Examining the Types and Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Burden and Impact of Acute and Long-Term Complications

Background: In Africa, female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread and harmful practice, with Somalia having the highest incidence at 98%. This practice has severe and long-lasting physical and mental health consequences. The aim of the study was to evaluate the different types of FGM;immediate and long-term complications associated with the practice, and identify factors related to its prevalence. Method: In a one-year cross-sectional hospital-based study, data were collected from females aged 18 - 50 with a history of FGM. Face-to-face semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, utilizing univariate and bivariate analyses to identify correlations between variables, which were presented in tables. Results: In a study involving 255 female participants, 65.5% were between 18 and 30 years old. The majority (82.7%) were married, while 47.1% were illiterate. FGM cases were more prevalent in rural areas (61.6%). Among the participants, 45.1% were employed. Type 3 FGM was the most common (44.3%), followed by Type 2 (32.2%) and Type 1 (23.9%). In terms of short-term complications experienced by circumcised women, the most common were bleeding, reported by 29.8% of participants, followed by infection (25.1%), and urinary retention (19.2%). Among the long-term complications observed, recurrent vaginal infections were the most prevalent, affecting 29.8% of the surveyed females. This was episiotomy during delivery (22.3%) and genital scarring (10.2%). Conclusion: The study reveals that Type 3 FGM is highly prevalent among the surveyed females, contributing to an increased risk of recurrent vaginal infections, prolonged second stage of labor, higher likelihood of episiotomy during delivery, and genital scarring. These findings emphasize the urgent need for effective preventive strategies and implementation from both international and local organizations to eliminate the harmful practice of FGM.

A Content Analysis Study Describing Information Regarding Female Genital Mutilation Present in US Medical Textbooks

This study examines the depth of information regarding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)/Female Cutting (FC) present in US medical textbooks. According to Klein et al. (2018) [1], despite substantial attention regarding the effects of FGM, this practice is still ongoing all over the world. Healthcare providers are very important actors who need to understand FGM in order to provide care to girls and women subjected to it, but the small amount of existing work in this area shows a low level of knowledge and training about FGM/FC among U.S. physicians. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first published the estimated number of girls at risk of FGM/FC in the U.S. to be about 168,000 in 1997;that number had increased to 513,000 girls in the US by 2012 (according to Goldberg et al.) In this study, a small sample of medical textbooks were analyzed for the degree to which the textbooks include information regarding FGM/FC. The results of this study show that US medical textbooks do not include information regarding FGM/FC, suggesting that most medical providers don’t have knowledge and training about FGM/FC. The inadequate information on FGM/FC in medical textbooks reflects a culturally biased lack of recognition of the number of girls and women affected in the US. This maintains an ongoing pattern of silence that reinforces gender inequality. Considering the inadequate information covered in US medical textbooks on FGM/FC, and the concordant lack of provider training to provide advice and care to affected girls and women, incorrect and missed diagnoses may lead to harm to victims of FGM/FC. Providers would be better equipped to care for women and girls if their medical training included information regarding FGM/FC.

Urological Complications of Female Genital Mutilation: A Case Report of 15 Patients

Objective background: This was a retrospective study of the clinical and therapeutic aspects of urological complications of female genital mutilation in the urology department of Bamako’s Gabriel Touré University Hospital. Methods: Our study took place from 2002 to 2017 in the urology department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital in Bamako and concerned cases of complications of female genital mutilation. Our study included all girls or women presenting with urinary disorders related to complications of genital mutilation and received in urological consultation and surgical management. Results: The average age of our patients was 2.5 years, with extremes ranging from 3 months to 35 years. The oldest patient had presented with dystocia during both deliveries. Acute urine retention (n = 7) was the most frequent reason for consultation. Other signs included urinary incontinence, pollakiuria and burning. Physical examination revealed clitoridectomy and abrasion of the labia minora in 13 patients. Type III of the WHO classification of female genital mutilation was the most frequent and corresponded to infibulation.

Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Genital Prolapse at Hôpital du Mali about 100 Cases

To study the epidemio-clinical aspects, and the therapeutic attitudes of genital prolapse (GP) in the gynecology department of Hôpital du Mali (HDM). This is a descriptive retro-prospective study over five (5) years from January 2015 to December 2019, conducted in the gynecology department of HDM. We had collected 100 cases of GP out of 989 surgeries, with a frequency of 9.89%. The age group of 60 years and over accounted for 33% of our patients, with a mean age of 50 years. Multiparous were the most affected (89%). The notion of obstructed labor was observed in 52% of patients. The most found reason for consultation was the feeling of lump in a vagina, with 65%. Grade III according to BADEN-WALKER classification system (BWCS) concerned 72% of our patients. Triple perineal surgery and hysterectomy involved 56% of our patients. Spinal anesthesia was performed in 96% of cases. Per and postoperative complications were dominated by urinary retention in 4% and by infection of the surgical site in 2%. The average hospital stay was 3.2 days. We recorded 88% of satisfied patients after the intervention. No deaths were recorded during the study. The management of genital prolapse remains essentially surgical;it requires a semiological analysis and a mastery of the surgical technique.

