Women Health [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
A patient-centered framework for an underrecognized global burden: The FIGO-IPPS classification system for female chronic pelvic pain.
Villegas-Echeverri JD
Women Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 42333413 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Enhancing sexual function and sexual satisfaction in breastfeeding women: A randomized controlled trial of BETTER model-based sexual counseling.
Kiani Aliabadi M, Bakht R, Farhadian M … +2 more , Ahmadpanah M, Aghababaei S
Women Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 42305040 · Publisher ↗
Women's sexual function and satisfaction can be impacted by various natural life events, such as childbirth and breastfeeding. The impact of BETTER model-based sexual counseling on sexual function and satisfaction among...
Women's sexual function and satisfaction can be impacted by various natural life events, such as childbirth and breastfeeding. The impact of BETTER model-based sexual counseling on sexual function and satisfaction among primiparous breastfeeding women with sexual dysfunction was assessed in a randomized controlled trial conducted in Hamadan, Iran, in 2024. Eighty eligible women were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups, and data were collected using a demographic and midwifery questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire at baseline and four weeks post-intervention. The intervention group received four weekly group counseling sessions based on the BETTER model, while the control group did not. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19 with a 95 percent confidence level. Post-intervention, the intervention group exhibited significantly higher mean scores for sexual function (28.67 ± 2.70 vs. 21.67 ± 3.45; = .001) and sexual satisfaction (100.24 ± 4.85 vs. 93.81 ± 11.53; = .003) compared to the control group. Within the intervention group, significant improvements were observed post-intervention in all sexual function domains and sexual satisfaction compared to baseline ( < .05). Findings indicate that BETTER model-based sexual counseling is beneficial and applicable for improving sexual function and sexual satisfaction in primiparous mothers.
The psychosocial experiences of women diagnosed with PMOS in Trinidad and Tobago: a qualitative inquiry.
Samlal KC, Sanguinette A, Hypolite A … +8 more , Cadoo A, Henry A, Ramsaran A, Ganness A, James A, Rampersadsingh P, Moore A, Williams AJ
Women Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 42298892 · Publisher ↗
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a globally prevalent endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women and associated with numerous long-term health risks. While growing international research on PM...
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a globally prevalent endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women and associated with numerous long-term health risks. While growing international research on PMOS examines both medical and non-medical aspects of this condition, few studies exist within the Caribbean region, mostly focused on the clinical aspects. Thus, the current study explores the possible psychosocial impacts of women diagnosed with PMOS in Trinidad and Tobago. A qualitative study was conducted with 24 women aged 18-45 years with a physician-confirmed PMOS diagnosis. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling in April-June 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted both face-to-face and online via Zoom and were thematically analyzed using Dedoose (v.9.0.17). Three key themes emerged from the data: fertility and wellbeing; weight gain and weight stigma; and bodily changes and surveillance. Concerns around fertility were present despite no confirmed infertility diagnosis and were shaped by societal expectations of childbearing and motherhood. Weight gain triggered feelings of guilt, self-blame, and personal failure, compounded by weight stigma from family, healthcare providers, and professional colleagues. Also, bodily changes including hirsutism, acne and hyperpigmentation led to negative social reactions and increased body surveillance. Across all themes, psychosocial impacts were shaped by social interactions grounded in gendered cultural norms surrounding femininity and womanhood. Therefore, there is the need for a more holistic approach to PMOS care and management that moves beyond addressing clinical features and includes measures that address the psychologically and socially produced experiences associated with the condition.
Validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of the menstrual quality of life scale: A methodological study.
Atilla R, Teleş M, Kaya D … +2 more , Koçoğlu F, Kocaöz AS
Women Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 42246419 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Menstrual Quality of Life (PERIOD-QOL) scale. This methodological study was conducted with 332 nurses and midwives. Validity and rel...
