Introduction Unlike male sexual function, which is relatively easy to assess, female sexual function is still a diagnostic challenge. Although numerous new measurements for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) have recently been developed, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) remains the gold standard for screening. It has been validated in more than 30 countries. The FSFI has been used in several studies conducted in Poland, but it has never been standardized for Polish women. Aim The aim of this study was to develop a Polish version of the FSFI (PL-FSFI). Materials and Methods In total, 189 women aged 18–55 years were included in the study. Eighty-five were diagnosed with FSD as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) criteria; 104 women did not have FSD. All subjects completed the PL-FSFI at baseline (day 0), day 7, and day 28. Main Outcome Measures Test–retest reliability was determined by Pearson's product–moment correlations. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's α coefficient. Construct validity was evaluated by principal component analysis using varimax rotation and factor analysis. Discriminant validity was assessed with between-groups analysis of variance. Results All domains of the PL-FSFI demonstrated satisfactory internal consistencies, with Cronbach's α value of >0.70 for the entire sample. The test–retest reliability demonstrated good-to-excellent agreement between the assessment points. Based on principal component analysis, a 5-factor model was established that explained 83.62% of the total variance. Domain intercorrelations of the PL-FSFI ranged from 0.37–0.77. The optimal PL-FSFI cutoff score was 27.50, with 87.1% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity. Conclusion The PL-FSFI is a reliable questionnaire with good psychometric and discriminative validity. Therefore, it can be used as a tool for preliminary screening for FSD among Polish women.

Introduction The concept of sexually related personal distress, central to the diagnosis of all female sexual dysfunction (FSD), is currently a subject of scientific debate. Several psychometric instruments have been used to measure sexually related personal distress in women, including the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and its revised version (FSDS-R). Aim To develop a Polish version of the FSDS-R (PL-FSDS-R). Methods In total, 210 women aged 18–55 years were included in the study. Seventy-five were diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), 31 were diagnosed with another FSD, and 104 were control. All subjects completed the PL-FSDS-R at baseline (day 0), day 7, and day 28. Internal consistencies were evaluated by Cronbach's α. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess test–retest reliability. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing mean scores of the FSD and control groups in a between-groups analysis of variance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff values of the PL-FSDS-R. Main Outcome Measures To measure the validity and reliability of the PL-FSDS-R and to determine optimal cutoff values. Results Mean total PL-FSDS-R score was statistically higher in women with HSDD and other FSD compared to healthy individuals, showing the test had discriminant validity. The frequency of sexual intercourse and quality of relationship with sexual partner but not other sexual behaviors were statistically correlated with the PL-FSDS-R score. ROC analysis confirmed these findings. All domains of the PL-FSDS-R demonstrated satisfactory internal consistencies, with a Cronbach's α-value of >0.70 for the entire sample. Test–retest coefficients were between 0.86–0.92, with the best reliability for a 7-day recall period. Conclusions The PL-FSDS-R is a reliable questionnaire with good psychometric and discriminative validity, and can be used to measure sexually related personal distress in Polish women with FSD with a cutoff score of ≥13.

Objectives: The phenomenon of tocophobia (pathological fear of labor) has not been fully explored. Currently, there are no diagnostic criteria that would enable its detection or make it recognizable as a disease entity. The aim of study was to determine the degree of anxiety/tocophobia as well as to learn about and analyze the causes of this phenomenon in Polish pregnant women. Material and methods:The prospective study included 120 pregnant women in the third trimester of gestation from February to May 2016. The study was performed with the use of a standardized and revised version of the Labor Anxiety Questionnaire (KLP II) designed by Putyński and Paciorek (1997) as well as a proprietary interview questionnaire and structured data documentation form.Results: In 6.7% of the subjects, the level of labor anxiety was very high (> 18 in KLP II). It was the highest in women over 30 years of age (Pearson's chi squared test = 0.00422; p < 0.05). It has been shown that successive childbirths have an impact on the degree of anxiety (p = 0.04217).The highest level of anxiety was noted in primiparous women. In 85% of the subjects, anxiety was caused by fear of labor pain. 56.7% of the tested women did not use any professional help in the preparation for childbirth and motherhood.Conclusions: Primiparas and women over 30 years of age experience very high levels of fear significantly more frequently. The lack of proper preparation for childbirth determines the occurrence of tocophobia. Ante-natal classes and prenatal education based on standards of obstetric care should be promoted in order to reduce or eliminate fear of natural labor.

Mukowiscydoza jest chorobą autosomalną recesywną występującą najczęściej wśród rasy kaukaskiej. W Polsce zanotowano około 1500 przypadków choroby, na świecie na mukowiscydozę choruje blisko 70 tys. osób. Z najnowszych badań wynika, że średni okres przeżywalności szacuje się na 30 lat i ciągle wzrasta za sprawą prawidłowej diagnostyki oraz odpowiedniego leczenia. Szczególnym wyzwaniem dla medycyny staje się prowadzenie ciąży u kobiety z rozpoznaną mukowisydozą (CF – cystic fibrosis). Ciąża u kobiety chorej na CF jest ciążą wysokiego ryzyka. W pracy dokonano przeglądu danych literaturowych dotyczących przebiegu i prowadzenia ciąży oraz porodu u kobiet z rozpoznaną mukowiscydozą.

Objectives: The analysis of the forms of paternal activity depending on the manner of their preparation, including stages of labor. Material and methods:A prospective survey-based study involved 250 fathers who participated in their child's birth. The fathers included in the study were present during all stages of family-assisted natural labor. The study was conducted one day after childbirth with the use of a survey prepared by the authors. Statistical calculations were conducted using the Statistica PL software. The frequency of individual qualitative features (non-measurable) was assessed by means of a non-parametric χ² (chi-squared) test. The statistical significance level was p < 0.05. Results:A half of the fathers included in the study (52.4%) participated in childbirth with no prior preparation. The dominant form of preparation involved self-education from books, magazines and the Internet (24%). 23.6% of fathers participated in ante-natal classes. The study demonstrated that fathers prepared for childbirth in ante-natal classes more often engaged in the supportive role, provided nursing care and carried out instrumental monitoring during each stage of childbirth. Conclusions:The fathers prepared for childbirth in ante-natal classes more often engage in the supportive role, provide nursing care and carry out instrumental control during each stage of childbirth. Ante-natal classes should be promoted as an optimal form of preparation for active participation in childbirth. Moreover, other forms of paternal ante-natal education as well as continued education in a delivery room should be developed.