According to a study published online by Menopause on September 12, 2023, women who have both of their ovaries removed prior to menopause have significantly increased chances of developing multiple chronic health conditions decades later.
The 274 women (average age 67) in the study had either undergone a hysterectomy or had their ovaries removed prior to menopause for a noncancerous condition. The women had thorough physical examinations for an average of 22 years following their surgery to determine whether any chronic conditions existed and to assess their level of strength and mobility.
Women under 46 who had their ovaries removed had 64% higher odds of having arthritis, twice the likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnea, and almost three times the likelihood of having had a bone fracture as compared to women of the same age who still had their ovaries. In a test that involved a six-minute walk, they also did worse. In addition, ovary removal patients between the ages of 46 and 49 were more likely to develop arthritis and sleep apnea than non-operating patients of the same age. Nonetheless, ovary excision prior to menopause was not associated with any of the following conditions: cancer, diabetes, dementia, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, irregular cardiac rhythm, osteoporosis, or diseases of the kidney, liver, or thyroid.
The authors of the study advised women who have their ovaries removed before menopause to think about starting estrogen therapy around age 50.
Great news! The FDA recently gave the green light to the first-ever pill designed to help moms struggling with postpartum depression. This condition affects around one in seven new mothers, making it tough for them to connect with their babies in the months following childbirth.
The new drug, called zuranolone (Zurzuvae), works quickly and was officially approved on August 4, 2023. What's even better? It's a short two-week course. Until now, the only other approved medication for postpartum depression was brexanolone (Zulresso), but it needed to be given through a hospital-based IV.
Postpartum depression shares symptoms with other types of depression, such as deep sadness, feeling tired all the time, losing interest in regular activities, and struggling with thinking and memory. In severe cases, women might even have thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby.
The introduction of this pill is not just a medical breakthrough; it's also expected to lessen the stigma around postpartum depression. By offering a more accessible treatment option, it aims to encourage more women to seek the help they need. This is a positive step forward for the well-being of new moms everywhere!
The new drug, called zuranolone (Zurzuvae), works quickly and was officially approved on August 4, 2023. What's even better? It's a short two-week course. Until now, the only other approved medication for postpartum depression was brexanolone (Zulresso), but it needed to be given through a hospital-based IV.
Postpartum depression shares symptoms with other types of depression, such as deep sadness, feeling tired all the time, losing interest in regular activities, and struggling with thinking and memory. In severe cases, women might even have thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby.
The introduction of this pill is not just a medical breakthrough; it's also expected to lessen the stigma around postpartum depression. By offering a more accessible treatment option, it aims to encourage more women to seek the help they need. This is a positive step forward for the well-being of new moms everywhere!
The Study is still being monitored.
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Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can be scary, but things have changed a lot in how we treat it. Unlike the old days when everyone got the same treatment, now it's like having a personalized toolkit to fight the disease.
Survival rates have gone up, with only 5% of women at an average risk of dying within five years after a breast cancer diagnosis, down from 14% in the 1990s. Dr. Harold Burstein from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explains, We may not always know why someone gets breast cancer, but the good news is that outcomes are improving.
Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, scientists can now categorize breast tumors based on cell type. This allows for tailor-made combinations of treatments. Surgery is still common, but chemotherapy might be smaller or skipped. New drugs like immunotherapy and targeted therapies are giving doctors more options.
Breast cancer comes in different types, like ER-positive or HER2-positive. Knowing this helps doctors choose the best treatments. Thanks to research in the last decade, tests can now identify gene mutations, predict tumor growth, and help customize treatments.
For ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, the use of chemotherapy has become more selective. Powerful tools allow doctors to decide if a patient really needs it. Medications like CDK4/6 inhibitors are also used for high-risk cases.
HER2-positive breast cancer, a more aggressive type, has seen progress with targeted therapies like Herceptin. A new approach pairs chemotherapy with proteins for better results with fewer side effects.
Triple-negative breast cancer, a fast-growing type, is challenging, but new drugs and immunotherapy are showing promise. Even more promising is the future use of liquid biopsies, blood tests that can guide treatment based on circulating tumor DNA.
