Gynecology

A woman can survive childbirth and still leave the experience with a life-altering injury that keeps her isolated for years. That is the cruel reality of obstetric fistula, a preventable childbirth injury most often linked to prolonged obstructed labour and delayed access to timely, safe caesarean section. The three delays model still matters because it explains why this injury persists even where maternity clinics, antenatal campaigns, skilled birth attendance targets, and r

A 65th birthday does not automatically remove cervical cancer risk. For many women, screening can safely stop after 65, but only when past results show a clear pattern of low risk. For others, especially those who were never screened, screened irregularly, or have unknown records, testing after 65 can still prevent disease. Human papillomavirus, better known as HPV, sits at the centre of this decision. Nearly all cervical cancers are linked to persistent infection with high-r

For many women, menopause brings more than hot flushes and irregular periods. It can also bring a strange, unsettling kind of brain fog: walking into a room and forgetting why, losing a word mid-sentence, reading the same paragraph twice, or struggling to focus on work that once felt easy. These changes can feel frightening, especially when memory is often linked with ageing or dementia. The reassuring truth is that mild cognitive changes are common during the menopause trans

Chronic pelvic pain can be difficult to explain, especially when routine pelvic ultrasound, infection testing, and gynaecological examination do not point to a clear cause. One often missed reason is abnormal pelvic venous flow, where veins in the pelvis become dilated, refluxing, obstructed, or both. Pelvic venous disease is not rare. Studies suggest that chronic pelvic pain affects a sizeable minority of women of reproductive age, and pelvic venous abnormalities contribute

A cystic adnexal mass is not always ovarian. In a busy gynaecology unit, that single assumption can change the surgical plan, the consent discussion, and the risk profile of an otherwise routine laparoscopy. A bladder diverticulum can occasionally present as a pelvic cystic structure that resembles an ovarian cyst on clinical examination or imaging. The diagnostic trap is especially relevant when the diverticulum lies posterolateral to the bladder, extends into the adnexal re

A positive pregnancy test after a fresh embryo transfer brings relief, but it also brings close monitoring. If a doctor then mentions a “decidual polyp”, the term can sound alarming. In many cases, it describes a pregnancy-related change in a cervical or endometrial polyp rather than a cancerous or aggressive condition. Still, in assisted reproduction, even small findings can matter because early pregnancy is already under careful observation. Decidual polyps sit at the inter

Early first-trimester medical abortion is a common procedure, but its outcomes can vary depending on patient factors. One such factor gaining attention is the history of bariatric surgery. As bariatric surgery rates increase globally, understanding how this surgery impacts abortion outcomes becomes crucial for healthcare providers. A recent retrospective cohort study sheds light on the key outcomes, complications, and clinical considerations when managing early medical aborti

Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, often causing chronic pain, infertility, and reduced quality of life. One of the major complications linked to this condition is the formation of peritoneal adhesions—fibrous bands that develop between tissues and organs in the abdominal cavity. These adhesions can exacerbate symptoms and complicate treatment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind adhesion formation in endometriosis is crucial for improving patient ou

Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer by identifying high-risk infections early. However, the accuracy and effectiveness of screening programs can be affected by a phenomenon known as enrichment bias. This bias can distort the interpretation of screening results, leading to potential mismanagement of patient care. This post explores the concept of enrichment bias in HPV screening, focusing on the distinction between accumulate

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a central role in the development of cervical cancer, a disease that remains a significant health challenge worldwide. Not all HPV infections carry the same risk, and individual host factors further influence the likelihood of progression to cancer. This blog post explores how host characteristics and specific HPV genotypes affect cervical cancer risk, highlighting the importance of personalized screening strategies. Recent research findings w

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge worldwide, affecting thousands of women each year. While screening and vaccination have improved prevention, diet also plays a crucial role in reducing cancer risk. Recent population-based research has explored how the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) relates to cervical cancer risk, shedding light on how certain antioxidants in our diet might protect against this disease. This post breaks down the findings of t

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects millions of women worldwide, causing involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Despite its prevalence, the underlying biological factors contributing to SUI remain incompletely understood. Recent research has turned attention to the C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index, a novel biomarker that integrates inflammation, nutritional status, an

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of women worldwide, yet awareness about this condition remains surprisingly low, even among future healthcare providers. A recent multicenter cross-sectional study explored how well female medical students understand pelvic floor dysfunction, revealing gaps that could impact patient care in the future. This blog post examines the study’s findings, discusses why pelvic health education matters, and suggests ways to improve awareness am

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause affect a significant number of women worldwide, often leading to serious health challenges beyond the immediate symptoms. The recent joint position paper by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the International Menopause Society (IMS) offers fresh guidance on hormone therapy (HT) for these women. This article explores the key findings of the paper, the role of hormone therapy in healthy

Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy (REP) is an exceptionally rare and potentially life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy. Unlike the more common tubal ectopic pregnancies, REP occurs when the embryo implants in the retroperitoneal space, an area behind the peritoneum that houses vital organs and major blood vessels. This unusual location poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This article offers a comprehensive narrative review of REP, proposes clear diagnosti

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects many women worldwide, causing emotional and physical distress. Recent research by Upadhyay and Fonseca sheds light on a critical connection between antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) and low vitamin D levels, offering new insights into this complex condition. This blog post explores their study’s key findings, the implications for women experiencing RPL, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Blood test vial for antip

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects many women worldwide, posing significant emotional and physical challenges. One medical condition increasingly recognized as a key factor in RPL is antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The recent cohort study by de Oliveira et al. sheds light on the prevalence of APS among women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss and offers valuable insights for healthcare providers and patients alike.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects many couples worldwide, posing significant emotional and clinical challenges. Among the various causes, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) stands out as a critical autoimmune disorder linked to pregnancy complications. A recent study by Mercier et al. sheds new light on the prevalence of APS in patients experiencing RPL, especially in the context of updated diagnostic criteria. This article explores the study’s key findings, the im

Entrapped ovarian cysts present a diagnostic challenge in gynecology due to their atypical presentation and persistent symptoms. The case study by Hederström E and Forsberg L offers valuable insights into this rare condition, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. This article explores their findings, explaining what entrapped ovarian cysts are, the symptoms they cause, diagnostic hurdles, and treatment options. Overview of the Case and

Pessary insertion offers a non-surgical option for managing pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. The article by Bordman R and Telner D provides valuable guidance on selecting the right patients, practical steps for insertion, common challenges, and the importance of patient education and follow-up. This post summarizes those key insights to help healthcare professionals and patients understand how to achieve the best outcomes with pessary use.