Study shows major ongoing decline in sperm counts of Western men, pointing to impaired male health and decreasing fertility
A meta-analysis of data collected between 1973 and 2011 finds that among men from Western countries, sperm concentration has declined by more than 50%, with no evidence of a “leveling off” in recent years. These findings strongly suggest a significant decline in male reproductive health…
Male infertility could be linked to noisy bedrooms, study suggests
Could sleeping next to a noisy street put our future at risk?
Study uncovers link between male hormones and metabolic disease in polycystic ovary syndrome
Scientists from the University of Birmingham have discovered the link between increased male hormones and metabolic complications such as diabetes and fatty liver disease in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Does Low Estrogen Contribute to Incontinence in Women?
Sex steroid levels change markedly during menopause, and oestrogen deficiency after menopause causes changes within the urogenital tract. A new study found significantly lower levels of oestrogen in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence compared with those without symptoms.
How Have HPV Vaccines Affected Cervical Cancer Screening?
A new review looks at cervical cancer screening in the era of HPV vaccination. The review notes that trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of vaccines against HPV infection, but the complete effect of HPV vaccination as a cancer prevention strategy may not be…
Women Should Continue Cervical Cancer Screening As They Approach Age 65
Adjusted rates for cervical cancer do not decline until age 85, signaling a need for ongoing surveillance, according to a new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Symptoms of cystitis probably caused by bacterial infection, even when tests are negative
The majority of women suffering with pain when urinating, or needing to urinate often or urgently probably do have a bacterial infection, even when nothing is detected by standard urine testing.Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as cystitis are common in women but,…
Low-cost drug reduces death due to bleeding in women with post-partum haemorrhage
Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide, responsible for 100,000 deaths per year, the majority in low and middle income countries. Tranexamic acid – an inexpensive and widely available drug – could reduce maternal deaths among women with severe bleeding after child…
Moderate-Severe Hot Flashes Significantly Increase Depression Risk
A new study of more than 2,000 perimenopausal and menopausal women showed that moderate-severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes or night sweats) were an independent and significant risk factor for moderate-severe depression. Researchers explored the controversial link between hot flashes and depressive symptoms by focusing on…
Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Early May Help Prevent Later Drop in Fertility
In adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), bringing the amount of abdominal visceral fat and liver fat down to normal restores ovulation, normalizes the symptoms of androgen excess, and may help prevent future subfertility, new research from Spain suggests.
The evidence base for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): what can we believe?
The ‘facts’ that most women and clinicians consider in making the decision to use, or not use, HRT are frequently wrong or incorrectly applied says Professor Robert D Langer in a paper entitled The evidence base for HRT: what can we believe?, which will be…
The Pill Won’t Kill Your Sexual Desire, Researchers Say
New study busts the myth that contraceptives curb desire – other factors like age and length of relationship are more importantTaking the pill doesn’t lower your sexual desire, contrary to popular belief, according to research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. The authors of…