Browsing by Author "Goker A."
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Item Sexual life following total abdominal hysterectomy(2005) Kuscu N.K.; Oruc S.; Ceylan E.; Eskicioglu F.; Goker A.; Caglar H.Aim: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) on sexual lives of patients in the postoperative period. Materials and methods: Eighty-six patients who accepted to participate a phone-questionnaire were recruited in the study after TAH or TAH + BSO. They were asked about sexual desire, pain during sexual intercourse, frequency and satisfaction of sexual intercourse at pre- and postoperative periods, and loss of "feeling a woman" in the postoperative period. Sexual desire, pain during sexual intercourse, loss of "feeling a woman" questions were answered as "yes" or " no", number of weekly sexual intercourse was recorded, and satisfaction was graded as no = 0, mild = 1 and complete = 2 points. Results: While sexual desire and frequency were found to be significantly lower (p=0.026 and p=0.01 respectively), no difference was noted in dyspareunia and satisfaction. When the patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of endogenous or exogenous estrogen, no difference was seen between the two groups in the postoperative period. Conclusion: We concluded that the effect of TAH or TAH+BSO operations were mainly on sexual desire and the number of weekly intercourse, and estrogen in the postoperative period did not make any difference between the two groups. © Springer-Verlag 2004.Item Quality of life in women with gynecologic cancer in Turkey(Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention, 2011) Goker A.; Guvenal T.; Yanikkerem E.; Turhan A.; Koyuncu F.M.Aim: The management of gynecological cancer patients mainly aims at prolonging survival but modern therapy focuses on good survival combined with a good quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate QoL and identify its associated factors in Turkish women with gynecologic cancer. Method: The study included 119 women diagnosed with endometrial, cervical, ovarian or vulvar cancer and treated at the Gynecologic Oncology Department of Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine. The data were collected between January and June 2011. QoL was measured with EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0. Relationships between clinical and socio-demographic characteristics and QoL scores were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis and t-tests. Result: Global health status, physical and role function scores were found higher in women under the age of 60 years. Role function scores were found lower, and emotional and social scores were found to be higher in single women than in married women. Physical scores were found higher in women who had graduated from secondary school or above. Women with ovarian cancer had the highest while women with cervical cancer had the lowest global health score (65.3 ±24.7 and 43.0±24.1, respectively). Women with endometrial cancer were found to have better role function, and social well being than those with vulvar, cervical or ovarian cancer. Global, physical, role function, cognitive and social scores were found higher in women who had been treated with surgery. Conclusion: Gynecological cancer and treatment processes cause significant problems that have negative effects on physical, emotional, social and role function aspects of QoL. Health care providers play a key role in the identification and treatment of the complications of cancer therapy. Minimizing the effect of the symptoms of gynecologic cancer may positively impact on patient QoL.Item Leiomyoma as a cause of urinary retention(Page Press Publications, 2013) Sarsmaz K.; Goker A.; Kuscu N.K.Urinary retention is uncommon in reproductive age women. The frequent causes for obstructive retention are pelvic masses and a history of surgery. We report a case of intermittent urinary retention caused by a leiomyoma. A 47-year old patient with voiding difficulties for the past four months was referred to the gyne-cology outpatient clinic. She had urinary retention and had been catheterized several times for bladder emptying. She had been evaluated by the urology clinic and a cystoscopy was performed with normal findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a pelvic mass at the anterior uterine wall with a diameter of 10 cm. Her physical examination confirmed the MRI findings. Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed with a complete resolution of the patient's complaints. Women with urinary retention should be consultated with a gynecologist in order to rule out pelvic masses. © Copyright K. Sarsmaz et al., 2013.Item Human papilloma virus frequency and genotype distribution in a Turkish population(Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention, 2013) Akcali S.; Goker A.; Ecemis T.; Kandiloglu A.R.; Sanlidag T.Objectives: To determine human papillomavirus (HPV) frequency, genotypes and the relationbetween cervical smear results, risk factors and types in women living in Manisa, Turkey. Materials and Methods: A total of 410 women were included in the study. Cervical specimens were obtained for linear array HPV genotyping and pathological testing. Conventional Pap test and Bethesda system were used for evaluation of cytology specimens. Results: A total of 410 women with a mean age of 34.9 years were tested. A positive result of any HPV was found in 35 patients(8.5%). Among them, 26 different serotypes of HPV were identified and the most frequent type was HPV 16 (28.5%) followed by type 45 and 53 (11.4%). Patients were infected by 65.7% high risk,11.4% probable high risk and 22.9% low risk HPV types. Multiple HPV positive results were found in 13 patients (37.1%). Patients with single partner, history of abnormal smear or condyloma had positive HPV results and this was statistically significant (p<0.05). Correlation analysis showed a statistically weak relation between positive HPV and abnormal smear results (r=0.120). Conclusions: Determining HPV types of genitalHPV infections is important for epidemiological studies. We have found the rate of positive HPV as 8.5% whichimplies the need for extended screening programs in order to diagnose oncogenic HPV at an early stage.Item Antenatal depression: Prevalence and risk factors in a hospital based Turkish sample(2013) Yanikkerem E.; Ay S.; Mutlu S.; Goker A.Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors for antenatal depression. Methods: From April to September 2011, a total of 651 pregnant women who had no chronic diseases, were at low risk for obstetric complications and who had no diagnosed depression before pregnancy were recruited for interview at Merkez Efendi Hospital, Maternal and Child out-patient department in western Turkey. The evaluation of depression was scored according to the Beck Depression Inventory. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chisquare, Fisher exact, t test and stepwise multiple regression analyses. Result: Of the total, 71 (10.9%) women scored >17 on the inventory. Low level of education, unplanned pregnancy, lack of social support and pregnancy-related physical symptoms were found to be the most important risk factors for antenatal depression. Conclusion: Early identification and treatment of antenatal depression may improve pregnancy outcomes, and healthcare providers need to be sensitive to the risk factors for depression and strengthen the women's skills in coping with stress to improve their emotional health.Item A survey of the awareness, use and attitudes of women towards Down syndrome screening(2013) Yanikkerem E.; Ay S.; Çiftçi A.Y.; Ustgorul S.; Goker A.Aims and objectives: To determine awareness, use and attitudes of Turkish women towards prenatal screening tests (PST) for Down syndrome (DS). Background: The technology of screening and diagnosing congenital diseases and abnormalities of foetuses has rapidly developed in the past few decades and prenatal screening for DS in early pregnancy is a valued component representing a cost-effective public health intervention in modern developed countries. Design: Cross-sectional and descriptive study. Methods: The study was carried out in 518 women in the early postpartum period at the Maternity and Children's Hospital between 1 September 2010 and 1 March 2011 using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Results: Awareness about the first- and second-trimester PST [nuchal translucency (NT), triple test] was 21·6 and 59·7%, whereas use of them was 13·7 and 44·8%, respectively. Women who had lower education, were unemployed, had a patriarchal family type, had a low income status, were unmarried, had consanguineous marriage and did not have a private doctor were less aware and had less use of NT and/or triple test. Women who did not have a genetic disease in their family, were multiparous, had an unplanned pregnancy and did not receive antenatal care were less aware and had less use of the triple test. In case, the foetus was diagnosed as DS, women made the following decisions: continuing the pregnancy, terminating the pregnancy, leaving the decision to the doctor and being not sure 34·9, 12·0, 29·9 and 23·2%, respectively. Conclusion: Women's knowledge about and attitudes towards PST are important. This study shows that Turkish women have limited knowledge about and use of PST. Therefore, health professionals play a significant role in improving patients' information about PST. They should dedicate more time to discussions with women, provide appropriate and understandable information tailored to women's socio-economical level and should emphasise the indications, purposes and limitations of PST. Relevance to clinical practice: Discovering women's opinions and knowledge about PST will help healthcare providers determine their information needs. