Chemicals that are widely used in personal care and household products are linked to girls entering puberty at earlier ages, according to findings from a long-running study of mothers and children. The study in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, found that chemicals such as phthalates, parabens and phenols were […]
Category: Fertility
Soy-based formula milk is linked to increased risk of menstrual pain in young women
If women were fed soy-based formula milk when they were babies, they are at increased risk of suffering from severe pain during their menstrual bleeds, according to the latest study to investigate the link. In a study published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, researchers looked at data from […]
The age at which women experience their first period is linked to their sons’ age at puberty
The age at which young women experience their first menstrual bleeding is linked to the age at which their sons start puberty, according to the largest study to investigate this association in both sons and daughters. The research, which is published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, looked at […]
Why single embryo transfer during IVF sometimes results in twins or triplets: world’s largest study investigates prevalence and causes
It has been known for some time that it is better to transfer a single embryo to a woman’s womb during assisted reproduction treatment (ART) rather than several embryos in order to avoid a multiple pregnancy and the risks associated with it such as foetal deaths, miscarriage, premature delivery and low birthweight. However, even when […]
Study of more than 107,000 women shows exercise is unrelated to risk of early menopause
The amount of physical activity that women undertake is not linked to their risk of early menopause, according to the largest study ever to investigate this question. Until now, there have been conflicting findings about the relation between physical activity and menopause, with some studies suggesting that women who are very physically active may be […]
Largest study yet shows type of underwear is linked to men’s semen quality; boxer shorts are best
Men who wear boxer shorts have higher sperm concentrations than men who wear tighter fitting underwear, according to new research published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals. The researchers also found that boxer shorts-wearing men had lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), compared to men who most frequently wore […]
Treatments for cancer and sickle cell disease deplete germ cells in young boys
Scientists have discovered that some treatments for cancer and sickle cell disease can destroy the germ cells that go on to develop into sperm in the testes of young boys. In some pre-pubescent boys, the treatment for sickle cell disease results in complete destruction of all their germ cells, which are called spermatogonia. The study, […]
Fatigue is a common but underestimated symptom of endometriosis
Fatigue is a common but underestimated symptom of endometriosis, according to findings from an international study of over 1100 women, published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals. The study found that the prevalence of fatigue was more than doubled in women diagnosed with endometriosis compared to those who were […]
Genomic testing for the causes of stillbirth, fœtal congenital abnormalities and neonatal death can provide hard-to-get answers and should be considered for routine use
Milan, Italy: Pregnancy loss and the death of a new-born baby are devastating events, and as of today around 25% of these perinatal deaths are unexplained despite autopsy. Discovering the cause of such a loss is of great importance for the bereaved parents, both in providing an explanation and in helping them to understand the […]
Women who eat fast food and little or no fruit take longer to become pregnant
Women who eat less fruit and more fast food take longer to get pregnant and are less likely to conceive within a year, according to a study published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals. During their first antenatal visit, research midwives in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland […]