A new scale for reproductive aging in Chinese women has been developed based on ultra-sensitive AMH testing. The scale provides age-specific percentiles for AMH levels in women aged 35-55, enabling earlier identification of women at risk of low ovarian reserve and better management of perimenopausal symptoms.
A new labor guide developed by OHSU clinicians empowers patients by providing accessible information and education, resulting in increased perceived self-control and satisfaction during labor and delivery. The guide aims to reduce labor risks by educating patients on interventions and their benefits, leading to improved medical outcomes.
A new analysis of uterus transplant procedures shows that 70% of recipients achieved at least one live birth, with fewer rates of organ rejection and more healthy births. The study also found that transplanted uteruses can support multiple pregnancies before removal, and that children born through the procedure tend to develop normally.
A large Norwegian study found that people born preterm are less physically active as teenagers and adults. The study, which measured physical activity using wearable sensors, suggests that preterm birth may be associated with reduced physical activity in young adulthood.
A new review highlights the need for stronger evidence before claiming microplastics affect aquatic offspring through maternal transfer. The study proposes an evidence classification framework to distinguish true maternal particle transfer from intergenerational and transgenerational toxicity.
A UCL-led study found that babies born to single mothers by choice have similar birth outcomes to babies of partnered mothers who had conceived naturally. Single mothers by choice were also less likely to have low birth weight or be born pre-term compared to single mothers who conceived naturally.
A new review highlights sex-specific effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on reproductive health, including testicular damage and ovarian function disruption. Oxidative stress is identified as a central mechanism connecting many of these effects.
A new Cochrane review has found that emergency contraception containing mifepristone is more effective than other common methods, such as levonorgestrel, with fewer side effects. Mifepristone also showed a lower risk of nausea and vomiting compared to other methods, but a higher likelihood of delayed menstruation.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2026
The 15th annual Singles in America Survey found that there is renewed interest in committed relationships and marriage, with 45% of respondents saying they would like to get married in the future. Economic insecurity is also influencing relationships, with nearly half of singles feeling more interested in finding someone to share their...
A study found that fertility tests, particularly anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) tests, are not accurate in predicting a woman's reproductive potential. Researchers found that many women and clinicians misunderstand the results, leading to psychological impact and misinformed decisions.
Weight loss injections can impact reproductive health, and a new study provides evidence-based guidelines for families and health professionals. The guidelines recommend that incretin-based medication therapy should not be deliberately continued throughout pregnancy, but women who used the injections without realizing they were pregnan...
Researchers found that girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries, fewer ovarian follicles, and lower levels of reproductive hormones at three months old. The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, suggests that foetal exposure to paracetamol may affect reproductive development, but the findings do ...
Salk Institute scientists found that maternal immune activation leads to epigenetic changes in mouse brains, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. These changes were particularly significant in areas of the genome associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Research suggests that women's hormonal fluctuations during ovulation drive their desire for luxury goods, which may serve as a visible signal to attract mates. Studies found that women near ovulation prefer more conspicuous luxury products and display luxury in public, but not in private.
Researchers found that a Western-style diet exacerbated male infertility in mice with genetic mutations, leading to lower fertility and poorer sperm quality. The study suggests that lifestyle factors contribute to the severity of infertility in men with underlying genetic susceptibility, providing new insights into personalized fertili...
A University of East Anglia report suggests that tens of thousands of new mothers in Britain may be suffering from undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth. The report highlights the need for better guidance and training for GPs to identify post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
A new study suggests that machine learning models using first-trimester pregnancy data can identify women and babies at risk of serious health problems earlier and more accurately than existing early risk assessment approaches. The models generally outperformed the current methods in Sweden, Chile, and Singapore, highlighting the poten...
A new study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation suggests that women with a shorter reproductive lifespan are at greater risk of developing bronchiectasis. The study of nearly 97,000 postmenopausal women found that hormone therapy use was associated with a 19% greater risk of bronchiectasis.
A large UK study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the risk of dementia, particularly for women who have undergone surgical menopause. The study, which followed over 180,000 postmenopausal women, found that HRT was associated with a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to non-users.
