ScienceDaily: Gynecology News

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases risk of lacerations during childbirth

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:42:42 EDT

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of lacerations during vaginal childbirth, according to a new study. Among more than 1,000 women who participated in the study, 126 experienced a significant increase in their body mass index (BMI), both +1 and +2 category changes, according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Of those women, 85.5 percent experienced lacerations compared to 69 percent with no change in BMI category.

Bacteria may contribute to premature births, STDs

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:24:24 EDT

New research points to a common species of bacteria as an important contributor to bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Vitamin D may reduce risk of uterine fibroids

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:44:44 EDT

Women who had sufficient amounts of vitamin D were 32 percent less likely to develop fibroids than women with insufficient vitamin D, according to a new study.

New light shed on common sexually transmitted infection

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:46:46 EDT

Medical researchers have found that a common sexually transmitted infection-causing parasite "cultivates" bacteria beneficial to it, changing thinking about which comes first -- infection or bacteria. The researchers also discovered a previously unknown species of these bacteria.

Estrogen plus progestin use linked with increased breast cancer incidence and mortality

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:12:12 EDT

Estrogen plus progestin use is linked with increased breast cancer incidence. In addition, prognosis is similar for both users and nonusers of combined hormone therapy, suggesting that mortality from breast cancer may be higher for hormone therapy users as well, according to a new study.

Certain breast cancers have a trait that could be attacked by new therapies

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:32:32 EDT

The odds of developing breast cancer increase for women taking hormone replacement therapy to avoid the effects of menopause. New research may lead to treatments for breast cancers associated with taking these synthetic hormones. Scientists found that hormone-therapy-related breast cancer cells have a physical feature that could be attacked by therapies.

Functional ovarian tissue engineered in lab

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:11:11 EDT

A proof-of-concept study suggests the possibility of engineering artificial ovaries in the lab to provide a more natural option for hormone replacement therapy for women.

Estrogen may relieve post-menopausal joint pain, study suggests

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:52:52 EDT

Post-menopausal women, who often suffer from joint pain, could find some long-term relief by taking estrogen-only medication.

Gene profile may help identify risk for hormone-sensitive, hormone-insensitive breast cancer

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:41:41 EDT

The overexpression or underexpression of a newly identified set of genes related to lipid metabolism may help physicians identify whether or not a woman is at risk for hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-negative breast cancer and to subsequently tailor prevention strategies appropriately, according to new data.

'Active' mothers prefer planned home birth, midwifery care

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:09:09 EDT

Women who see themselves as active participants in the delivery of their first child, and prefer a collaborative role with their healthcare provider are more likely to prefer planned home birth and the care of a midwife, according to a new survey.

Contraception in women over 40

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:34:34 EST

Despite declining fertility, women over age 40 still require effective contraception if they wish to avoid pregnancy. A review article outlines the risks and benefits of various contraceptive options for these women. The article is aimed at helping physicians find the best methods for their patients.

Extremely high estrogen levels may underlie complications of single-birth IVF pregnancies

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:16:16 EST

Researchers have identified what may be a major factor behind the increased risk of two adverse outcomes in pregnancies conceived through IVF. Their findings support the hypothesis that extremely high estrogen levels at the time of embryo transfer increase the risk of infants born small for their gestational age and the risk of preeclampsia. They also outline a protocol that reduced those risks in a small group of patients.

Anti-Müllerian hormone predicts IVF success

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:51:51 EST

Women with a high concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone stand a better chance of giving birth after in vitro fertilization, according to a recent study.

Around-the-clock labor coverage associated with decrease in C-section, study suggests

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:09:09 EST

Findings suggest around-the-clock labor and delivery coverage decreased the odds of cesarean delivery.

Planned C-sections provide no advantage over planned vaginal birth of twins, study suggests

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:22:22 EST

Findings suggest planned birthing of twins at 32-38 weeks by Cesarean section does not decrease perinatal or neonatal death compared to planned vaginal birth.

Certain hormonal contraceptive may pose risk of Type 2 diabetes for obese women

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:21:21 EST

A first-of-its-kind study by researchers indicates that healthy, obese, reproductive-age women who use long-acting reversible contraception containing the hormone progestin have a slightly increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes when compared to those who use non-hormonal contraception.

