Reproductive Health

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.

A study has found that adolescent mothers with strong social support have higher breastfeeding success and self-efficacy.

A new study has found that infant mortality rates have increased in US states that enacted abortion bans, with Black infants, those with congenital anomalies, and those in southern states facing the highest risks.

Reusable menstrual products require fewer changes but cause more leaks, potentially affecting heavy menstrual bleeding diagnosis.

A new study has found that food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with higher risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and NICU admissions.

Greater infertility stigma is linked to higher distress, while openness with others may improve well-being and meaning in life.

A study from Southern Sweden has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in birth rates and significant shifts in abortion trends.

One promising area of research revolves around neuroactive steroids (NAS), which are metabolites of cholesterol that can influence brain activity.

New research highlights how sleep apnoea, varicocele, and hypoxia impact male fertility, with potential intergenerational consequences.

The researchers reviewed over 90,000 randomised clinical trials of which, only 0.8% included pregnant participants.

Severe maternal morbidity risk is five times higher with preeclampsia, underscoring the need for prevention in chronic hypertension.

A groundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN), a nitric oxide donor, effectively shortens labour induction time by promoting cervical ripening.

Elinzanetant and fezolinetant ease menopause symptoms, with elinzanetant improving sleep and reducing side effects.

GDM raises asthma exacerbation risk in pregnancy, highlighting the need for universal screening and proactive management.

Mobile app reduces opioid misuse after cesarean section, optimising prescriptions and mitigating public health risks.

Advanced breast cancer patients are likelier to have pre-existing cardiovascular disease, urging integrated screening strategies for early detection.

Sarcopenia and muscle loss significantly predict poor survival in cervical cancer, highlighting the need for early muscle assessment.

Stopping GnRH-ant on trigger day improves oocyte maturity, but has no effect on other IVF outcomes.

AI-based diagnostic models for ovarian cancer show expert-level accuracy, promising reduced interventions and improved outcomes.

Women with dense or increasingly dense breasts face elevated breast cancer risks, highlighting the importance of longitudinal screening.

A novel biomarker panel shows promise for non-invasive endometriosis diagnosis, offering faster, more accurate detection.

Maternal exposure to elevated temperatures during the postpartum period is associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression…

Exposure to elevated levels of tropospheric ozone during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of intellectual disability in children.

Women who experienced infertility without fertility treatment had a higher incidence of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease…

Enhanced glucose processing during oral glucose tolerance testing significantly improves the accuracy and equity of gestational diabetes diagnosis.

A new study from the Netherlands has provided reassuring evidence on the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Patients undergoing medical abortion at home often feel unprepared for the pain they experience according to new research.

This microscale device demonstrates exceptional potential for recanalising fallopian tube obstructions by employing a helical rotating mechanism.

Early menopause significantly increases the risk of heart failure in postmenopausal women, independent of adipokine levels.

Study shows vaginal micronised progesterone tablets and gel yield similar clinical pregnancy rates in IVF luteal phase support.

Mood lability and depression are significant factors contributing to oral contraceptive (OC) discontinuation in women with endometriosis…

AI has identified novel mammographic features that are stronger predictors of breast cancer risk than traditional factors

Hyperpolarised 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy can clinically distinguish between ovarian tumour subtypes.

The addition of mifepristone to misoprostol for medical management of early pregnancy loss significantly reduces the rate of treatment failure.

Women who experience severe maternal complications during their first birth are significantly less likely to have another child, according to a large Swedish cohort study.

Women with endometriosis or uterine fibroids face increased risks of premature mortality, particularly from gynaecological cancers and non-cancer conditions.

Women with infertility face a 25% higher risk of autoimmune diseases like lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome in the years following childbirth, according to a major study. The findings suggest infertility itself could be a key marker for identifying women at risk of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD).

Infants born very preterm after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) conception have similar in-hospital and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Patients with endometriosis and chronic endometritis face higher pregnancy risks despite improved fertility, highlighting the need for careful management.

Women with a history of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy face a higher risk of early coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, a new study finds.

Despite their higher risk, women with early menarche in Côte d’Ivoire are less likely to undergo breast cancer screenings, a new study finds.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have fewer children and give birth later in life compared to women without PCOS.

Xylitol-containing chewing gum use during pregnancy significantly reduced the occurrence of preterm births and low-birthweight deliveries.

Children born moderate to late preterm exhibit poorer cognitive and academic performance, and more behavioural difficulties at school age.

