Reproductive Health

Pregnant women living with HIV face a global tuberculosis incidence rate almost six times that of their non-pregnant HIV-negative counterparts, research has revealed.

Topical application of 4.0% chlorhexidine to the umbilical cord may reduce neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries, a 2026 review has found.

War-related disruptions to major global transport routes in the Middle East are delaying the delivery of lifesaving reproductive health supplies.

Ultra-processed food intake around conception may affect fertility in men and early embryo growth in women, according to new research.

HPV self-testing has proved superior to usual care in increasing cervical cancer screening rates in New Zealand, showing promise for marginalised and underscreened populations.

Scientists have developed a new blood test that accurately detects endometriosis, catching cases missed by standard imaging techniques.

Pregnant women subjected to interpersonal racial discrimination are substantially more likely to experience postpartum depression and delivery a baby with very low birth weight.

Researchers have identified the potential biological and psychosocial factors contributing to the bidirectional, multifactorial association between PCOS and depression.

Administering sucrose to newborns just before venepuncture could help relieve pain more than standard comfort measures.

Analysis of fibroid subtypes reveals unique ultrasound patterns and clinical profiles, helping differentiate usual-type from variant uterine fibroids.

Last week, India and South Africa were celebrated by WHO for their progress towards the elimination of cervical cancer.

Women with ADHD are approximately twice as likely to experience perinatal depression that those without.

Researchers have expanded understanding of the pathophysiology behind reproductive mood disorders, as heard at the 2026 Annual Congress of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology.

Researchers report that biomarkers such as PGRMC1 and oestrogen metabolism ratios may improve breast cancer risk screening before hormone replacement therapy, supporting more personalised clinical decisions.

Denmark is validated by WHO as the first EU country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

AMH may not accurately reflect ovarian reserve in women with systemic inflammation: an abstract from the 2026 Annual Congress of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology.

Cervical cancer risk increases with age in women living with HIV, with a peak at 45-49-years-old.

Rates of prescription of contraceptives are more than 30% higher in the least deprived areas of England, according to new NHS data.

COVID-19 vaccination cuts the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women by 33%, a 2026 prospective cohort study has found.

Nearly two-thirds of women stop taking prescribed antidepressants during pregnancy, a 2026 cross-sectional analysis has found.

Women who have had the HPV vaccine may need fewer cervical cancer screenings, a 2026 Norwegian study has found.

The WHO has highlighted a surge in maternal deaths in conflict and fragile settings, where an estimated two-thirds of all maternal deaths occur.

Endometriosis-specific MRI templates significantly improve pelvic reporting, a 2026 observational study has found.

AMH and AFC levels do not independently predict embryo euploidy in patients undergoing IVF, a 2026 cohort study has found.

Participants under 25-years-old had the lowest rates of menstrual awareness in both cycle and period length in a 2026 cross-sectional analysis.

Frozen embryo transfer demonstrated comparable perinatal outcomes to fresh transfer but was associated with a higher risk of pregnancy induced hypertension in IVF conceived pregnancies.

Good sleep quality is significantly associated with better ART pregnancy and implantation rates, a 2026 meta-analysis has found.

Light-triggered microneedle patch was tested to deliver IVF hormones on demand using near-infrared light, potentially reducing daily injection burden.

Fertility clinic networks are increasing investment in predictive analytics and digital systems to improve cycle throughput and financial performance.

A new global strategy calls for infertility care to be integrated into reproductive health systems to improve access and equity worldwide.

Updated guidance supports HPV self-sampling as an effective way to increase cervical cancer screening uptake among under-screened women.

Researchers are debating whether ERAP2 can serve as a reliable ageing-derived biomarker for premature ovarian insufficiency, reflecting underlying biological ageing.

New data show that many women do not receive effective contraception in the postpartum period, highlighting missed opportunities in reproductive healthcare.

Updated guidance highlights persistent gaps in endometriosis diagnosis and care, calling for earlier recognition and more integrated reproductive health services.

New data show that many women lack access to preconception health advice, highlighting missed opportunities to improve reproductive and pregnancy outcomes.

