OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic process on the sexual life quality of female healthcare workers.
MATRERIAL and METHODS: The study is a relationship-seeking and descriptive study conducted with 110 volunteer female healthcare workers who are actively working in the pandemic ward of two different hospitals and have sexual partners. Ethics committee and institutional permissions were obtained for the conduct of the study. Data were collected with the Socio-Demographic Characteristics Interview Form which includes the introductory information of the participants and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQLQ-F) Scale. In the analysis of data; mean, standard deviation, Mann Whitney-U and Kruskal Wallis-H analyses were used.
RESULTS: The mean total scores obtained from SQLQ-F of female healthcare workers in the study were 19.47±17.37. In the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant relationship between the sexual life quality of female healthcare workers according to the variables of age, spouse/partner profession and marriage type (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The study determined that the sexual life quality of female healthcare workers was significantly low in the pandemic process. The study determined that the sexual life quality of female healthcare workers in the 45-54 age group, whose spouse/partner was a healthcare worker and who were married through an arranged marriage, was high. It is recommended that studies on the sexual life quality of female healthcare workers be expanded during the pandemic, necessary precautions be taken and training/counseling activities be carried out on the subject.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the level of fertility health knowledge of students studying at a foundation university in Istanbul.
MATRERIAL and METHODS: It was conducted with 495 students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a foundation university in Istanbul. The study data were collected by face-to-face questionnaire method using sociodemographic information form and Fertility Health Knowledge Scale (FHQS).
RESULTS: When the data obtained as a result of the study were evaluated, it was found that 91,7% of the participants were female, 8,3% were male, they had an average height of 165,51 cm and weight of 60,31 kg, the majority of them lived with their families (75,6%), did not smoke and drink alcohol (81% and 74,3%, respectively) and were not sexually active (93,7%). Participants received an average of 109,89±13,56 points from Fertility health information production, and an average of 17,11±6.26 correct answers were determined from 30 sections. It was determined that the number of correct answers given by the sexually active participants to the scale questions was lower than those who were not sexually active (p<.05). When the participants' answers were evaluated, it was understood that although they knew the effect of smoking on fertility, they had insufficient knowledge about the effect of passive smoking on general fertility, the effect of sleep patterns on female fertility, and the effect of intense exercise and nutrition on male fertility health.
CONCLUSION: As a result, it was determined that the awareness of the university students participating in the research about fertility health was not at the desired level. In order to raise awareness about fertility health, it is a social necessity to provide healthy lifestyle behaviours and to provide information about the factors affecting fertility health by providing trainings, especially in young adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: Male infertility negatively affects men's perception of masculinity and their health. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Masculinity in Chronic Disease Inventory (MCD-I) in men admitted to an infertility outpatient clinic.
MATRERIAL and METHODS: The study was conducted with 208 males. Data were collected after the language validity of MCD-I was ensured. The interclass correlation test was used in the implementation of repeated tests; the Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to analyse the relationship between numerical variables, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used for validity, while Cronbach's alpha values, item-total correlation and split-half analysis were used for reliability.
RESULTS: The inventory comprised 22 items and five subscales, which explained 56.52% of the total variance. All the factor loads were >0.30 in both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The confirmatory factor analysis determined that all the fit indices were >0.85, and the root mean square error of approximation was <0.05. The Cronbach's alpha value for the whole scale was 0.86, and all five subscales were found to vary between 0.52 and 0.83.
CONCLUSION: This study found that the Turkish version of MCD-I is a reliable and valid measurement tool for men who applied to policlinic for complaints of infertility.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between HPV awareness, anxiety level, vaccination attitudes and beliefs of married women.
MATRERIAL and METHODS: The study is descriptive and relationship-seeking, and 321 married women were included in the study. The research data were collected between May 07-August 20, 2024, and the Personal Information Form, Human Papillomavirus Awareness and Concern Scale (HPV-ACS), and Carolina HPV Vaccination Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CHVABS) were used in the collection of data. Mean, standard deviation, simple linear regression and Pearson correlation analysis were used in the analysis of the data.
