Couple infertility is a pathology with an absolute number of cases growing markedly over the last decade in connection mainly with the increased age of couples wishing to conceive. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an alternative treatment used for several years for experimental purposes. Yet, this method is not yet defined as a standard therapeutic option in the infertility protocol for poor responders in assisted human reproduction procedures. Thus, the present study is a retrospective study conducted between February 2019 and February 2020 to evaluate the effect of ovarian PRP injection in patients with a poor ovarian response (POR) to ovarian stimulation. Women (n=20; age 31-44 years) diagnosed with POR based on the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology criteria underwent ovarian injection with autologous PRP injection. Markers of ovarian reserve before, during the following two menstrual cycles, and at six months after treatment were followed as well as stimulation and fertilisation parameters before and post-treatment. PRP treatment resulted in increased antral follicle count and serum anti-Mullerian hormone, while levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone were decreased. These changes were more pronounced during the 2nd menstrual cycle following treatment. By six months following the injection, their values return to pre-treatment levels and any small differences were not considered statistically significant. The average dose of gonadotropin used and duration remained statistically unchanged, but a significant increase in estradiol achieved by the day of the human chorionic gonadotropin trigger day was achieved. The cancellation rate decreased following PRP treatment while the number of collected oocytes, number of oocytes in metaphase II rose. The number of embryos (of A and B quality) resulting also increased but fell short of the significance level set (α=0.073). Following the PRP injection, two singleton pregnancies were achieved, resulting in live births at term without complications during pregnancy. Another pregnancy was achieved spontaneously 45 months following the PRP and a failed assisted human reproduction procedure. Although the group included a small number of women, the results indicate the potential benefits of an ovarian autologous PRP injection in women with POR. Positive results appear to be short-term for 2-6 months after the procedure.
Bone HealthDiagnosticsPerimenopause/Menopause
Open Access
Does the OPtimization of Thyroid function, Thrombophilia, Immunity, and Uterine Milieu (OPTIMUM) treatment strategy, developed for treating repeated implantation failure (RIF), contribute to improving pregnancy outcomes in patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)? Between 2018 and 2019, women with RPL after two or more clinical pregnancy losses underwent RPL testing. We treated chronic endometritis with antibiotics, high Th1/Th2 cell ratios with vitamin D and/or tacrolimus, overt/subclinical hypothyroidism with levothyroxine, and thrombophilia with low-dose aspirin. Of 168 consecutive women aged ≤43 years, 115 underwent RPL testing. We compared 100 pregnancies (90 women) and 46 pregnancies (41 women) with and without the OPTIMUM treatment strategy, respectively. RPL testing identified intrauterine abnormalities in 66 (57.4%), elevated Th1/Th2 cell ratios in 50 (43.5%), thyroid dysfunction in 33 (28.7%), and thrombophilia in 33 (28.7%). The live birth rate in the OPTIMUM group was significantly higher than that in the control group among women aged <40 years (78.1% and 42.3%, respectively; p = 0.002), but no significant difference was observed in women aged ≥40 years (55.6% and 30.0%, respectively; p = 0.09). The OPTIMUM treatment strategy improved pregnancy outcomes in patients with not only RIF but also RPL.
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is a common cause of amenorrhoea, but diagnosis can be challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and biochemical features of FHA, compared to that of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and assess the diagnostic performance of the different parameters for differentiating the two conditions. This was a retrospective observational study. We analysed clinical and biochemical parameters of women diagnosed with FHA and PCOS following specialist assessment at the reproductive endocrine gynaecology clinic, St Mary's Hospital. Compared with PCOS, women with FHA had significantly lower body mass index (BMI; 20.1 ± 2.9 vs. 31.1 ± 7.8 kg/m2 ; p< .0001) and a thinner endometrium (3.75 ± 2.23 vs. 6.82 ± 3.32 mm; p< .0001). Women with FHA had significantly lower luteinising hormone (LH; 3.46 ± 7.31 vs. 8.79 ± 4.98 IU/L; p< .0001), and lower LH to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, estradiol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and prolactin levels; there was no significant difference in FSH levels. BMI had the greatest predictive performance for FHA (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.93; p< .001), followed by estradiol (AUC: 0.89; p< .001), LH (AUC: 0.88; p< .001) FSH ratio (AUC: 0.86; p< .001). Our data provides quantification for diagnostic accuracy of clinical parameters to differentiate FHA from PCOS, namely low BMI, estradiol, FSH ratio. These data could help clinicians more reliably diagnose FHA in women with secondary amenorrhoea.
To investigate the sociological, environmental, and economic impact of hormonally active contraceptives, a series of comprehensive literature surveys were employed. Sociological effects are discussed including abortion, exploitation of women, a weakening of marriage, and an increase in divorce with deleterious effects on children such as child poverty, poorer health, lower educational achievement, suicide risks, drug and alcohol abuse, criminality, and incarceration, among others. The environmental impact is discussed briefly and includes the feminization and trans-gendering of male fish downstream from the effluent of city wastewater treatment plants with declining fish populations. The potential economic impact of most of these side effects is estimated based on epidemiologic data and published estimates of costs of caring for the diseases which are linked to the use of hormonally active contraceptives. Hormonally active contraceptives appear to have a deleterious impact on multiple aspects of women's health as well as negative economic and environmental impacts. These risks can be avoided through the use of nonhormonal methods and need to be more clearly conveyed to the public.
Hormonal contraceptives have wide-ranging effects. The potential economic impact of the medical side effects is estimated. Sociological effects are discussed including abortion, exploitation of women, a weakening of marriage and an increase in divorce with negative effects on children such as child poverty, poorer health, lower educational achievement, suicide risks, drug and alcohol abuse, criminality and incarceration among others. The environmental impact includes hormonal effects on fish with declining fish populations. Women seeking birth control have a right to know about how to avoid these risks by using effective hormone-free methods like Fertility Awareness Methods.
α-Lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural molecule that is inconsistently synthesized by the human body and must be provided from exogenous sources, such as food and dietary supplements. Once absorbed, the oxidized form of ALA is transformed into its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). ALA/DHLA exert direct and indirect antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and fine immunomodulatory effects. ALA/DHLA reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17), while increasing the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). They also inhibit cyclooxygenase 2, thereby decreasing the secretion of prostaglandin E2 and nitrogen oxide, and reducing the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy. In patients at risk of abortion, administration of ALA from the first trimester has shown efficacy by accelerating subchorionic hematoma resorption, with a significant decrease in the accompanying abdominal pain. ALA has been proven to be efficient in maintaining the length of the cervix and keeping it closed following one episode of premature labor. Preeclampsia is a dysfunction caused by abnormal placentation and an excessive maternal inflammatory response, leading to extreme hypoxia in the placental bed and exaggerated oxidative stress, with release of oxygen free radicals. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The hypothesis of antioxidant supplementation may play an essential part in disease prevention and fetal neuroprotection.
Time to pregnancy (TTP) is a biomarker of fecundability and has been associated with behavioral and environmental characteristics; however, these associations have not been examined in a large population-based sample of application (app) users. This observational study followed 5,376 women with an age range of 18 to 45 years who used an app to identify their fertile window. We included women who started trying to conceive between September 30, 2017 and August 31, 2018. TTP was calculated as the number of menstrual cycles from when the user switched to "Plan" mode up to and including the cycle in which they logged a positive pregnancy test. We examined associations with several characteristics, including age, gravidity, body mass index, cycle length and cycle length variation, frequency of sexual intercourse, and temperature measuring frequency. Discrete time fecundability models were used to estimate fecundability odds ratios. For the complete cohort the 6-cycle and 12-cycle cumulative pregnancy probabilities were found to be 61% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59-62) and 74% (95% CI: 73-76), respectively. The median TTP was four cycles. The highest fecundability was associated with an age of less than 35 years, with cycle length variation <5 days and logging sexual intercourse on at least 20% of days added (the proportion of days in which intercourse was logged) (11.5% [n = 613] of entire sample). This group achieved a 6and 12-cycle cumulative pregnancy probability of 88% (95% CI: 85-91) and 95% (95% CI: 94-97), respectively, and a TTP of 2 cycles. Natural Cycles was an effective method of identifying the fertile window and a noninvasive educational option for women planning a pregnancy. Women under age 35 with regular cycles showed a high pregnancy rate.