Dr. Burstein is optimistic about the coming years, mentioning new technologies like liquid biopsies. For metastatic breast cancer, which isn't curable yet, patients are living longer with new treatments improving their lives.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is rare but dangerous. Unlike other types, it doesn't always show a lump. Symptoms develop rapidly, and early signs are often mistaken for less serious issues. Dr. Filipa Lynce advises not to ignore changes in the breast, even without a lump. If symptoms persist, seeking medical attention is crucial.
Finally, for women diagnosed with breast cancer, a multidisciplinary care team is essential. Collaboration among specialists and communication with your healthcare team are key to better outcomes. Don't hesitate to ask questions and be an active part of your treatment plan.
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Childbirth, a timeless and sometimes unpredictable journey, has been an integral part of human experience. In the United States, where rates of avoidable complications and maternal deaths are surprisingly high, the demand for doulas is on the rise. Natalia Richey, interim chief midwife at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes an increasing interest in additional care during pregnancy and birth.
But what does a birth doula do? Unlike midwives or doctors, professional doulas offer emotional and physical support to women throughout pregnancy and the birthing process.
Here's a glimpse into doula care if you're considering it.
Doulas vs. Midwives
While midwives and doulas share some responsibilities, a crucial distinction exists: midwives provide medical care, whereas doulas focus on emotional and physical support. Midwives, like certified nurse-midwives, are trained nurses responsible for maintaining the physical health of both mother and baby during childbirth. On the other hand, doulas don't perform medical tasks; they specialize in helping laboring women stay comfortable and calm, employing various techniques like suggesting comfort measures and optimal positions.
Doula Training and Licensing
It's important to note that doula training lacks standardized rules. Certification from over 100 independent organizations is common, although no formal licensing is required. While private insurers often don't cover doula care, some employers, like Walmart, assist in covering costs. As of February 2023, ten states and the District of Columbia offer Medicaid coverage for doula services.
Impact on Birth Outcomes
A 2023 analysis spanning 22 years and 16 studies found that doula support correlated with improved birth outcomes, including fewer C-sections, premature deliveries, and shorter labor. Emotional support from doulas was associated with reduced anxiety and stress in mothers, with notable improvements in breastfeeding success, especially among low-income women.
Collaboration with Doulas
Agreements regarding care may vary, but typically, doulas meet with expectant individuals throughout pregnancy to discuss birth goals and build rapport. Doulas, akin to obstetricians, are available 24/7 to support clients during labor. This constant support, especially for those with limited resources, can be invaluable.
Doula and OB/GYN Collaboration
Collaboration between doulas and OB/GYN teams is generally seamless. Whether a hospital arranges for a doula or if hired privately, coordination ensures everyone sticks to their roles. Doulas suggest nonpharmacological ways to ease pain, respecting boundaries when medical intervention is necessary.
Questions to Ask When Considering a Doula
Interested in working with a doula? Natalia Richey suggests asking yourself questions like:
- What are my hopes and goals for the childbirth process?
- How do I envision my support team during delivery?
- Do I have friends or family members who have used doulas, and what were their impressions?
When contacting a doula, inquire about their training, the number of births attended, how they can assist during pregnancy and labor, and their approach to collaboration with your partner, spouse, and the medical team.
Take the time to meet with any doula you're considering and make sure they're a good fit, advises Richey. "Because this is someone who will be there during one of the most vulnerable times of your life. Having someone there who doesn't make you feel safe and comfortable can affect birth in a major way.
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A new study suggests that women who suffer from migraine headaches prior to becoming pregnant may be at greater risk for pregnancy complications that could endanger their health or that of their unborn child.
The Harvard-led research, which was published online by Neurology on January 19, 2023, analysed 20 years' worth of data from Nurses Health Research II, which included 30,555 pregnancies among 19,694 nurses in the United States. The number of women who reported being diagnosed with migraine, as well as the form of migraine, were evaluated by the researchers. In addition, participants reported whether they had experienced medical complications during pregnancy.