The Prevalence of Female Genital Bilharziasis (FGB) in the Northern Region of Senegal

Introduction: Female Genital Bilharzia (FGB) is a pathology secondary to infection by Schistosoma haematobium. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases, capable of causing infertility, difficulties in childbirth and even cervical cancer. It represents a real public health problem. We therefore conducted a study in the maternity ward of the Saint-Louis regional hospital, with the overall aim of determining the prevalence of FBG in patients undergoing colposcopy. The specific objectives were to define the patient profile, and to compare colposcopic images with the World Health Organization (WHO) atlas. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study of all colposcopic images taken at the maternity ward of the Saint-Louis regional hospital from August 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020, i.e. 25 months. The images were compared with the BGF images described in the WHO atlas. Results: We collected 178 colposcopy images. FBG images numbered 50, or 28%. The mean age of the patients was 44.5 years ±11.4 at the extremes of 18 and 78 years. Mean gestational age was 4.69 ± 2.72. Among patients with a bilharzian lesion on the cervix, visual acid inspection (VIA) was negative in 60% of cases (p = 0.007, Odd Ratio = 3.6 (1.49 - 9.07)). Conclusion: the results of our study show that FBG is a reality in our daily practice. It occurs in adult, multigestating, non-occupational women whose examination reveals a negative visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Healthcare providers therefore need to be trained in the recognition of lesions associated with genital bilharziasis, and public awareness needs to be raised.

Culture, Beliefs, Attitude and Peer Group Influence on Female Genital Mutilation in Southeast Nigeria

Background: Female Genital Mutilation is still practiced in Ebonyi State in Southeast Nigeria, despite the complications that follows it and government legislation against the practice. Aim: To determine the impact of Culture, Beliefs, attitude and Peer Group Influence on the persistence Female Genital Mutilation practice in the State especially in the rural areas. Materials and Methods: Qualitative study that used Focused Group Discussion and In-depth interviews for data collection. Those willing and given consent were recruited into the group discussion according to age, marital status, educational level and their location in the state. In-depth interviews were used with the Stake Holders, Opinion Leaders, Traditional Rulers and the Clergy. Result: A total of 454 participants were recruited from the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State but only 420 (92.5%) participated. The age ranges of participants were 25 to 35 years for single males and females while the married participants male and female were aged 35 to 70 years. One hundred single females (23.8%) and 94 single males (21.4%) participated while 97 (23.1%) married women and 95 (22.6%) married men participated. Out of the 26 health workers recruited only 22 (5.2%) participated. Four traditional rulers, 4 women leaders, 4 youth leaders and 2 clergy 12 (2.9%) in number had in-depth interviews. All the participants had knowledge of FGM and its practice. Rural health workers are getting more involved. ‘Female Genital Crushing’ is replacing actual cutting. The participants all agreed there is no benefit and the practice should stop. Conclusion: Female Genital Mutilation is secretly practiced and is getting replaced by “Female Genital Crushing” perpetrated by rural health workers as well as mothers, fathers, traditional birth attendants and the peer group playing a major role with low knowledge of the Law against Female genital mutilation.

High Prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis Due to Gardnerella Species and Intra Genital Hygiene Impact Practices among Rural and Urban Women in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Background: Bacterial vaginosis represents a public health problem due to its high frequency in our various health facilities. Vaginal douching used by women as a means to achieve hygienic measures could be potentially dangerous. The objective of the study is to aim at bringing forth epidemiological data on intra-genital hygiene practices, determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and the association between these vaginal practices and this genital infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on March 2022 on patients received in Human Biology Laboratory of Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, in Yaoundé. Data were collected by questionnaire after an oral and written consent obtained from the patients. Vaginal swabs were collected and inoculated on to Blood Agar, Chocolate with polyvitex. Identification was done using morphologically appearance, Gram staining and biochemicals tests. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 software. Results: A total of 120 patients were enrolled during the study. The most represented age group of participants was 25 to 35 years with 62.5%. The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 29.16%. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis varied according to the number of lifetime male sexual partners, women who reported having only one sexual partner in their life had a prevalence rate of 23.32%. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was higher in patients living in urban areas (23.33%). No significant correlation was observed between bacterial vaginosis and regularly vaginal douching and practice of intimate vaginal cleansing (p = 0.980). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that sexual behaviour traits may have an impact on the relatively high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. This suggests that comprehensive health education programmes may be necessary to lower the incidence of bacterial vaginosis, which indicate the need for comprehensive and programmed health education programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis.

