Charting and the Science of the Cycle, Fertility Apps and FEMM Tech, Research, Women's Health & FABMs
Fertility awareness-based methods rely on various biomarkers of fertility, including physical signs (e.g., cervical mucus and basal body temperature) and key hormones. Specifically, the rise in estradiol and the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) play an important role in ovulation and a woman’s cycle. Devices can be used to measure hormone levels to further delineate specific changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Kellie Wo, DO explores the use of technology and devices in this research review.
Miscellaneous, Research
To close this month’s series on male fertility, Dr. Emily Woodard reviewed a 2019 article published in Global Reproductive Health titled, “Male infertility and environmental factors.” The data reported over the years about the potential impact of environmental factors on fertility is compelling. Still, more research is needed to not only identify factors that negatively impact fertility but also to protect fertility in men and women through proven preventive strategies.
Miscellaneous, Research
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.
Miscellaneous, Research
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.”
Miscellaneous, Research
FACTS will post throughout the month of June on issues of men’s health and the importance of male fertility. Our series begins with a review of research by fourth-year medical student, Victoria Anderson, published in JAMA in 2020 by Schisterman et al titled, “Effect of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation in Men on Semen Quality and Live Birth Among Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.”
Miscellaneous, Research
A short luteal phase has significant implications for a woman’s fertility and is associated with early pregnancy loss and infertility. In this week’s post, Dr. Shum Sin reviews a 2018 research article by Abdulla et al titled, “Hormonal predictors of abnormal luteal phases in normal cycling women.” The study sheds light on the importance of normal follicular development, ovarian follicle size, and a healthy hormonal milieu to support a normal luteal phase.
