Research

A global survey is underway to rename polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to better reflect the condition and its impact on millions of women worldwide. PCOS can cause a variety of symptoms including hormonal imbalances, excessive androgen levels – male hormones also produced in smaller amounts by women – and irregular periods, and is a leading [...]

Artificial intelligence used by more than half of England’s councils is downplaying women’s physical and mental health issues, raising gender bias concerns in care decisions. Research found that when using Google’s AI tool “Gemma” to generate and summarise the same case notes, words such as “disabled”, “unable” and “complex” appeared significantly more often in descriptions [...]

A UK-based company has launched a nationwide survey to gain insight into women’s experiences with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and prenatal screening, in an effort to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs. Forte Medical has launched the survey as many previously overlooked areas of women’s health are being discussed and transformed with research and [...]

Menstrual data is finally being recognised for its value in medical science, but are period tracking apps putting our privacy at risk? Femtech World editor Sarah Sinclair reports. Period‑tracking apps don’t just collect data on our cycle. Under the banner of “personalised health insights”, they log information such as sexual activity, contraception use, exercise, moods, [...]

Couples undergoing IVF may have up to double the pregnancy success rate in summer compared to colder months, new research suggests. A study of 1,100 women found pregnancy rates were significantly higher in warmer weather, with spring treatments 75 per cent more successful than those in winter. Researchers from the Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi in [...]

Women with more severe ADHD symptoms tend to experience worse menopausal complaints, new research has found. The study explored how ADHD symptoms and medication use relate to menopausal experiences and found that symptom severity, not diagnosis alone, was associated with greater difficulties. Researchers analysed data from 656 women aged 45 to 60, including 245 with [...]

Burnout among obstetricians and gynaecologists has doubled since the pandemic, with 72 per cent now meeting diagnostic criteria, a national survey has found. The 2022 survey of 1,114 doctors also reported that 9 per cent had experienced suicidal thoughts—up from 3 per cent in 2019. The highest rates of burnout were found in younger resident [...]

A new MRI breast screening trial aims to find cancers missed by mammograms in women with average breast density. The Fast MRI Dyamond study will involve around 1,000 women aged 50 to 52 at six NHS sites, including Cheltenham, Swindon and Truro. The scans, which take around three minutes, will test whether the method can [...]

Nearly 40 per cent of perimenopausal women in a new study had untreated and potentially debilitating vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. This first-of-its-kind study explored how symptoms differ across the menopause transition and which best define the onset of perimenopause – the phase before full menopause. It found that moderate to [...]

Women acting as surrogates are more likely to develop mental illness during or after pregnancy than those carrying their own babies, new research suggests. The study, based on Canadian health data, highlights the need for careful screening and support for gestational carriers throughout the process. Researchers found the risk was also elevated among women with [...]