This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Menstrual Quality of Life (PERIOD-QOL) scale. This methodological study was conducted with 332 nurses and midwives. Validity and reliability were analyzed using item analysis, content and construct validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, the Spearman-Brown formula, and the test-retest method. Cronbach's alpha, Spearman-Brown reliability, and test-retest reliability coefficients were 0.86, 0.81, and 0.63, respectively. According to the emerging unidimensional structure, factor loadings of the scale items were between 0.50 and 0.80, and this structure alone explained 45.75 percent of the total variance. The results of the known groups validity method showed that the mean PERIOD-QOL total score of nurses and midwives with very little to little menstrual bleeding (38.00 ± 6.89) was higher than those with heavy menstrual bleeding (28.73 ± 8.09) and very heavy to extremely heavy menstrual bleeding (23.50 ± 10.34) ( < .05). The confirmatory factor analysis revealed perfect and good-fit indices (χ/ = 2.95, RMSEA = 0.077, SRMR = 0.044, CFI = 0.98, IFI = 0.98, GFI = 0.95, and NFI = 0.97). The mean items of the scale ranged between 2.71 ± 1.38 and 4.27 ± 1.19. The Turkish version of the PERIOD-QOL scale is a valid and reliable tool to assess the level and perception of menstrual QOL of women.
Evaluation of abdominal obesity in women using conventional and novel anthropometric and body composition indices: a comprehensive analysis based on waist circumference.
Ghannadiasl F
Women Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 42178915 · Publisher ↗
Anthropometric and body composition indices offer a non-invasive and cost-efficient approach to assessing body fat distribution. This study designed to assess the effectiveness of both conventional and novel anthropometr...
Anthropometric and body composition indices offer a non-invasive and cost-efficient approach to assessing body fat distribution. This study designed to assess the effectiveness of both conventional and novel anthropometric indices in diagnosing abdominal obesity among women, with a particular focus on waist circumference (WC) as a central metric. A cross-sectional analysis was done on 916 healthy women aged 18-50 years. Measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference, with novel indices derived from these data. Percent Body Fat (PBF) and Visceral Fat Area (VFA) were estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the diagnostic accuracy of the indices was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The Abdominal Volume Index (AVI) and Fat Mass (FM) demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy, with Youden Indices of 1.00 (AUC = 1.00) and 0.99 (AUC = 0.99), respectively. In contrast, the A Body Shape Index (ABSI) (Youden index = 0.003, AUC = 0.37) and Hip Index (HI) (Youden index = -0.67, AUC = 0.11) showed poor diagnostic performance. Notably, the Body Mass Index adjusted for Fat Mass (BMI FAT) (Youden index = 0.88, AUC = 0.98) outperformed traditional BMI (Youden index = 0.83, AUC = 0.98), underscoring its potential for more accurate obesity classification. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate anthropometric indices for the accurate assessment and management of abdominal obesity in women, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and public health strategies.
Global, regional, and national ectopic pregnancy burden: A trend analysis of global disease burden from 1990 to 2021.
Shen ZZ, Wang F, Ma XY … +1 more , Feng QQ
Women Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 42163041 · Publisher ↗
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious gynecological emergency that imposes a significant global burden. This research aims to provide an effective reference for future strategic planning in various countries. Ectopic pregnancy...
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious gynecological emergency that imposes a significant global burden. This research aims to provide an effective reference for future strategic planning in various countries. Ectopic pregnancy data from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing (ES) models were used to predict future disease burden. Compared with 1990, the number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) increased, while the incidence number decreased notably. The age‑standardized incidence rate (ASIR) decreased by 46.12 per 100,000 (estimated annual percentage change (EAPC): -0.91, 95 percent CI: -1.02 to -0.8). The age‑standardized mortality rate (ASMR) remained stable (EAPC: 0.01, 95 percent CI: -0.07-0.08), and the age‑standardized DALY rate (ASDR) decreased slightly (EAPC: 0.05, 95 percent CI: -0.03-0.13). Prevalence also declined (ASPR EAPC: -0.91, 95 percent CI: -1.02 to -0.8), though incidence remains the primary focus for this acute condition. Across all indicators, the burden of ectopic pregnancy was concentrated within the age group of 10-54 years and predominantly in the 20-29 age group. Disease burden in low sociodemographic index (SDI) regions was higher than in other SDI regions. The regions and countries with the highest disease burden were located mainly in Africa. Although some global indicators have decreased over the past 30 years, the burden in low SDI regions has remained high. Enhancing cross-national collaboration may help reduce the disease burden in high-burden nations and areas.
Menopause in Brazil: lived experiences, inequities, and opportunities for inclusive care (MARIE-Brazil WP2a).
Benetti-Pinto C, Pravatta Rezende G, Massao Nakamura R … +31 more , Yela DA, Sun J, Taylor J, Kurmi O, Hinchliff S, Atkinson C, Potocnik K, Talaulikar V, Shetty A, Saraswat L, Riach K, Shi JQ, Elneil S, Rathnayake N, Pathiraja V, Dhanarisi J, Mudalige T, Toh TH, Al-Riyami N, Al-Kharusi L, Bouchareb Y, Eleje GU, Mintah-Afful N, Aggarwal I, Irfan M, Kareem R, Mbwele B, Ikwuka DC, Felicity Kemp H, Phiri P, Delanerolle G
Women Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 42144727 · Publisher ↗
Despite global prevalence of Menopause, evidence on lived experiences across diverse populations remains limited, particularly in Brazil. Addressing these gaps is essential for designing equitable health policies. MARIE-...
Despite global prevalence of Menopause, evidence on lived experiences across diverse populations remains limited, particularly in Brazil. Addressing these gaps is essential for designing equitable health policies. MARIE-Brazil conducted a qualitative study to explore menopausal experiences. Twenty women were selected from a cohort of 262 women in the MARIE-Brazil quantitative study who consented to the qualitative phase. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a topic guide with participants self-identifying as experiencing perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause. Sampling captured heterogeneity across age, menopausal stage, socio-economic position, ethnicity, and healthcare access. The findings indicate intersecting biological, psychological, socio-cultural, and health system determinants shaping experiences. Participants reported vasomotor symptoms, sleep, cognitive, and urogenital changes that influenced quality of life and occupational participation. Barriers to care included limited clinical knowledge, "front-desk gatekeeping," and financial inaccessibility of treatments. Cultural stigma and gender norms exacerbated inequities, while peer networks and supportive clinicians improved coping. Menopause is not solely a biological milestone but a multifaceted transition shaped by structural and cultural determinants. Findings highlight urgent needs to adapt robust clinical protocols (e.g. Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations-FEBRASGO, Brazilian Society of Climacteric-SOBRAC) for the public sector (SUS) and provide training for non-clinical staff, and accessible treatment pathways. Incorporating lived experiences into service design and policy frameworks is critical to promoting equity in menopause care across diverse Brazilian population.
Barriers and reasons for initiating the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) in a cohort of Brazilian women.
Manhiça SI, Bahamondes L, Simonia de Padua K … +2 more , Mpoca Charles C, Costa-Paiva L
Women Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 42109004 · Publisher ↗
Identify barriers and reasons for initiating the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods in a cohort of Brazilian women. A cross-sectional study surveyed women aged 18-49 attending a tertiary Family Pl...
Identify barriers and reasons for initiating the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods in a cohort of Brazilian women. A cross-sectional study surveyed women aged 18-49 attending a tertiary Family Planning clinic for long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). A tailored questionnaire gathered information on demographics, contraceptive preferences, motivations for choosing LARC and challenges in obtaining their preferred method. we revised it to: The participants had a mean age of 29.5 years (SD = 8.0). Nearly half (47.9%) were between 20 and 29 years old. The sample was predominantly composed of non-white women (600, 50.5%), the majority of whom were single (56.0%), had completed 10 to 12 years of schooling (56.9%), and 56.9% came from a region outside Campinas. Among the 1,193 women 965 (81.2%) choose the levonorgestrel 52 mg IUD, whereas 43 (3,6%) chose the etonogestrel implant, and 164 (13,79%) the copper-IUD. The primary motivations for seeking LARC at a tertiary clinic included lack of availability at Primary Basic Units, free of cost, and presence of trained healthcare providers. The main reasons for choosing the SIU-levonorgestrel 52 mg were high efficacy, bleeding control, and preference for achieving amenorrhea. Social disparities, limited availability, lack of trained health care hinder awareness and access to LARCs. In conclusion, the key barriers identified were the lack of availability of preferred LARC methods in public healthcare facilities and the considerable delay between a woman's decision to use contraception and its actual initiation.
The risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm for ovarian cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Zhong D, Li J, Guo G
Women Health · 2026 Mar · PMID 42104563 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) for distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors, and explore heterogeneity sources with subgroup stratifi...
