Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found an accelerated hepatitis B vaccination schedule to be effective and well-tolerated in high-risk pregnant women. The study's findings suggest that a shortened 12-week vaccine regimen can provide long-term immunity and is comparable to the standard 6-month adult schedule.
A recent Yale study examining the rise in cesarean births found that a significant proportion of the increase was due to slow progress in labor and fetal heart rate concerns. The researchers also discovered that suspected large infants, twin pregnancies, and preeclampsia contributed to the increase despite stable rates in the population.
Cervical ripening in preterm and term births has distinct processes, with preterm ripening caused by inflammation-induced changes and not an acceleration of the physiologic process. The study aims to determine effective therapies for each cause of preterm birth.
A blood test for AMH can help predict IVF success, with women having higher AMH levels yielding more eggs and a higher rate of pregnancy. The study found that women with low AMH levels had an average of six eggs harvested, while those with higher levels had around 20.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology has released guidelines for surveillance of gynecologic cancer recurrence in women who have had a complete response to primary cancer therapy. The recommendations focus on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, advising against routine cytologic procedures or imaging unless necessary.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new technique to detect both genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities in IVF embryos. This method allows for the simultaneous detection of single-gene mutations and aneuploidy, enabling couples to choose healthy embryos for implantation.
The FIGO PALM-COEIN classification system provides a universally accepted method for classifying abnormal uterine bleeding, facilitating communication among clinicians and researchers. The system categorizes causes of AUB into nine categories, enabling consistent and practical application of medical and surgical therapy.
Researchers at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island found that pregnant women infected with H1N1 influenza during the 2009 pandemic were more likely to give birth to lower-weight babies. The studies also tracked outcomes and determined the importance of timely antiviral treatment in pregnancy.
A new method for preventing premature birth has been announced, showing that treating pregnant women at risk with a low-cost progesterone gel can reduce the rate of early preterm delivery in women with short cervix by 45%. The study found that progesterone also reduced respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found a 22% relative increase in women among USMG applicants to general surgery programs, with a corresponding 40% increase in those entering training. This trend aligns with increasing equal gender enrollment of medical students.
A study of pregnant women using intrauterine devices found that over half had malpositioned devices, which may increase pregnancy complications. Regular sonograms after IUD placement can help confirm proper positioning and reduce risks.
Researchers found a significant decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions when women received a one-year supply of oral contraceptives. The study suggests that a larger supply allows for more consistent use, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits or resupply trips.
A survey of hundreds of cancer survivors confirms that more than forty percent want medical attention for their sexual health needs. The researchers found that younger women and those who had been out of treatment for over a year were more likely to want medical care, highlighting the need for better support.
A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) has found that women using injectable or oral contraception, including DMPA and desogestrel, do not experience adverse effects on glucose and insulin levels. The research, conducted over three years, provides reassuring news for non-diabetic women using hormonal c...
New research finds nearly 25% of overweight and 16% of normal-weight reproductive-age women misperceive their body weight, leading to unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Clinicians are recommended to calculate BMI, screen for misperceptions, and counsel patients to address this issue.
A UCSF study confirms that a woman's race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status impact whether healthcare providers recommend the most effective form of contraception. The interaction between these factors also plays a role in clinicians' decisions.
A novel approach to improving health literacy has been developed and evaluated through the ESCUCHE Program, a 10-week curriculum targeting Spanish-speaking radio audience. The program resulted in significant improvements in science literacy across educational levels, with the greatest gains among high school-educated participants.
A University of Michigan study found that in-country OB/GYN training programs significantly contributed to doctors' decision to remain in Ghana. The availability and presence of a viable training program played a crucial role, along with social and economic factors, in graduates' choices.
A new study published in Human Reproduction found that children conceived by IVF perform at least as well as their peers on standardized tests from grade 3 to 12. The study also discovered factors such as older mother age, higher education levels of both parents, and lower divorce rates linked to better test scores.
A quick-dissolving vaginal film containing a powerful anti-HIV drug is being developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. The film could provide an alternative dosage form that releases the drug faster and more efficiently than existing gel formulations, potentially leading to better protection from HIV infection.
