News

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 [...]

A new device could detect a key endometriosis biomarker in menstrual blood within 10 minutes, researchers have found. The test identifies HMGB1 – a protein linked to the development and progression of endometriosis – and showed 500 per cent greater sensitivity than current lab-based methods. It works similarly to a pregnancy test. Dr [...]

A new menopause website has been launched by US clinicians to help women make informed healthcare decisions during the menopause transition. MyMenoplan.org offers free, evidence-based tools and resources without requiring users to register or share personal data. It was created by clinicians and researchers with over 25 years’ experience in women’s health. More than 1 [...]

Aa new initiative to help femtech start-ups bring their innovations to market more quickly has been launched in Canada. The Women’s Health Medical Pathway (wHealth MedPath) aims to close a key gap in support for women’s health companies looking to commercialise their products. The programme has been set up by Femtech Canada in collaboration with [...]

Eight tech startups have joined an accelerator programme developing tools to tackle women's cardiovascular and brain health conditions. The firms have been selected for the American Heart Association Heart and Brain Health Accelerator, which offers mentoring, funding opportunities and industry connections to healthcare startups. The accelerator is run through a collaboration between American Heart Association [...]

Eli Health is on a mission to transform female hormone testing with the first FDA-registered instant hormone monitoring system. Co-founder and CEO, Marina Pavlovic Rivas, speaks to Femtech World about making hormone testing more accessible. The Hormometer, developed by femtech company, Eli Health, enables real-time, saliva testing for instant results, enabling women to monitor their [...]

More than 30 MPs have urged the health secretary to act over DES, a pregnancy drug linked to cancer and fertility problems in children exposed in the womb. The letter, coordinated by Bournemouth MP Jessica Toale, calls for a formal apology and improved cancer screening, after an ITV News investigation found DES was still being [...]

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in some reusable menstrual underwear and pads, with one-third of tested items showing signs of intentional use. Researchers analysed 59 products, including 43 pairs of period underwear, eight reusable pads, four menstrual cups, three reusable incontinence underwear and one reusable incontinence pad. PFAS – short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl [...]

Parents who have experienced pregnancy loss are contributing data from apps and fitness trackers to help shape future support and improve maternal care services. The initiative aims to create a new model giving families more control over how personal data — such as entries from wellbeing apps and diaries — is used to support others. [...]

Sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy are linked to higher risks of preterm birth, stillbirth and babies born smaller than expected, a large Australian study has found. Researchers analysed almost 60,000 births in the Northern Territory between 2005 and 2020, identifying strong associations between maternal infections and adverse birth outcomes. Congenital syphilis was found to triple [...]