A new systematic review found associations between alterations in the reproductive tract microbiota and miscarriage risk, with potential implications for reproductive health.

A recent study links chemotherapy to impaired ovarian function and fertility through oxidative damage to ovarian follicles.

A new study found that rare emotional and physical symptoms occurring during orgasm are uncommon but fall within the normal range for women.

Higher baseline testosterone and favourable testicular histology independently predict sperm retrieval success in men with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome undergoing TESE.

The authors conclude that recognising postpartum haemorrhage at lower blood loss volumes, alongside abnormal haemodynamic signs, could support earlier diagnosis and treatment…

New data show that minipuberty hormone levels in Turner syndrome can signal early ovarian function, supporting more informed fertility counselling in infancy.

A large retrospective study shows GnRH antagonist protocols yield more oocytes than PPOS in young women at high risk for low retrieval.

Meta-analysis shows diabetes increases male infertility risk, with inflammation identified as a key underlying mechanism.

Lower ovarian reserve was significantly associated with accelerated pace of aging and higher methylation risk scores for cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

Close relatives of azoospermic and oligozoospermic men showed the highest all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk, including deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease and congenital conditions.

Being vaccinated against COVID-19 was associated with a lower risk of hospitalisation, severe maternal disease and preterm birth, regardless of the COVID-19 variant time period, the study found.

The WHO releases 40 evidence-based recommendations and six good practice statements for preventing, diagnosing, and treating infertility.

A major cohort study finds that inadequate vitamin D in pregnancy may raise the risk of early dental caries in children.

A major international trial reports no difference in outcomes when using higher vs lower initial oxygen levels for preterm resuscitation in extremely preterm infants.

Meta-analysis finds sperm retrieval success in nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome similar in adolescents and adults, with possible decline only after age 40.

Severe sleep loss in pregnant mice depletes daughters’ ovarian germ cells via ferroptosis, partly reversible with a ferroptosis inhibitor, raising concerns for future fertility.

New review highlights major advances in HIV and STI prevention, diagnostics, and integrated service delivery, urging a unified approach to meet 2030 global goals.

Global maternal deaths fell 41% since 2000, driven mainly by improved maternity care, with contraception and falling fertility also contributing.

Exc A large cohort study from Jinan, China suggests spring IVF cycles yield higher live birth rates than winter, though early miscarriage risk also increases.

Comprehensive umbrella review maps 227 non-genetic miscarriage risk factors, identifying 45 with suggestive evidence and highlighting urgent research gaps.

Most women lack essential knowledge about menopause, a new UCL study finds.

New research shows that skipping ultrasound and hormone monitoring in selected frozen embryo transfer cycles does not affect pregnancy outcomes.

A large cohort study shows that AMH levels do not affect perinatal outcomes in women with PCOS undergoing fresh or frozen embryo transfer.

Doctors reported the first case of healthy twin girls born after transfer of three aneuploid embryos screened by PGT-A during IVF.

New Danish research shows a slightly higher endometrial cancer risk in women with an insufficient endometrial biopsy compared to normal samples.

A new study reveals that as men age, sperm accumulate more mutations, increasing the risk of passing on genetic and developmental disorders to their children.

Gestational diabetes significantly modifies how air pollution exposure during pregnancy affects birth weight outcomes.

A common acne drug, isotretinoin, may help restore sperm production in infertile men, offering new fertility hope.

A new study shows paternal SARS-CoV-2 infection changes sperm RNA and increases anxiety-like behaviour in offspring, revealing intergenerational effects.

A global review highlights embryo metabolomics in spent culture media as a promising non-invasive method for embryo selection, paving the way for AI-integrated IVF tools.

Discover a study revealing that human egg cells stay genetically stable with age, resisting mitochondrial DNA mutations and preserving fertility potential.

Discover a major trial showing antioxidant supplements do not boost male fertility or pregnancy rates, challenging their use in fertility care.

Discover a breakthrough study where scientists turned human skin cells into fertilisable eggs, offering hope for infertility and same-sex couples.

Discover a new study showing that menopause does not accelerate disability in women with multiple sclerosis, offering reassurance for patients at midlife.