Pregnancy loss is a common outcome, not an unusual event, according to a new book by University of Illinois professor Kate Clancy. The book highlights the intricate and uncertain process of pregnancy, where numerous tests and developmental milestones must be met for a fetus to grow and thrive.
A new study from University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that women with chronic pain conditions or a history of recurrent pregnancy loss were more likely to use Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine during IVF. The study also identified higher-income neighborhoods and prior ART cycles as factors associated with WS-TCM...
A new study found a 17-fold increase in intravenous iron use among Australian women aged 18-44, with over 82 million dollars spent on the treatment. The study highlights the growing awareness of iron deficiency's impact on women's health, but also raises questions about access to equitable treatment.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that vanillin, a common flavoring chemical in e-cigarettes, can disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. High concentrations of vanillin caused cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmental issues.
A study of Reddit posts about the maternal Tdap vaccine found pregnant women seeking information to clarify concerns and better understand healthcare provider advice. Many posters asked for reassurance around vaccine safety or their choice to refuse the vaccine, but few posts contained discussions of vaccine hesitancy.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2026
A new study has found that women with endometriosis are at a 46% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed nearly 3 million women over 25 years and suggests that chronic inflammation associated with endometriosis may play a role in metabolic health.
A new hypothesis proposes that women's reproductive resilience is key to understanding longevity, with menopause representing an important inflection point in the loss of reproductive resilience. This framework challenges traditional views on aging and fertility, highlighting the importance of studying women in longevity research.
A new Cochrane review analyzed 11 studies involving 2,524 women undergoing embryo transfer, finding no reliable evidence that preparatory techniques improve IVF success rates. The techniques examined included straightening the utero-cervical angle and removing cervical mucus before transfer.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 5, 2026
A comprehensive genomic analysis of idiopathic male infertility has identified specific gene defects tied to assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. The study offers actionable insights for infertile men, guiding testicular sperm retrieval, donor sperm use, or ICSI prognosis.
This study examines associations between early life BMI and childbirth timing, as well as fertility outcomes among Danish women. Childhood body size is found to be associated with the timing of childbirth, highlighting the importance of addressing reproductive health early in life.
A new international review provides comprehensive clinical recommendations for the use of incretin-based medications in women of reproductive age. The guidelines address critical knowledge gaps, including contraception, preconception care, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum management.
A recent study found that a higher body fat percentage is linked to lower sperm counts and changes in male reproductive hormones. Men with high body fat percentages had lower semen volume, sperm concentration, and testosterone levels compared to those with normal body fat percentages.
A new UTHealth Houston study found that women experiencing pregnancy complications are at a higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease later in life. The study analyzed data from over 2 million women in Sweden and showed that preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and other adverse outcomes can lead to increased cardiovascular risks.
A Rutgers University study found hormone-mimicking mycotoxins in 100% of participants, linked to corn and grain products consumed. The study's findings suggest persistent exposure to these contaminants among pregnant women in the US.
Researchers at CU Anschutz have developed a promising nonhormonal therapy for women experiencing Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which affects the vulva, vagina, and urinary tract. The therapy restores estrogen signaling in vaginal tissue without exposing the rest of the body to estrogen.
Hospital admissions for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy have increased in England over the past two decades, with persistent socioeconomic inequalities observed. Deliveries declined significantly during this period.
Researchers analyzed 18,396 women undergoing first IVF cycle between 2012-2021 across seven Australian fertility clinics. The study found a 68.2% cumulative live birth rate using single embryo transfer in 95.3% of cases and a multiple birth rate of just 2.9%.
According to the European IVF Monitoring Consortium, over 1.15 million fertility treatment cycles were reported across Europe in 2023, resulting in the birth of 247,021 children. The growth in frozen embryo transfer (FET) was particularly notable, with FET cycles increasing by 151% compared to previous years.
A new study found that prenatal oestrogen levels in mothers are positively related to their newborn's head circumference. The researchers also discovered that this influence is stronger for boys than girls, shedding light on the evolutionary drive for larger brains in humans.
