Research update: Fallopian tube findings, depression study, NHS report and more…

Femtech World explores the latest research and developments in the world of women’s health

Removing fallopian tubes may lower ovarian cancer risk

A mathematical modelling study has suggested that ovarian cancer incidence could be reduced and healthcare savings boosted if women who have already completed their families were offered fallopian tube removal during any other suitable abdominal surgeries.

Researchers developed a mathematical model that incorporates real-world patient statistics to predict population-level risks of ovarian cancer after opportunistic fallopian tube removal, as well as the potential healthcare cost savings.

By applying the model to statistics from Germany, the researchers predicted that opportunistic fallopian tube removal during every hysterectomy and tubal sterilization could reduce ovarian cancer cases by five percent across the female population of Germany. Removal during every suitable abdominal surgery for women who are done having children could reduce nationwide cancer cases by 15 percent, the analysis suggests, and it could save more than €10m in healthcare costs annually.

Findings may lead to blood test to predict risk of postpartum depression

Women who go on to develop postpartum depression may have characteristic levels of neuroactive steroids, molecules derived from the hormone progesterone, in their blood during the third trimester of pregnancy, according to a new study. These molecules influence the brain’s stress response and emotional regulation.

The findings suggest that this may provide a way to identify women at risk of PPD before symptoms start, allowing doctors to intervene earlier.

Fresh embryo transfer may be better for women with low chance of IVF success

Fresh embryo transfer may be a better option than use of frozen embryos for women with a low chance of having a healthy baby by vitro fertilisation (IVF), suggests a new trial.

The researchers say their findings do not support the routine use of the freeze-all strategy in women with low prognosis of IVF treatment success, which can be due to older age, low quantity or quality of eggs, or certain underlying conditions.

The researchers say further studies are warranted “to explore the optimal number and stage of embryos for fresh transfer in women with low prognosis for IVF to have a singleton pregnancy.”

The trial offers insights for women with a poor prognosis in IVF, but concerns remain about potential biases that could have influenced outcomes.

Delays in cancer diagnosis for pregnant women

Cancer symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as normal pregnancy-related changes for women who are expecting, in some cases leading to a delay in treatment, according to a new study.

In a first-of-its-kind study in the UK, researchers from Surrey recruited 20 women through Mummy’s Star, a charity supporting women and families facing cancer during or after pregnancy, and analysed their experiences of being diagnosed with various cancers while pregnant or shortly after giving birth.

The study also found that women experiencing breast changes, such as lumps, were more likely to suspect cancer and promptly looked for medical advice, resulting in quicker referrals for further investigations; however, women with less specific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, often experienced delays in diagnosis and referrals for necessary tests.

Can NHS digitalisation improve women’s health?

The King’s Fund writes that the health of 51 per cent of the population has been overlooked.

“There’s evidence that digital tools can improve women’s health, both for conditions specific to women (eg fertility, reproduction and sexual health) as well as wider health issues, such as the management of chronic conditions (for example, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases),” the fund writes.

“The ‘FemTech’ market (technology specifically aimed at improving women’s health) is booming. The Women’s Health Strategy for England has challenged national and local leaders to improve the health of women. And there’s political appetite for digitalisation – it’s one of the new government’s three big shifts and the Autumn Budget announced a £2bn investment in NHS technology and digital. All that’s missing is for the NHS and the wider health and care system to make it happen.”

Leveraging partibility within microbial Fem Tech

A new paper analyses four companies’ projects that exploit microbes’ dynamic potential to address persistent gendered health gaps.

The authors argue that “newly relational ideas about embodiment reconceptualise the biopolitical demands of and on the reproductive body, guide how venture-tech companies seek to address persistent technical and ethical challenges, and reconceptualise how people form biosocial connections across bodies.

“Taking microbes’ partible nature seriously highlights these intergenerational transfers as ongoing and full of possibility for a range of people; enabling not only expected attachments, but also other shared embodiments potentially distributed beyond the skin.”

Understanding the gender health gap

Gender on the Ballot explores why the gender health gap is a problem for women and how Femtech can help close the gap.

“The gender health gap represents a critical challenge that affects millions of women worldwide. By leveraging the innovations offered by Femtech, there is a significant opportunity to close this gap. Through empowering women with data, enhancing access to care, targeting underrepresented conditions, and fostering inclusivity, Femtech can play a pivotal role in transforming women’s healthcare. However, addressing funding disparities, regulatory hurdles, and cultural barriers will be essential for realising the full potential of this promising sector. As we move forward, continued advocacy and investment in women’s health are crucial for achieving equity in healthcare outcomes for all genders.”