附睾多发炎性肌纤维母细胞瘤一例

附睾炎性肌纤维母细胞瘤(inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor,IMT)国内外仅报道数例,并且都是单发的肿瘤。报告1例附睾多发性IMT病例,患者自行发现右侧阴囊内肿物1年,肿物进行性增大。超声检查提示右侧阴囊内多发实性结节,行右侧阴囊探查术+肿物切除术,术中发现右侧附睾多发类圆形质韧肿物,术后肿物病理证实为IMT,术后随访6个月,未见肿物复发。通过回顾相关文献,认为附睾IMT与发生在附睾的其他肿物临床症状类似,术前一般难以诊断,该肿瘤会进行性增大,有低度恶性潜能,故建议手术切除肿物,术后患者无需特殊治疗,一般不会复发,但需定期复查。

生殖道沙眼衣原体的感染流行特征及空间聚集性分析:基于2014—2023年广州市海珠区数据

目的 了解广州市海珠区生殖道沙眼衣原体感染的流行特征,为制定干预措施提供参考依据。方法 通过“中国疾病预防控制信息系统传染病监测报告管理”模块收集2014—2023年广州市海珠区生殖道沙眼衣原体感染疫情数据,进行流行病学和空间聚集性分析。结果 广州市海珠区生殖道沙眼衣原体感染报告发病率从2014年的90.02/10万下降到2023年的51.55/10万,年均发病率下降6.01%,呈缓慢下降趋势(Z=-11.44,P<0.001);男性报告发病率略平稳,女性报告发病率呈下降趋势(Z=-13.38,P<0.001);发病年龄主要集中在20~39岁人群(占82.48%);职业以家务及待业、商业服务人员、职业不详为主。2017、2019—2023年报告病例数存在正向空间自相关性(均Moran′s I指数>0,Z>1.960,P<0.05),其中空间聚集程度2020年最高,2017年最低;“高-高”聚集区域主要集中在赤岗街道和凤阳街道;“低-高”聚集区域为琶洲街道。结论 2014—2023年广州市海珠区生殖道沙眼衣原体感染发病率呈缓慢下降趋势,在人群和空间分布上有显著聚集性,需加强重点人群的防治工作,控制疫情流行。

不孕不育人群生殖道沙眼衣原体感染影响因素分析

目的了解不孕不育门诊人群生殖道沙眼衣原体(CT)感染现状及影响因素,为制定该人群的CT防治策略提供依据。方法2021年4—12月在深圳市宝安区4家开设有不孕不育门诊的医疗机构的常规就诊者中招募调查对象。在获得知情同意情况下,收集其社会人口学相关信息并采集尿液标本进行CT核酸检测。运用Logistic回归分析该人群CT感染的影响因素。结果共招募954例不孕不育患者,CT阳性率为3.56%。Logistic回归分析结果表明,年龄<25岁(OR=3.91,95%CI:1.58~9.67)、文化程度为大专(OR=4.33,95%CI:1.23~15.24)、最近1年性伴数量≥2个(OR=4.25,95%CI:1.72~10.55)是该人群感染CT的危险因素。在调查对象中,74.42%不了解CT感染的相关症状,73.90%既往未检测过CT。结论深圳市宝安区不孕不育人群CT感染率较高,性活跃年龄段、文化程度相对较低、有多个性伴是CT感染的危险因素,应在不孕不育专科门诊中针对以上人群开展CT筛查,同时开展健康宣传,提高人群生殖健康。

PARP抑制剂与免疫检查点抑制剂联合治疗在妇科恶性肿瘤中的应用

近年来肿瘤靶向和免疫治疗的研究进展迅速,如多腺苷二磷酸核糖聚合酶抑制剂[poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitor,PARPi]、免疫检查点抑制剂(immune checkpoint inhibitors,ICI)等已改变了妇科肿瘤的传统治疗模式,但部分患者疗效有限或出现耐药。临床前研究发现,PARPi损伤DNA修复过程,可造成肿瘤突变负荷与肿瘤特异性抗原增加,调节肿瘤微环境,刺激肿瘤浸润淋巴细胞(tumor infiltrating lymphocytes,TIL)产生并促进抗肿瘤免疫反应,为PARPi与ICI联合治疗提供了理论基础。近年多项临床研究发现PARPi与ICI联合使用可显著改善妇科恶性肿瘤患者的预后。

