News
Are Endometrial Polyps Overtreated?
A metaanalysis of women who have had polypectomies suggests that postmenopausal status and abnormal bleeding are negatively associated with endometrial neoplasia. However, a second prospective analysis of patients diagnosed with polyps who were referred for follow-up rather than immediate intervention suggests that “watch and wait” might be the most prudent course in a majority of…
Read MoreA 3-Year Holiday From Bisphosphonates Appears Safe
Bone mineral density held steady in women who took a 3-year hiatus from bisphosphonate therapy, according to a new study presented this past weekend at the 20th annual meeting and clinical congress of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). “Current AACE guidelines on osteoporosis recommend a drug holiday from bisphosphonates after 4 or 5…
Read MoreInduced Fallopian Fibrosis Is Effective Permanent Birth Control
Implants that induce fibrosis of the Fallopian tubes are a safe and effective means of permanent birth control, a five-year follow-up study confirms. The study of women who had the Essure sterilization microinserts implanted was done by an independent team of Italian researchers The findings, published online March 10 in Fertility and Sterility, bolster evidence…
Read MorePersons With Asymptomatic Genital Herpes Still Shed Virus
Persons with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection but without symptoms shed virus in the genital tract less often than symptomatic individuals, but even in asymptomatic individuals, genital HSV shedding was often not associated with a lesion, suggesting a high risk for transmission from persons with unrecognized HSV-2 infection. Anna Wald, MD, MPH, senior author…
Read MoreWomen With High Vitamin D Had Lower Risk for Early-Onset AMD
High vitamin D blood levels appear to be associated with a decreased risk for the development of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) among women younger than 75 years, according to the results of a study reported in the April issue of theArchives of Ophthalmology. “…AMD, a chronic, late-onset disease that results in degeneration of the…
Read MoreVery High Caffeine Intake Linked to Leaky Bladder
Women who consume a lot of caffeinated beverages may have a slightly increased risk of urinary incontinence, a new study suggests. The results add to conflicting evidence on whether caffeine worsens a common condition. Researchers found that of more than 65,000 U.S. women, those with the highest caffeine intake — roughly equivalent to four or…
Read MoreEarly Pregnancy Obesity Linked to Fetal and Infant Death
Early pregnancy obesity is significantly associated with fetal and infant death, independent of congenital anomalies and maternal pregestational diabetes, according to the results of a cohort study reported online April 5 in Human Reproduction. “We are the first investigators to examine the continuous relationship between BMI [body mass index] and foetal and infant deaths,” said lead…
Read MoreObesity May Increase Complications of Abdominal Hysterectomy
Obesity may increase the risks of bleeding and infections after abdominal hysterectomy, but a body mass index (BMI) below 20 kg/m2 also seems to increase the risks of bleeding and infection after abdominal hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy, respectively, according to the results of an observational cohort study reported online April 5 in Human Reproduction. “We found that…
Read MoreFDA Says Pharmacies Can Still Compound Generic Makena
Pharmacies can continue to compound generic hydroxyprogesterone caproate for reducing the risk for preterm delivery despite warnings from KV Pharmaceutical — which sells a costly, branded version of the drug — not to do so, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today. On February 3, the FDA approved KV Pharmaceutical’s Makena, an injectable form of hydroxyprogesterone…
Read MoreACOG Updates Routine Well-Woman Annual Screening Guidelines
The Committee on Gynecologic Practice of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated guidelines for routine screenings, laboratory tests, and immunizations for the annual examination visit of nonpregnant adolescents and women, according to a Committee Opinion published in the April issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “The purpose of the annual ob-gyn visit is…
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