http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/gynecology/ Gynecology. Read the latest research on vaginal health including vaginal yeast infections, hormone therapy, menopause, and more. Find out about symptoms and new treatments. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/gynecology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101138.htm 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. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510224819.htm A new study adds to the evidence that certain non-oral hormonal contraceptives carry a higher risk of serious blood clots than others. Thu, 10 May 2012 22:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510224819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123856.htm 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. Wed, 09 May 2012 12:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123651.htm 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. Wed, 09 May 2012 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401134933.htm 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. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401134933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325102613.htm 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. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325102613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316112642.htm 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. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316112642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313185848.htm 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. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313185848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313185229.htm 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. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313185229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308062553.htm 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. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308062553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143758.htm Treatment with vitamin D reduced the size of uterine fibroids in laboratory rats predisposed to developing the benign tumors, reported researchers. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131171806.htm 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. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131171806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174816.htm New research points investigators toward finding a genital herpes vaccine that works on both viruses that cause disease. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135333.htm 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. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091722.htm 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. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135924.htm 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. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102523.htm 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. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165905.htm 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. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114112311.htm 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. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114112311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024133.htm 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. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014104950.htm 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. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014104950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013184811.htm Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to have problems with pregnancy regardless of whether they are undergoing fertility treatment, claims new research. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013184811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012144142.htm Estrogen may prevent strokes in premature or early menopausal women, researchers have found in a new study. Their findings challenge the conventional wisdom that estrogen is a risk factor for stroke at all ages. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012144142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123600.htm It's no secret that women often gain weight as they get older. The sex hormone estrogen has an important, if underappreciated, role to play in those burgeoning waistlines. Now, researchers have traced those hormonal effects on metabolism to different parts of the brain. The findings may lead to the development of highly selective hormone replacement therapies that could be used to combat obesity or infertility in women without the risks for heart disease and breast cancer, the researchers say. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927192345.htm Researchers have found the first, firm evidence that fibroids are associated with recurrent miscarriages. They have also discovered that if they removed the fibroids that distorted the inside of the womb, the risk of miscarriage in the second trimester of pregnancy was reduced dramatically -- to zero. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927192345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921120041.htm A new study reveals that fear of childbirth is a predisposing factor for emergency and elective cesarean sections, even after psychological counseling. This may mean a negative experience that lasts a lifetime among the approximately 3 percent of women who in this study were estimated to suffer from excessive fear of childbirth. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921120041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908171628.htm Researchers have developed a therapy for a potentially deadly type of infection common in catheters, artificial joints and other 'in-dwelling' medical devices. The therapy targets fungal infections, which are hard to treat in such devices because they are composed of biofilms—complex groupings of cells that attach to surfaces. Biofilms, in turn, are coated in a gooey matrix that resists drugs. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908171628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906191631.htm Fungi that cause severe infections in those with compromised immune systems are resisting the action of the latest group of antifungal drugs. Uncovering their strategies for doing this will lead to more effective treatments, says a scientist. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906191631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144030.htm Researchers have demonstrated that the loss of a key protein that regulates estrogen and immune activity in the body could lead to aspects of metabolic syndrome, a combination of conditions that can cause Type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110905160444.htm Researchers are a step closer towards creating a new class of medicines and vaccines to combat drug-resistant and deadly strains of fungal infections, following a new study. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110905160444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132223.htm Women and men experience pain, particularly chronic pain, very differently. The ability of some opioids to relieve pain also differs between women and men. Now, research has revealed that the same major types of opioid receptor interact differently, depending on sex. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809212430.htm Injecting mice with simple baker's yeast protects against the fatal fungal infection, aspergillosis, according to new research. The work could lead to the development of a human vaccine that protects immuno-compromised people against a range of life-threatening fungal infections, for which current therapy often fails. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809212430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802113616.htm Prolonged estrogen deprivation in aging rats dramatically reduces the number of brain receptors for the hormone as well as its ability to prevent strokes, researchers report. However the damage is forestalled if estrogen replacement begins shortly after hormone levels drop, according to a new study. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802113616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726111119.htm Providing prenatal education and support programs, computer patient decision-aids, decision-aid booklets and intensive group therapy to women have not been shown to decrease Cesarean sections effectively. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726111119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726111057.htm Menopause has little to no impact on whether women become more susceptible to diabetes, according to a one-of-a-kind study that provides good news for older women. Postmenopausal women had no higher risk for diabetes whether they experienced natural menopause or had their ovaries removed, according to the U.S. national clinical trial of women, ages 40 to 65. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726111057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627095634.htm Canadian researchers have found that maternal multiple sclerosis is generally not associated with adverse delivery outcomes or risk to their offspring. