The Informed Woman Magazine - Healthcare Science for Women

Fibroids – Ubiquitous Benign Tumors

Uterine fibroids are common growths of the uterus. They often appear during the reproductive years. Uterine fibroids are not cancer, and they rarely turn into cancer. They aren't linked with a higher risk of other types of cancer in the uterus either. They're also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas.

Most fibroids are asymptomatic and may even be asymptomatic during pregnancy. However, in some cases, they may interfere with conception or can cause spontaneous abortion, missed abortions, abnormal fetal presentation, obstructed labor, an increased likelihood of premature deliveries, and postpartum hemorrhage. Whereas, in non-pregnant women, fibroids are associated with an irregular menstrual cycle, often with heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, constipation, urinary incontinence, and leiosarcoma transformation (a rare aggressive cancer). Uterine fibroids can occur in non-pregnant women and then continue into pregnancy or may develop de novo in pregnancy.

Fusobacterium Endometriosis

- Endometriosis

Fusobacterium Infection Facilitates The Development Of Endometriosis

Summary

Although endometriosis is a common disease affecting up to 15% of women of reproductive age, the mechanisms underlying the disease are not fully understood. Retrograde menstruation is a widely accepted cause of endometriosis. However, not all women who experience retrograde menstruation develop endometriosis, suggesting that other factors might contribute to its development. A recent study demonstrated a pathogenic role of Fusobacterium in the formation of ovarian endometriosis. In a cohort of women, 64% of patients with endometriosis but less than 10% of controls were found to have Fusobacterium infiltration in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). This data supports an additional mechanism for the pathogenesis of endometriosis via Fusobacterium infection and suggests that eradication of this bacterium could be an approach to treat endometriosis

- Fertility
- Pregnancy

Uterine Microbiome and Pregnancy

Summary

Bacterial cells in the human body account for 1-3% of total body weight and are at least equal in number to human cells. Recent research has focused on understanding how the different bacterial communities in the body (eg, gut, respiratory, skin, and vaginal microbiomes) predispose to health and disease. The microbiome of the reproductive tract has historically been assumed to be identical to the vaginal bacterial flora, and the uterus classically was considered to be a sterile cavity but recently has been shown to have its own unique microbiome.

A genital Lactobacillus-dominated flora plays a pivotal role in determining fertility. Lactobacilli dominate the microbial community and are commonly associated with a healthy genital status. Any pathological modification of this Lactobacillus-dominated flora is associated with poor reproductive outcomes. This finding adds a novel microbiological dimension to the reproductive process.

- Endometriosis
- Fertility

Abnormal Uterine Contractions In Endometriosis Are Responsible For Pain And Infertility

Summary

At mid-cycle, uterine contractions are predominantly cervical-fundal (from the bottom of the uterus to the top), specifically toward the fallopian tubes. The amplitude and frequency of the contractions increase significantly as ovulation approaches. There is evidence that this facilitates sperm ascension towards the distal (far) end of the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs. Women with endometriosis display marked uterine hyperperistalsis that differs significantly from the contractions of women without endometriosis. At mid-cycle, uterine contractions in women with endometriosis became dysperistaltic (abnormal), arrhythmic, and convulsive, while in controls, peristalsis continues to show long and regular cervical-fundal (normal) contractions. This may explain the high incidence of infertility even in women with only mild endometriosis.

Ovarian Tissue Freezing

- Menopause

Ovarian Tissue Freezing Can Forestall Menopause

Summary

Most women agree that menopause has its advantages and disadvantages. Some relish the end of menstruation and the concern about unplanned pregnancies, while others dread the possibility of hot flashes, moodiness, and other unpleasant symptoms. Delaying menopause with ovarian cryopreservation may also confer certain health benefits associated with a later menopausal age. Studies show that women who experience menopause later may live longer and have a lower risk for a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, and bone loss.

Gender vs Sexuality

- Editorial

Sexuality Is Fluid Gender Is Immutable

Women have 28 trillion cells all with XX chromosomes; and males have 36 trillion cells with XY chromosomes. The Y chromosome carries genes that are involved in basic cellular functions. In females, most genes on one of the two X chromosomes are silenced in every cell. This inactivation makes each female a functional mosaic because some cells express one X chromosome, and other cells express the other. The advantages of heterozygosity can be amplified by selection against cells in which the active X chromosome carries a detrimental allele.

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