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.Item Knowledge about cervical cancer, Pap test and barriers towards cervical screening of women in Turkey(2013) Yanikkerem E.; Goker A.; Piro N.; Dikayak S.; Koyuncu F.M.We aimed to identify knowledge about cervical cancer (CC) and Pap test (PT) and the barriers why women do not have Pap test done. The study was conducted with a sample of 1,036 women. Overall, 64.4 % had heard of CC, 43.1 % had heard about PT and 24.7 % had had a test at least once. It was determined that women had moderate knowledge of cervical cancer but poor knowledge of Pap test. Knowledge of CC and PT was significantly better among employed and single women, who had higher education, no prior delivery, a higher income level and regular gynaecological examination. Common barriers to PT were lack of awareness, being uncomfortable with the procedure and not knowing where to go for a PT. Utilization of the PT will not increase unless knowledge is improved and barriers are eliminated. Healthcare professionals are the key persons to provide both knowledge and facilities towards the goal of CC prevention. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.Item The effect of lipoic acid on wound healing in a full thickness uterine injury model in rats(2013) Micili S.C.; Goker A.; Sayin O.; Akokay P.; Ergur B.U.Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lipoic acid on uterine wound healing by immunohistochemical and biochemical assay in a rat uterine horn model with full thickness injury. Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were randomised into five groups: Control group, with no intervention; uterine scar group 15days (US15d), uterine scar group 15 days + alpha lipoic acid (ALA) (US15d + ALA), uterine scar group 30 days (US30d) and uterine scar group 30 days + ALA (US30 days + ALA). After uterine incision 100 mg/kg of ALA was administered by oral gavage for either 15 or 30 days. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) distribution were evaluated by immunohistochemical methods in tissue and ELISA methods in tissue homogenate. The percentage of α-SMA positive area in US15d + ALA and US30d + ALA groups was significantly higher than US15 and US30d groups. The percentage of VEGF positive area in US15d + ALA group was significantly higher than US15d group and US30d + ALA group was significantly higher than US30d group. Biochemically, α-SMA was significantly higher in the US15d + ALA group when compared to US15d group and higher in US30d + ALA group when compared to US30d group. VEGF was significantly higher in US15d + ALA and US30d + ALA groups when compared to US15 and US30d groups. In conclusion, ALA was found to be effective in enhancing wound healing in uterine full thickness injury. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.Item Rectus abdominis muscle endometriosis(College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, 2014) Goker A.; Sarsmaz K.; Pekindil G.; Kandiloglu A.R.; Kuscu N.K.Endometriosis is characterized by an abnormal existence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, typically occuring within the pelvis of women in reproductive age. We report two cases with endometriosis of the abdominal wall; the first one in the rectus abdominis muscle and the second one in the surgical scar of previous caesarean incision along with the rectus abdominis muscle. Pre-operative evaluation included magnetic resonance imaging. The masses were dissected free from the surrounding tissue and excised with clear margins. Diagnosis of the excised lesions were verified by histopathology.Item Premenstrual syndrome in Turkish medical students and their quality of life(Informa Healthcare, 2015) Goker A.; Artunc-Ulkumen B.; Aktenk F.; Ikiz N.This study aimed to analyse the frequency and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its effect on quality of life in medical students. Sociodemographic data, a symptom calendar for the following consecutive two menstrual periods and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire were collected. A total of 228 students joined the survey. The average age of the students was 20.77 ± 1.90. The frequency of PMS was 91.8%. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal bloating (89.5%), irritability (88.3%) and breast tenderness (82.6%). Quality of life scores ranged from 17.00 to 97.00 and were lowest in the severe PMS group. Alcohol consumption, stress events and fat rich diets increased the severity of PMS. Family history significantly affected the severity of PMS and quality of life scores. Premenstrual syndrome was found to be a frequent entity among medical students and seemed to affect quality of life in a moderate way. © 2015 Informa UK, Ltd.Item Relationship of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and procalcitonin levels with the presence and severity of the preeclampsia(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2015) Artunc-Ulkumen B.; Guvenc Y.; Goker A.; Gozukara C.Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in maternal serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations in preeclampsia.Material and method: This case-control study consisted of 40 preeclamptic and 40 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for age and body mass index. Serum NGAL and PCT levels were compared between the groups. Diagnostic performance and clinical association of these markers were evaluated.Results: NGAL and PCT concentrations were significantly higher in preeclamptic group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and their levels were correlated with the severity of the preeclampsia. There were significant positive correlation between these markers and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and spot urine protein excretion. There was negative correlation between NGAL and apgar scores and fetal birth weight. Pregnancies with higher NGAL (OR: 4.89; 95% CI: 1.81-13.21) and higher PCT (OR: 6.67; 95% CI: 2.44-18.21) concentrations had higher risk for preeclampsia.Conclusion: NGAL and PCT may be potential biomarkers for preeclampsia. Their levels increase significantly in preeclampsia and they are related to the severity of the disease. These results are in agreement with the generalized endothelial damage and persistant inflammatory status in preeclampsia. NGAL may also be an indicator for adverse neonatal outcomes with decreased placental hypoperfusion. © 2014 Informa UK Ltd.Item Maternal Serum S100-B, PAPP-A and IL-6 levels in severe preeclampsia(Springer Verlag, 2015) Artunc-Ulkumen B.; Guvenc Y.; Goker A.; Gozukara C.Aim: We aimed to investigate the relationship of maternal serum levels of S100-B, PAPP-A and IL-6 with severe preeclampsia. Materials and methods: This prospective case–control study consisted of 27 severe preeclamptic and 36 healthy singleton pregnancies. The groups were matched for parity, maternal age and body mass index. Maternal blood sampling for S100B, PAPP-A and IL-6 was performed at the morning after an overnight fasting. Results: S100-B concentrations were significantly higher in severe preeclampsia group (0.09 ± 0.05 vs. 0.13 ± 0.01 µg/L; p = 0.025). PAPP-A levels were higher (196.54 ± 21.56 vs. 208.80 ± 23.97 mIU/ml; p = 0.707) and IL-6 levels were lower in severe preeclamptic group (68.79 ± 29.89 vs. 37.30 ± 6.46 pg/ml; p = 0.372). AUC value for S100-B was calculated as 0.712. When cutoff level for serum S100-B for predicting severe preeclampsia was regarded as 0.0975 µg/L, sensitivity and specificity were found to be 81.4 % and 58.3 %, respectively. Pregnancies with ≥0.0975 µg/L S100-B levels had 12.75-fold increased risk for having CNS symptoms (OR 12.75; 95 % CI 2.69–60.28) and 3.27-fold increased risk for having HELLP syndrome (OR 3.27; 95 % CI 0.62–17.36). Conclusion: Our results suggest that serum S100B levels may be a potential marker in severe preeclampsia for the severity of hypoperfusion both in placenta and brain pointing at subsequent risk of organ failure. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.Item Assessment of serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2016) Guvenc Y.; Var A.; Goker A.; Kuscu N.K.Objective: To determine serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 in overweight and normal weight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and investigate the possible relationship between these adipokines and metabolic syndrome. Methods: This cross sectional study enrolled women with PCOS and healthy women. Serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Results: Forty patients with PCOS and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. In the PCOS group, 18 women were overweight (body mass index [BMI] = 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and 22 had normal weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m2). Chemerin, total cholesterol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and free androgen index (FAI) were significantly higher; and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and sex hormone binding globulin were significantly lower in overweight PCOS patients compared with normal weight PCOS patients. A positive correlation was found between chemerin and BMI, triglyceride, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and FAI in the PCOS group. There was no difference in serum chemerin, vaspin and omentin-1 between PCOS patients and healthy controls. Conclusion: Circulating chemerin was increased in overweight compared with normal weight PCOS patients. The most predictive variables for circulating chemerin in PCOS patients were BMI, FAI and age. © 2016, © The Author(s) 2016.Item Evaluation of sexual functions and marital adjustment of pregnant women in Turkey(Nature Publishing Group, 2016) Yanikkerem E.; Goker A.; Ustgorul S.; Karakus A.The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnant women's sexual function and marital adjustment. The sample of the study included 298 women, and it was evaluated using Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) Scale and Marital Adjustment Scale. The most important reasons for decreasing the frequency of sexual intercourse included the fear of harming the fetus during intercourse (62.1%), fear of having miscarriage (47.8%) and decreased sexual desire (34.7%). It was found that women with sexual dysfunction had a