Discovery of sexual mating in Candida albicans could provide insights into infections

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:36:36 EST

Like many fungi and one-celled organisms, Candida albicans, a normally harmless microbe that can turn deadly, has long been thought to reproduce without sexual mating. But a new study shows that C. albicans is capable of sexual reproduction. The finding represents an important breakthrough in understanding how this pathogen has been shaped by evolution.

Long-term consequences of vaginal delivery on the pelvic floor

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:27:27 EST

Women are more likely to experience urinary incontinence, prolapse and fecal incontinence 20 years after one vaginal delivery rather than one caesarean section, finds new research from Sweden.

Estrogen fights urinary infection in mouse study

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:14:14 EST

Estrogen levels drop dramatically in menopause, a time when the risk of urinary tract infections increases significantly. Researchers have found new evidence in mice that the two phenomena are connected by more than just timing.

Vaginal delivery is the safest option for women with pelvic girdle pain, study suggests

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:47:47 EST

Caesarean section increases the risk of persistent pelvic girdle pain after delivery compared with vaginal delivery, according to a new study.

Herbal treatments for postmenopausal symptoms may be recommended as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:23:23 EST

Herbal and complementary treatments could be recommended as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for treating postmenopausal symptoms says a new review.

Elevated risk of blood clots in women taking birth control containing drospirenone, study shows

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:18:18 EDT

New research has found an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events and venous thromboembolic events -- commonly referred to as blockage of arteries and blood clots, respectively -- associated with drospirenone-containing birth control pills compared to four low-dose estrogen combined hormonal contraceptives.

Breast-feeding reduced risk for ER/PR-negative breast cancer, results find

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:19:19 EDT

Breast-feeding reduced the risk for estrogen receptor-negative and progesterone receptor-negative breast cancer, according to new results.

Female genital mutilation significantly reduces sexual quality of life, study finds

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:26:26 EDT

Women who have undergone female genital mutilation have a significantly lower sexual quality of life, a new study finds.

Study tests potential new drug to reduce pain and symptoms of endometriosis

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:40:40 EDT

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), endometriosis, a gynecological disorder in which cells from the uterus lining grow in other areas of the body, is the number one reason for a hysterectomy in women ages 18-35. Current treatment options for endometriosis are severely limited by side effects of existing medications and surgical options have more risks. A nationwide clinical trial is testing an investigational drug as a potential new option for patients with moderate to severe pain from this disease.

Genetic risk for uterine fibroids identified

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:15:15 EDT

Researchers detected genetic variants that are significantly associated with uterine fibroid status in a span of three genes including FASN which encodes a protein called FAS.

Breast cancer treatment brings sexual difficulties for postmenopausal women

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:51:51 EDT

Women treated for breast cancer after menopause with aromatase inhibitors have very high levels of sexual difficulties, including low interest, insufficient lubrication, and pain with intercourse. It is an important and underestimated problem, say authors of a new study.

Benefits of progestogens to reduce risk of early childbirth

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:21:21 EDT

Pregnant women who have had prior preterm births may avoid a subsequent early birth if given progestogens, which are natural or synthetic forms of progesterone, a female hormone that naturally increases during pregnancy, a new analysis shows.

Hormone acting drugs and uterine artery embolization offers nonsurgical treatment for uterine fibroids

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:38:38 EDT

Women with uterine fibroids larger than 10 cm have a new nonsurgical treatment choice –- hormone acting drugs followed by uterine artery embolization, a new study shows. The new treatment option can replace hysterectomy, which leaves women infertile.

Vaginal delivery as safe as Cesarean for most early preterm births, study suggests

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:21:21 EDT

Vaginal delivery for early preterm fetuses presenting head first, or vertex presentation, had a high rate of success with no difference in neonatal mortality compared to cesarean delivery, a new study reports. For breech births, however, the failure rate of vaginal delivery was high and planned cesarean delivery was associated with significantly lower neonatal mortality.

