Archive for November, 2009
Controlling neglected tropical diseases in developing countries would help improve the reproductive health and rights of girls and women in the poorest countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, according to a new editorial.
Birth control pill for men? Scientists find a hormonal on-and-off switch for male fertility
Monday, November 30th, 2009
Scientists have found how and where androgenic hormones work in the testis to control normal sperm production and male fertility. This opens a promising avenue for the development of "the pill" for men. The discovery also offers hope to those who cannot have children because of low sperm counts.
Deciding to have a baby is an easier step for public sector workers
Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
Working for the public sector is good for fertility, according to new research. The study, which examined patterns of employment and childbearing decisions for couples over a number of years, found that the decision to have one or more children was intricately bound up with the working patterns of parents.
Hard training may reduce fertility in women
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Are you a female athlete -- or just someone who likes challenging workouts -- who also wants to get pregnant? It may make sense to ease off a bit as you try to get pregnant. New research shows that the body may not have enough energy to support both hard workouts and getting pregnant.
Disrupting male fertility
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
The sexual function of male rodents can be impaired by in utero and/or neonatal exposure to external molecules such as DES that disrupt normal hormone functioning, giving rise to concerns that low-level exposure to such molecules might cause similar effects in humans. New research, to be published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, has determined the molecular mechanism underlying many of the harmful effects of DES on the mouse testis.
Viagra for women? Drug developed as antidepressant effective in treating low libido
Monday, November 16th, 2009
Pooled results from three separate clinical trials of flibanserin, a drug originally created as an antidepressant, show it is effective in treating women with acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder. These trials were the first ever to test a therapy that works at the level of the brain to enhance libido in women reporting low sexual desire.
Statement of ESHRE on the European Commission proposal of viral screening
Sunday, November 15th, 2009
With 900,000 assisted reproduction treatments annually such as IVF and intrauterine inseminations in Europe the Commission's proposal to screen both partners before each treatment could lead to costs of over EUR 140 million annually. These figures do not include the additional overhead costs such as administration, personnel and documentation that the hospitals would have to carry on top of that. The new interpretation of the EU Directive would have substantial implications on the costs of fertility treatments in Europe.
Routine evaluation of prostate size not as effective in cancer screening, study finds
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
New research studied the association between prostate-specific antigen levels and prostate size and found that routine annual evaluation of prostate growth is not necessarily a predictor for the development of prostate cancer. However, the study suggests that if a man's PSA level is rising quickly, a prostate biopsy is reasonable to determine if he has prostate cancer.
Chemo-radiation Before Prostate Removal May Prevent Cancer Recurrence
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
Researchers have found a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy given before prostate removal is safe and may have the potential to reduce cancer recurrence and improve patient survival.
Workplace BPA Exposure Increases Risk Of Male Sexual Dysfunction
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
High levels of workplace exposure to Bisphenol-A may increase the risk of reduced sexual function in men. This is the first human study to look at the effect of BPA on the male reproductive system. Rodent studies have shown BPA's detrimental effect on male reproductive system. The five-year study of 634 workers in China found workers with BPA exposure had quadruple risk of erectile dysfunction, and seven times more risk of ejaculation difficulty.


