Screening for Anal Cancer in Women.

Objective: The incidence of anal cancer is higher in women than men in the general population and has been increasing for several decades. Similar to cervical cancer, most anal cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), and it is believed that anal cancers are preceded by anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Our goals were to summarize the literature on anal cancer, HSIL, and HPV infection in women and to provide screening recommendations in women.

Psychosexual aspects of vulvovaginal pain.

Vulvovaginal pain problems are major health concerns in women of childbearing age. Controlled studies have shown that vulvovaginal pain can adversely affect women and their partners' general psychological well-being, relationship adjustment, and overall quality of life. These women have significantly lower levels of sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction, as well as a lower intercourse frequency than normal controls.

Women's experiences with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.

Objective: To explore women's experiences with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia during diagnosis and treatment.

Design: Two focus groups, each with 3 participants, were conducted as a pilot study. Participants were asked open-ended questions about their experiences, quality of life, sexual functioning, body image, and well-being.

Aesthetic practice of labial reduction.

As aesthetic labial reduction is becoming a more common practice, it is necessary to look at the state of the science, what we know, and, more importantly, what we do not know about this practice. This article reviews the literature to date on labial reduction and describes the concerns related to the lack of understanding of the outcomes associated with this procedure.

WebQuests: creating engaging, student-centered, constructivist learning activities.

Students entering health professions educational programs today have grown up and grown older in an unparalleled age of computers and connectivity. Yet most of these students face challenges in applying their information technology and information literacy abilities because most of them have never received formal training, have only a limited understanding of the tools they use, and underuse those tools. WebQuests are a unique method for enhancing students' information technology and information literacy competencies.

Correlates of sexual function following vulvar excision.

Objectives: The objectives were to evaluate associations between size of excision, grade of VIN, demographic variables, location of excision and laterality and sexual function and quality of life (QOL) in women with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) following vulvar excision.

Methods: Forty-three women with VIN who had undergone a vulvar excision completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 (QLQ C-30) scale to provide an assessment of sexual function and QOL. Medical records of the participants were reviewed for pathology results, operative reports, and medication history.

Pilot study of sexual function and quality of life after excision for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.

Objective: To compare sexualfunction and quality of life (QOL) in women with vulvar excision for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) with those in an age-matched, healthy comparison group.

Study Design: This cross-sectional study contrasted women (n = 43) after vulvar excision for VIN with a healthy comparison group (n = 43). Participants were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 to provide an assessment of sexual function and quality of life.

Use of the female sexual function index in women with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.

The present investigation extends the validation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; Rosen et al., 2000) to include women with vulvar excisions for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). No instrument previously has been validated in this population.

Home Study Course: Fall 2005.

Objective: The Home Study Course is intended for the practicing colposcopist or practitioner who is seeking to develop or enhance his or her colposcopic skills. The goal of the course is to present colposcopic cases that are unusual or instructive in terms of appearance, presentation, or management, or that demonstrate new and important knowledge in the area of colposcopy or pathology. Participants may benefit from reading and studying the material or from testing their knowledge by answering the questions.

Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer: not just a sexually transmitted disease.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of virtually all cancers of the cervix, the fourth most common cancer in women in the United States. HPV is sexually transmitted, and the lifetime risk of contracting the virus is estimated to be 75%-90%. New methods of detecting HPV infection and cellular changes (dysplasia) caused by HPV can greatly reduce the mortality associated with this virus.