银甲丸加减方对衣原体持续性感染输卵管炎模型小鼠输卵管病理及炎性因子的影响

目的:观察银甲丸加减方对生殖道衣原体(CT)持续性感染输卵管炎小鼠输卵管病理、CT清除率及炎性因子IL-10、IFN-γ和TGF-β的调节作用。方法:36只BALB/c小鼠随机分为6组,除空白组以外,其余组小鼠阴道内均接种衣原体建立CT持续性感染模型。造模成功后分组给药,第28天处死,HE染色观察小鼠上生殖道组织病理改变,q RT-PCR测定小鼠生殖道CT含量,ELISA检测小鼠血清IL-10、IFN-γ和TGF-β表达水平。结果:与空白对照组比较,模型组CT基因表达量显著增高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较银甲丸加减方中、高剂量组和阳性药物(阿奇霉素)对照组CT基因表达显著降低(P<0.05)。IL-10、IFN-γ含量显著上调(P<0.05),TGF-β含量显著下降(P<0.05)。结论:银甲丸加减方有助于缓解衣原体生殖道感染模型小鼠的输卵管炎病理状态,促进持续性感染CT的清除,其机制可能是通过调节细胞因子IL-10、IFN-γ和TGF-β的表达来实现。

性病门诊女性就诊者生殖道支原体感染的影响因素

目的:分析性病门诊女性就诊者生殖道支原体感染的影响因素。方法:回顾性分析2021年7月至2023年7月该院性病门诊收治的100例女性就诊者的临床资料。统计性病门诊女性就诊者生殖道支原体感染的情况,采用Logistic回归分析性病门诊女性就诊者生殖道支原体感染的影响因素。结果:100例性病门诊女性就诊者生殖道支原体感染22例,占22.00%,设为感染组,其余78例设为未感染组。感染组婚姻状况(未婚/离异/丧偶/同居/分居)、文化程度大专以下、职业状况待业及退休、过去6个月异性性伴侣数≥2个、安全套使用情况(偶尔用/从未用)、支原体感染认知不了解、淋球菌阳性等占比均高于未感染组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);经Logistic回归分析结果显示,过去6个月异性性伴侣数≥2个、安全套使用情况(偶尔用/从未用)、支原体感染认知不了解、淋球菌阳性等均为影响性病门诊女性就诊者生殖道支原体感染的危险因素(OR>1,P<0.05)。结论:过去6个月异性性伴侣数≥2个、安全套使用情况(偶尔用/从未用)、支原体感染认知不了解、淋球菌阳性等均为影响性病门诊女性就诊者生殖道支原体感染的危险因素。

生殖器疱疹的中西医发病机制及治疗进展

生殖器疱疹(genital herpes, GH)作为临床常见的性传播疾病,根据其临床表现可归属于中医“热疮”“阴疮”等范畴,具有易复发、难根治的特点,严重影响了患者的身心健康。现代医学治疗GH主要以抗病毒、调节免疫为主,临床上取得一定成效,但都未能达到根治目的并且存在不良反应。中医药治疗GH方法多样,以辨证施治为主,具有缓解临床症状、减轻不良反应等优势。同时临床上还采用中西医结合的方法治疗GH,中西医并重取长补短,发挥各自的优势。文章就GH的中西医发病机制与治疗研究进展进行综述,为相关研究提供参考。

孕妇孕晚期生殖道GBS感染对胎膜早破、妊娠结局影响

目的:院内妊娠晚期孕妇生殖道B族链球菌(GBS)感染情况调查并探究对胎膜早破、妊娠结局的影响。方法:选取2021年6月-2023年7月于本院定期产前检查的妊娠晚期孕妇3970例GBS感染检测,根据感染情况分为感染组和非感染组,比较两组胎膜早破发生率及妊娠不良结局。结果:3970例孕妇中103例GBS感染,感染率2.6%,纳入感染组,非感染孕妇中随机选取103例纳入非感染组;感染组年龄≤30岁组感染率(68.0%)高于>30~35岁组及>35岁组,感染组胎膜早破发生率(18.5%)高于非感染组(4.9%),绒毛膜羊膜炎(6.8%)、新生儿肺炎(13.6%)、胎儿生长发育迟缓(8.7%)、新生儿感染(7.8%)、胎儿宫内窘迫(9.7%)发生率均高于非感染组(0、4.9%、1.0%、1.0%、1.9%)(均P<0.05);两组产妇分娩期发热、新生儿黄疸发生率未见差异(P>0.05)。结论:孕晚期孕妇发生GBS感染增加胎膜早破及不良妊娠结局发生风险,临床应及时采取措施治疗干预。