This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) for distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors, and explore heterogeneity sources with subgroup stratification by menopausal status. A meta-analysis of 27 studies was conducted using a random-effects model to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and SROC AUC; subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed via I statistics and Deeks' funnel plot; Fagan plots (anchored in GLOBOCAN pre-test probabilities) evaluated clinical utility. Overall pooled sensitivity and specificity of ROMA were 0.87 (95 percent CI: 0.84-0.90) and 0.84 (95 percent CI: 0.81-0.87), with an AUC of 0.92. Subgroup analyses showed stratified performance: premenopausal women had sensitivity 0.83 (95 percent CI: 0.77-0.87) and specificity 0.85 (95 percent CI: 0.82-0.88) (AUC = 0.91), while postmenopausal women had higher sensitivity 0.90 (95 percent CI: 0.88-0.93) and lower specificity 0.82 (95 percent CI: 0.78-0.86) (AUC = 0.94). Meta-regression identified study region, group classification, ROMA cut-off thresholds, and research design as key heterogeneity drivers (I = 86.48 percent for sensitivity, 96.41 percent for specificity); no significant publication bias was detected (all > .40). Fagan plots (anchored in GLOBOCAN-derived pre-test probabilities) showed ROMA's stratified clinical utility: positive results elevated post-test probability to 14 percent in postmenopausal women (a more notable uplift than 4 percent in the total population and 1 percent in premenopausal women), while negative results consistently ruled out ovarian cancer risk (post-test probability = 0) across all menopausal cohorts. ROMA is a reliable noninvasive tool for ovarian cancer diagnosis, with superior performance in postmenopausal women. Its value is enhanced in multi-modal workflows (e.g. with TVUS), supporting preoperative risk stratification. Identified heterogeneity highlights the need for standardized ROMA implementation.
Evaluation of the impact of etonogestrel implant use on women's sexuality and quality of life.
Santos de Oliveira N, Barbieri M, Moraes PA … +2 more , Araujo Júnior E, Guazzelli CAF
Women Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 42101450 · Publisher ↗
A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among 70 users of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant. World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Birth Control Sat...
A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among 70 users of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant. World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Birth Control Satisfaction Assessment Tool (ORTHO-BC) were administered to participants, who were followed for six months. The mean age was 28.3 years. Most participants were single (62.9 percent) and had ≥12 years of education (92.9 percent). Regarding sexual function, no statistically significant changes were observed in FSFI scores over the six-month period, either in the total score or across domains ( > .05). In contrast, quality of life assessment using the WHOQOL-BREF showed a significant reduction in the psychological ( = .003), social relationships ( = .042), and environmental ( = .037) domains, indicating a decline in these aspects over time. The psychological domain of the WHOQOL showed significant correlations with all FSFI domains ( < .05). In multivariate regression analysis, the FSFI satisfaction domain was an independent predictor of improvement in the psychological domain of the WHOQOL. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive counseling regarding potential adjustments in well-being after implant insertion. The etonogestrel contraceptive implant did not alter women's sexual function, and its adverse effects did not impact their overall quality of life. The method was well accepted by the participants.
Experiences of Dutch female recreational runners with fecal incontinence: A qualitative study.
Sitaram-Bonoo AG, van Engelenburg-van Lonkhuyzen ML, Reek MD … +1 more , Moossdorff-Steinhauser HFA
Women Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 42057664 · Publisher ↗
Women are at increased risk of fecal incontinence (FI) due to pelvic floor dysfunction. Running, may further contribute to FI symptoms. The main aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of Dutch female...
Women are at increased risk of fecal incontinence (FI) due to pelvic floor dysfunction. Running, may further contribute to FI symptoms. The main aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of Dutch female recreational runners with FI during running. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Participants, recruited through Facebook and running groups, were eligible if they had experienced FI symptoms during running for at least 3 months without FI in daily life. Interviews focused on personal experiences with FI related to running. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Twenty-one participants, aged 31-72 years participated. Two themes emerged: Firstly, feelings and beliefs about FI described emotional responses, while some women expressed acceptance, others reported sadness. Barriers to seeking medical care included a lack of knowledge about treatment options, feelings of shame, and fear of not being taken seriously. Secondly, coping and adaptation strategies describe practical measures such as toilet mapping, carrying toilet paper or clean clothing, and wearing dark clothing. This study highlights the complex experiences of female runners dealing with FI and emphasizes the need for greater awareness, education, and support within the running community to effectively address this issue.