Brown University researchers have created an artificial human ovary, enabling them to mature human eggs in a lab setting. The innovation could lead to fertility research and infertility treatments for cancer patients.
A retrospective study found that obese women who undergo bariatric procedures before pregnancy are 3 times less likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who have bariatric operations after delivery. Additionally, deliveries after bariatric procedures were associated with reduced odds of cesarean section.
A study of nearly 2,000 people with diabetes found that many remain sexually active, but experience impairment in desire and rewards. Men are more likely to express a lack of interest in sex and experience erectile dysfunction, while women report orgasm difficulties.
Research reveals that breastfeeding significantly reduces mothers' risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Mothers who did not breastfeed had a 56% lower rate compared to those who breastfed, highlighting the benefits of lactation on maternal health.
A joint project of UCSF and KEMRI has received a 5-year grant to expand its care and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya. The grant will allow the project to serve at least 80% of HIV patients needing care within its service areas.
A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University finds that antidepressant desvenlafaxine, known as Pristiq, effectively treats major depression in women during perimenopause and menopause. The medication showed significant improvement in symptoms, with response rates of 58.6% for those taking Pristiq compared to 38.2% on placebo.
A new study by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that the birth control pill works equally well in women with obesity and thinner women. The study's findings strengthen the message to patients that the pill will only work if it is taken every day.
Research from Northwestern University found that healthy eggs require high levels of zinc to mature and be fertilized. The study may lead to advances in fertility treatment by enabling doctors to assess the best eggs for successful embryo formation.
A study by Yale researchers found that a high-fat diet influences the brain's development, making some individuals more prone to obesity and others resistant. The study suggests that genetic and environmental factors, particularly maternal impact on the developing brain, play a critical role in determining vulnerability to obesity.
Recent meta-analysis finds planned home births double the risk of neonatal deaths and triple when infants have congenital defects. Women should receive adequate midwife care and have quick access to hospital equipment for safe delivery.
Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks gestation are more likely to experience respiratory issues, with risks decreasing as gestational age approaches full term. Respiratory distress syndrome was found in 11% of 34-week deliveries and transient tachypnea in 6.4% of the same group.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a link between anti-TPO antibodies and placental abruption in pregnant women. The study of over 17,000 women found that antibody-positive women were three times as likely to experience placental separation during labor.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that overweight and obese women have a 30% greater risk of induced preterm birth before 37 weeks, increasing to 70% for very obese women. This higher risk is associated with serious health problems for the baby, especially when born earlier than 32 weeks.
A recent study found that using a vaginal microbicide with an antiretroviral drug called tenofovir significantly reduced HIV infections among women. The study involved 889 women from South Africa and found that those who used the gel before and after sex had 39% fewer HIV infections compared to those who used a placebo gel.
A new test developed at Stanford University School of Medicine predicts the outcomes of a subsequent round of IVF for women who have already gone through a cycle. The test is 1,000 times more accurate than current age-based guidelines and provides personalized predictions based on clinical data from prior failed treatments.
Researchers found that only 51% of HIV-exposed infants received nevirapine, a minimal dose needed to protect them from mother-to-child transmission. The study highlights the need to expand programs and improve monitoring to address programmatic failures and common problems in preventing mother-to-child transmission.
Researchers from Northwestern University discovered a common human sperm gene called Boule, which is 600 million years old and shared among animals such as trout, sea anemone and flies. The gene plays a vital role in sperm production and has the potential to be targeted for male contraception and controlling diseases caused by parasites.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women who developed gestational diabetes during their first and second pregnancies have a higher risk of developing it again. Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander women are particularly at risk compared to white counterparts.
A new study found that planned home births are associated with a tripling of the neonatal mortality rate compared to planned hospital deliveries. Women giving birth at home experienced fewer medical interventions, but their infants had higher rates of respiratory distress and failed resuscitation.
A study found that women with a genetic variation in their hormone receptor are more likely to have a poor response to FSH during fertility treatment. The abnormal receptor impairs the function of normal receptors, resulting in fewer oocytes produced.
