A study of 93 women at Ohio State University Medical Center found no correlation between the frequency of sexual intercourse and the onset of labor. Women who were sexually active during the final weeks of their pregnancies carried their babies an average of 39.9 weeks, compared to 39.3 weeks among those who abstained from sex.
Researchers found that St. John's Wort increased bladder contraction intervals in rats with bladder inflammation, reducing bladder hyperactivity and associated pain. The study suggests that the herbal supplement may be a viable treatment option for women suffering from interstitial cystitis, affecting 700,000 Americans.
Researchers found Botox injections to improve urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in men with enlarged prostates. The treatment reduced prostate size through apoptosis, improving urine flow and decreasing residual urine.
A new marijuana-derived drug, IP 751, has shown significant promise in suppressing bladder overactivity and alleviating painful symptoms in animal models of interstitial cystitis. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a liposome-based delivery system to overcome the hydrophobic properties of the drug.
A clinical trial found that injecting stem cells from a woman's own muscle may effectively treat urinary incontinence. Five of seven patients reported significant improvements in bladder control and quality of life with no serious adverse effects. A follow-up study is planned to determine the optimal dose for effective treatment.
A study of 195 patients found that obese pregnant women who underwent induced labor took longer to deliver their babies and required more medication. Doctors should inform obese women about the risks of prolonged labor and consider waiting for spontaneous labor onset instead.
Researchers found that a patient's prepregnancy weight is the strongest predictor of birth weight in the next pregnancy. Dr. Robert Blaskiewicz advises overweight moms to lose weight after their first pregnancy and avoid gaining weight between pregnancies.
Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine caution against inducing labor due to the risk of chorioamnionitis, a severe infection that can lead to sepsis and future infertility. Women considering induced labor are advised to weigh the risks and consider letting nature take its course.
A large clinical examination found that 185 out of 187 women returned to menstruation within 90 days of stopping a non-cyclic oral contraceptive. The study results suggest that women can expect a quick return to menses after discontinuing daily oral contraception.
A new study examining 911 babies treated with either letrozole or clomiphene citrate found no statistically significant difference in major and minor malformations or chromosomal abnormalities between the two groups. The findings confirm concerns about a link between letrozole and birth defects are unfounded.
A six-year study analyzing data from 1 million mammograms reveals racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer screenings. African-American women are more likely to have inadequate screening before diagnosis, whereas Asian and Native American women tend to underutilize mammography, leading to higher advanced-stage tumor rates.
Dr. Lawrence Platt is a renowned expert in ultrasound technology, particularly in prenatal diagnosis and 2D/3D/4D imaging. He has authored numerous publications and holds leadership roles in prominent professional organizations.
Researchers discovered a link between oral bacteria and preterm birth, finding Bergeyella bacteria in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women. This pilot study suggests that oral bacteria may play a role in premature deliveries, which can lead to health challenges for babies and increased medical costs.
Researchers found that ginger causes both apoptosis and autophagic cell death in ovarian cancer cells, potentially circumventing resistance to conventional chemotherapy. The study suggests ginger may be a promising new treatment option for ovarian cancer with minimal side effects.
A Finnish study found ICP associated with higher incidence of hepatitis C, non-alcoholic cirrhosis, gallstones and cholecystitis. Women who had ICP were more likely to be hospitalized due to liver diseases during the study period.
A study found that elevated C-reactive protein levels remain even 30 years after eclamptic pregnancy, indicating a potential link to cardiovascular disease. Researchers also developed a non-invasive imaging technology to visualize infection-related changes in preterm birth, offering new insights into treatment strategies.
Researchers have discovered that certain proteins in the amniotic membranes can fuel an inflammatory response, leading to preterm labor. The study aims to develop a chemical test to identify effective drugs and block the TLRs to stop early labor.
A neoprene suit, called NASG, can save lives of women suffering from obstetrical hemorrhaging due to childbirth by reversing shock and decreasing bleeding. The study found a 69% decrease in death and severe illness among patients treated with the NASG.
A study by Yale University researchers found that ghrelin, a hormone produced in the stomach, has a powerful influence on the hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and memory. This discovery suggests that a potential recommendation could be to limit children's breakfast intake to optimize morning learning hours.