Will there still be access to miscarriage care?
You probably weren't aware that up to one in three pregnancies results in a miscarriage when you first discovered the facts of pregnancy, perhaps from a parent or a friend.Why do miscarriages happen? What is done about it? And why is adequate medical care for miscarriages being questioned and, in some US regions, becoming more difficult to find?
A miscarriage is what?
Many of the people who seek assistance are ready and hoping to start families. The premature termination of a desired pregnancy is devastating.
A pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, measured from the first day of the last menstrual cycle, is referred to as a miscarriage. Even though the danger steadily goes down as the pregnancy goes on, miscarriage can occur in up to one out of every three pregnancies. It happens in fewer than one in 100 pregnancies by the 20th week.
Why do miscarriages happen?
Miscarriage frequently has multiple causes, none of which are visible. Some elements increase danger, including:
- pregnancy in later life (older age). The loss of a pregnancy is frequently caused by chromosomal abnormalities. It gets worse as people get older.
- autoimmune illnesses. A higher chance of miscarriage exists in pregnant women with autoimmune illnesses like lupus or Sjogren's syndrome, despite the fact that many of their pregnancies are successful.
- certain diseases. If uncontrolled, thyroid disease or diabetes can increase the risk.
- some uterine problems. Miscarriage may be caused by uterine abnormalities, polyps, or fibroids.
- miscarriages in the past. A miscarriage somewhat raises the likelihood of miscarriage in the subsequent pregnancy. For instance, if a woman is pregnant and her miscarriage risk is one in ten, it may rise to 1.5 in ten after her first miscarriage and to four in ten after three.
- certain medications. Certain medications may be harmful to a growing pregnancy. If you have a chronic illness or condition, it is best to plan your pregnancy and get pre-pregnancy counselling.
Amazing sex always appears to be a piece of cake in the movies. However, real-life sex might provide us with unexpected challenges, such as pain that interferes with situations we had previously expected to be entirely pleasurable.
Many people avoid talking about painful sex since it can be uncomfortable, even with a doctor. But if you're struggling with it, you're not alone. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, discomfort during intercourse is incredibly frequent, with over three-quarters of women feeling pain at some point in their lives. Additionally, up to 60% of women report having painful sex in the run-up to menopause and afterwards.
Strong research shows that women often don't share this concern with their health care providers unless they're specifically asked, and doctors rarely ask
What makes sexual activity painful? It could involve burning, soreness, dryness, or a general feeling of discomfort in addition to the actual jabs or twinges of pain. Although it can affect nearby areas, including the pelvis and lower back, it is often most visible in the vagina and vulva. Sexual activity with partners of either gender can also cause pain.
You don't have to accept painful sex, though. It's time to look at why pleasure becomes discomfort and figure out how to restore enjoyment to the bedroom. Physical intimacy is important for couples.
Why may sex become uncomfortable after years of usually pleasurable lovemaking? Your stage of life is a major contributing factor, but there are many other important elements as well. Gynecologic disorders such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids may play a role. As well as other medical conditions like arthritis, radiation, pelvic surgery, or cancer. Even the thought of having sex can be impossible for someone with vulvodynia, a persistent pain illness affecting the vulva.
The following scenarios account for the most painful sex instances:
Childbirth. Undoubtedly, giving birth vaginally is difficult for the vagina, perhaps even more so for women who have undergone an episiotomy or perineal tears. The healing process can take several months. Vaginal dryness can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Menopause. A chronic, increasing absence of natural vaginal lubrication can be brought on by declining estrogen levels during the years preceding menopause and after. It typically starts with a sense of dryness or soreness low in the vagina, but over time it can become really uncomfortable everywhere.
High pelvic floor tone (Hypertonic). After a stressful experience, like a sexual assault, the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening may automatically constrict. Ironically, however, the disease might even start with the thought of discomfort in the bedroom. The more you expect sex to hurt, the more your pelvic floor muscles tense, creating a vicious cycle. Your pelvic floor muscles contract whenever intercourse is attempted, making sex even more uncomfortable. It's almost like your body is attempting to protect you. There may seem to be a wall there.