Inter-rectus distance and its relation to pelvic floor function in primiparous women in the remote postpartum period: A cross-sectional study.
Kilian C, Delgado A, Pereira Dezan Martins Gonçalves E … +5 more , Kammers I, Wolff Aguiar N, Bosquetti Grams G, Tonon da Luz SC, da Silva Honório GJ
Women Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 42020352 · Publisher ↗
Postpartum diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), characterized by increased inter-rectus distance (IRD), is common and linked to functional impairments, but its association with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) remains uncertai...
Postpartum diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), characterized by increased inter-rectus distance (IRD), is common and linked to functional impairments, but its association with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) remains uncertain. This study investigated whether IRD correlates with pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and examined the association between DRA and PFD in primiparous women during the remote postpartum period. This cross-sectional study included primiparous women 45 days to 12 months postpartum. The IRD and PFM function were assessed using standardized ultrasound protocols, with additional clinical, anthropometric, and questionnaire data collected in face-to-face interviews. PFD and sexual function were evaluated using the QMAP-Br and FSFI-6 instruments, respectively. Among 51 primiparous women, DRA was most prevalent at the umbilical level (31.4 percent), weak PFM function was observed in 60.8 percent, and sexual dysfunction in 62.8 percent. No significant correlations were found between IRD and PFM function. Weak correlations were identified between IRD (supraumbilical and umbilical levels) and PFD, and between IRD and sexual function. Greater IRD at the umbilical and infraumbilical levels was associated with a lower likelihood of absent/weak PFM function, and DRA at the infraumbilical level was strongly associated with sexual dysfunction. Current findings suggest that IRD is not associated with PFM function and shows only weak correlations with PDF. These results support the multifactorial nature of postpartum PFM function, indicating that IRD alone does not explain these outcomes.
Co-development of an empowerment toolkit: A collaborative approach to promote maternal mental health.
Hirani S, Al-Anzi SMF, Selvakumar R … +6 more , Bandara NA, Dow-Fleisner S, Kerai S, Twomey M, Denison J, Browne AJ
Women Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 42011538 · Publisher ↗
Women often face unique and compounding challenges to their mental health and well-being, particularly during motherhood, due to a combination of physiological, emotional, and social demands. While empowerment is associa...
Women often face unique and compounding challenges to their mental health and well-being, particularly during motherhood, due to a combination of physiological, emotional, and social demands. While empowerment is associated with positive mental health outcomes, there is limited evidence on women-led empowerment-based interventions specifically targeting maternal mental well-being. Using a community-based participatory approach, we recruited a diverse group of 12 mothers from British Columbia. The study unfolded in three phases, including three Focus Group Discussions to co-develop the empowerment toolkit. This collaborative process resulted in a comprehensive toolkit comprising 10 empowering skills aligned with the self-identified needs of mothers. Participants' feedback revealed mothers' strong interest in the toolkit and their recognition of its potential to support maternal mental health. The Empowerment toolkit represents a unique integration of mothers' lived experiences, perceived needs, and evidence-based strategies. Future research will focus on the evaluation of the toolkit's effectiveness on maternal mental health outcomes.
Period poverty and genital hygiene behaviors of refugee adolescents in Türkiye: a high school example.
Göl İ, Şenol DK, Açıkgöz S … +1 more , Deniz AO
Women Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 42011524 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and practices of a group of refugee adolescent girls in Türkiye regarding menstrual hygiene management, the extent of period poverty, and genital hygiene behaviors. A cross-s...
This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and practices of a group of refugee adolescent girls in Türkiye regarding menstrual hygiene management, the extent of period poverty, and genital hygiene behaviors. A cross-sectional design was employed. The study was conducted with 330 students in a multi-program high school. Data were collected using a Demographic Characteristics Form, a Menstrual Cycle Characteristics Form, a Period Poverty Characteristics Form, and the Genital Hygiene Behavior Scale. It was found that 23 percent of refugee adolescents experienced financial difficulties in purchasing menstrual hygiene products, 41.2 percent had to use alternative hygiene products due to economic reasons, and 44.2 percent were worried that their menstrual hygiene products would run out. Among the adolescents, 43.0 percent reported insufficient knowledge about the menstrual process, 61.8 percent stated that they had not received adequate education on menstruation and hygiene at school, and 73.9 percent reported inadequate opportunities for menstrual hygiene management in their schools. Adolescents who reported not having received information about the menstrual process had lower total scores on the Genital Hygiene Behavior Scale. According to the findings, a significant portion of adolescents faced difficulties accessing basic sanitation services, menstrual hygiene education, and safe and hygienic menstrual products during menstruation. Menstrual health should be addressed as a fundamental issue within the context of global and reproductive health. In the short term, awareness-raising initiatives should be implemented to prevent period poverty, and women and girls should be educated. In the long term, comprehensive social policies should be developed.