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627095634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621074209.htm Cervical ripening that instigates preterm labor is distinct from what happens at the onset of normal term labor, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621074209.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091639.htm A position statement on managing menopausal women with a personal or family history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been published. The statement includes summary recommendations as a quick aid for the busy clinician. Tue, 17 May 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110517091639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504201757.htm Women who develop cerebral aneurysms are less likely to have taken the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy, suggesting taking estrogen could have a protective effect, reveals new research. Wed, 04 May 2011 20:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110504201757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110502151433.htm In 2009, the United States was gripped by concern for a new winter threat: the H1N1 strain of influenza. According to research conducted through that winter, pregnant women were right to be concerned. Mon, 02 May 2011 15:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110502151433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411163914.htm A study of patients attending sexual health clinics in Gothenburg, Sweden found that just four out of ten patients with genital herpes actually knew that they had the disorder. However, a third of those who did not realize that they had been infected reported typical symptoms at a follow-up visit, reveals new research. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411163914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411163910.htm Estrogen treatment for osteoporosis has often been associated with serious side effects. Researchers in Sweden have now, in mice, found a way of utilizing the positive effects of estrogen in mice so that only the skeleton is acted on. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411163910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406102129.htm A new study has found that progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone, reduced the rate of preterm birth before the 33rd week of pregnancy by 45 percent among one category of at-risk women. The women in the study had a short cervix, which is known to increase the risk for preterm birth. The cervix is the part of the uterus that opens and shortens during labor. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406102129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329151454.htm A retrospective study of women who became pregnant while using intrauterine devices shows that more than half of the IUDs were malpositioned. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329151454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329095438.htm Uterine fibroid embolization -- an interventional radiology treatment for the noncancerous yet very common growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus -- improves a number of women's lower urinary tract problems that are specifically caused by those fibroids, say researchers. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110329095438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110316104125.htm A new article explores the clinical characteristics that are important for researchers to consider when they study the female genital tract in the quest for cures for HIV. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110316104125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110315093832.htm Insufficient cleaning could allow build-up of microbes on orthodontic retainers, researchers have found. Researchers looked at the types of microbes which live on retainers. This study found potentially pathogenic microbes growing on at least 50% of the retainers. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110315093832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307184640.htm Traditional Chinese acupuncture curbs the severity of hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms, suggests a small study. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110307184640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110301091111.htm Women who received one of three treatments for uterine fibroids said their symptoms diminished and their quality of life significantly increased, according to a new study. Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110301091111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110224091737.htm Changes to the microbiological equilibrium in the female genital tract can lead to obstetric complications. Medical researchers are investigating a method of screening for such changes. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110224091737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215191619.htm Although there is no evidence to suggest a direct causal pathway, some intravaginal practices used by women in sub-Saharan Africa (such as washing the vagina with soap) may increase the acquisition of HIV infection and so should be avoided, experts say. Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215191619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214201842.htm Lavender oil could be used to combat the increasing incidence of antifungal-resistant infections, according to a new study. The essential oil shows a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110214201842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110211074552.htm Many women are having different test results for Group B streptococcus between their routine third trimester screening and a rapid test performed at the time of labor. Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110211074552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110204130317.htm A novel study draws a completely unexpected link between reproductive proteins in humans and proteins involved in fertilization in invertebrates, as well as mating between haploid cells in yeast. Because human and yeast are separated by 1 billion years of evolution, these findings may have important implications for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sex, and how they originated. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110204130317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110202132611.htm For women seeking pregnancy by assisted reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro fertilization, a new study shows that the health of the uterus is more relevant than egg quality for a newborn to achieve normal birth weight and full gestation. The study offers new information for women with infertility diagnoses considering options for conceiving. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110202132611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124151715.htm New research shows that a nasty yeast called Candida albicans, a source of infections in humans, can become inspired to mate and to form biofilms by the pheromones of many other species. It can even switch over to same-sex mating when an opposite-sex partner is unavailable. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110124151715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118123556.htm Researchers have identified how the hormones progesterone and estrogen interact to increase cell growth in normal mammary cells and mammary cancers, a novel finding that may explain why postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy with estrogen plus progestin are at increased risk of breast cancer. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110118123556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209081842.htm While endogenous estrogen (i.e., estrogen produced by ovaries and by other tissues) does have a well-known carcinogenic impact, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) utilizing estrogen alone (the exogenous estrogen) provides a protective effect in reducing breast cancer risk, according to a new study. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209081842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209074359.htm A new study by sexual health researchers at Indiana University found that women who used lubricant during sex reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction and pleasure. The study, involving 2,453 women, is the largest systematic study of this kind, despite the widespread commercial availability of lubricant and the gaps in knowledge concerning its role in alleviating pain or contributing to other health issues. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 07:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101209074359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208125813.htm Contrary to popular belief, birth control pills account for less than 1 percent of the estrogens found in the nation's drinking water supplies, scientists have concluded in an analysis of studies published on the topic. Their report suggests that most of the sex hormone -- source of concern as an endocrine disruptor with possible adverse effects on people and wildlife -- enters drinking water supplies from other sources. Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101208125813.htm