This week’s post features a review of research published in 2016 about the effectiveness of cycle computers to indicate the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. The study joins the expanding body of research assessing devices, apps, and other female technology (fem-tech) growing in popularity as women seek non-hormonal ways to plan their families and monitor their health. The summary was written by Dr. Matthew Thigpen as part of a two-week online elective taught by FACTS executive director, Dr. Marguerite Duane, at Georgetown University College of Medicine.
For years, fertility was measured by how “regular” the woman was (i.e., the length and frequency of her menstrual cycles). With the onset of hormonal testing, scientists developed ways to more easily and objectively track a woman’s invisible hormonal physiology. This post, written by Dr. Rachel Engle, is a review of research published in 2013 which examines the characteristics and variability of individual normal menstrual cycle profiles using at-home monitors to test urine and serum and measure hormone metabolites. Click to read more.
September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, and we join the many organizations raising awareness and providing education about this common condition. PCOS affects 10-15% of women and is the leading cause of female infertility. It is also associated with medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, among others. Learn here how PCOS can affect infertility.
In this week’s post, Dr. Macy Rupprecht reviews the study “What do people know about fertility? A systematic review on fertility awareness and its associated factors.” The study brings to light various factors that may impact the effectiveness of fertility awareness education and guide future research.
In this article, Dr. Natalie Corrilo reviews research originally published in 2017 by Fehring, et al in the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing titled, “Effectiveness of a Natural Family Planning Service Program.” The study sought to determine and compare extended use-effectiveness of the Marquette Method online system among women seeking to avoid pregnancy.
It’s Men’s Health Week! In this week’s post, 3rd year family medicine resident, Jason Faucheux, DO, summarizes a just published important study titled “Metabolic Syndrome and Male Fertility.” Published last month in The World Journal of Men’s Health, the study notes a global decrease in birth rates alongside a rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome worldwide, and assesses the relationship between metabolic syndrome and male reproductive health.