Molecular causes for life-threatening fungal infections in case of sepsis unraveled

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 08:25:25 EDT

With infectious diseases, it is often not the pathogen itself, but rather an excessive inflammatory immune response (= sepsis) that contributes to the patient’s death, for instance as a result of organ damage. On intensive care units, sepsis is the second-most common cause of death worldwide. In patients with a severely compromised immune system specially, life-threatening candida fungal infections represent a high risk of sepsis.

How a common fungus knows when to attack

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:36:36 EDT

Researchers have now shown how a common fungus can adjust its physiology to become harmful in a host with compromised immune status. The study is the first to demonstrate that the hospitality of the host alters gene expression in the fungus Candida albicans.

Long-term hormone treatment increases synapses in female rats' prefrontal cortex

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:28:28 EDT

A new study of aged female rats found that long-term treatment with estrogen and a synthetic progesterone known as MPA increased levels of a protein marker of synapses in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region known to suffer significant losses in aging. The new findings appear to contradict the results of the Women's Health Initiative, a long-term study begun in 1991 to analyze the effects of hormone therapy on a large sample of healthy postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79.

Handlebar level can affect sexual health of female cyclists

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:16:16 EDT

Handlebar position is associated with changes in genital sensation in female cyclists, according to a new study.

Women with a fear of childbirth endure a longer labor, finds new research

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:22:22 EDT

Women who have a fear of childbirth spend longer in labor than women who have no such fear, suggests new research.

BPA exposure in pregnant mice changes gene expression of female offspring

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:39:39 EDT

Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A, or BPA, a chemical found in many common plastic household items, can cause numerous genes in the uterus to respond differently to estrogen in adulthood, according to a study using a mouse model.

Map could point way to fungus vaccine

Thu, 31 May 2012 13:57:57 EDT

Researchers have made breakthrough use of 3-D magnetic resonance technology to map the structure of Candida, a common fungus that is potentially deadly for individuals with impaired immune function. The work could pave the way for development of an effective vaccine.

Vaginal birth after c-section is option for women, not for some doctors, hospitals

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:11:11 EDT

The option of a vaginal birth after having a Caesarean delivery (VBAC) is difficult to find for women who want that procedure. More doctors and hospitals are not willing to perform the risky procedure. However, a VBAC advocate and practicing physician says provided the expectant mother meets certain guidelines and the delivery is performed in a fully-staffed and fully-equipped hospital, the VBAC can be performed safely.

More evidence on clot risks of non-oral contraceptives

Thu, 10 May 2012 22:48:48 EDT

A new study adds to the evidence that certain non-oral hormonal contraceptives carry a higher risk of serious blood clots than others.

Sunscreen ingredient may be linked to endometriosis

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:38:38 EDT

Scientists are reporting a possible link between the use of sunscreen containing a certain ingredient that mimics the effects of the female sex hormone estrogen and an increased risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis, a painful condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.

Molecule found that inhibits estrogen, key risk factor for endometrial and breast cancers

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:36:36 EDT

Researchers have discovered a molecule that inhibits the action of estrogen. This female hormone plays a key role in the growth, maintenance and repair of reproductive tissues and fuels the development of endometrial and breast cancers. The molecule, discovered in animal studies, could lead to new therapies for preventing and treating estrogen-related diseases in humans.

Long-term use of estrogen hormone therapy linked to higher risk for breast cancer

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:49:49 EDT

In a landmark study, researchers have linked the long-term use of estrogen plus progesterone and estrogen-only hormone therapy with a higher risk for developing breast cancer.

Incontinence 20 years after child birth three times more common after vaginal delivery

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:26:26 EDT

Women are nearly three times more likely to experience urinary incontinence for more than 10 years following a vaginal delivery rather than a caesarean section, finds new research.

Molecular pathway through which common yeast becomes fungal pathogen determined

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:26:26 EDT

Scientists have found a molecular mechanism that plays a key role in the transition of Candida albicans yeast into disease-causing fungus -- one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infection. The finding highlights the importance of heat in fungal growth, and provides a new target for drug therapies to counter Candida albicans infection. In an additional study, the researchers identified 224 new genetic interactors for central protein in Candida albicans.

