BMC women's health
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Latent profile analysis of stigma and medical coping among patients with vaginitis: a cross-sectional study

Sep 22, 2026

This study aimed to identify latent profiles of stigma and medical coping among patients with vaginitis and to explore associated factors influencing these profiles. The researchers found three distinct groups based on stigma and coping strategies, revealing that factors such as unemployment and understanding of vaginitis significantly impacted patients' experiences. The findings suggest that tailored health interventions could help reduce stigma and promote positive coping mechanisms in this patient population.

Indian rural women's suicide beliefs and experiences: female suicidality as escape from and protest against a life usurped of agency

Sep 22, 2026

This study investigates the beliefs and experiences surrounding suicide among rural women in Bihar, India, aiming to understand how these women perceive suicidality in the context of their lived experiences of oppression and lack of agency. Through qualitative narratives, the authors reveal that many women view suicide as both an escape from unbearable circumstances and a form of protest against systemic violations of their rights. The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support and policy reforms to address the underlying social and gender-based issues contributing to female suicidality.

The relationship between partner attachment, psychological well-being, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women

Sep 18, 2026

This study investigates the relationship between spousal attachment, psychological well-being, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. The findings reveal that higher levels of insecure partner attachment correlate with increased menopausal symptoms, while greater psychological well-being is linked to fewer symptoms. The authors suggest that addressing emotional support and relationship quality may be crucial for improving menopausal health outcomes.

Lifestyle factors and symptom burden in endometriosis: an exploratory mixed-methods analysis of nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being

Sep 18, 2026

The authors aimed to explore the associations between lifestyle factors—specifically nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being—and symptom burden in women with endometriosis. Their mixed-methods study found weak and context-dependent correlations, particularly highlighting psychosocial well-being as having the most consistent relationship with symptom management. The findings suggest that individualized lifestyle support may be beneficial alongside conventional medical treatments, warranting further investigation through longitudinal and intervention studies.

Living with adenomyosis and involuntary childlessness: a qualitative interview study

Sep 15, 2026

This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences, psychological burdens, and coping strategies of individuals living with adenomyosis and involuntary childlessness, alongside insights from gynecological specialists. The findings revealed significant diagnostic delays, fragmented care, and substantial psychosocial challenges faced by participants, highlighting the need for more integrated, patient-centered healthcare approaches. The authors suggest that these insights warrant further investigation in larger, more diverse populations to better understand the complexities of living with adenomyosis.

Lived experiences of parenting-related distress in mothers with gynecological cancer: a descriptive phenomenological study

Sep 12, 2026

This study investigates the lived experiences of parenting-related distress among mothers diagnosed with gynecological cancer, a topic that has been largely overlooked. Through in-depth interviews with 16 mothers, the authors identify key themes related to disrupted maternal identity, renegotiated maternal practices, and reconstructed meanings of motherhood, highlighting the unique challenges these women face in balancing their illness with parenting responsibilities. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare providers to recognize and address this distress to support mothers in maintaining their maternal roles.

Cue-specific sexual avoidance, metacognitive beliefs, and sexual functioning in women with lifelong vaginismus: a cross-sectional case-control study

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between cue-specific sexual avoidance, metacognitive beliefs, and sexual functioning in women with lifelong vaginismus. They found that nearly half of the participants exhibited significant avoidance behaviors, which correlated with poorer sexual functioning, and that dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs—especially regarding uncontrollability and danger—were associated with these impairments, independent of anxiety and depression. The study suggests the importance of screening for both sexual avoidance and metacognitive beliefs in clinical assessments of vaginismus.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Meno-D in perimenopausal women

Sep 3, 2026

This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Meno-D, a screening tool for perimenopausal depression, in a culturally relevant context. The authors found a two-factor structure reflecting somatic and emotional symptoms, demonstrating good reliability and validity, but acknowledged limitations such as a single-center sample and the exclusion of certain populations. They concluded that while the Chinese Meno-D shows promise, it is not yet suitable for routine clinical use and requires further validation in diverse settings.

Comparing different techniques of uterine artery occlusion during laparoscopic myomectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Aug 26, 2026

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different uterine artery occlusion techniques versus no occlusion in reducing intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy. The findings indicated that none of the occlusion techniques significantly reduced blood loss or 24-hour hemoglobin decline compared to no occlusion, and the occlusion methods were associated with longer operative times and a higher rate of blood transfusions. Additionally, no significant differences in short-term ovarian reserve markers were observed among the groups.

A multilevel analysis of the predictive effects of internal migration and region of residence on women's empowerment in Nigeria

Aug 18, 2026

This study investigates how migration status and region of residence affect women's empowerment in Nigeria, utilizing data from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The findings reveal that these contextual factors significantly influence various empowerment indices, such as household decision-making and tolerance of domestic violence, highlighting the importance of regional inequalities and migration dynamics in understanding women's empowerment in the country.