Cumulus cells (CCs) originating from undifferentiated granulosa cells (GCs) differentiate in mural granulosa cells (MGCs) and CCs during antrum formation in the follicle by the distribution of location. CCs are supporting cells of the oocyte that protect the oocyte from the microenvironment, which helps oocyte growth and maturation in the follicles. Bi-directional communications between an oocyte and CCs are necessary for the oocyte for the acquisition of maturation and early embryonic developmental competence following fertilization. Follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) surges lead to the synthesis of an extracellular matrix in CCs, and CCs undergo expansion to assist meiotic resumption of the oocyte. The function of CCs is involved in the completion of oocyte meiotic maturation and ovulation, fertilization, and subsequent early embryo development. Therefore, understanding the function of CCs during follicular development may be helpful for predicting oocyte quality and subsequent embryonic development competence, as well as pregnancy outcomes in the field of reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technology (ART) for infertility treatment.
Estradiol, an estrogen steroid hormone, serves as the dominant female hormone and its levels fluctuate during lifetime. In women, after the menopause, all estrogens and almost all androgens are locally developed in the peripheral tissues from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). However, the effect of DHEA supplementation on estradiol levels in women is unclear as previously published data has resulted in conflicting findings. Thus, we conducted the present dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the influence of DHEA on estradiol concentrations in women. The PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases were systematically searched for articles published on this topic until May 10, 2021. No time or language restrictions were applied. The data were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The pooled results were obtained using the generic inverse of variance method with a random effects model. A total of 21 arms, including 1223 participants (case = 610, and control = 613), reported estradiol concentrations as an outcome measure. The overall results demonstrated that estradiol significantly increased following the administration of DHEA (WMD: 7.02 pg/mL, 95% CI: 5.43, 8.62, P = 0.000). The stratified analyses revealed that the elevation of estradiol concentrations was more pronounced in subjects aged ≥60 years old (WMD: 8.56 pg/mL, 95% CI: 6.97, 10.16, I2 = 94%) and in those receiving DHEA supplements for ≥26 weeks (WMD: 7.30 pg/mL, 95% CI: 6.28, 8.32, I2 = 61%). Moreover, estradiol levels increased significantly with DHEA dosages of 50 mg/day (WMD: 7.75 pg/mL, 95% CI: 9.12, 9.39, I2 = 94%) and when DHEA was prescribed to postmenopausal women (WMD: 7.61 pg/mL, 95% CI: 5.97, 9.24, I2 = 93%). This meta-analysis has provided a comprehensive overview of the effects of DHEA administration on circulating estradiol levels, far beyond the available evidence from different RCTs. Subsequent subgroup analyses revealed that postmenopausal women, females aged 60 years and above, those on DHEA dosages of 50 mg/day and those receiving DHEA for ≥26 weeks registered a more pronounced elevation of the circulating estradiol levels.
Nijsten K et al., 2021·Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) complicates 1% of pregnancies and has a major impact on maternal quality of life and well-being. We know very little about HG's long-term impact after an affected pregnancy, including recurrence rates in future pregnancies, which is essential information for women considering subsequent pregnancies. In this study, we aimed to prospectively measure the recurrence rate of HG and the number of postponed and terminated subsequent pregnancies due to HG. We also aimed to evaluate if there were predictive factors that could identify women at increased risk for HG recurrence, and postponing and terminating subsequent pregnancies. We conducted a prospective cohort study. A total of 215 women admitted for HG to public hospitals in the Netherlands were enrolled in the original MOTHER randomized controlled trial and associated observational cohort. Seventy-three women were included in this follow-up study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Recurrent HG was defined as vomiting symptoms accompanied multiple medication use, weight loss, admission, tube feeding or if nausea and vomiting symptoms were severe enough to affect life and/or work. Outcome measures were recurrence, postponing, and termination rates due to HG. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors associated with HG recurrence, and postponing and terminating subsequent pregnancies. Thirty-five women (48%) became pregnant again of whom 40% had postponed their pregnancy due to HG. HG recurred in 89% of pregnancies. One woman terminated and eight women (23%) considered terminating their pregnancy because of recurrent HG. Twenty-four out of 38 women did not get pregnant again because of HG in the past. Univariable logistic regression analysis identifying possible predictive factors found that having a western background was associated with having weight loss due to recurrent HG in subsequent pregnancies (odds ratio 12.9, 95% CI 1.3-130.5, p = 0.03). High rates of HG recurrence and a high number of postponed pregnancies due to HG were observed. Women can be informed of a high chance of recurrence to enable informed family planning.
Chang WH et al., 2021·Science of The Total Environment
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are one of the most widely used plasticizers in polymer products and humans are increasingly exposed to them. The constant exposure to PAEs-contained products has raised some concerns against human health. Thus, the impacts of PAEs and their metabolites on human health require a comprehensive study for a better understanding of the associated risks. Here, we attempt to review eight main health effects of PAE exposure according to the most up-to-date studies. We found that epidemiological studies demonstrated a consistent association between PAE exposure (especially DEHP and its metabolites) and a decrease in sperm quality in males and symptom development of ADHD in children. Overall, we found insufficient evidence and lack of consistency of the association between PAE exposure and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis, and CHD), thyroid diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, obesity, kidney diseases, intelligence performance in children, and other reproductive system-related diseases (anogenital distance, girl precocious puberty, and endometriosis). Future studies (longitudinal and follow-up investigations) need to thoroughly perform in large-scale populations to yield more consistent and powerful results and increase the precision of the association as well as enhance the overall understanding of potential human health risks of PAEs in long-term exposure.
The 2019 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Fertility Clinic and National Summary Report, prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-493), presents data submitted by 449 reporting US fertility clinics for ART cycles initiated during the 2019 reporting year. The Report includes data on a total of 330,773 ART cycles performed and 78,889 live-birth deliveries. Beginning with the 2019 reporting year, clinic-specific ART success rates are reported in the ART Success Rates by Clinic online application instead of in the printed annual report; the 2019 publication consolidates the previously separate fertility clinic and national summary reports. Standard age bands changed for the 2019 reporting year to less than 35, 35 to 37, 38 to 40, and over 40 years. National summary figures present noncumulative data on cycles performed in the reporting year. CDC estimates that NASS captures 97 to 98 percent of all ART cycles performed in the United States. The 2019 Report includes information on cumulative success rates per intended retrieval cycle, fresh and frozen embryo transfer outcomes, donor egg cycles, embryo banking, and gestational carrier cycles.
Glomerulations are not specific for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Controversy exists about whether cystoscopic findings differ between patients with and without lower urinary tract symptoms. We sought to compare the prevalence of cystoscopic findings in women with "no or minimal" urinary symptoms to those with a "high" symptom burden. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study performed at a University Educational Facility. Participants in this study were part of a larger prospective study, in which female patients scheduled to undergo routine gynecologic procedures were all consented for cystoscopy with hydrodistension (CWHD). We defined the "minimally symptomatic group" as those with ≤1 on each of the O'Leary/Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) subscores and without history of IC/BPS. The "highly symptomatic" cohort of women had composite ICSI score ≥12 and a Burning/Pain subscore of 4 or 5. All were non-smokers. A total of 84 women underwent CWHD, with 33 having minimal symptoms and 51 being highly symptomatic. The two groups were not statistically different when assessing for 'any glomerulations' compared to 'no glomerulations.' However, minimally symptomatic women had an eight-fold lower prevalence of significant glomerulations than highly symptomatic women (3.0% minimally symptomatic vs. 23.5% highly symptomatic, P<0.05.). Extensive glomerulations (≥10 in 3 or 4 quadrants) are rare in women with minimal urinary symptoms. These findings contrast with prior limited prospective data which quoted similar incidence of glomerulations in IC/BPS patients and asymptomatic patients. This study highlights the importance of evaluating objective evidence on CWHD and merits further investigation as part of the ongoing conversation regarding the definition of bladder health and pathology.