Hormonal contraceptive use prevalence and its association with menstrual cycle symptom clusters among exercising women in seven different countries.
Freemas JA, Suss R, Baranauskas MN … +3 more , Goldsmith E, Pedlar CR, Bruinvels G
Women Health · 2026 Feb · PMID 42011521 · Publisher ↗
We aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of contraceptive use in exercising women, including reason for usage and receipt of information about the relationship between menstruation and sports, and mens...
We aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of contraceptive use in exercising women, including reason for usage and receipt of information about the relationship between menstruation and sports, and menstrual cycle symptom clusters in hormonal contraceptive (HC) users and non-users. A survey about contraceptive use and menstrual cycle symptoms was sent to women via the STRAVA™ App. Associations between country, age, training intensity, contraceptive use, reason for use, receipt of information about the relationship between the menstrual cycle and sports were examined. Principal component analysis identified menstrual cycle symptom clusters. Of 7,766 women, 40.1 percent reported using a hormonal contraceptive, and type varied by age ( < .001) and by country ( < .001). The most common reason was avoidance of pregnancy (81.8 percent), followed by to control/regulate cycles (37.9 percent). Three symptom clusters were observed with eigenvalues >1, and hormonal contraceptive use was associated with lower frequency of all three clusters compared to nonusers. Among contraceptive users, factor-based scores for Cluster 3 varied significantly by contraceptive type ( = .008), while Cluster 1 ( = .144) and Cluster 2 ( = .611) did not. These findings underscore the importance of providing exercising women with tailored information about hormonal contraception options to support informed decision-making.
Exploring supportive and unsupportive experiences from partners toward tandem breastfeeding - a cross-sectional content analysis in a global sample.
Jackson JE, Hallam J
Women Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41911037 · Publisher ↗
Tandem breastfeeding, where a mother breastfeeds two children of different ages, has been shown to meet the nutritional needs of both a newborn and an older child. Partner support is known to influence breastfeeding outc...
Tandem breastfeeding, where a mother breastfeeds two children of different ages, has been shown to meet the nutritional needs of both a newborn and an older child. Partner support is known to influence breastfeeding outcomes, but little is known about their support of mothers' tandem breastfeeding. This study conducted a content sub-analysis of a larger cross-sectional survey to explore experiences of partner support among 1,212 women who were tandem breastfeeding at the time of data collection. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire from a global sample. Responses were analyzed as supportive (1609) or unsupportive (413) partner behaviors. An emergent coding approach identified eight supportive codes and seven unsupportive codes. The most frequently reported supportive behaviors were looking after the mother and providing practical support (391, 24 percent) and offering emotional support and encouragement (262, 16 percent). The most common unsupportive behaviors included partners wanting the child to wean (162, 39 percent), expressing health concerns for the mother or children (71, 18 percent), and feeling uncomfortable or expressing disgust or disapproval (68, 16 percent). These findings highlight the importance of emotional and practical partner support in shaping mothers' experiences. Strengthening partner education may help create more supportive environments for families tandem breastfeeding.
Understanding women's decisions to seek an endometriosis diagnosis: A Health Belief Model approach.
Pavic T, Redjem I, David JC … +4 more , Nadarajah K, Loyal D, Terrade F, Cabagno G
Women Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41873041 · Publisher ↗
Early diagnosis of endometriosis is crucial, yet limited literature exists on factors influencing women's decisions to seek diagnosis. This study explores the role of symptoms, health beliefs, and social influences in th...