A large study suggests exposure to air pollution during sperm development can impact genes associated with sperm development, chromosomal organisation and cellular quality control. Researchers identified 39 DNA methylation changes linked to air pollution mixtures, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
A nationwide study found substantial regional differences in sperm quality, with men in northern Spain recording the strongest semen quality. Lifestyle habits were broadly similar across regions, suggesting environmental exposures may play a role in male reproductive health.
A landmark international study found that halving patient out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment significantly increased births achieved through ART, with a 2.67-fold increase reported. Countries with lower cost-to-baby metrics consistently achieved higher levels of ART utilisation, highlighting the importance of affordability in ...
A new study found that women taking hormone-containing birth control pills experienced higher rates of binge-related eating compared to those taking hormone-free pills. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that the hormones in birth control pills may contribute to increased emotional eating.
A major new study suggests that age-related changes in the uterus may contribute to poorer pregnancy outcomes, with women aged 49 and over experiencing lower live birth rates and higher miscarriage risk despite donor-oocyte treatment. The study found that cumulative live birth rates declined substantially with age, from 80% among women...
A new Europe-wide survey found broad public support for fertility treatment and reproductive research in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The study suggests that public understanding and opinion on these topics continue to develop, with areas where public views are not yet settled identified.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports found that prenatal high fructose exposure impairs fetal brain stem cell function, leading to long-lasting effects on learning and memory. The researchers discovered distinct epigenetic changes in fetal neural stem cells that persisted into adulthood, affecting gene expression and adult neu...
A new study co-led by Aston University researchers has found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research analyzed electronic medical records from over 708,000 mother-child pairs in Hong Kong spanning two decades.
Researchers at UCL found that some small-bodied primates experience a tight cephalopelvic fit during childbirth due to their large newborn heads. These species, such as American monkeys and bushbabies, have developed adaptations to make the process less difficult, including pelvic expansion or delayed pelvic bone fusion.
A genome editing technique called base editing has been used to study the role of a master gene in human embryonic cells, revealing its crucial function in early development. The technique allows scientists to alter a single gene in human embryos, enabling them to better understand how human embryos develop.
Researchers developed a new methodology to identify biomarkers for male infertility, enabling comprehensive analysis of lipids and metabolites. They found 955 potential metabolites and 473 lipids that could be present in sperm.
The study found that an abortion ban in Texas was associated with a worsening of maternal mental health among reproductive-age mothers. This highlights the need for strengthened support for post-Dobbs policy environments.
A new study found that higher levels of glyphosate and a related compound were associated with changes in hormones supporting pregnancy and fetal growth. Glyphosate is widely used herbicide linked to hormone disruption as one possible pathway.
A study of 165,832 women found that later menarche is associated with an increased risk of tobacco use disorder and various conditions, including digestive issues, heart problems, and brain disorders. The researchers suggest a shift in perspective to recognize childhood influences as the primary cause of adult health problems.
A study of 336 mother-infant pairs found that breast milk and infant urine contained over 50 different chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, which can interfere with hormones during baby's development. These chemicals were detected in breast milk and urine up to 6 months after birth.
A new study investigated the effects of ornidazole, an antimicrobial drug, on male fertility. Ornidazole was found to reduce sperm count and motility, as well as disrupt seminiferous tubule structure, in both mouse and human models.
A new $2.9 million NIH grant will help researchers understand the impact of a father's drinking before conception on his child's risk for developmental disorders, chronic disease, and accelerated aging. The study aims to identify warning signs earlier and guide interventions for people affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
A WVU study found that pregnant women who spend more time sitting are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was associated with twice as many adverse pregnancy outcomes as shorter periods of sitting.
Research from the University of Colorado Anschutz suggests that stress experienced by a father before conception may alter small molecular signals in sperm, shaping early development and later physical growth. The study found that increased levels of let 7f 5p in fertilized eggs mimic the biological effects of paternal stress.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2026
A recent study by University of California - Davis researchers has identified a protein called DAXX that guides the packing and folding of DNA in sperm cells. This discovery could improve treatments for couples struggling with male infertility, as well as help understand how environmental factors impact offspring health.
Researchers developed an AI-driven wearable skin sensor patch to track reproductive hormones and detect hidden endocrine dysfunction, which can improve conception. The study found that men with normal testosterone levels may still have disrupted hormone rhythms associated with reproductive dysfunction.