Ethics/PhilosophyGender Bias in MedicineMedical GaslightingStructural Healthcare Barriers
In recent years, the term 'medical gaslighting' and accompanying accounts of self-identified women experiencing invalidation, dismissal and inadequate care have proliferated in the media. Gaslighting has primarily been conceptualized in the field of psychology as a phenomenon within interpersonal relationships. Following the work of Paige Sweet (American Sociological Review, 84, 2019, 851), I argue that a sociological explanation is necessary. Such an explanation illustrates how medical gaslighting is not simply an interpersonal exchange, but the result of deeply embedded and largely unchallenged ideologies underpinning health-care services. Through an intersectional feminist and Foucauldian analysis, I illuminate the ideological structures of western medicine that allow for medical gaslighting to be commonplace in the lives of women, transgender, intersex, queer and racialized individuals seeking health care. Importantly, these are not mutually exclusive groups, and I use the term bio-Others to highlight and connect how those with embodied differences are treated in medicine. This article indicates the importance of opening a robust discussion about the sociology of medical gaslighting, so that we might better understand what structural barriers people of marginalized social locations face in accessing quality health care and develop creative solutions to challenge health-care inequities.
Contraception/ComparisonDepression and MoodSleep and InsomniaLongitudinal Cohort Study
Open Access
Morssinkhof MWL et al., 2021·Psychoneuroendocrinology
Worldwide, oral contraceptive (OC) use is a very common form of birth control, although it has been associated with symptoms of depression and insomnia. Insomnia is a risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD) but may also be a symptom of the disorder. Despite the large number of women who use OC, it is yet unknown whether women with previous or current diagnosis of depression are more likely to experience more severe depressive and insomnia symptoms during concurrent OC use than women without diagnosis of depression. This study examined associations between OC use and concurrent symptoms of depression (including atypical depression) and insomnia as well as between OC and prevalences of concurrent dysthymia and MDD. Participants were adult women with and without a history of MDD or dysthymia. We hypothesized that OC use is associated with concurrent increased severity of depressive symptoms and insomnia symptoms, as well as with an increased prevalence of concurrent diagnoses of dysthymia and MDD. We also hypothesized that a history of MDD or dysthymia moderates the relationship between OC use and depressive and insomnia symptoms. Measurements from premenopausal adult women from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) were grouped, based on whether participants were using OC or naturally cycling (NC). OC use, timing and regularity of the menstrual cycle were assessed with a structured interview, self-reported symptoms of depression (including atypical depression), insomnia with validated questionnaires, and MDD and dysthymia with structured diagnostic interviews. We included a total of 1301 measurements in women who reported OC use and 1913 measurements in NC women (mean age 35.6, 49.8% and 28.9% of measurements in women with a previous depression or current depression, respectively). Linear mixed models showed that overall, OC use was neither associated with more severe depressive symptoms (including atypical depressive symptoms), nor with higher prevalence of diagnoses of MDD or dysthymia. However, by disentangling the amalgamated overall effect, within-person estimates indicated increased depressive symptoms and depressive disorder prevalence during OC use, whereas between-person estimated indicated lower depressive symptoms and prevalence of depressive disorders. OC use was consistently associated with more severe concurrent insomnia symptoms, in the overall estimates as well as in the within-person and between-person estimates. Presence of current or previous MDD or dysthymia did not moderate the associations between OC use and depressive or insomnia symptoms. The study findings showed consistent associations between OC use and more severe insomnia symptoms, but no consistent associations between OC and depressive symptoms or diagnoses. Instead, post-hoc analyses showed that associations between OC and depression differed between withinand between person-estimates. This indicates that, although OC shows no associations on the overall level, some individuals might experience OC-associated mood symptoms. Our findings underscore the importance of accounting for individual differences in experiences during OC use. Furthermore, it raises new questions about mechanisms underlying associations between OC, depression and insomnia.
General OB/GYNUltra-Processed Diet EffectsOxidative Stress and Immune Tolerance
In recent years, consumption of ultra-processed food around the world has been increasing. The nutritional profile of an ultra-processed diet is associated with the development of cellular alterations that lead to oxidative stress. The chronic prooxidative state leads to an environment that influences the proliferation, apoptosis, and signaling pathways of immune cells. Likewise, the decrease in the transcription factor NRF2, owing to exacerbated production of reactive oxygen species, leads to changes in immune function and response to infections. This review aims to analyze the connection between an ultra-processed diet, systemic oxidative stress, and immune tolerance, as a contribution to the scientific evidence on the impact of oxidative stress on health and the possible risk of infections-an important consideration in the association of eating pattern and the immune response.
Perimenopause/MenopauseHormone Therapy in HIVHIV-Associated Bone LossVasomotor Symptoms Management
People living with HIV are ageing, and a growing number of women living with HIV are entering menopause. Women living with HIV commonly have bothersome vasomotor symptoms and onset of menopause at earlier ages; both factors go on to affect quality of life and systemic health. Vasomotor symptoms and early menopause are both indications for menopausal hormone therapy; however, current evidence suggests that this therapy is seldom offered to women living with HIV. Additionally, women living with HIV have several risks to bone health and are likely to benefit from the bone-strengthening effects of menopausal hormone therapy. We present an assessment of the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy in the context of HIV care and propose a practical approach to its prescription. If considered in the appropriate clinical context with discussion of risks and benefits, menopausal hormone therapy might provide substantial benefits to symptomatic menopausal women living with HIV and improve health-related quality of life.
Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience accelerated ageing and an increased risk of age-associated diseases earlier in life, compared with women without HIV. This is likely due to a combination of viral factors, gender differences, hormonal imbalance and psychosocial and structural conditions. This interdisciplinary cohort study aims to understand how biological, clinical and sociostructural determinants of health interact to modulate healthy ageing in WLWH. Methods and analysisThe British AntiRetroviral therapy and Markers of Aging-Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CARMA-CHIWOS) Collaboration (BCC3) study will enrol WLWH (n=350) and sociodemographically matched HIV-negative women (n=350) living in British Columbia. A subset of BCC3 participants will be past participants of CARMA, n≥1000 women and children living with and without HIV, 2008-2018 and/or CHIWOS, n=1422 WLWH, 2013-2018. Over two study visits, we will collect biological specimens for virus serologies, hormones and biological markers as well as administer a survey capturing demographic and sociostructural-behavioural factors. Sociodemographics, comorbidities, number and type of chronic/latent viral infections and hormonal irregularities will be compared between the two groups. Their association with biological markers and psychostructural and sociostructural factors will be investigated through multivariable regression and structural equation modelling. Retrospective longitudinal analyses will be conducted on data from past CARMA/CHIWOS participants. As BCC3 aims to follow participants as they age, this protocol will focus on the first study visits.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the University of British Columbia Children's and Women's Research Ethics Board (H19-00896). Results will be shared in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and at community events as well as at www.hivhearme.ca and @HIV_HEAR_me. WLWH are involved in study design, survey creation, participant recruitment, data collection and knowledge translation. A Community Advisory Board will advise the research team throughout the study.
