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Immunization has become a vital part of public health and disease prevention, and yet, it remains a controversial topic in our society today. Diseases that were once responsible for significant morbidity and mortality have now become all but eradicated, thanks to the introduction of vaccines. Immunization has contributed to increased life expectancy and improved quality of life.
Reproductive aging in women is primarily due to the gradual reduction in the number of eggs (oocytes) over time. Oocytes cannot be reproduced, and while some develop and are released during ovulation, many others diminish as they become non-viable follicles and eventually disappear. This natural decline continues until menopause, at which point fertility ends entirely. Before menopause, fertility declines mainly due to the increased presence of oocytes with abnormal chromosomes (aneuploidy), which affects their viability.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) has been used in various forms over the last two decades. Preimplantation Genetic Testing PGT involves testing early embryos following in vitro fertilization, IVF, and has now become an accepted part of genetic testing. Nowadays, PGT serves as a resource for couples who have a family history of monogenic (single gene) disorders, wherein the fetus is at high risk of inheriting the condition.
Estrogen is a key hormone influencing the growth and development of breast cancer, particularly in tumors expressing estrogen receptors (ER+). While estrogen doesn't cause breast cancer, it can act locally within the breast tissue to stimulate the proliferation (growth and division) of cancer cells, playing a significant role in tumor development and progression.
The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in influencing pregnancy outcome. Dominance of the vaginal niche by Lactobacillus species has been widely reported to be associated with a healthy, full-term pregnancy, specifically Lactobacillus crispatus. In contrast, diverse microbial communities depleted of Lactobacillus species and enriched with bacteria associated with Bacterial Vaginosis; a clinical syndrome characterized by vaginal discharge odor and polymicrobial overgrowth, increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including miscarriage and preterm birth. Preterm birth represents a significant global health burden.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Many women experience dysphoria and physical symptoms approximately two weeks before menstruation. The discomfort, both physical and psychological, is associated with the luteal phase, the second half of the menstrual cycle, and typically resolves when menstruation ends. The global prevalence of premenstrual syndrome is estimated at 47.8%, while the most severe form of PMS - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects 3-8% of women of reproductive age. The most common psychological symptoms of PMS include irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, and depressed mood. Physical ones, on the other hand, mainly involve abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches.
Coronary small vessel disease (CSVD), also known as microvascular angina or microvascular coronary disease, is a condition that affects the heart's tiniest arteries. Unlike traditional coronary artery disease), which involves blockages in the larger arteries of the heart, CSVD involves dysfunction in the small vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. This condition can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms that resemble those of traditional coronary artery disease. Women are most often affected by this disease.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibers in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This damage slows or blocks nerve signals, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Multiple sclerosis is significantly more common in women. Women are up to three times more likely to develop MS with the most common type, relapsing-remitting MS, being particularly prevalent among women. MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
FemTech, short for female technology, refers to software and services that utilize technology to address women's health needs. The emergence of women’s health technologies, or ‘FemTech’, is a significant advancement in women’s healthcare and reproductive rights. These rights, which include the right to abortion, contraception, and equitable fertility treatment, are essential to guaranteeing women’s bodily autonomy and human dignity. The FemTech industry promises to empower women by offering them tools to better understand and manage their reproductive health through a solid empowerment narrative. While offering potential for improved access to healthcare and personalized solutions, FemTech also faces challenges related to data privacy, regulatory issues, and the need for more robust scientific evidence.
In the journey of assisted reproductive technology (ART), in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a transformative solution for individuals and couples striving to achieve parenthood. Among the various techniques in IVF, Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) has gained remarkable prominence. Frozen Embryo Transfer, FET involves the cryopreservation of embryos and their subsequent thawing and transfer during a later menstrual cycle. Over the years, FET has demonstrated significant advantages, particularly in yielding higher implantation and pregnancy rates as compared to fresh embryo transfers. This article explores how FET has evolved, the scientific rationale behind its success, and its implications for reproductive medicine.