RESULTS: The total HPV-ACS score average of women was 28.16±14.46, the total CHVABS score average was 28.21±8.64, and according to the correlation analysis, a statistically significant positive relationship was found between them (r=0.822, p<0.05). It was determined that age, income level, child status, pap smear test status, cervical cancer and menopause diagnosis were significant factors in explaining the HPV-ACS total score and were statistically significant (p<0.05). It was determined that age, income level, employment status, child status and pap smear test status were significant factors in explaining the dependent variable CHVABS total score and were statistically significant (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: As the HPV awareness and concern level of married women increases, their attitudes and beliefs towards the HPV vaccine also increase.

OBJECTIVE: With this study, the variables of the sexual life of pregnant women and the scope of their sexual life.
MATRERIAL and METHODS: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study was conducted with 113 pregnant women who applied to the Gynecology Polyclinic of Suluova State Hospital and Amasya Sabuncuoğlu Training and Research Hospital between January 20 and March 20, 2023, and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using a 25-question survey containing personal data and the Sexual Life Quality-Female scale. Written consent was obtained from people who agreed to participate in the study. The data were analyzed using the SPSS package program according to %, frequency and normality distribution using the Mann Whitney U test. P<0.05 was accepted as the limit of statistical significance.
RESULTS: The average age of pregnant women is 28.12±5.72, and the average week of pregnancy is 32.53±7.88. The average sexual life quality scale score of the pregnant women participating in the study was 80.86±14.76. The total score of the scale was found to be statistically significant in terms of pregnant women's perception of their level of sexual desire (p=.001). The sexual desire level of those who answered none was found to be higher than those who answered low, medium and high. A statistically significant difference was found between those who answered none and moderate. Orgasm frequency and scale total score were found to be statistically significant (p =.001). It was found to be statistically significant between those who never experience orgasm and those who always experience orgasm, and between those who sometimes experience orgasm and those who always experience orgasm (p =.001 and p =.000). The Cronbach alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.87.
CONCLUSION: It was observed that the sexual life quality scale score of the pregnant women participating in the study was high. Due to the limited number of pregnant women, studies reaching more pregnant women are needed.

OBJECTIVE: Peyronie’s disease (PD) is an acquired benign connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis and plaque formation within the tunica albuginea of the penis. Treatment approaches for PD include oral agents, mechanical therapies, intralesional injections, and surgical interventions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of using testicular tunica vaginalis autologous grafts in the surgical treatment of Peyronie’s disease.
MATRERIAL and METHODS: Nineteen patients who underwent surgery with the use of testicular tunica vaginalis autologous grafts between 2015 and 2022 were evaluated. All patients reported a decreased frequency of sexual intercourse and difficulties with sexual intercourse. Each patient exhibited significant curvature during erection. During the operation, the fibrotic plaque was excised while preserving the neurovascular bundle (NVB). A suitable autologous tunica vaginalis graft was harvested to match the size of the excised plaque and was used to repair the defect. Patients with curvatures exceeding 90°, those who had previously undergone penile surgery, and those with abnormal penile Doppler findings were excluded from the study. Preoperative and postoperative parameters were collected and compared. The patients were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) before surgery and one year postoperatively. Residual curvature was also evaluated in all patients at the one-year follow-up.
RESULTS: The mean age of the 19 patients who underwent surgery with testicular tunica vaginalis autologous grafts was 51.95 years (44-61), and the mean operative time was 70.26 minutes (56-80). The mean size of the excised plaque was 2.82 cm² (2-4). The overall satisfaction measured by the IIEF-5 score one year postoperatively showed a statistically significant improvement compared to preoperative scores (p<0.05). All surgeries were completed successfully without complications, and satisfactory correction of penile appearance was achieved in all patients. No significant difference was observed in the length of the erect penis before and after surgery. In two cases, a 20° residual curvature was observed, and in two other cases, a 15° curvature was noted at the one-year follow-up. No residual curvature was observed in the other patients.
CONCLUSION: Covering the defect following Peyronie's plaque excision with the patient’s own tunica vaginalis is a simple, cost-effective, and safe method that produces satisfactory outcomes. These findings should be confirmed in larger series.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the importance of noninvasive diagnostic parameters such as intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), bladder wall thickness, prostate volume, and uroflow in the detection of bladder outlet obstruction using pressure-flow studies.
