Risk factors for hemorrhoidal disease among healthy young and middle-aged Korean adults

Hemorrhoidal disease is a highly prevalent anorectal condition causing substantial discomfort, disability, and decreased quality of life. Evidence on preventable risk factors for hemorrhoidal disease is limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 194,620 healthy men and women who completed a health screening exam including colonoscopy in 2011–2017. We evaluated potential risk factors of hemorrhoidal disease, including lifestyle factors, medical history, birth history, gastrointestinal symptoms, and anthropometric measurements. The prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease was 16.6%, and it was higher in females than in males (17.2 vs. 16.3%; P < 0.001). Compared to men, the prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease was higher in parous women (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.10), and lower in nulliparous women (adjusted OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86–0.98). In the adjusted analyses, older age, female sex, smoking, overweight, and being hypertensive were independently associated with the presence of hemorrhoidal disease. The prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease was positively associated with body mass index and waist circumference in parous women. The prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease was higher in older age, females, ever-smokers, and hypertensive participants. The association of excess adiposity with the prevalence of hemorrhoidal disease differed by sex and parity.

A CLINICAL STUDY FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF BALA MOOLA CHURNA IN ASRIGDARA

Menstruation is a physiological function that denotes a healthy reproductive system in a woman. A normal menstrual cycle is vital for every woman's physical and psychological well-being. Asrigdara is a condition where there is excessive or prolonged bleeding. Considering the symptoms, it can be related to Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, a state of abnormal bleeding without any clinically detectable organic, systemic or iatrogenic causes. It is common in multiparous women than in nulliparous women. Bala Moola mentioned in Chakradutta is undertaken for the present study to evaluate its efficacy in Asrigdara. A randomized clinical study consisting of two groups, with 20 patients in each group were selected. Group A was given trial drug Bala Moola Churna with milk and honey in the dose of 6 gms twice daily after food for three consecutive cycles. Group B was given Tranexamic acid one tablet twice after food for three-cycle. Both the drugs were given till the bleeding stopped or a maximum of 15 days. The study showed that both the drugs, Bala Moola Churna and Tranexamic acid, were equally effective in reducing the symptoms of Asrigdara at the end of treatment.

Sexual function in primiparous women: a prospective study

Introduction and hypothesis The aim of this prospective study was to examine the impact of sociodemographic, pregnancy and obstetric characteristics on sexual function 12 months postpartum in primiparous women. We hypothesized that sexual function would decrease after childbirth. Methods Between 1 October 2014 and 1 October 2017, all nulliparous women in early pregnancy registering for maternity health care in Region Örebro County, Sweden, were invited to participate in this prospective study. A total of 958 women were included. Sexual activity and function were measured at early pregnancy, 8 weeks postpartum and 12 months postpartum using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). The associations between sociodemographic, pregnancy and obstetric characteristics and sexual activity and function from early pregnancy to 12 months postpartum were examined using linear and logistic models based on generalized estimating equations. Results We found that the prevalence of sexually active women decreased from 98.0% in early pregnancy to 66.7% at 8 weeks postpartum, but increased to 90.0% at 12 months postpartum. Age ≥ 35 years, second-degree perineal tear and current breastfeeding were statistically significant risk factors for sexual inactivity at 12 months postpartum. Poor self-reported health in early pregnancy was statistically significantly associated with decreased sexual function at 12 months postpartum. Conclusions A majority of women resumed sexual activity at 8 weeks postpartum and most women at 12 months postpartum; the decrease in sexual function at 12 months postpartum was small and few risk factors were observed.