A study found that only 11% of eligible foreign-born women in Miami received postpartum vaccinations, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts to prevent congenital rubella syndrome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination for all women of childbearing age without evidence of rubella immunity.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a novel proteomic analysis method to diagnose and monitor preeclampsia. The study identified specific fragments of albumin and serpina-1 as characteristic biomarkers for the condition.
A new proteomic profiling test can detect preterm birth risk in 20-30 minutes, predicting delivery times of four days or less. The test uses fresh amniotic fluid samples and is faster than current methods.
Fecal incontinence affects 7.2% of US women aged 30-90, often accompanied by urinary incontinence and other medical conditions like diabetes or major depression. Treatment options include diet changes, medications, surgery, and biofeedback exercises.
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that coaching women to push during labor does not significantly affect the length of labor or long-term pelvic floor problems. However, coached women experienced shorter labors and smaller bladder capacities, with bladder function returning to normal over time.
A study of over 79,000 women found that prepregnancy obesity rates increased by 9.2% between 1999 and 2003, linked to higher risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and labor complications. The trend was observed regardless of age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic factors.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests a genetic link between caffeine dependence and family history of alcoholism. The research found that women with both risk factors were unable to stop consuming caffeine despite physician recommendations, highlighting the need for targeted intervention.
A new study challenges conventional wisdom that vaginal delivery leads to urinary incontinence later in life. Instead, research suggests an underlying genetic predisposition plays a larger role. This finding has significant implications for basic research, treatment approaches and potential prophylactic interventions.
A new technology called tomosynthesis has been shown to decrease false-positive screening mammography findings by half, allowing for more accurate detection of early breast cancers. In a study of 98 women, tomosynthesis was found to be as good as or better than diagnostic mammography in 88% of cases.
Researchers found that risedronate therapy significantly reduced plaque and improved periodontal status in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The study also highlighted the link between osteoporosis and periodontal disease, suggesting similar treatment and management may minimize tooth loss.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered the appetite-suppressing hormone obestatin, which could clear up confusion over how hormones regulate appetite. Obestatin's effects on laboratory animals suggest it may be a key to developing effective treatments for obesity.
A new screening test has been developed to detect Down syndrome in pregnant women at an earlier stage of pregnancy and with greater accuracy. The test combines a blood analysis with an ultrasound scan to determine the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, allowing for prenatal diagnosis within the first trimester.
A recent study found that only one in six pregnant women meet the recommended physical activity levels, with older, non-white women and those with lower incomes being less likely to exercise. Doctors are urged to encourage pregnant women to engage in moderate activities most days of the week.
Researchers found that women with preeclampsia and elevated uric acid levels had a nearly seven-fold increased risk of premature delivery and delivered nearly four weeks earlier than those with normal uric acid levels. High blood pressure without protein in the urine also linked to early delivery risks.
A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) significantly improved women's sexual function scores in all domains. The researchers discovered a link between the physiological changes of one partner affecting the other, highlighting the importance of addressing ED to impr...
Dr. Henry Gabelnick, a renowned expert in reproductive health and microbicide development, has been awarded the lifetime achievement award by International Conference on AIDS India. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field, including the development of Ushercell, a microbicide consisting of cellulose sulfate.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of heavy smokers' sperm failed a test measuring fertilizing capacity, with those who smoked more cigarettes per day showing lower fertility rates. The research suggests that heavy smoking overloads the nicotine receptor in human sperm and testes, leading to a decline in fertilizing potential.
Researchers found that hypothermia significantly reduced brain injury and death from oxygen loss in newborns. The study, led by Seetha Shankaran, M.D., at Wayne State University, showed a 44% lower rate of moderate to severe disability or death in infants treated with cooling compared to those in the control group.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that radical surgery significantly improves five-year survival rates for patients with ovarian cancer and diaphragm disease. The procedure resulted in a 55% survival rate compared to 28% for those who did not undergo surgery.
Researchers found that microfluidics can successfully facilitate IVF in mice, with lower sperm concentrations required compared to traditional culture dishes. The technology has promising potential as a viable option for human IVF, potentially offering an alternative to ICSI.
