness, and less odor. Insertion was easy for 80% participants and 90% participants found removal easy. Problem of leakage was encountered in 3-6%. There were few side effects like rashes, dryness or infection.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that this reusable vaginal device has no significant health risks and is acceptable to many women without the need for fitting or other medical services

A study of vaginismus in patients presenting with infertility

Background: Vaginismus is an uncommonly reported entity, most of the patients present to the gynaecologist with complaint of inability to conceive. Female sexual dysfunctions are a common entity but difficult to diagnose and treat, Vaginismus is one of the categories of female sexual dysfunction.Methods: Total 25 patients out of 900 patients attending the outdoor of Shivanjali Women’s Hospital for infertility from the year 2008 to 2016 were found to be having vaginismus. With couple’s consent females were treated for vaginismus. This is a retrospective study of 25 patients identified having vaginismus.Results: Maximum 11 patients were in age group of 20 to 25 years. Forty percent 10 patients improved with counselling and education, lubricant gel and analgesic gel. Total 84% (21) patients conceived with different modes of treatment.Conclusions: Vaginismus is uncommonly reported. With proper history and counselling of the couple vaginismus can be revealed, managed and conception can be achieved

Comparison of oral nifedipine and oral labetalol as a single drug therapy for control of blood pressure in preeclampsia

Background: Worldwide hypertension during pregnancy is a common cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Effective control of blood pressure is one of the important steps in management of preeclampsia. Few drugs like nifedipine, labetalol, methyldopa, and hydralazine have acceptable high safety profile during pregnancy.Methods: In this study 120 antenatal women with non-severe preeclampsia were compared by giving either nifedipine or labetalol as a single drug therapy for control of blood pressure. Various parameters like control of blood pressure, side effects of drugs, gestational age at the time of delivery, mode of delivery, any complication and perinatal outcome were assessed.Results: In this study authors found that in both group, adequate control of blood pressure was achieved. This study shows slightly higher rate of pre term delivery and LSCS with labetalol and minimal side effects with nifedipine but difference in each group is insignificant.Conclusions: Labetalol and nifedipine both the drugs are equally effective in reducing blood pressure and any of it can safely be used as a first choice of drug for management of hypertension in preeclampsia and it can be decided as per clinician’s experience and familiarity with drug