Peebles K et al., 2021·Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Limited evidence suggests that the nonhormonal contraceptive copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) may increase bacterial vaginosis (BV) risk, possibly due to increased volume and duration of menses, a common side effect of Cu-IUD use. Although increases in bleeding typically resolve within 6-12 months following initiation, evaluations of the association between Cu-IUD and BV have not included more than 6 months of follow-up. This secondary analysis of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 prevention trial included 2585 African women ages 18-45 followed for up to 33 months. Women reported contraceptive use each month. BV was evaluated by Nugent score in 6-monthly intervals and, if clinically indicated, by Amsel criteria. Andersen-Gill proportional hazards models were used to (1) evaluate BV risk among Cu-IUD users relative to women using no/another nonhormonal contraceptive and (2) test changes in BV frequency before, while using, and following Cu-IUD discontinuation. BV frequency was highest among Cu-IUD users at 153.6 episodes per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 145.2, 162.4). In adjusted models, Cu-IUD users experienced 1.28-fold (95% CI: 1.12, 1.46) higher BV risk relative to women using no/another nonhormonal contraception. Compared to the 6 months prior to initiation, BV risk was 1.52-fold (95% CI: 1.16, 2.00) higher in the first 6 months of Cu-IUD use and remained elevated over 18 months of use (P < .05). Among women who discontinued Cu-IUD, BV frequency was similar to pre-initiation rates within 1 year. Cu-IUD users experienced elevated BV risk that persisted throughout use. Women and their providers may wish to consider BV risk when discussing contraceptive options.
To study childbirth and the risk of miscarriage and infertility among women who have received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes before the start of their reproductive journey. Register-based cohort study using the Skåne All healthcare visits for the whole population of the southernmost region in Sweden over the past 20 years PATIENT(S): All women who were aged 18-45 years between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2019 and who received a clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes before their first childbirth, miscarriage, or infertility diagnosis (n = 230) were compared with a healthcare-seeking population of women without any type of diabetes, matched for calendar year and age (n = 179,434). INTERVENTION(S): None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Childbirth, miscarriage, and infertility diagnosis RESULT(S): The birthrate was lower among women with type 2 diabetes (62.6% vs. 83.8%), and they were less likely to give birth (crude risk ratio [RR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.81). They had a higher risk of experiencing a miscarriage (RR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.50-2.36). The risk of infertility was increased (RR = 3.44, 95% CI: 2.88-4.10) as was the risk of having infertility and not giving birth (RR = 4.47, 95% CI: 3.44-5.82). All results remained the same after adjustment for polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity. CONCLUSION(S): Women with type 2 diabetes with onset before their reproductive journey were more often childless compared with women without diabetes and had a higher risk of experiencing both miscarriage and infertility. This patient group may be in need of targeted information regarding potential fertility issues as part of their clinical treatment.
To investigate and propose a new simple tridimensional (3D) ultrasonographic method to diagnose a T-shaped uterus (Class U1a). A multicenter non-experimental case-control diagnostic accuracy study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2019, including 50 women (cases) diagnosed with T-shaped uterus (U1a class) and 50 women with a "normal uterus" (controls). All the enrolled women underwent 3D ultrasound, drawing four lines and recording the length draw and measure the interostial line (R0); draw from the midpoint of R0 a perpendicular line length 20 mm; draw and measure in the uterine cavity a line parallel to R0 at 10 mm below R0 (R10) and a second line parallel to R0 at 20 mm below R0 (R20). The diagnostic performance of all sonographic parameters statistically significantly different between T-shaped and normal uteri was estimated using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. R10 and R20 were statistically significantly shorter in the T-shaped than the normal uterus. R10 reported the highest diagnostic accuracy with an area under the ROC curve of 0.973 (95% CI 0.940-1.000). R10 length maximizing the Youden's J statistic was 10.5 mm. Assuming R10 length equal to or shorter than 10 mm as the cut off value for defining a woman as having a T-shaped uterus, the new ultrasonographic method following the proposed protocol (R0, R10, and R20) reported sensitivity for T-shaped uterus of 91.1% (95% CI 0.78-0.97%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI 0.89-100%). The positive likelihood ratio was higher than 30, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.09 (95% CI 0.04-0.26). Measuring the length of the intracavitary line parallel to the interostial line at 10 mm from it and using a length ≤ of 10 mm as cut off value (the "Rule of 10") appears a simple and accurate 3D ultrasonographic method for the diagnosis of a T-shaped uterus.
Cognitive decline and osteoporosis often coexist and some evidence suggests a causal link. However, there are no data on the longitudinal relationship between cognitive decline, bone loss and fracture risk, independent of aging. This study aimed to determine (i) cognitive decline and bone loss; and (ii) clinically significant cognitive decline (≥3 points) on Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) over the first 5 years and subsequent fracture risk over the following 10 years. A total of 1741 women and 620 men aged ≥65 years from the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study were followed from 1997 to 2013. Association between cognitive decline and (i) bone loss was estimated using mixed-effects models; and (ii) fracture risk was estimated using adjusted Cox models. Over 95% of participants had normal cognition at baseline (MMSE ≥ 24). The annual % change in MMSE was similar for both genders (women -0.33, interquartile range [IQR] -0.70 to +0.00; and men -0.34, -0.99 to 0.01). After multivariable adjustment, cognitive decline was associated with bone loss in women (6.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2% to 9.9% for each percent decline in MMSE from baseline) but not men. Approximately 13% of participants experienced significant cognitive decline by year 5. In women, fracture risk was increased significantly (multivariable hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.34). There were too few men to analyze. There was a significant association between cognitive decline and both bone loss and fracture risk, independent of aging, in women. Further studies are needed to determine mechanisms that link these common conditions.
This study investigated the effects of Tartrazine and Erythrosine (T+E) on the reproductive hormones and expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines and testicular genes in testis of male Wistar rats. 25 male Wistar rats (150-180g) were divided into 5 groups (n=5). Group 1 received distilled water while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated with T+E (2.5mg/kg, 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg) for the period of 23 days. Toxicity studies of the combined dye were investigated by evaluating serum reproductive hormones [Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Testosterone], gene expression and profiling, and testes histology. male Wistar rats (150-180g) were divided into 5 groups (n=5). Group 1 received distilled water while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated with T+E (2.5mg/kg, 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg) for the period of 23 days. Toxicity studies of the combined dye were investigated by evaluating serum reproductive hormones [Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Testosterone], gene expression and profiling, and testes histology. This present study reveals that the dyes could impair testicular function as evident in the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulation of TESK-1 gene expression and architecture of the testes leading to Orchitis.
Contraception/ComparisonReproductive Endocrinology
Open Access
Because of the widespread use of oral contraceptives (OCs) and the devastating effects of depression both on an individual and a societal level, it is crucial to understand the nature of the previously reported relationship between OC use and depression risk. Insight into the impact of analytical choices on the association is important when interpreting available evidence. Hence, we examined the association between adolescent OC use and subsequent depression risk in early adulthood analyzing all theoretically justifiable models. Data from the prospective cohort study TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey, among women aged 13-25 years were used. Adolescent OC use (ages 16-19 years) was used as a predictor and major depressive disorder (MDD) in early adulthood (ages 20-25 years), as assessed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV oriented Lifetime Depression Assessment Self-Report and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, was used as an outcome. A total of 818 analytical models were analyzed using Specification Curve Analysis in 534 adolescent OC users and 191 nonusers. Overall, there was an association of adolescent OC use and an episode of MDD in early adulthood [median odds ratio (OR)(median) = 1.41; OR(min) = 1.08; OR(max) = 2.18, p < .001], which was driven by the group of young women with no history of MDD (OR(median) = 1.72; OR(min) = 1.21; OR(max) = 2.18, p < .001). In summary, adolescent OC use was associated with a small but robust increased risk for experiencing an episode of MDD, especially among women with no history of MDD in adolescence. Understanding the potential side effects of OCs will help women and their doctors to make informed choices when deciding among possible methods of birth control.
Restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) seeks to identify and correct underlying causes and factors contributing to infertility and reproductive dysfunction. Many components of RRM are highly suitable for primary care practice. We studied the outcomes amongst couples who received restorative reproductive medicine treatment for infertility in a primary care setting. Two family physicians in Massachusetts trained in a systematic approach to RRM (natural procreative technology, or NaProTechnology) treated couples with infertility. We retrospectively reviewed the characteristics, diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes for all couples treated during the years 1989 to 2014. We compared pregnancy and live birth by clinical characteristics using Kaplan-Meier analysis. We employed the Fleming-Harrington weighted Renyi test or the logrank test to compare the cumulative proportion with pregnancy or with live birth. Among 370 couples beginning treatment for infertility, the mean age was 34.8 years, the mean prior time trying to conceive was 2.7 years, and 27% had a prior live birth. The mean number of diagnoses per couple was 4.9. Treatment components included fertility tracking with the Creighton Model FertilityCare System (80%); medications to enhance cervical mucus production (81%), to stimulate ovulation (62%), or to support the luteal phase (75%); and referral to female laparoscopy by a surgeon specializing in endometriosis (46%). The cumulative live birth rate at 2 years was 29% overall; this was significantly higher for women under age 35 (34%), and for women with body mass index < 25 (40%). There were 2 sets of twins and no higher-order multiple gestations. Of the 63 births with data available, 58 (92%) occurred at term. Family physicians can provide a RRM approach for infertility to identify underlying causes and promote healthy term live births. Younger women and women with body mass index < 25 are more likely to have a live birth.
Hormonal contraception exposes women to synthetic progesterone receptor (PR) agonists, progestins, and transiently increases breast cancer risk. How progesterone and progestins affect the breast epithelium is poorly understood because we lack adequate models to study this. We hypothesized that individual progestins differentially affect breast epithelial cell proliferation and hence breast cancer risk. Using mouse mammary tissue ex vivo, we show that testosterone-related progestins induce the PR target and mediator of PR signaling-induced cell proliferation receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (Rankl), whereas progestins with anti-androgenic properties in reporter assays do not. We develop intraductal xenografts of human breast epithelial cells from 36 women, show they remain hormone-responsive and that progesterone and the androgenic progestins, desogestrel, gestodene, and levonorgestrel, promote proliferation but the anti-androgenic, chlormadinone, and cyproterone acetate, do not. Prolonged exposure to androgenic progestins elicits hyperproliferation with cytologic changes. Androgen receptor inhibition interferes with PR agonist- and levonorgestrel-induced RANKL expression and reduces levonorgestrel-driven cell proliferation. Thus, different progestins have distinct biological activities in the breast epithelium to be considered for more informed choices in hormonal contraception.
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Electronic address: asrm@asrm.org, 2021·Fertility and sterility
To provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and others regarding the efficacy of oocyte cryopreservation (OC) for donor oocyte in vitro fertilization and planned OC. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine conducted a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 1986 to 2018. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine Practice Committee and a task force of experts used available evidence and through consensus developed evidence-based guideline recommendations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Outcomes of interest included live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, obstetrical and neonatal outcomes, and factors predicting reproductive outcomes. RESULT(S): The literature search identified 30 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. RECOMMENDATION(S): Evidence-based recommendations were developed for predicting the likelihood of live births after planned OC, autologous OC in infertile women, and donor OC, as well as factors that may impact live birth rates. Recommendations were developed regarding neonatal outcomes after using fresh vs. cryopreserved oocytes in cases of autologous or donor oocytes. CONCLUSION(S): There is insufficient evidence to predict live birth rates after planned OC. On the basis of limited data, ongoing and live birth rates appear to be improved for women who undergo planned OC at a younger vs. older age. Although there are no significant differences in per transfer pregnancy rates with cryopreserved vs. fresh donor oocytes, there is insufficient evidence that the live birth rate is the same with vitrified vs. fresh donor oocytes. Neonatal outcomes appear similar with cryopreserved oocytes compared with fresh oocytes. Future studies that compare cumulative live birth rates are needed.
Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Electronic address: asrm@asrm.org, 2021·Fertility and sterility
In the United States, economic, racial, ethnic, geographic, and other disparities prevent access to fertility treatment and affect treatment outcomes. This opinion examines the factors that contribute to these disparities, proposes actions to address them, and replaces the document of the same name, last published in 2015.
Turner JV, 2021·The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Simplified contraceptive method-efficacy and/or typical-use effectiveness rates are commonly used for direct comparison of the various contraceptive methods. Use of such effectiveness rates in this manner is, however, problematic in relation to the fertility awareness methods (FAMs). The aim of this review is to critically examine current international representation of contraceptive effectiveness for the various FAMs in clinical use. This review also details important issues when appraising and interpreting studies on FAMs used for avoiding pregnancy. Current international literature regarding contraceptive effectiveness of FAMs was surveyed and appraised. This included World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control (USA) resources, key clinical studies and recent systematic reviews. Chinese literature was also searched, since these data have not been reported in the English literature. Reliance on certain historical studies has led to the misrepresentation of contraceptive effectiveness of FAMs by perpetuation of inaccurate figures in clinical guidelines, the international literature and the public domain. Interpretation of published study results for FAMs is difficult due to variability in study methodology and other clinical trial quality issues. Recent systematic analyses have noted the considerable issues with study designs and limitations. Several non-English published studies using the Billings Ovulation Method have demonstrated that a broader review of the literature is required to better capture the data potentially available. A deeper understanding by clinicians and the public of the applicability of contraceptive effectiveness rates of the various FAMs is needed, instead of reliance on the inaccurate conglomerate figures that are widely presented.
Evaluation of vitamin D supplementation on ovarian reserve in women with diminished ovarian reserve and vitamin D deficiency. The study is a before-and-after intervention study that was performed on women with diminished ovarian reserve referred to Shahid Mofteh Clinic in Yasuj, Iran. Eligible women were prescribed vitamin D tablets at a dose of 50,000 units weekly for up to 3 months. Serum levels of vitamin D and AMH were evaluated at the end of 3 months. Significance level was also considered P ≤ 0.05. Our results have been showed there was a statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels of participants before [12.1(6.5)] and after [26(9.15)] the intervention (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in serum AMH levels of participants before [0.50(0.44)] and after [0.79(0.15)] the intervention (P=0.02 ). In conclusion, the results of the current study support a possible favorable effect of vitamin D on increase AMH expression by acting on the AMH gene promoter. Therefore, it is possible that vitamin D increases AMH levels without changing the antral follicle count/ovarian reserve.
Media outlets influence social attitudes toward health habits. The analysis of tweets has become a tool for health researchers. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of tweets about women's health and the interest generated among Twitter users. We investigated tweets posted by 25 major U.S. media outlets about pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women's health between January 2009 and December 2019 as well as the retweets generated. In addition, we measured the sentiment analysis of these tweets as well as their potential dissemination. A total of 376 tweets were analyzed. Pre-menopausal women's health accounted for most of the tweets (75.3%). Contraception was the main focus of the tweets, while a very limited number were related to infertility (1.4%). With regard to medical content, the effectiveness of contraceptive methods was the most frequent topic (46.2%). However, tweets related to side effects achieved the highest retweet-to-tweet ratio (70.3). The analysis of sentiments showed negative perceptions on tubal ligation. The U.S. media outlets analyzed are more interested in pre-menopausal than in post-menopausal women health and focused their content on contraception, while Twitter users showed greater interest in side effects.