A new study finds that surgery for ovarian endometriomas before IVF or ICSI does not improve live birth rates, supporting a more tailored fertility approach.

A new study has identified the best ways to evaluate the effectiveness of risk-reducing early salpingectomy (RRES) with delayed oophorectomy in women at high genetic risk of ovarian cancer.

A study of nearly 100,000 UK women trying to conceive revealed that 41% could not correctly identify their fertile window, underscoring the urgent need for improved fertility education.

Understand how paternal hepatitis B has no significant effect on ART pregnancy or live birth outcomes.

A mobile health program significantly lowered blood pressure among users, with women—especially postmenopausal—showing greater improvements than men.

A study of over 3,400 women aged 50+ found that while sexual dysfunction was common in both midlife and older women, those aged 65 and above reported less distress, suggesting shifting expectations and perceptions with age.

Researchers at Mount Sinai have reported new evidence that prenatal acetaminophen use may be linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

A new study in npj Women’s Health has found that machine learning models used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis may underperform in Black women.

In a new study, researchers show that the human fertility gene PRSS55 can restore reproductive function, laying the groundwork for non-hormonal male contraceptive development and highlighting new genetic targets for future fertility control strategies.

New research highlights how outdated cervical cancer screening guidelines in the U.S. fail to meet the needs of sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) people assigned female at birth.

A major review of 49 global studies has assessed the potential of embryo metabolomics in spent culture media as a non-invasive tool for embryo selection in IVF

Asthma affects nearly 1 in 10 pregnancies, and if left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. But with proper treatment and awareness of risk factors, many of these outcomes can be improved.

A landmark study of 139,000 postmenopausal women shows that waist circumference offers crucial insight into mortality risk—even among those with a healthy BMI.

A landmark study confirms the success of mitochondrial donation via pronuclear transfer, with eight healthy babies born free of inherited mtDNA disease.

The WISH-BREAST survey reveals that nearly 90% of breast cancer survivors experience sexual health changes, yet most report receiving no support from their care team.

Learn how a safety bundle in assisted birth cut trauma and NICU rates, improving outcomes without raising neonatal complications.

A new study links inflammation, nutritional deficits, and metabolic issues to infertility, and offers a predictive tool to help assess risk in reproductive-age women.

A 7-year study from France shows caesarean deliveries can be reduced below 15% without increasing complications, highlighting strategies for safer obstetric care.

A study presented at ESHRE 2025 reveals epigenetic alterations in embryos from women with PCOS, suggesting a biological basis for inherited risk.

New research at ESHRE 2025 shows a cfRNA blood test can predict preeclampsia up to five months before symptoms appear.

Even when using young donor eggs, IVF outcomes are significantly poorer in men over 45, new data from ESHRE 2025 reveal.

At ESHRE 2025, researchers revealed that women with PCOS have gut and metabolic imbalances that may drive miscarriage and pregnancy complications.

A large-scale study found that women with endometriosis are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Hashimoto’s within two years.

In the STEP-HI randomized trial, older women recovering from hip fracture saw no added benefit in mobility from combining exercise with testosterone therapy.

Women with high insulin levels may be more likely to experience abnormal uterine bleeding, according to a new study exploring metabolic contributions to gynecologic symptoms.

Progestogen-only contraceptives may raise the risk of asthma attacks in younger women and those with eosinophilic asthma, according to a new population-based cohort study.

A large-scale study has developed a predictive model using routine clinical data to identify patients at high risk of postpartum depression before they leave the hospital.

Air pollution may weaken bones in postmenopausal women by disrupting key metabolic pathways involving phospholipids, according to a new metabolomic study in the Women’s Health Initiative cohort.

Physical activity is emerging as a critical factor in women’s health after cancer, with new evidence showing lower mortality among postmenopausal survivors who move more and sit less.

Cannabis use during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and other poor neonatal outcomes, even after adjusting for tobacco use, a major meta-analysis finds.

A US trial has shown no local tumour recurrences in patients with exceptional responses to neoadjuvant therapy who skipped breast surgery, offering hope for future de-escalation strategies.