How to increase comfort
If you're afraid it'll hurt, sex can lose its appeal. The proverb "use it or lose it" is not applicable in this instance, however, as having less sex as menopause approaches does not increase the likelihood of painful intercourse.
2,247 women, aged 42 to 52, who reported no sexual pain at the trial's start and consented to log their sexual frequency and symptoms participated in the study, which was published on June 1st, 2022, in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Over the course of up to 10 follow-up visits over the next 13 years, nearly half of the participants reported experiencing pain during sex at least occasionally. While having oral sex or being aroused more frequently (with or without sexual activity) were connected to lower odds of experiencing sexual pain, vaginal dryness revealed the highest association. But it wasn't taken into account how much sex the women had.
There are thoughts that intercourse is good for the vagina, stretching it and bringing in secretions and blood flow however, there is no data to back this up.
Congenital disabilities or birth injuries pose the greatest threat to the baby while it is still inside its mother. Your baby may experience behavioral abnormalities, motor function restrictions, and cognitive impairments as a result of taking certain medications, eating certain foods, or engaging in certain habits.
The chance of congenital impairment is higher during the first trimester, when the baby's major organs are growing. At this time, the mother must also exercise caution in both her eating habits and her daily activities.
A healthy lifestyle can assist a mother in protecting her unborn child from danger. Here are some recommendations to protect the unborn child's health:
1. Abstain from alcohol use.
Birth injuries and alcohol have a strong connection. Alcohol consumption by pregnant women results in birth defects and brain damage that are permanent. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a possibility for children exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.
Preventing this issue in your unborn child is as simple as quitting drinking before getting pregnant so that your body is free of toxins when you conceive.
However, mothers who don't drink alcohol but nonetheless learn that their child has a birth defect like FASD need to seek other causes, like medical negligence.
The Birth Injury Justice Center, which offers substantial information on this subject, is a good place to go for additional information regarding birth injuries and legal assistance.
2. Give up smoking.
Smoking, like drinking, will prevent you from maintaining the health of your unborn child. So refrain from smoking while you are pregnant. It is more advised to give up smoking before getting pregnant.
If you smoke frequently, cut back until it is completely absent. It's crucial to reduce gradually because abrupt change isn't usually sustainable.
Intrauterine growth limitation, cleft palate, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), tremors, stillbirth, premature labor, etc. affect babies born to moms who smoke. Your baby's growing brain and lungs can suffer harm from nicotine.
The likelihood of intrauterine growth restriction increases with a mother's level of alcohol consumption. Due to the fact that many smokeless products also contain nicotine, e-cigarettes and vaping are also bad for the unborn.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent national panel of experts, has recently released draft guidelines proposing updated recommendations for breast cancer screening. The new guidelines suggest that women at average risk for breast cancer should undergo screening every other year starting at the age of 40. This is a departure from their previous advice, which recommended mammograms every other year starting at age 50. The proposed guidelines are in line with the 2022 recommendations by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which suggests annual mammograms for women at average risk.
The decision to update the guidelines was based on new scientific evidence that shows biennial mammograms starting at age 40 could potentially prevent at least one additional breast cancer death for every 1,000 women. Currently, breast cancer affects approximately 264,000 American women each year, with 42,000 losing their lives to the disease, according to data from the CDC.
Where you responsible for my partner's bladder infection?
When a woman has a normal bladder infection, the most typical type of urinary tract infection (UTI), her sexual partner does not need to be checked. UTI-causing germs are not transmitted by partners. Women's small urethras—the tube that removes urine from the bladder—make them more susceptible to UTIs. The region surrounding the urethra's end is covered in bacteria. In order to infect the bladder in women, these germs only need to travel a short distance from the urethral entrance. Even though you did not spread the bacteria, you might have had some impact. After sexual activity, some women experience UTIs. This is especially true when having sex that is intense or frequent. Changing sexual positions and encouraging her to urinate immediately after sexual contact may be helpful in these circumstances.
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