Buskmiller C et al., 2021·Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol
Preoperative short cervical length (CL) remains a major risk factor for preterm birth after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), but the optimal intervention to prolong pregnancy remains elusive. The objective of this study was to compare secondary methods for the prevention of preterm birth in twin pregnancies with TTTS undergoing fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP), in the setting of a short cervix at the time of FLP, in five North American Fetal Treatment Network (NAFTNet) centers. This was a secondary analysis of data collected prospectively at five NAFTNet centers, conducted from January 2013 to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS, undergoing FLP, with preoperative CL < 30 mm. Management options for a short cervix included expectant management, vaginal progesterone, pessary (Arabin, incontinence or Bioteque cup), cervical cerclage or a combination of two or more treatments. Patients were not included if the intervention was initiated solely on the basis of having a twin gestation rather than at the diagnosis of a short cervix. Demographics, ultrasound characteristics, operative data and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was FLP-to-delivery interval. Propensity-score matching was performed, with each treatment group matched (1:1) to the expectant-management group for CL, in order to estimate the effect of each treatment on the FLP-to-delivery interval. A total of 255 women with a twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS and a short cervix undergoing FLP were included in the study. Of these, 151 (59%) were managed expectantly, 32 (13%) had vaginal progesterone only, 21 (8%) had pessary only, 21 (8%) had cervical cerclage only and 30 (12%) had a combination of treatments. A greater proportion of patients in the combined-treatment group had had a prior preterm birth compared with those in the expectant-management group (33% vs 9%; P = 0.01). Mean preoperative CL was shorter in the pessary, cervical-cerclage and combined-treatment groups (14-16 mm) than in the expectant-management and vaginal-progesterone groups (22 mm for both) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in FLP-to-delivery interval between the groups, nor in gestational age at delivery or the rate of live birth or neonatal survival. Vaginal progesterone was associated with a decrease in the risk of delivery before 28 weeks' gestation compared with cervical cerclage and combined treatment (P = 0.03). Using propensity-score matching for CL, cervical cerclage was associated with a reduction in FLP-to-delivery interval of 13 days, as compared with expectant management. A large proportion of pregnancies with TTTS and a short maternal cervix undergoing FLP were managed expectantly for a short cervix, establishing a high (62%) risk of delivery before 32 weeks in this condition. No treatment that significantly improved outcome was identified; however, there were significant differences in potential confounders and there were also likely to be unmeasured confounders. Cervical cerclage should not be offered as a secondary prevention for preterm birth in twin pregnancies with TTTS and a short cervix undergoing FLP. A large randomized controlled trial is urgently needed to determine the effects of treatments for the prevention of preterm birth in these pregnancies.
Tenório MCDS et al., 2021·Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medicine widely used to treat paracetamol overdose and as a mucolytic compound. It has a well-established safety profile, and its toxicity is uncommon and dependent on the route of administration and high dosages. Its remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity is the biochemical basis used to treat several diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation. The primary role of NAC as an antioxidant stems from its ability to increase the intracellular concentration of glutathione (GSH), which is the most crucial biothiol responsible for cellular redox imbalance. As an anti-inflammatory compound, NAC can reduce levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β) by suppressing the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Despite NAC's relevant therapeutic potential, in several experimental studies, its effectiveness in clinical trials, addressing different pathological conditions, is still limited. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the medicinal effects and applications of NAC to human health based on current therapeutic evidence.
Shieh A et al., 2021·The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
Bone mineral density (BMD) decreases rapidly during menopause transition (MT), and continues to decline in postmenopause. This work aims to examine whether faster BMD loss during the combined MT and early postmenopause is associated with incident fracture, independent of starting BMD, before the MT. The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a longitudinal cohort study, included 451 women, initially premenopausal or early perimenopausal, and those transitioned to postmenopause. Main outcome measures included time to first fracture after early postmenopause. In Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusted for age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, study site, use of vitamin D and calcium supplements, and use of bone-detrimental or -beneficial medications, each SD decrement in lumbar spine (LS) BMD before MT was associated with a 78% increment in fracture hazard (P = .007). Each 1% per year faster decline in LS BMD was related to a 56% greater fracture hazard (P = .04). Rate of LS BMD decline predicted future fracture, independent of starting BMD. Women with a starting LS BMD below the sample median, and an LS BMD decline rate faster than the sample median had a 2.7-fold greater fracture hazard (P = .03). At the femoral neck, neither starting BMD nor rate of BMD decline was associated with fracture. At the LS, starting BMD before the MT and rate of decline during the combined MT and early postmenopause are independent risk factors for fracture. Women with a below-median starting LS BMD and a faster-than-median LS BMD decline have the greatest fracture risk.
Zhu TY et al., 2021·Journal of medical Internet research
As a daily point measurement, basal body temperature (BBT) might not be able to capture the temperature shift in the menstrual cycle because a single temperature measurement is present on the sliding scale of the circadian rhythm. Wrist skin temperature measured continuously during sleep has the potential to overcome this limitation. This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of these two temperatures for detecting ovulation and to investigate the correlation and agreement between these two temperatures in describing thermal changes in menstrual cycles. This prospective study included 193 cycles (170 ovulatory and 23 anovulatory) collected from 57 healthy women. Participants wore a wearable device (Ava Fertility Tracker bracelet 2.0) that continuously measured the wrist skin temperature during sleep. Daily BBT was measured orally and immediately upon waking up using a computerized fertility tracker with a digital thermometer (Lady-Comp). An at-home luteinizing hormone test was used as the reference standard for ovulation. The diagnostic accuracy of using at least one temperature shift detected by the two temperatures in detecting ovulation was evaluated. For ovulatory cycles, repeated measures correlation was used to examine the correlation between the two temperatures, and mixed effect models were used to determine the agreement between the two temperature curves at different menstrual phases. Wrist skin temperature was more sensitive than BBT (sensitivity 0.62 vs 0.23; P<.001) and had a higher true-positive rate (54.9% vs 20.2%) for detecting ovulation; however, it also had a higher false-positive rate (8.8% vs 3.6%), resulting in lower specificity (0.26 vs 0.70; P=.002). The probability that ovulation occurred when at least one temperature shift was detected was 86.2% for wrist skin temperature and 84.8% for BBT. Both temperatures had low negative predictive values (8.8% for wrist skin temperature and 10.9% for BBT). Significant positive correlation between the two temperatures was only found in the follicular phase (rmcorr correlation coefficient=0.294; P=.001). Both temperatures increased during the postovulatory phase with a greater increase in the wrist skin temperature (range 0.50 °C vs 0.20 °C). During the menstrual phase, the wrist skin temperature exhibited a greater and more rapid decrease (from 36.13 °C to 35.80 °C) than BBT (from 36.31 °C to 36.27 °C). During the preovulatory phase, there were minimal changes in both temperatures and small variations in the estimated daily difference between the two temperatures, indicating an agreement between the two curves. For women interested in maximizing the chances of pregnancy, wrist skin temperature continuously measured during sleep is more sensitive than BBT for detecting ovulation. The difference in the diagnostic accuracy of these methods was likely attributed to the greater temperature increase in the postovulatory phase and greater temperature decrease during the menstrual phase for the wrist skin temperatures.
