Is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) more of a strain regarding satisfaction with marital quality for male or female partners? A three-year follow-up study

Introduction: Men and women with a hereditary genetic disease are faced with different options when they plan to become parents. One is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) which is a combination of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic analysis of the embryo before implantation. The present study focuses on how men and women planning for PGD experience the quality of marital satisfaction when they apply for treatment and again, three years later. Methods: The study was a prospective cohort study where all couples (n = 22) applying for PGD during 2010 and 2011 were eligible. Nineteen women and 17 men (i.e. 17 couples and two women) participated. Participants answered several questionnaires (Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Parental Stress Questionnaire) before PGD treatment, and again three years later. Results: Women who underwent PGD rated the quality of their marital relationship similarly to that of first-time parents and IVF couples, whereas men rated the marital quality somewhat lower than the contrasts groups. Satisfaction with marital quality was stable over the three-year period although men were less satisfied than women on both occasions. At year three, there was a significant correlation between martial satisfaction and parental stress in men, and between martial satisfaction and anxiety and depression in women. Discussion: Men are equally, or more, affected by their situation than their female partners, with consequences for satisfaction with marital quality. For this reason they should be included in any counselling offered

EXPERIENCES OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION FROM HEALTH CARE STAFF REGARDING REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF FEMALE CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS IN SWEDEN

Background With increasing number of childhood cancer survivors, there is a growing population of adult survivors that reach reproductive age. Long-term side effects of cancer treatment can include damage to the reproductive organs and lead to premature ovarian failure. The purpose of the study was to examine female childhood cancer survivors’, participating in long-term follow-up, experiences of communication and information regarding fertility and reproductive health outcomes. We also aimed to investigate how they experienced the transition from pediatric to adult health services. Methods Participants for the study were all part of a longitudinal project, identified through the Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic at the Oncology Department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden. Fifty-four female childhood cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy before 18 years of age were included between 2016 and 2018. During the years 2018- 2022, twenty-five of the participants reached the age of 25 and were invited to conduct a semi-structured interview. Twenty-two agreed to participate. The interview includes questions about fertility, collaboration with healthcare and communication regarding reproductive options when diagnosed with cancer. Interview data was analysed inductively using a thematic analysis. Results The analysis of the data resulted in three main themes; (1) Communication challenges, (2) Information about potential infertility and (3) Follow-up – a broader perspective, with a total of 9 subthemes. Many of the women expressed lack of information regarding reproductive health and a disappointment in their follow-up. Conclusion It is evident that the young women have felt a lack of information regarding fertility, reproductive health outcomes and options after their cancer treatment. The results of our study also indicate that transition from pediatric health care to adult health care needs to be facilitated and supported

A New Beginning : Young Women's Experiences and Sexual Function 18 Months After Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: Female patients expect improved quality of life, including sexual health and regain of fertility after bariatric surgery. Little has been published on to the extent to which patients’ expectations are met by the weight loss after surgery. Aim: To explore how women perceive the effects of bariatric surgery on quality of life, focusing on sexual health and fertility. Methods: A qualitative study based on thematic analysis, supported by questionnaire data. Interviews following a semistructured guide were conducted with childless women (n = 11) aged 25–34 years recruited from a university-affiliated Swedish bariatric center. The interviews took place 18 months after surgery in the participants’ homes or at the hospital and were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed with a thematic approach. Questionnaires were filled in at the time of the interviews and compared with preoperative data using a Wilcoxon test for paired data. Main outcome measures: Participants described experiences related to female sexual health after bariatric surgery. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires were administered preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: “A new beginning” was identified as the master theme, with 3 underlying subthemes: “Being worthy of love,” “Exploring sexuality,” and “Considering parenthood.” The participants described a transformation into being more comfortable with themselves that affected all areas of life, including sexual life. These findings were supported by lower scores for depression, 6.5 vs 2, and improved total Female Sexual Function Index scores, median 23.3 preoperatively and 29.1 postoperatively, P = .012. Conclusions: Improved body image and enhanced self-esteem play important roles in improved sexual functioning in women after bariatric surgery. Nilsson-Condori E, Järvholm S, Thurin-Kjellberg A, et al. A New Beginning: Young Women's Experiences and Sexual Function 18 Months After Bariatric Surgery