significantly lower educational level, were living with three or more people in their home, were multiparious, had an unplanned pregnancy, reported pain during sexual intercourse and felt that their sexual life was very affected during pregnancy. The findings of the study showed that women had ≥5 points for GRISS for the subscales as follows: infrequency (47.3%), non-communication (57.4%), dissatisfaction (15.4%), avoidance (6.4%), non-sensuality (19.1%), vaginismus (28.9%), anorgasmia (29.9%) and sexual dysfunction (17.4%). In conclusion, women who were living with three or more people at home, had lower income level, were smoking and had an unplanned pregnancy scored under 43.5 of MAS. It was found negative and there was a medium correlation between MAS score and total GRISS score. © 2016 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature.Item Immunomodulatory activities of alpha lipoic acid with a special focus on its efficacy in preventing miscarriage(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2016) Monastra G.; De Grazia S.; Cilaker Micili S.; Goker A.; Unfer V.Introduction: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an essential mitochondrial co-factor and, as a free molecule, it can exert multi-level immunomodulatory functions. Both ALA and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), are believed to be able to chelate heavy metals, to regenerate essential antioxidants and to repair important molecules damaged by oxidation. The largest part of the effects of ALA/DHLA couple can be explained by a specific stimulatory activity on Nrf2-dependent gene transcription and by the inhibition of NF-kB activity. These features have prompted its use as a drug for several diseases. Areas covered: This article surveys the main features of ALA/DHLA and its therapeutic effects. Its complex and differentiated function cannot simply be reduced to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxifying action. We highlight its capability to finely modulate several physiological pathways when unbalanced. In particular, we focus our attention on pregnancy, in relation to ALA administration by oral route and by a new formulation for vaginal delivery, in patients with threatened miscarriage. Expert opinion: Future efforts should be devoted to explaining carefully ALA/DHLA mechanism of action to reactivate the physiological balance when modified during pregnancy. On the other hand, ALA safety in pregnant women and its pharmacokinetics by vaginal route, have to be studied in depth. Moreover, ALA efficacy has to be confirmed in a much larger sample of patients. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Item Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of the effect of omega-3 on embryonic implantation in an experimental mouse model(Elsevier Ltd, 2016) Sarsmaz K.; Goker A.; Micili S.C.; Ergur B.U.; Kuscu N.K.Objective: Implantation is the first step to a healthy pregnancy. Omega-3 supplementation is common to use during pregnancy, for its antioxidant and membrane stabilising effect. In this study we have aimed to study the effect of Omega-3 supplementation on implantation in a mouse model by immunohistochemical methods and electron microscopic evaluation. Materials and methods: Mice were randomized into three groups to receive standard food, Omega-3 400 mg/kg and Omega-3 1000 mg/kg one menstrual cycle before mating. Mice were sacrificed on third day of estimated implantation and uterine horns were evaluated immunohistochemically for staining of Laminin and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) and ultrastructural morphology. Results: Laminin and LIF immunoreactivity were increased signifcantly in the high dose group when compared to the control and low-dose groups in lumen epithelium basal membrane, gland epithelium basal membrane and endometrial stroma. Electron-microscopic evaluation showed a decrease in epithelial height and microvilli loss in the high dose groups. Conclusion: Omega-3 supplementation increased implantation markers Laminin and LIF and decreased epithelial height and microvilli thus seems to prepare the endometrium for a favorable environment of implantation. © 2016.Item The role of resveratrol on full – Thickness uterine wound healing in rats(Elsevier Ltd, 2017) Sayin O.; Micili S.C.; Goker A.; Kamaci G.; Ergur B.U.; Yilmaz O.; Guner Akdogan G.Objective Healing of the uterus after cesarean section and myomectomy operation is clinically important. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol (3,5,4′-o-trihydroxystilbene) on the wound healing process of the uterus in rats treated with resveratrol following full thickness injury of the uterus. Materials and methods Twenty-one female wistar albino rats were divided randomly into three groups (1) control group with no intervention (2) injury group with uterine full thickness injury (3) resveratrol group with uterine full thickness injury and treated with resveratrol. Resveratrol was injected by oral gavage at the doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days following uterine full thickness injury. