Young female college students from Brazilian public universities have many inadequate care habits related to their genital area. They do not use genital piercing and tattoos, but report having pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge after sex in a large number of cases.

Background Vulvodynia is a disabling condition in which pelvic floor muscles' (PFM) hypertonicity plays an important role. Aim To evaluate biometric changes in PFM in women with vulvodynia undergoing kinesiotherapy treatment protocol (KTP). Methods A single-blinded randomized controlled trial of 57 women with vulvodynia randomly assigned to either KTP + amitriptyline or amitriptyline alone (controls) for treatment. Four-dimensional translabial ultrasound assessed PFM regarding symphysis-levator distance at rest, anorectal angle at rest, excursion of the levator plate angle, and levator hiatal narrowing. Volunteers underwent a vaginal examination for a cotton swab test (CST), fulfillment of Friedrich criteria score and PFM power of contraction, and completed a diary of sexual pain and frequency of vaginal intercourse. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Outcomes Primary outcomes were differences in biometric parameters assessed by four-dimensional translabial ultrasound after treatment, between groups. Secondary outcomes were changes in clinical variables (CST, Friedrich criteria, PFM power of contraction, frequency of intercourse, and intensity of sexual pain) between groups and correlation analysis between biometric parameters and clinical variables. Results Only the KTP group had statistically significant changes in biometric parameters after treatment (symphysis-levator distance: 0.22 ± 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1–0.4, P = .008; levator hiatal narrowing: −0.33 ± 0.2, 95% CI = −1 to −0.2, P = .04). Comparisons between groups showed that symphysis-levator distance (0.3, 95% CI = 0.2–0.6, P = .005) and excursion of levator plate angle (4.9, 95% CI = −0.4 to 10.1, P = .02) improved significantly after KTP treatment. Clinical variables showed greater improvement in the group treated with KTP for CST (difference of −3.7, 95% CI = −7 to −0.4, P = .01), Friedrich criteria (difference of −1.9, 95% CI = −3.2 to −0.6, P = .003), PFM power of contraction (0.3, 95% CI = 0.1–0.6, P = .05) and intensity of sexual pain (reduction of 1.7, 95% CI = −3.1 to −0.2, P = .01). Some clinical and biometric variables correlated positively, for example, frequency of vaginal intercourse and anorectal angle (P = .04; r = 0.25), or inversely, for example, pain intensity at CST and anorectal angle (P = .004, r = −0.31). Clinical Implications This study provides evidence on efficiency of a physical therapy protocol for improvement of symptoms of vulvodynia and hypertonicity changes. Conclusion This pilot study suggests that KTP for women with vulvodynia promoted significant changes in PFM biometric measures, consistent with alterations in hypertonicity and clinical improvement.

Background: Because the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) requires agility in its performance, we hypothesized that the test may be associated with balance and risk of falls in the elderly. Objective: To evaluate and compare the association between the performance on the ISWT, the timed up and go (TUG) and the occurrence of falls in the elderly. Method: Thirty-three elderly individuals (68±7 years) performed the TUG and the ISWT. Balance was assessed using the Berg Scale (BBS). Participants who fell at least twice in the last 12 months were placed in the "falls" group (FG) and all other participants comprised the control group (CG). Conclusão: O ISWT foi válido para avaliar o risco de quedas e o equilíbrio e pode ser útil como ferramenta de avaliação simultânea da aptidão cardiorrespiratória e do equilíbrio em mulheres idosas.

Objective To evaluate genital hygiene among women with and without bacterial vaginosis (BV) and/or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Methods A cross-sectional study of reproductive-aged women who underwent gynecological and laboratory tests and fulfilled a genital hygiene questionnaire. Results This study evaluated 166 healthy controls and 141 women diagnosed with either BV (n = 72), VVC (n = 61), or both (n = 8). The use of intimate soap and moist wipes after urination was more frequent among healthy women (p = 0.042 and 0.032, respectively). Compared to controls, bactericidal soap was more used by women with BV (p = 0.05). Conclusion Some hygiene habits were associated to BV and/or VVC. Clinical trials should address this important issue in women's health.

Introduction: Vulvar occlusion and moisture buildup resulting from the use of sanitary pads, synthetic underwear and/or tight pants are considered risk factors for the development of vulvovaginitis (VV). However, this association is still poorly elucidated. Objective: To associate the use of sanitary pads and clothing with the presence of bacterial vaginitis (BV) and vaginal candidiasis (VC). Methods: Cross-sectional study aimed at analyzing the use of sanitary pads and clothing in 307 volunteers from 18 to 45 years old, with and without BV and/or VC. A questionnaire comprehending six domains was applied individually to the volunteers, in an outpatient gynecology clinic at a university hospital (University of Campinas, Brazil). This study analyzed three of six domains. Vaginal material was collected for microbiologic diagnosis of BV (Nugent criteria) and VC (Gram stain and culture of the fungus in Saboureaud). Exclusion criteria were: use of antibiotics within 15 days, history of cancer, positive HIV and/or syphilis and immunosuppressive disease. Statistical analysis were made with Fischer and chi-square tests, using the software EPI INFO 0.5. Significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: In total, 141 (46%) women were diagnosed with VV. The mean age was 32 (±6.8) years and most women were Caucasian (52%), had a steady partner (83%) and were using hormonal contraceptives (64.5%). Women with presence of VV used more panties made of synthetic fabric (10.6% x zero), had more menstrual cycles (72.3 x 55.4%) than those without VV (p<0.005 and p<0.0001) and showed patterns of sanitary pads similar to those without VV. Conclusion: Habits of usage of sanitary pads is not associated with the presence of VV. Presence of menstrual cycle and use of synthetic underwear have been related with greater frequency of VV.