以生殖器糜烂溃疡为首发症状的大疱性类天疱疮一例并文献复习

大疱性类天疱疮为常见的表皮下自身免疫性疱病,多见于70岁以上老年人,靶抗原主要为定位于基底膜的BP180和BP230,以躯干及四肢屈侧常见,约10%~30%的患者出现黏膜病变,口腔黏膜最常受累。本文报道一例以生殖器糜烂溃疡为首发症状的大疱性类天疱疮患者,男,60岁,阴茎、龟头、冠状沟糜烂、溃疡4个月,胸部反复出现一米粒大小水疱1个月,尼氏征阴性。皮损组织病理示:表皮下陈旧性水疱,真皮浅层淋巴细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞浸润。直接免疫荧光(DIF):表皮基底膜C3阳性,线状沉积,IgG、IgM、IgA阴性。外周血抗BP180、230、Ⅶ型胶原抗体均阴性。诊断:大疱性类天疱疮。给予口服醋酸泼尼松、雷公藤及烟酰胺治疗,半月后生殖器糜烂、胸部水疱均愈合,2个半月后生殖器溃疡愈合。泼尼松逐渐减量,半年后停药,随访2年未复发。

基于“时空论”的女性生殖疾病中医辨治思路

时间与空间的运动法则,是人与天地交联的桥梁。对于女性而言,“月节律”尤其与月经、生殖周期密切相关。全国名中医尤昭玲教授基于胞宫的时空规律与特点,尤其是生殖链终端的规律与相互联系,提出女性生殖疾病的“时空论”概念,在该理论指导下,提出中医特色的四期序贯助孕法、安胎二步法,以及在特殊服药时间、同房时间指导中的应用,以提高临证疗效。

苯并[a]芘对生殖系统的毒性作用及其机制研究进展

苯并[a]芘(benzo(a)pyrene,BaP)作为多环芳烃(polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,PAHs)的成员,是最早发现也是最具有代表性的环境污染物,通过空气、食物、水源等途径进入人体,引起细胞氧化应激损伤、DNA损伤和基因异常表达导致细胞死亡。研究表明雄性与雌性动物经BaP染毒后,其生殖器官、生殖细胞甚至激素水平均会受到影响,进而影响受精卵形成和胚胎发育,造成不良妊娠结局。因此,近年来BaP的生殖毒性受到广泛关注,其作用机制包括改变胞内活性氧水平、诱导细胞DNA损伤以及调控生殖发育相关基因、类固醇合成相关基因和促凋亡基因影响生殖发育。BaP作为环境毒物,不仅可以影响生态环境的稳定性,还可以影响生物的生殖发育,损害生态环境中的物种多样性,从长远来看,BaP的不良影响不但会威胁到陆地与海洋生物种群的稳定,还会破坏陆地和海洋生态系统的功能。本文将从生殖健康、配子与合子形成以及胚胎发育的角度,详细阐述BaP染毒对生殖系统的毒性作用与机制,为预防BaP引起的生殖危害、减少不良妊娠结局提供理论依据,旨在为BaP的环境毒性行为和对生物的毒性研究提供有效借鉴,为合理预防和缓解因接触BaP等环境毒物而带来的健康影响提供参考。

卵巢储备功能减退与肠道及生殖道微生物相关性研究进展

卵巢储备功能减退是女性生育力降低的重要原因之一,病因复杂、具体机制尚不明确,是生殖领域的难题之一。近年研究发现肠道和生殖道微生物对卵巢储备功能减退的发病机制起到关键性作用。因此本文将聚焦于卵巢储备功能减退与肠道、生殖道微生物相关研究的新进展,为卵巢储备功能减退的机制研究提供新思路。

女性生殖器结核对生育的影响及对策

女性生殖器结核(FGTB)是常见的肺外结核,可导致不孕、不良妊娠结局、卵巢储备功能下降,以及影响辅助生殖的成功率。漏诊的FGTB不仅容易导致助孕失败,还会导致严重的母婴并发症。然而,FGTB症状不典型,误诊率高达60%,因此,对FGTB高危人群的及时筛查有着重要的临床意义。目前诊断FGTB的措施包括微生物学检测、聚合酶链式反应、环介导等温扩增、Xpert结核分枝杆菌(MTB)/利福平(RIF)耐药性检测和线性探针检测等分子检测。对FGTB的有效筛查和及时抗结核治疗,有利于改善生育结局、减少结核的垂直传播。本文将从FGTB对生育和辅助生育的影响、FGTB的诊断和治疗等方面进行综述,为FGTB的临床诊疗提供参考。