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) distributions were assessed using the immunohistochemical methods in tissue and ELISA methods in the tissue homogenate. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated with colorimetric method and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels also were measured using high performance liquid chromatography in the tissue homogenate. The effects of resveratrol on the uterine histology also were evaluated histologically with the light microscopy. Results Histological evaluation and immunohistochemical evaluations showed that treatment with a resveratrol significantly increased the thickness of the uterine wall and VEGF expression and decreased expression PDGF during wound healing. Biochemically, GPx and SOD activities were increased significantly after treatment with resveratrol. Additionally, resveratrol administration decreased MDA levels. Conclusion These results showed that the antioxidant effects of resveratrol has been shown to have a positive influence on wound healing of the uterus. © 2017Item Effects of low back massage on perceived birth pain and satisfaction(Churchill Livingstone, 2017) Unalmis Erdogan S.; Yanikkerem E.; Goker A.Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of low back massage on perceived birth pain and delivery. Method This study was designed as a study-control experimental type. The study sample consisted of 62 pregnant women (massage group = 31, control group = 31). Massage was applied to the study group in three phases during intrapartum period. The massages were done at the end of latent, active and transition phases (at cervical dilatation 3–4 cm, 5–7 cm, 8–10 cm) correspondingly. The VAS scores were evaluated three times during all phases. Results The first mean VAS score was 5.2 ± 0.9 and 7.3 ± 1.3 for massage and control groups, respectively. Second VAS score was found as 6.6 ± 1.6 in massage group and 8.8 ± 1.0 in control group. The third VAS score was significantly higher in the control group than massage group during third evaluation (9.2 ± 2.4 vs 6.7 ± 2.7) (p < 0.05). The mean duration of second stage was 24.6 ± 12.7 min in massage group and 31.7 ± 20.9 min in control group (p > 0.05). The mean scores of satisfaction about delivery were found as 8.8 ± 0.7 in massage group and 6.9 ± 0.8 in control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion It was determined in the study that lower back massage has a significant impact on reducing labor pain and increasing the satisfaction with birth. Health professionals, who work in the delivery unit, can use massage intervention for decreasing pain, shortening delivery time and increasing satisfaction with birth experience. © 2017 Elsevier LtdItem Quality of life in Turkish infertile couples and related factors(Taylor and Francis Ltd, 2018) Goker A.; Yanikkerem E.; Birge O.; Kuscu N.K.Infertility is a major life crisis affecting couples’ psychosocial and physical health. We aimed to assess the quality of life in Turkish infertile couples. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in 127 infertile couples admitted to a University Hospital. The quality of life was measured using the fertility quality of life tool (FertiQoL) scale. Women had lower overall quality of life than men. Women and men who were married for fewer than 10 years had a significantly lower emotional score. Women who had a history of infertility treatment, men who have lived in the town or village men with primary infertility and men who have had primary education or lower, had lower scores for mind/body subscale. Social scores were found lower in women under the age of 30, women with middle or low income, men who were married for fewer than 10 years, men who did not have children for 5 years or more and men with primary infertility. The tolerability and environment scores were significantly higher in women who had been married more than once. We conclude that health care providers should be aware of the factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) and give counselling to improve couples’ quality of life at infertility clinics. © 2017, © 2017 The British Fertility Society.Item The effects of lipoic acid on wound healing in a uterine injury rat model: Clinical perspectives in obstetric surgery(Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2018) Goker A.; Kuscu N.K.Healing of the uterus after an obstetric or gynaecologic intervention is of great importance to maintain further pregnancies. Wound healing of the uterine tissue has not been widely studied but is gaining more importance with increasing caesarean rates in modern times. Alpha lipoic acid, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound has been studied in many fields of treatment. Wound healing is shown to be enhanced by alpha lipoic acid. A study on the effect of alpha lipoic acid on wound healing in a rat model and a general overlook about the compound has been reported. © 2018 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.