Ramasamy R et al., 2021·Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Microfiber pollution is one of the recent threats to sustainability. Due to the increased use of synthetic textiles, microplastic fiber release to the environment has increased exponentially. This review aims to analyze the existing literature to identify the potential preventive measures to control microfiber pollution. The review consolidates the findings under the textile properties and laundry product category. The review results show that the use of finer count yarns with filaments and compact structures reduces microfiber shedding. Similarly, mechanical finishes like shearing and raising increase the microfiber release as they damage the fabric structure. A significant increment is noted in microfiber reduction percentage after the chemical (coating) finishing process. In the case of commercial products, the available external laundry filters are reported as more efficient than the in-drum devices in the market. An analysis of the existing regulatory norms showed that very few countries had developed their laws, and no global regulation and standards were found to test microfiber pollution. In the case of laundry filters, though they filter microfiber effectively, they do not prevent it, so it can be a control measure and not a solution for the issue. Out of the review results, it is identified that controlling the textile parameter is the only effective strategy to prevent the microfiber shedding from the synthetic textile. A proper production method and parameter will yield a textile that sheds lesser or no microfiber. However, no detailed research works are found in correlating these parameters together and indicate the potential scope for future research.
Ethics/PhilosophyCatholic BioethicsEthical Alternative to ARTNaProTECHNOLOGY
Open Access
This paper looks at the ethics of assisted reproductive technology (ART) from the perspective of the Catholic Church. The three criteria of evaluation of the ethics of ART are the right to life and physical integrity of human beings, the unity of marriage, and the value of human sexuality. The paper examines the arguments based on these criteria carefully, as they apply to in vitro fertilization which is the most common ART method. It concludes that most ART methods would be unacceptable, but there are new alternatives like NaProTechnology that is promising for infertile couples.
Phthalate exposure is associated with altered reproductive function, but little is known about associations of phthalate exposure with risk of hot flashes. To investigate associations of urinary phthalate metabolite levels with four hot flash outcomes in midlife women. A cross-sectional study of the first year of a prospective cohort of midlife women, the Midlife Women's Health Study (2006-2015), a convenience sample from an urban setting. 728 multi-racial/ethnic pre- and perimenopausal women aged 45-54 years. Women completed questionnaires about hot flash experience and provided 1-4 urine samples over four consecutive weeks that were pooled for analysis. Phthalate metabolites were assessed individually and as molar sums representative of common compounds (all ƩPhthalates; ƩDEHP), exposure sources (plastics: ƩPlastic; ƩPCP), and modes of action (anti-androgenic: ƩAA). Covariate-adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess associations of continuous natural log-transformed phthalate metabolite concentrations with hot flash outcomes. Analyses were conducted to explore whether associations differed by menopause status, body mass index (BMI), race/ethnicity, and depressive symptoms. Overall, 45% of women reported a history of hot flashes. Compared to women who never experienced hot flashes, every two-fold increase in ƩPlastic was associated with 18% (OR: 1.18; 95%CI: 0.98, 1.43) and 38% (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.70) higher odds of experiencing hot flashes in the past 30 days and experiencing daily/weekly hot flashes, respectively. Some associations of phthalates with certain hot flash outcomes differed by menopause status, BMI, race/ethnicity, and depressive symptoms. This study suggests that phthalates are associated with hot flash experience and may impact hot flash risk in women who are susceptible to experiencing hot flashes.
Smith SJ et al., 2021·Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)
Testosterone concentrations in males tend to decline with advancing age. Low testosterone, also known as androgen deficiency (AD), is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Currently, the primary treatment for AD is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which may exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, the use of alternative options, such as herbs, spices, plants, or their extracts, has been explored as a potential treatment option for AD. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize and critically evaluate randomized controlled trials published on the efficacy of single herbal ingredients on testosterone concentrations, in addition to its fractions or binding proteins, in men (≥18 y). From the 4 databases searched, there were 13 herbs identified in 32 studies, published between 2001 and 2019. The main findings of this review indicate that 2 herbal extracts, fenugreek seed extracts and ashwagandha root and root/leaf extracts, have positive effects on testosterone concentrations in men. Also, some evidence exists for another herb and herbal extract, Asian red ginseng and forskohlii root extract. Overall, 9 out of 32 studies demonstrated statistically significant increases in testosterone concentrations. Moreover, 6 studies out of 32 were judged as having a low risk of bias. Current evidence is largely based on young, nonclinical populations, with 16 out of 32 studies using men <40 y of age. Conclusions are moderated by the paucity of research for many herbs, the variation in dosages and extracts used, small sample sizes, and the heterogeneity of study characteristics. Also, further research is required before definitive conclusions on efficacy and safety can be made. This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020173623.
InfertilityIVF Success RatesPopulation StatisticsNational Registry Data
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, 2021
# Fertility treatment 2019: UK statistics for IVF and DI treatment, storage, May 2021
Fertility trends is our annual statistical release. The key findings are published on this page with a statistical appendix available for download.
[**Download the underlying dataset as .xlsx**](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/media/jvqloejj/2021-05-13-fertility-treatment-2019-trends-and-figures-underlying-data.xlsx "2021 05 Fertility Treatment 2019 Trends and Figures Underlying Data").
## - [Main points](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2019-trends-and-figures/#mainpoints)
- [30 years of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2019-trends-and-figures/#introduction)
- [Section 1. IVF birth rates in 2019 were three times higher than in 1991](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2019-trends-and-figures/#Section1)
- [Section 2. Great progress has been made in the reduction of multiple births, which now stands at 6%](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2019-trends-and-figures/#Section2)
- [Section 3. Single embryo transfer is now common practice](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2019-trends-and-figures/#Section3)
- [Section 4. Frozen embryo transfers have increased in use](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2019-trends-and-figures/#Section4)
- [Section 5. The use of donor eggs and sperm has increased](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2019-trends-and-figures/#Section5)
- [Section 6. Fertility treatment has enabled more people to have families later](https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-dat...
Wang Y et al., 2021·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
Phthalates are a series of widely used chemicals that demonstrate to be endocrine disruptors and are detrimental to human health. Phthalates can be found in most products that have contact with plastics during producing, packaging, or delivering. Despite the short half-lives in tissues, chronic exposure to phthalates will adversely influence the endocrine system and functioning of multiple organs, which has negative long-term impacts on the success of pregnancy, child growth and development, and reproductive systems in both young children and adolescents. Several countries have established restrictions and regulations on some types of phthalates; however, we think that more countries should establish constraints or substitute measures for phthalates to reduce health risks. This article aims to summarize the adverse impacts of phthalates on human health, analyze the toxicity mechanism, assess the risks, and finally provide feasible strategies to reduce exposure of the public to phthalates.
