Question of the day

Regular training, including pelvic floor exercises, can improve sexual function in women with endometriosis, but the effect is maintained only with continued exercise.

• Fact Correct answer
• Myth

The study showed an improvement in sexual function (by an average of 3.5 points) after four months of training, especially in lubrication and orgasm. However, after one year of follow-up, the difference disappeared, indicating a temporary effect that requires continued exercise.

What actions in supporting a friend after an abortion does the author of the article call important and truly helpful?

• Asking how to help and offering specific assistance Correct answer
• Giving advice so that she makes the right decision
• Telling her story to others to get support
• Silently listening and reflecting her feelings Correct answer
• Constantly overprotecting her so that she is never alone

The article emphasizes that it is important to listen and not give unsolicited advice, as well as to reflect her feelings like a mirror. It also recommends asking how to help and offering real help that matches your capabilities. Disclosing her story without permission is forbidden, and excessive overprotection is harmful because she needs space.

How did the study relate pelvic floor muscle condition to sexual function in women without incontinence?

• Muscle thickness was associated with arousal, lubrication, and orgasm Correct answer
• Muscle size had no effect on sexuality
• Muscle area influenced desire and satisfaction
• Their muscles were smaller and weaker, which reduced desire

The material states that in women without incontinence, the muscles were thicker and stronger, and they showed better results in arousal, lubrication, and ability to orgasm. Moreover, it was the thickness of the muscle in healthy women that was associated with these aspects. In women with incontinence, the muscle area influenced desire and satisfaction, but that does not apply to the healthy group.

Согласно исследованию, сексуальная компульсивность у мужчин чаще связана с неудовлетворённостью через физические проблемы, а у женщин — напрямую, минуя физиологию.

• Факт Correct answer
• Миф

В материале говорится, что у мужчин связь между навязчивостью и недовольством сексом шла через физическую функцию (например, эрекцию), а у женщин — напрямую, не касаясь физической функции. Это подтверждает утверждение.

What, according to the material, most often prevents adults over 45 from enjoying intimacy?

• Decreased libido due to age
• Shame and cultural stereotypes Correct answer
• Lack of desire and need for intimacy
• Physiological changes making sex impossible
• Silence from doctors and loved ones, unwillingness to discuss intimate topics Correct answer

The material emphasizes that the main obstacles are not age or physiology, but shame, stereotypes, and silence around the topic. Doctors may avoid the conversation, and cultural norms make adults feel invisible, preventing them from receiving support and information.

What, according to the material, helps reduce the negative impact of gender role nonconformity on sexual life?

• Changing appearance to fit stereotypes
• Support from loved ones Correct answer
• Adherence to traditional gender roles
• Changing sexual orientation

The material emphasizes that social support acts as a buffer, mitigating the negative impact of gender role nonconformity on sexual life. It is the support of friends and family that helps reduce the stress and anxiety associated with judgment from others.

An ovarian cyst is in the vast majority of cases a benign formation and does not turn into cancer.

• Fact Correct answer
• Myth

The material directly states that most cysts are benign, and the risk of malignant transformation is extremely low (for example, for dermoid cysts it is only 1–2%). Therefore, the statement corresponds to the text.

Which statements about sex toys are consistent with the text?

• Expensive toys are always better than budget ones
• Toys can be used in a couple and suit any body Correct answer
• Toys completely replace a partner
• Silicone is a popular material because it is easy to clean and does not absorb odors Correct answer
• Vibrators are intended only for solo use

The text states that vibrators work great in a couple, and toys suit any body, regardless of gender and orientation. Also, silicone is described as soft, easy to clean, and does not absorb odors. Expensiveness does not guarantee quality, and toys only complement pleasure, not replace a partner.

Why might a bisexual man feel he is "not bi enough" if he is in a relationship with a woman?

• Because he is actually heterosexual.
• Because of impostor syndrome caused by myths about bisexuality. Correct answer
• Because bisexuality manifests only in actions.
• Because he does not attend LGBTQ+ communities.

The material states that the feeling of being "not bi enough" is a manifestation of impostor syndrome, common among bi people. It arises from myths that bisexuality requires meeting certain behavioral criteria, but in reality, orientation is an identity, not actions.

A report of experienced emotional abuse is always met with understanding and support.

• Fact
• Myth Correct answer

The material states that people often do not perceive emotional abuse as abuse, and may not believe the narrator due to stereotypes. Therefore, it is incorrect to assert that a report is always met with understanding.

What conclusion about menopausal hormone therapy is supported by current evidence, according to the text?

• Hormone therapy is safe to start at any age if there are no contraindications.
• Taking hormones always increases the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, regardless of when it is started.
• When started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, therapy is more likely to be beneficial than harmful. Correct answer
• Hormone therapy is effective only for hot flashes, but does not affect the risk of osteoporosis.
• Any hormonal medication is equally suitable for all women, regardless of their medical history.

Current research shows that when hormone therapy is initiated in women younger than 60 or within ten years of menopause, the benefits usually outweigh the risks. When started later, the risk of blood clots and stroke increases, as was seen in the 2002 study. The author emphasizes that those findings were mistakenly generalized to all women, and doctors are now revising their approaches.

What, according to the material, most often lies behind the phrase "let's stay friends"?

• A sincere desire to maintain the connection
• A polite way to say goodbye
• It can mean anything, so it's better to clarify Correct answer
• A desire to continue the relationship

The material emphasizes that this phrase is ambiguous: it can express both a sincere desire to be friends and a polite refusal. Therefore, the author advises not to guess, but to directly ask how the person sees further communication, to clarify the situation.