MATRERIAL and METHODS: Pressure flow studies were performed on patients who presented to the outpatient clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients were divided into two groups, those with and without obstruction, according to the Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) parameter. Differences between the two groups were evaluated in terms of prostate volume, IPP, Bladder Wall Thickness (BWT), uroflow peak flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine volume and Bladder Outflow Obstruction Number (BOON) parameters.
RESULTS: There was a significant difference in prostate volume, IPP, BWT, uroflow peak flow rate, post-void residual urine volume and BOON parameters between the obstructed and non-obstructed groups. In the ROC analysis performed to predict the obstructed patient, the ideal cut-off value for prostate volume was determined as 71.5 ml, for IPP 10.5 mm, for BWT and 5.3 mm. Bladder outlet obstruction index parameter was positively correlated with prostate volume, IPP, BWT, residual volume and IPSS. There was a negative correlation with Qmax.
CONCLUSION: In the ROC curve for predicting obstructed patients, IPP showed a higher AUC (area under the curve) compared to prostate volume and BWT, indicating IPP’s superior predictive value for obstruction. Uroflow parameters are also significant predictors, albeit less so than IPP. Increasing obstruction scores correlate with higher levels of prostate volume, IPP, uroflow peak flow, and IPSS, providing insights into the severity of obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is a rare condition characterized by incidental parenchymal calcifications seen during scrotal ultrasonography (USG). This condition is often asymptomatic. It appears as multiple small calcifications within the seminiferous tubules, and its ethology is unknown. Some studies have reported that TM can be seen along with other testicular pathologies, such as varicocele. This study aimed to determine the frequency of varicocele in cases with TM.
MATRERIAL and METHODS: Patients aged 15–80 who were referred to our clinic for scrotal USG examination for infertility, pain, or suspicion of a palpable mass between January 2017 and October 2024 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with TM formed the study group. Patients without TM who were referred for the same reasons between 01/08/2024 and 15/10/2024, were considered the control group. Demographic data such as age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Scrotal USG images were retrospectively reviewed using the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Varicocele evaluation was performed in both groups. The severity of varicocele in affected patients was graded and recorded.
RESULTS: A total of 99 patients were evaluated. Of these, 58 were in the study group and 41 were in the control group. The median age of the study group was 30 years (range: 15–72), while the median age of the control group was 28 years (range: 16–69). The frequency of varicocele was 29.3% (n=17) in the study group and 19.5% (n=8) in the control group. In the TM group, 88.2% (n=15) of the varicocele cases were left-sided, while 13.8% (n=2) were bilateral. Among the 17 cases in the study group, 2 had grade 1 varicocele (11.8%), 3 had grade 2 (17.6%), 6 had grade 3 (35.3%), 5 had grade 4 (29.4%), and 1 had grade 5 (5.9%). In the control group, 8 cases with varicocele were found, with 1 case at grade 1 (12.5%), 2 at grade 2 (25%), 3 at grade 3 (37.5%), and 2 at grade 4 (25%), but no grade 5 varicocele was observed.
CONCLUSION: TM is an incidental, asymptomatic, and rare testicular parenchymal microcalcification seen on USG. Further comprehensive studies are needed to better understand the relationship between TM and other testicular diseases, including varicocele. Regular USG monitoring and careful evaluation for other testicular anomalies are recommended for patients with TM.

Sexual health is a crucial component of overall well-being, encompassing not only the physiological health of the sexual organs but also the quality of sexual life and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. According to the World Health Organization, sexual health is defined not merely as the absence of disease or dysfunction but also as the ability to experience a satisfying and healthy sexual life. Therefore, evaluating sexual health is of significant importance on both an individual and societal level. A comprehensive assessment of sexual health’s physical, psychological, and social dimensions can only be achieved through appropriate steps taken by healthcare professionals in sexual health evaluation. This review presents effective methods used in the assessment of sexual health, the challenges encountered in this evaluation, and proposed solutions for healthcare professionals. Based on the literature, this review aims to provide a valuable resource for improving the sexual health assessment process and enhancing the quality of sexual health services.

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common health problems in men. Although many reasons cause erectile dysfunction, the underlying cause is usually multifactorial. Erectile dysfunction is generally evaluated under two main headings: organic and psychogenic. While investigating hormonal factors among organic causes, thyroid dysfunction should also be taken into consideration. In this review, we aimed to investigate the effect of thyroid dysfunction on erectile dysfunction in men.