Early diagnosis of endometriosis is crucial, yet limited literature exists on factors influencing women's decisions to seek diagnosis. This study explores the role of symptoms, health beliefs, and social influences in this decision-making process. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 388 women (median age = 22 years; interquartile range = 10; range = 18-50). Data included sociodemographic characteristics, medical information, and Health Belief Model constructs. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of the intention to schedule an appointment and of actual appointment scheduling. Intention to schedule an appointment was primarily predicted by dysmenorrhea ( = 0.16, = .007) and perceived susceptibility ( = 0.31, < .001), with weaker contributions from dyschezia ( = 0.10, = .061) and social cues to action ( = 0.10, = .076). Actual appointment scheduling was predicted by dysuria (OR = 3.26, 95 percent CI [1.28-8.32], = .014), perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.60, 95 percent CI [1.14-2.24], = .006), perceived self-efficacy (OR = 1.71, 95 percent CI [1.25-2.35], < .001), and social cues to action (OR = 4.43, 95 percent CI [2.25-8.73], < .001). Women's decision to consult for diagnosis is shaped not only by physical symptoms but also by health beliefs and social influences, with distinct factors influencing intention and behavior. These findings highlight the relevance of a biopsychosocial approach to promote earlier diagnosis and improve support for women with suspected endometriosis.
Women & Health celebrates 50 years.
Carneiro MM
Women Health · 2025 · PMID 41813121 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
General practitioners' responses to dense breast notifications resulting from a screening mammography program.
Frayne J, Gilkes L, Raman R … +6 more , Seddon S, Gray K, Khong E, Arnold-Reed D, Bulsara C, Stone J
Women Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41804267 · Publisher ↗
Breast density reporting is recommended; however, guidance for general practitioners (GPs) is limited. This study investigates GPs' beliefs, attitudes, and practices within the only state-run Breast Screen program in Aus...
Breast density reporting is recommended; however, guidance for general practitioners (GPs) is limited. This study investigates GPs' beliefs, attitudes, and practices within the only state-run Breast Screen program in Australia that has been notifying women if they have dense breasts for over a decade. A mixed-methods study was undertaken from four multi-GP practices. Qualitative interviews from GPs and de-identified data from a randomized sample of 692 women who attended screening mammography (2019-2022) were collated. Descriptive statistics, binomial regression for quantitative data, and both deductive and inductive analyses of qualitative data are reported. Interviews highlighted inconsistencies in practice regarding risk assessment and appropriateness of referrals for supplemental imaging. Three themes were identified: the professional role and responsibility, handling uncertainty and patients and the system. Quantitative data reported 31 percent of those with dense breasts were referred for supplemental ultrasound. Adjusting for age, family history, hormone replacement therapy, and socioeconomic status, only higher socioeconomic status was associated with a 1.35 times greater likelihood of ultrasound referral. This study emphasizes the complexities and uncertainty GPs face when consulting women with dense breasts and who and when to refer for supplemental imaging. Results inform optimum care pathways from a primary care perspective for those with increased breast density.
The silent predictor: Exploring the link between waist to hip ratio, fear of falling, and balance impairment in postmenopausal women.
Mohebi S, Torkaman G, Bahrami F
Women Health · 2026 Jan · PMID 41779167 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the correlation between waist-hip ratios (WHR), bone mineral density, and balance-related parameters. A total of 34 postmenopausal women, aged 50-75 years, participated in the study. They were cat...
This study investigated the correlation between waist-hip ratios (WHR), bone mineral density, and balance-related parameters. A total of 34 postmenopausal women, aged 50-75 years, participated in the study. They were categorized into two groups: osteoporotic (Lumbar T-score ≤ -2.5, = 17) and non-osteoporotic (lumbar T-score > -1, = 17). The study involved WHR assessments, recording the fear of falling score (FES), and evaluating physical status through a single-leg stance test. Balance control was determined by measuring the velocity of the center of pressure (CoP) sway in the anterior-posterior (A-P) and medial-lateral (M-L) directions. The WHR, FES, and CoP sway velocity in the M-L direction were higher in the osteoporotic group than in the non-osteoporotic group. WHR, as an independent predictor, could effectively categorize the subjects into the correct group (Wilks' lambda = 0.84, = .050). The test of the function was significant (Chi-square = 10.64, = .014), which explains the significant ability of the determined function for discrimination. A higher WHR value was associated with osteoporosis and an increased FES. The WHR value, a simple measure of visceral fat mass accumulation, exhibited a discriminative capability by accurately classifying 76 percent of the original grouped cases.
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