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A noninvasive test that analyzes fetal cell-free (cf) DNA in a pregnant woman’s blood can accurately detect trisomy 21 and other genetic fetal abnormalities in the first trimester, according to the results of a new study.

Prolonging treatment with adjuvant tamoxifen from 5 years to 10 years decreases risk of breast cancer recurrence (15% reduction over 5 years of therapy) as well as mortality (25% reduction at year 10) for women in the initial stages of breast cancer. Richard Gray, MD, MSc, of the University of Oxford, UK, presented this finding from results of the aTTom trial (Adjuvant Tamoxifen: To Offer More?) at the 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago in early June.

The Obama administration on Monday abandoned its attempt to restrict access to the emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication-a decision that’s being celebrated by some groups.

A large-scale observational comparison of 2D vs 3D mammography by researchers at a Texas breast center shows a benefit for 3D technology in cancer detection rates.

A 2-dose quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series in girls may be as immunogenic as a 3-dose series, but there may be a loss of noninferiority to some genotypes after 2 years.

Urodynamic studies prior to surgery in women with well-characterized stress urinary incontinence may be unnecessary, according to the findings of a recent study.

Authors of a new study identified four strategies for cervical cancer screening that maximize benefits while reducing the potential for harm.

A new study in PLOS Medicine suggests that , there may be a link between domestic violence and perinatal mental health disorders. Women who develop mental health issues around birth are more likely to have experienced domestic violence.

A test for cervical cancer that uses ordinary vinegar--and that can be performed by trained laypersons--holds promise for poor countries where cytology-based screening is not easily implemented. This low-cost, innovative solution to a pressing women’s health problem was presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago.

FDA advised healthcare professionals not to use magnesium sulfate injection for more than 5-7 days to stop preterm labor in pregnant women, according to a May 30 drug safety communication.

The FDA has changed the Pregnancy Category of magnesium sulfate from ‘A’ to ‘D,’ indicating that there is “positive evidence of human fetal risk” when the drug is used during pregnancy.

Positioning sutures away from an intervertebral disc at the promontory may help reduce the risk of disc-related sequelae after sacrocolpopexy, concluded a review of spinal MRIs of women undergoing surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse.

Doing nothing is no longer an option, say the authors. Cervical length assessment should be provided to a larger population of women to identify and treat those with cervical shortening.

Is there evidence that patient care has improved since the work limits took effect?

Having a hysterectomy with or without ovary removal in mid-life does not increase a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease compared to women who reach natural menopause, contrary to many previously reported studies.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s (USPSTF) 2009 recommendation has done little to change women’s minds about the need for routine screening in their 40s.

Researchers found that nearly one-third of women experienced a recurrence of POP, either on examination or by reported symptoms, within 5 years of surgery.

What you need to know about recent research on genetic causes and prevention. An editorial by Editor in Chief Charles J. Lockwood, MD.

Excessive traction blamed for brachial plexus injury; bowel injury after laparoscopy; prolonged second stage blamed for CP; failure to perform timely cesarean blamed for child’s developmental delay; uterus perforated during hysteroscopy; severe IUGR not detected in high-risk pregnancy

Three major Ohio universities and 4 hospitals have joined with the March of Dimes Foundation to establish a new collaborative research program aimed exclusively at finding the unknown causes of premature birth.

The guidance you need for coding cervical screening from the SMFM Coding Committee.

A commentary on ACOG Practice Bulletin Number 131: Screening for Cervical Cancer, November 2012

Many women who undergo abdominal sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) experience a recurrence of POP or urinary incontinence within 5 years of surgery.

The British Menopause Society (BMS) on May 23 released updated recommendations on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), claiming that they are finally providing clarity to this murky issue. The new guidelines appear in the society’s flagship journal, Menopause International. Developed by a panel of experts, the guidelines discuss how women can optimize their menopause transition, focusing in particular on lifestyle and diet and the pros and cons of complementary therapies.

Despite several studies indicating that women with copper IUDs suffer from worse dysmenorrhea than those who don’t have the device, a recent study published on April 11, 2013, in Human Reproduction indicates that this may not be entirely accurate.

Women with a history of preeclampsia or other hypertensive pregnancy diseases are more likely to experience vasomotor menopausal symptoms.