Sexual function after childbirth by the mode of delivery: a prospective study.

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to evaluate sexual behavior longitudinally in the postpartum period by mode of delivery.

Methods: In this prospective study, five groups were defined: women who delivered vaginally without an episiotomy (n = 16), women who delivered vaginally with an episiotomy (n = 14), women who delivered by instrumental delivery (n = 16), women who delivered by an emergent cesarean section (n = 19), and women who delivered by an elective cesarean section (n = 17). Sexual behavior was assessed by the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire at 6, 12, and 24 weeks postpartum and by the timing of resumption of sexual intercourse.

Effects of an extended free-of-fee strategy on the rate of cervical Papanicolaou smear screening in Israel.

Objective: To investigate the influence of an extended free-of-fee strategy on the rate of cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening in Israel.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of data obtained from a computer-generated list of women aged 15-74 years who attended appointments with Clalit Health Services between January 1, 2008, and November 30, 2011, during which Pap smears were taken. The basic strategy allowed a no-fee Pap smear once every 3 years between the ages of 35 and 54 years; the extended strategy allowed a no-fee Pap smear once every 3 years between the ages of 25 and 54 years.

The decision to delivery interval in emergency and non-urgent cesarean sections.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the decision to delivery interval (DDI) in our obstetric unit in comparison to current recommendations.

Study Design: A retrospective analysis of all non-elective cesarean sections during a 10 months period in a delivery ward of a university tertiary health care facility was performed. The DDI was compared between emergency and non-urgent cesarean sections.