Simultaneous endometrial aspiration and sonohysterography offer a highly sensitive screening approach for detecting endometrial cancer

Testing for low placental growth factor during routine gestational diabetes screening could identify pregnant individuals at high risk of early preterm birth.

Pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease face a significantly increased risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, according to a large US-based study.

Women with endometriosis show unique neurobiological changes in the brain, distinct from those in women with chronic pelvic pain without endometriosis.

This study suggests that frequent or persistent VMS during the MT may signal an elevated risk of diabetes, identifying a high-risk group for targeted diabetes prevention.

Weight loss interventions significantly improve insulin resistance, free androgen levels, and menstrual frequency.

A recent study in California reveals a significant rise in cannabis use during early pregnancy following the state’s recreational cannabis legalisation in 2018.

New research identifies the factors associated with opting for bilateral oophorectomy versus ovarian conservation in young adults undergoing gender-affirming hysterectomy

Male partners consuming fruits and vegetables with low pesticide residues had higher fertilisation rates in IVF finds new research.

A combined analysis of gut microbiota composition in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) identified distinct microbial patterns associated with PCOS subtypes, especially those differentiated by testosterone levels…

Women in England and Wales had an average of 1.44 children between 2022 and 2023 according to data published by the Office for National Statistics, the lowest rate on record.

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) have shown potential to improve outcomes in maternity care. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate CDSS used in maternity settings, assessing their effectiveness and synthesizing evidence on their impact. 

Recent data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging has highlighted the significant link between primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and multimorbidity.

Four genes with significant effects on the timing of menopause have been uncovered by a recent study offering insights into reproductive aging and cancer risks

Prior testosterone exposure does not negatively affect oocyte cryopreservation outcomes in transgender and gender-diverse adolescents and young adults.

A study suggests a notable association between assisted reproductive technology and certain severe heart conditions, particularly in multiple pregnancies. 

A report highlights a significant rise in maternal mortality rates between 2020–2022 compared to previous years, with 296 women dying during or shortly after pregnancy.

In a study that tracked 3,972 women diagnosed with spontaneous POI and 15,708 matched controls, the prevalence of autoimmune disorders was notably higher in those with POI

Ovarian cancer is a global challenge, with most cases diagnosed late. The IOTA ADNEX model offers high sensitivity for earlier detection, but managing false positives is crucial.

A meta-analysis reveals that COVID-19 significantly affects male fertility, reducing sperm concentration, motility, and altering reproductive hormones.

Recent research investigates the effectiveness of sildenafil citrate in reducing fetal distress and emergency caesarean section during labour.

New research aimed to explore the association of HR-HPV and LR-HPV infections with sperm quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation in men.

Pregnant people who took the first dose of misoprostol at home had an increased chance of completing their care in hospital within 9 hours when having an abortion after 12 weeks.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at a greater risk for developing disordered eating according to the results of a meta-analysis.

Uterus transplant may be feasible and safe for a select group of women with uterine factor infertility.

Severe menopausal symptoms in post-menopausal women have been associated with cognitive impairment according to results of a study.

New study found a strong association between the consumption of sugary and sweetened beverages during pregnancy and adverse health outcomes for both mothers and their babies

A study investigated whether COVID-19 infections influence embryo implantation and early development in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer.

Endometriosis has been associated with an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. However, the associations between endometriosis subtypes and ovarian cancer histotypes remain unknown.

A new systematic review aimed to provide updated evidence on the safety of pregnancy following hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer.

A recent study links prenatal exposure to air pollution, especially PM2.5, to an increased risk of cerebral palsy in full-term infants, with male infants potentially at higher risk.

Tampons have been found to contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, according to a new study published by the University of California, Berkeley.

Uptake of in vitro fertilisation and intrauterine insemination has increased among women in Europe, according to data presented at the ESHRE 40th annual meeting.

New research presented at ESHRE highlights significant social disparities in achieving live births following assisted reproductive technology treatment.

Research presented at ESHRE 2024 reveals higher risks of severe maternal morbidity and adverse pregnancy outcomes for gestational carriers compared to natural and IVF conceptions.

Pioneering research presented at the ESHRE 40th Annual Meeting suggests that exposure to fine particulate matter before the retrieval of oocytes during IVF can impact the odds of achieving a life birth.

Concerns about the reliability of transvaginal ultrasonography in diagnosing endometrial cancer among Black females have been raised in a recent study.

Findings from a comprehensive nationwide cohort study from Denmark have demonstrated the safety of paternal valproate use during spermatogenesis.

