Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an important condition that all medical professionals who care for women should understand. It is estimated that between 5 and 20% of women suffer from PCOS. Dr. Jeremy Lickteig summarized the 2018 article titled, “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” that was published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and discusses how fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) can help identify and manage root causes of PCOS to aid in restoring fertility. Read more!
Special Feature: A Trauma Surgeon’s Transformative Generosity
This month, we had the opportunity to get to know a trauma surgeon who has been an unwavering supporter of FACTS since before its launch in 2010! Her generous financial gifts have sustained FACTS every step of the way, and her kind support has been an uplifting source of encouragement for the FACTS team. Simply stated, FACTS would not be where it is without the generosity of Dr. Therese M. Duane, the sister of our executive director and cofounder, Dr. Marguerite Duane.
FACTS Benefactor: Donna Chacko, MD
Since its inception in 2010, FACTS has relied on the generous support of our benefactors who recognize the importance of fertility awareness and value the work of FACTS. In the coming months, we will feature some of our regular donors to thank them for their financial contributions as well as the encouragement they provide through their kindness and generosity. This month we introduce Dr. Donna Chacko, a retired physician and author who donates consistently to the work of FACTS.
Primary Care Interventions to Support Breastfeeding: A Research Review
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both mother and baby, and most medical organizations recommend breastfeeding for at least six months. Yet, CDC data from 2002-2012 reveal that although 80% of infants in the U.S. have been breastfed, only about 21.9% are breastfed exclusively until at least the 6-month mark. In this research review, Dr. Nikita Satapathy summarizes evidence analyzed by Patnode et al that supported the update in the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for breastfeeding.
A Woman Empowered by FABMs: How Charting Transforms Lives
Allowing women to decide for themselves how to approach their reproductive health with all the options in front of them helps them make a more informed decision. Katherine Watson, DO interviews a patient turned FABM educator who decided to help fill the void she felt was lacking in standard women’s healthcare.
A Natural Tool to Avoid or Achieve Pregnancy
The ability to accurately detect both the fertile window and the 2-day ovulation period is a key feature of many fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs). These methods utilize various clinical signs, such as cervical mucus, basal body temperature (BBT), and hormone levels, to identify times of fertility. This knowledge can help couples avoid or achieve pregnancy based on their goals for family planning. Martha Smith, DO, explores how external signs can serve as important components of effective natural family planning.
The NaPro Guru: An Interview with Dr. Christine Cimo Hemphill
In the year of the pandemic, outstanding educators like Dr. Christine Cimo Hemphill met the increased demand for high quality online education imparting new knowledge and innovative ways to approach familiar conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This interview with Dr. Hemphill describes ways in which a fellowship in NaProTECHNOLOGY enhanced both her training and practice as a physician specialized in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn). The interview was conducted by Dr. Karen Hayde during the FACTS elective.
The Value of Men’s Involvement with FABMs
During Men’s Health Month, we are excited to feature this interview with a patient who has experienced the value of having a male partner fully invested in using fertility-awareness-based methods (FABMs) for family planning. This interview is part of our series that highlights the reality of using FABMs, including benefits as well as challenges of the various methods. Hannah Sinks, a second-year medical student, conducted this interview as part of a two-week online selective.
Diet Matters in Male Fertility: A Research Review
This week’s research review continues our series on male fertility and summarizes a fascinating piece published in 2015 titled, “The Association between Dietary Patterns and Semen Quality in a General Asian Population of 7282 Males.” The synopsis was written by Dr. Taylor Keen while on the FACTS online elective in fertility awareness.
The Role of Men in Family Planning: A Research Review
To celebrate Men’s Health, FACTS is publishing research reviews and interviews throughout the month of June to raise awareness about the importance of addressing male fertility. This week’s review discusses the often-neglected and essential role of men in family planning. Dr. Nicholas Burstein summarized the 2017 article published in Malaysian Family Physician titled, “The roles of men in family planning – a study of married men at the UKM primary care clinic.”