Clinical guidelines recommend screening low-risk women every three years after age 30, but most primary care clinicians advocate for more frequent testing. Annual Pap testing has helped decrease cervical cancer burden, but cost-effectiveness models suggest overuse may increase costs with little improvement in outcomes.
A 25-year study found that intrauterine devices significantly reduced repeat abortions among young women. The researchers suggest that healthcare providers should increase the use of long-acting contraceptive methods like IUDs as an effective alternative to the pill.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new synthetic stem cell growth matrix that overcomes major challenges in human embryonic stem cell research. The new coating, made from a water-soluble gel, has been shown to support long-term growth and maintenance of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells.
A UBC study found significant regional variations in C-section and assisted vaginal delivery rates across British Columbia, which cannot be explained by medical indications. The researchers suggest potential reasons include differences in practitioners' responses to dystocia and resources available.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel protein called Preimplantation Factor, which is crucial for successful pregnancy. The protein modulates maternal immunity and promotes early embryo attachment, influencing uterine cell remodeling.
Researchers at Yale University found that prenatal exposure to BPA and DES can increase an offspring's risk of breast cancer. The chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, alter gene expression in the breast throughout life, leading to a higher risk of breast cancer in adults.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a method to select sperm with the highest DNA integrity, comparable to the egg's natural selection abilities. The test identified a biochemical marker that allows clinicians to choose the best sperm for fertilization, improving male fertility rates.
Researchers found that folate supplementation prevented heart valve defects and restored heart function in mouse embryos exposed to alcohol. High doses of folate were necessary to protect against defects, contradicting current dietary recommendations.
A study of 1,800 heart attack patients found that nearly half received instructions on resuming sex, but fewer discussed it with their doctors. Men were more likely to report a loss of sexual activity if they didn't receive information on when to resume.
A large U.S. trial found that two common mid-urethral sling procedures are similar in their chance of cure, but each has distinct risks. Women who underwent transobturator or retropubic surgery achieved equivalent levels of treatment success, with 78-81 percent experiencing dryness.
Boehringer Ingelheim announces new data on flibanserin in pre-menopausal women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), showing significant improvements in sexual desire and overall functioning. The study found that 48.3% of women receiving flibanserin reported feeling very much improved, compared to 30.3% on placebo.
Two surgical techniques for female stress incontinence were found to be equivalent in efficacy but differed in side effects. The retropubic procedure had a higher rate of urinary dysfunction requiring surgery compared to the transobturator procedure. These findings will help guide care for women undergoing stress-incontinence surgery.
A recent study reveals that seven out of ten pregnant women in the United States have insufficient vitamin D levels. Prenatal vitamins may not be enough to meet the needs of all women, particularly those with darker skin or living in regions with limited sunlight during winter months.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that endometrial stem cells can repair brain cells damaged by Parkinson's disease, potentially treating women with the condition. The study, published in Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, found that these stem cells can differentiate into dopamine-producing nerve cells.
A study found that pregnant women with flu often experience symptoms like nausea and a rapid heartbeat. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, according to the UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers.
A U-M study reveals that socio-economic factors, particularly race and age, significantly influence the use of alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback in chronic pain patients. As people age, they are more likely to seek alternative therapies to manage chronic pain.
Michigan State University has established a new Center for Women's Health and Reproduction Research with $6.8 million in funding from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Asgi T. Fazleabas, a leading infertility researcher, will lead the center and bring expertise to women's reproductive health.
Researchers analyzed medical records of over 239,000 women to find no significant difference in preeclampsia, preterm birth, or other complications. The study suggests that commonly used medications can be safely administered during pregnancy.
Iain Buxton, a pharmacology professor at University of Nevada School of Medicine, received a share of $2.6 million in grants to study genetic variants contributing to preterm birth. His study aims to predict and prevent preterm births by identifying alterations in a specific gene.
Obese pregnant women who gain too little or lose weight during pregnancy may be at increased risk of preterm births and restricted infant growth. The new study recommends tailored weight gain ranges based on the woman's BMI category, with more lenient limits for severely obese women.