New findings show that postoperative prescription of a long-acting progestogen, or the combined oral contraceptive pill, can reduce the recurrence of endometriosis-related pain.

A recent study has highlighted significant variations in menopause symptom severity among different racial and ethnic groups, independent of socioeconomic status

Research shows women with premenstrual disorders demonstrate a higher risk of suicide compared to women without premenstrual disorders

Research has revealed a significant link between exposure to PM2.5 air pollution during pregnancy and low birth weight in newborns.

Research shows heavy menstrual bleeding, a common menstrual disorder, has been linked to several multiple risk factors of cardiovascular disease in females

A study aimed to understand how exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals impacts early childhood growth.

Concurrent prenatal cannabis and nicotine use has been linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Research reveals long-lasting mortality risk in females with adverse pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing the need for early prevention and ongoing monitoring of associated chronic disorders.

Study reveals higher mortality risk for breast cancer diagnosed within 10 years postpartum, particularly among BRCA mutation carriers, highlighting need for further investigation.

A recent study finds the use of benzodiazepine during pregnancy is linked to a 70% increased risk of miscarriage, urging caution in prescribing for pregnant women. Read more.

Black females experience fibroid onset 10 years earlier, on average, than White females. New research has now shed light on the relationship between maternal history of fibroids and fibroid development in Black females.

According to new studies in Massachusetts, USA, sedentary time and reduced physical activity are linked to an elevation in the frequency of hot flashes in menopause. Read more.

A new research identified critical implications of low-to-moderate alcohol consumption during early pregnancy. Learn about subtle prenatal developmental changes and their impact on babies.

With Caesarean deliveries becoming increasingly common worldwide, understanding the long-term implications of uterine closure techniques is crucial for maternal health. Read more.

Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy, characterised by hypertension and proteinuria, or stroke and organ failure in more severe cases. Spontaneous preterm birth risk throughout pregnancy is reportedly higher for females with greater risk for pre-eclampsia in the first trimester.

Younger females who faced exposure to medium and high poverty levels were found to have higher anti-Müllerian hormones than those experiencing low poverty. Over time, anti-Müllerian hormone levels lead to greater ovarian follicle loss.

A recent study was conducted to investigate the combined impacts of human papillomavirus and metabolic syndrome on all-cause mortality risk across both male and female sexes. Read more.

Females are waiting almost 9 years for an endometriosis diagnosis, and feel their symptoms are commonly dismissed by healthcare professionals. This study aims to raise awareness this Endometriosis Awareness Month (March 2024).

New research from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, has identified a relationship between extreme heat exposure and preterm birth risk.

According to studies, polycystic ovary syndrome is a prevalent and genetically complex disorder that poses a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and affects 5–15% of reproductive-age females.

Females with a high level of autistic traits may be at greater risk of adverse birth outcomes. With females less likely to receive a formal autism diagnosis in comparison to males, the additional support that may be needed during pregnancy remains unmet.

According to recent findings, cardiovascular health in offspring has been shown to be poorer if the mother has gestational diabetes or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Females diagnosed with perinatal depression face an increased risk of suicidal behaviour, particularly in the first year following diagnosis, according to recent studies.

Stress is often associated with metabolic conditions and fertility treatments themselves can disrupt normal metabolism. Read the study to understand the correlation between perceived stress and pregnancy glucose levels.

Researchers have found that females undergoing active surveillance for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Grade 2 face an elevated long-term risk of cervical cancer, compared to those opting for immediate treatment.

A recent study has revealed a potential association between energy drink consumption before pregnancy and an increased risk of gestational hypertension, particularly in young adults of reproductive age.

Recent findings revealed a significant association between untreated, new-onset hypertension, and newly-diagnosed uterine fibroids in middle-aged females. Read to find out more.

New research has found that patients who treat endometriosis with surgery experience significant improvements in quality of life, assessed using the 30-item Endometriosis Health Profile questionnaire before and after surgery…

We fondly remember Linda Cardozo OBE, Professor of Urogynaecology, and Consultant Gynaecologist at King’s College Hospital, London, UK.

Individuals with physical disabilities are less likely than individuals without to receive crucial cervical cancer screening…

A new study has found that the risk of hospitalisation for stroke is elevated in pregnant persons who received fertility treatments…

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy could lead to worse birth outcomes, including longer hospital stay, low birthweight, and pre-term delivery…

Maternal age has been associated with higher post-partum readmission risk in females with pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension…

A study has indicated that fetal exposure to mother’s medication could affect the new-born’s brain development…