A study confirms that couples using natural family planning have intercourse just as frequently as those using other methods. They engage in more frequent sex before and after fertile times, with less sex during fertile days.
The Contraception Awareness Program at Queen's University has developed an innovative bilingual web site, sexualityandu.ca, which attracts 5,000 hits per day. The site provides information and answers to queries about contraception, safer sex practices, and sexual well-being.
The incidence of preterm birth and low birthweight infants are pressing obstetrical issues, according to Michael Paidas. He emphasized the need for risk assessment with fetal fibronectin and cervical length to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers have found a surge in Rsf-1 gene copies in 13.2% of high-grade ovarian cancers, but not in low-grade or benign tumors. The amplification is associated with poorer survival rates, and the Hopkins scientists are working to develop targeted therapies.
A study by Yale researchers found that a combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and vaginal radiation significantly reduces the recurrence of uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC). The procedure increases survival rates among women with this aggressive form of uterine cancer, which affects about seven percent of new cases at Yale.
Premature birth is a complex disorder with no single cause, requiring a multi-faceted approach. Research in six promising areas may lead to new clinical strategies for identifying high-risk patients and preventing premature birth.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that AgRP neurons play a crucial role in regulating eating behavior and body weight. The research found that these neurons are essential for acute regulation of eating, and their destruction leads to anorexia and changes in blood glucose levels.
Researchers found that MXC alters estrogen-regulated gene Hoxa10 in the reproductive tract, reducing embryo implantation ability. Exposure to MXC has been shown to induce abnormalities in female reproductive tract development and function.
A study by Yale University researchers found that most embryos produced during IVF do not result in live births. The study aimed to identify methods for screening viable embryos and improve egg production techniques.
Researchers found that IP 751 significantly suppressed bladder overactivity without affecting contractility, offering a new option for IC treatment. The study's results are promising for patients with interstitial cystitis, a chronic pelvic pain disorder affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers found that women with fourth-degree tears were significantly more likely to have bowel problems and incontinence of stool. The study suggests that third- and fourth-degree lacerations should not be grouped together as 'severe perineal lacerations' due to differing outcomes.
A Yale University study found that early use of hormone therapy is linked to fewer wrinkles and firmer skin. The researchers compared 11 non-users with nine long-term hormone therapy users and found significant decreases in wrinkle severity and rigidity.
Researchers have developed a bank of fetal skin cells that can provide burned patients with high-quality skin substitutes, closing wounds in just over two weeks. The technique has great potential for tissue engineering and could simplify the surgical process.
Researchers aim to investigate whether starting hormone therapy early can prevent atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The KEEPS trial, led by Yale University, seeks healthy women aged 42-58 for a double-blind study exploring the effects of early menopausal hormone therapy.
A Stanford study found that surgically closing a woman's peritoneum after a C-section significantly reduces the risk of abdominal adhesions. The research suggests that this long-held practice may not be necessary and could even offer benefits in terms of reducing post-operative pain.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that babies born at night have a 12-16% increase in neonatal mortality, accounting for almost 10% of all neonatal deaths in California. This increased risk is attributed to various factors, including potential complications during delivery and reduced access to healthcare services.
Research suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be beneficial for women experiencing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to estrogen deficiency. Additionally, studies have shown that HRT does not compromise survival in patients who are survivors from gynecologic cancer.
Studies have found that monozygotic twin pregnancies can be complicated by a surprisingly high rate of fetal death despite intensive fetal surveillance. In one study, ten unexpected intrauterine deaths occurred in seven pregnancies with no prior signs of complications after 32 weeks' gestation.
Primary care physicians overwhelmingly believe that annual physical examinations provide valuable time for counseling on preventive health behaviors and improve the physician-patient relationship. Despite current guidelines recommending more selective screening, many PCPs perform annual exams due to patient demand and perceived benefits.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that sEGFR, a breast cancer growth regulator, can indicate the effectiveness of letrozole in postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer. Decreased concentrations of sEGFR were seen in 73% and 76% of patients after one month and three months of treatment respectively.
Researchers found that taking pioglitazone for three years significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women who had previously had gestational diabetes. This is promising news for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, as it may help stabilize beta-cell function.