A large cohort study has found that chemoradiotherapy offers no survival advantage over radiotherapy alone in intermediate-risk cervical cancer patients—raising questions about current treatment practices.

A major study has shown that pregnant individuals treated with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder have lower risks of severe complications, preterm birth, and NICU admissions.

A new study reveals a potential link between certain hormonal IUDs and the onset of rosacea, with dermatologists urging awareness of symptoms and treatment options.

After 25 years of pioneering research, the UK celebrates its first birth following a womb transplant, offering new hope to women without a functioning uterus.

Research presented at ESCMID Global 2025 reveals how Schistosoma haematobium infection and praziquantel treatment may trigger gene activity linked to cervical cancer risk in women.

Interleukin-6 may outperform traditional tests like CRP and procalcitonin for diagnosing sepsis earlier in vulnerable populations, offering hope for more timely, targeted care.

A new case report documents the first live birth following fertilization by a fully automated, remotely operated intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) system, showcasing a breakthrough in assisted reproductive technology.

New research links the severity of menopausal symptoms to cognitive decline and mild behavioural impairment in later life, with hormone therapy showing potential protective effects.

A large cohort study from Sweden reveals that men with sisters diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face elevated cardiometabolic risks as early as adolescence.

South Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients were all more likely than White patients to be diagnosed with fibroids in a study of nearly 2 million individuals.

A new study in the DRC has developed the LUSSY score, a predictive model to assess the risk of failed surgical closure in women with obstetric rectovaginal fistulas.

A new study finds delayed diagnosis of adnexal torsion affects nearly one-third of pediatric patients, with greater risk for those living farther from hospitals or in underserved areas.

Gestational blood pressure trajectories are linked to long-term hypertension risk, highlighting the need for better postpartum monitoring.

A new long-term study finds that women with PCOS and a history of depression or anxiety are at greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome, underscoring the need for integrated mental and metabolic health care.

Women experiencing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding during menopause transition are more likely to suffer from fatigue and low energy levels.

A recent study tracking over 4,000 days of health data has found that physical activity plays a crucial role in improving mental well-being in women with chronic pelvic pain disorders.

New research highlights how transportation insecurity plays a critical role in breast cancer screening adherence, with individuals facing transportation challenges being 41% less likely to undergo mammograms.

New research highlights that waist size matters more than weight alone when it comes to longevity in postmenopausal women.

A new study suggests that hormone therapy (HT) does not significantly increase the risk of glioma in postmenopausal women, except for a potential elevated risk in women with higher education. Researchers call for further investigation into these subgroup differences.

1-hour OGTT is more effective and convenient for predicting postpartum dysglycaemia compared to the traditional 2-hour test.

A study has found that women with trauma histories are significantly more likely to experience persistent poor sleep quality in midlife, both subjectively and objectively. The findings suggest that trauma-informed approaches could be crucial for managing sleep disturbances in this population.

A large multicentre study has found that fresh embryo transfer results in higher live birth rates than frozen transfer for women with low prognosis undergoing IVF.

New research suggests that low vitamin D levels in the first trimester of pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of preterm birth and reduced foetal growth.

New research reveals that maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, particularly to PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, and SO₂, raises the risk of childhood asthma. The study underscores the need for stricter air quality regulations to protect maternal and child health.

Women using hormonal contraceptives have a lower incidence of ACL injuries requiring reconstruction than non-users, according to a large-scale study.

New research suggests that poor sleep quality worsens PMS symptoms, with nearly 50% of participants experiencing severe symptoms. The study highlights the crucial role of sleep in PMS management, suggesting that better sleep could help reduce mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety.

A new study analysing global infertility trends from 1990 to 2021 reveals a sharp rise in cases, with projections showing continued increases until 2036. India, China, and Indonesia report the highest infertility rates, highlighting an urgent need for improved healthcare access and fertility treatment strategies.

A new retrospective study has identified key risk factors for methotrexate (MTX) treatment failure in tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP). The findings suggest that higher gravidity and elevated β-hCG levels increase the likelihood of treatment failure, while additional MTX doses improve success rates.