What is the normal range of cervical mucus patterns and number of days with high or moderate day-specific probability of pregnancy (if intercourse occurs on a specific day) based on cervical mucus secretion, in women without known subfertility, and how are these patterns related to parity and age? The mean days of peak type (estrogenic) mucus per cycle was 6.4, the mean number of potentially fertile days was 12.1; parous versus nulliparous, and younger nulliparous (<30 years) versus older nulliparous women had more days of peak type mucus, and more potentially fertile days in each cycle. The rise in estrogen prior to ovulation supports the secretion of increasing quantity and estrogenic quality of cervical mucus, and the subsequent rise in progesterone after ovulation causes an abrupt decrease in mucus secretion. Cervical mucus secretion on each day correlates highly with the probability of pregnancy if intercourse occurs on that day, and overall cervical mucus quality for the cycle correlates with cycle fecundability. No prior studies have described parity and age jointly in relation to cervical mucus patterns. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, This study is a secondary data analysis, combining data 'Creighton Model MultiCenter Fecundability Study' (CMFS: retrospective cohort, 1990-1996), 'Time to Pregnancy in Normal Fertility' (TTP: randomized trial, 2003-2006), and 'Creighton Model Effectiveness, Intentions, and Behaviors Assessment' (CEIBA: prospective cohort, 2009-2013). We evaluated cervical mucus patterns and estimated fertile window in 2488 ovulatory cycles of 528 women, followed for up to 1 year. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, Participants were US or Canadian women age 18-40 years, not pregnant, and without any known subfertility. Women were trained to use a standardized protocol (the Creighton Model) for daily vulvar observation, description, and recording of cervical mucus. The mucus peak day (the last day of estrogenic quality mucus) was used as the estimated day of ovulation. We conducted dichotomous stratified analyses for cervical mucus patterns by age, parity, race, recent oral contraceptive use (within 60 days), partial breast feeding, alcohol, and smoking. Focusing on the clinical characteristics most correlated to cervical mucus patterns, linear mixed models were used to assess continuous cervical mucus parameters and generalized linear models using Poisson regression with robust variance were used to assess dichotomous outcomes, stratifying by women's parity and age, while adjusting for recent oral contraceptive use and breast feeding. MAIN The majority of women were <30 years of age (75.4%) (median 27; IQR 24-29), non-Hispanic white (88.1%), with high socioeconomic indicators, and nulliparous (70.8%). The mean (SD) days of estrogenic (peak type) mucus per cycle (a conservative indicator of the fertile window) was 6.4 (4.2) days (median 6; IQR 4-8). The mean (SD) number of any potentially fertile days (a broader clinical indicator of the fertile window) was 12.1 (5.4) days (median 11; IQR 9-14). Taking into account recent oral contraceptive use and breastfeeding, nulliparous women age ≥30 years compared to nulliparous women age <30 years had fewer mean days of peak type mucus per cycle (5.3 versus 6.4 days, P = 0.02), and fewer potentially fertile days (11.8 versus 13.9 days, P < 0.01). Compared to nulliparous women age <30 years, the likelihood of cycles with peak type mucus ≤2 days, potentially fertile days ≤9, and cervical mucus cycle score (for estrogenic quality of mucus) ≤5.0 were significantly higher among nulliparous women age ≥30 years, 1.90 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18, 3.06); 1.46 (95% CI 1.12, 1.91); and 1.45 (95% CI 1.03, 2.05), respectively. Between parous women, there was little difference in mucus parameters by age. Thresholds set a priori for within-woman variability of cervical mucus parameters by most minus fewest days of peak type mucus >3 days (exceeded by 72% of women), most minus fewest days of non-peak type mucus >4 days (exceeded by 54% of women), greatest minus least cervical mucus cycle score >4.0 (exceeded by 73% of women), and most minus fewest potentially fertile days >8 days (found in 50% of women). Race did not have any association with cervical mucus parameters. Recent oral contraceptive use was associated with reduced cervical mucus cycle score and partial breast feeding was associated with a higher number of days of mucus (both peak type and non-peak type), consistent with prior research. Among the women for whom data were available (CEIBA and TTP), alcohol and tobacco use had minimal impact on cervical mucus parameters. LIMITATIONS, We did not have data on some factors that may impact ovulation, hormone levels, and mucus secretion, such as physical activity and body mass index. We cannot exclude the possibility that some women had unknown subfertility or undiagnosed gynecologic disorders. Only 27 women were age 35 or older. Our study participants were geographically dispersed but relatively homogeneous with regard to race, ethnicity, income, and educational level, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Patterns of cervical mucus secretion observed by women are an indicator of fecundity and the fertile window that are consistent with the known associations of age and parity with fecundity. The number of potentially fertile days (12 days) is likely greater than commonly assumed, while the number of days of highly estrogenic mucus (and higher probability of pregnancy) correlates with prior identifications of the fertile window (6 days). There may be substantial variability in fecundability between cycles for the same woman. Future work can use cervical mucus secretion as an indicator of fecundity and should investigate the distribution of similar cycle parameters in women with various reproductive or gynecologic pathologies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Funding for the three cohorts analyzed was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (CMFS), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (TTP), and the Office of Family Planning, Office of Population Affairs, Health and Human Services (CEIBA). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. N/A.
To synthesize the literature on fertility knowledge and fertility-awareness among women seeking pregnancy. The search terms "fertility-awareness OR fertility knowledge AND women AND subfertile OR infertile OR seeking pregnancy OR trying to conceive OR pre-conception OR conception NOT contraception NOT birth control" were used via CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science. Primary research studies were considered in the search parameters. Searches yielded 116 studies published between 1978 and 2020. After screening, 43 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, 35 of which were omitted as not relevant. Nine quantitative studies using cross-sectional designs met this review's inclusion criteria. Studies were reviewed for information on the relationship between fertility knowledge/fertility-awareness and pregnancy intention. Studies examining the results of fertility-awareness based method (FABM) efficacy, FABMs for contraception, and provider knowledge regarding FABMs were omitted. Analysis showed low knowledge regarding the identification of the fertile window in the menstrual cycle to optimize pregnancy. There was moderate general knowledge on fertility (e.g., infertility definition, age of fertility decline, etc.). Use of an FABM and education regarding FABMs were infrequent, yet participants recognized that it would be beneficial to use and learn when trying to conceive. Women seeking pregnancy have low to moderate fertility knowledge. More research is necessary on the relationship between fertility knowledge/fertility-awareness and unexplained infertility. Nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse-midwives should provide education on FABMs to women when they first report difficulty achieving pregnancy. Clinicians' approaches toward FABM education for women and how to implement FABM education into the preconception visit are important areas for future research.
Jimenez MP et al., 2021·Int J Environ Res Public Health
There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health. In this narrative review, we discuss the strength of evidence from recent (i.e., the last decade) experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health, highlighting research on children and youth where possible. We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Results from experimental studies provide evidence of protective effects of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function. Cross-sectional observational studies provide evidence of positive associations between nature exposure and increased levels of physical activity and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and longitudinal observational studies are beginning to assess long-term effects of nature exposure on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Limitations of current knowledge include inconsistent measures of exposure to nature, the impacts of the type and quality of green space, and health effects of duration and frequency of exposure. Future directions include incorporation of more rigorous study designs, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health, advancement of exposure assessment, and evaluation of sensitive periods in the early life-course.
The aim of this study was to determine predictive factors for pregnancy and assess the cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (CLBR) in subfertile couples undergoing timed intercourse (TI) using ultrasound. This retrospective cohort study included 285 women (854 cycles) who started TI with ultrasound between January 2017 and October 2019. The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 28.1% (80/285) per couple and 9.4% (80/854) per cycle. Pregnant women had a higher body mass index (BMI), higher percentage of irregular menstrual cycles, a shorter duration of subfertility, lower serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and higher anti-Müllerian hormone levels than non-pregnant women. A longer duration of subfertility (≥24 months vs. <12 months; 0.193; 95% 0.043-0.859) and endometriosis (vs. ovulatory factors; 0.282; 95% 0.106-0.746) as causes of subfertility were unfavorable factors that independently affected clinical pregnancy. In subgroup analysis, old age ≥ 35 years [vs. < 35 years; 0.279; 95% 0.083-0.938), a longer duration of infertility ≥24 months (vs. <24 months; 0.182; 95% 0.036-0.913) and a higher BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)(vs. >25 kg/m(2); 3.202; 95% 1.020-10.046) in couples with ovulatory factor and a longer duration of infertility ≥24 months (vs. <24 months; 0.185; 95% 0.042-0.819) in couples with non-ovulatory factors were significant independent predictive factors for pregnancy. No significant differences were found in the cycle characteristics between pregnant and non-pregnant women. The CPR substantially increased during the first three cycles and significantly increased until the sixth cycle. No significant increase was observed in the CPR after the sixth cycle. The CLBRs substantially increased during the first three cycles and significantly increased until the fourth cycle. No significant increase was observed in the CLBRs after the fifth cycle. When comparing CPRs and CLBRs according to subfertile causes, CRPs was significantly different and CLBRs was different with borderline significance. Our findings may indicate that women with a longer duration of subfertility or subfertility due to endometriosis have poor outcomes during TI with ultrasound. Women who failed to achieve conception by the fourth or fifth cycle of TI with ultrasound may be encouraged to consider advancing to the next treatment strategy.