Uterine rupture is rare in the UK but increases with the number of previous cesarean deliveries

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:58:58 EDT

An analysis of the UK Obstetric Surveillance System shows that uterine rupture -- a serious complication of pregnancy in which the wall of the uterus tears during pregnancy or early labor -- is rare but for women who have previously had a cesarean section, the risk of rupture increases with the number of previous cesarean deliveries, a short interval since the last cesarean section, and with induced labor.

Reduced baby risk from another Cesarean

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:52:52 EDT

A major study has found that women who have had one prior cesarean can lower the risk of death and serious complications for their next baby -- and themselves -- by electing to have another cesarean.

Wash your mouth out with silver, to treat hard-to-treat mouth infections?

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:25:25 EST

Yeasts which cause hard-to-treat mouth infections are killed using silver nanoparticles in the laboratory, scientists have found. These yeast infections, caused by Candida albicans and Candida glabrata target the young, old and immuno-compromised. Scientists hope to test silver nanoparticles in mouthwash and dentures as a potential preventative measure against these infections.

Vitamin D shrinks fibroid tumors in rats

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:37:37 EST

Treatment with vitamin D reduced the size of uterine fibroids in laboratory rats predisposed to developing the benign tumors, reported researchers.

Risks and benefits of birthing facilities

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:02:02 EST

Researchers have found that the risk of obstetric intervention is lower for women who deliver or intend to deliver outside of hospitals, but there are some higher risks for newborns intended for home births compared to hospital births.

Risks of pregnancy via egg donation similar for women over age 50 as for younger women

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:18:18 EST

Although women over age 50 who become pregnant via egg donation are at an elevated risk for developing obstetrical complications, their complication rates are similar to those of younger recipients, according to a new study. This is contrary to epidemiological data suggesting that these women are at greater risk of certain complications of pregnancy, including hypertension, gestational diabetes, premature birth, and placenta abnormalities.

Progress made toward a genital herpes vaccine

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:48:48 EST

New research points investigators toward finding a genital herpes vaccine that works on both viruses that cause disease.

Females may be more susceptible to infection during ovulation

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:53 EST

A woman's ovarian cycle plays a role in susceptibility to infection, according to new research. Specifically, researchers found women are most susceptible to infection, such as Candida albicans or other sexually transmitted diseases, during ovulation than at any other time during the reproductive cycle. This natural "dip" in immunity may be to allow spermatozoa to survive the threat of an immune response so it may fertilize an egg successfully.

The biology behind severe PMS

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:17:17 EST

Sensitivity to allopregnanolone, a hormone that occurs naturally in the body after ovulation and during pregnancy, changes during the course of the menstrual cycle and is different in women with severe PMS compared with women without PMS complaints.

New study shows promise for preventing preterm births

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:59:59 EST

A new study has found that applying vaginal progesterone to women who are at a high risk of preterm birth significantly decreased the odds of a premature delivery.

Poorly contracting uterus in diabetic women increases risk of caesarean birth, researchers find

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:25:25 EST

Researchers have found that the strength of uterine contractions in diabetic pregnant women is significantly weaker than in non-diabetic women, increasing the risk of emergency caesarean birth.

Infectious fungus, thought to be asexual, isn't

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:59:59 EST

Candida tropicalis turns out to have sex, making it the second medically important member of the genus to be capable of mating. Sex may improve the survival of the species, particularly when it's under pressure. It may also mean the species can achieve greater virulence or drug resistance more quickly than previously thought.

Hysterectomy increases risk for earlier menopause among younger women, study finds

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:23:23 EST

In a finding that confirms what many obstetricians and gynecologists suspected, researchers report that younger women who undergo hysterectomies face a nearly two-fold increased risk for developing menopause early.

Estrogen works in the brain to keep weight in check, study shows

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:41:41 EDT

A recent study found that estrogen regulates energy expenditure, appetite and body weight, while insufficient estrogen receptors in specific parts of the brain may lead to obesity.

Breast tenderness in women getting combo hormone therapy associated with increase in breast density

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:49:49 EDT

Post-menopausal women who experience new onset breast tenderness after starting combination hormone therapy may have an increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who don't experience breast tenderness, a new study shows.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome at increased risk of pregnancy complications, research finds

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:48:48 EDT

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to have problems with pregnancy regardless of whether they are undergoing fertility treatment, claims new research.