Long-term Symptom Severity, Quality of Life Comparable Across Uterine-sparing Procedures for Fibroids

Brigham researchers report long-term outcomes of COMPARE-UF, a study of women who underwent procedural treatment of uterine fibroids. They say symptom severity and quality of life were comparable with surgical and nonsurgical uterine-sparing procedures, but only hysterectomy patients showed sustained relief at year 3.

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Very-Low- and Ultra-Low-Dose Lupron Are Reasonable for Potential Poor Responders to Ovarian Stimulation

Long dosing of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist is often used for individuals experiencing poor response to ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization. Brigham researchers report very-low-dose and ultra-low-dose Lupron downregulation led to similar outcomes of other protocols for poor responders.

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Validated Score Predicts Which Women Are at Risk of Midlife Declines in Physical Health and Function

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital used information from two large U.S. cohorts to derive and validate a risk score that predicts clinically meaningful midlife declines in physical health and function among women. Importantly, the score is based on variables that are easy to obtain in clinical practice.

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How Do Male Anxiety and Depression Affect IVF Outcomes, and Can Antidepressants Help?

A study conducted by six Brigham specialists explored the impact of men’s mental health on fertility treatment and found no difference in IVF outcomes among men with or without anxiety, regardless of antidepressant use. First author Zachary Walker, MD, discusses the paper’s key findings and clinical implications.

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Stem Cells Restore Ovarian Function and Fertility to Mice Treated With Chemotherapy

Differentiation of iPSCs labeled with green fluorescent protein into oocytes.

Researchers at the Brigham have demonstrated that mice with ovarian failure caused by chemotherapy can have their fertility restored using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Not only were the mice able to make functional eggs from the iPSCs, but those eggs developed into pups that were able to reproduce.

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Department Chair Reflects on Brigham OB/GYN Ranking #1 in the Nation for Second Consecutive Year

U.S. News & World Report 2023-24 ranks Brigham and Women’s Hospital #1 in the nation for Obstetrics and Gynecology for the second consecutive year. Department Chair Nawal Nour, MD, MPH, celebrates this major accomplishment by reflecting on the team’s commitment to providing comprehensive, equitable OB/GYN care.

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Peak Total and Free Testosterone in Women of Reproductive Age Are Higher Than Previously Reported

3D rendering of testosterone molecule, ball-and-stick molecular model

Measuring serum testosterone (T) levels in women aids in the diagnosis of disorders of androgen excess. Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers examined changes in T and dihydrotestosterone levels, reporting higher levels of total and free T and emphasizing the need for menstrual phase–specific reference ranges.

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Total Motile Count of 2 Million Proposed As Threshold for Intrauterine Insemination

Patient at consultation with doctor, intrauterine insemination concept

Mass General Brigham researchers have conducted the first study to evaluate pregnancy rates in intrauterine insemination according to both total motile count (TMC) and stimulation regimen. They report encouraging data for many patients with insemination TMC <10 million.

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First-ever In Utero Cerebrovascular Surgery for Vascular Malformation a Success

Ultrasound image of baby's head during hospital visit

Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital have performed the first-ever in-utero cerebrovascular surgery in the U.S. They successfully treated an aggressive vascular malformation in an infant’s brain before birth, preventing potentially fatal symptoms after delivery.

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No Optimal Technique Identified for Oocyte Retrieval But Certain Principles Apply

In vitro fertilization of a human female cell on a blue background. Microscopic view, 3d rendering

There are no published guidelines that address oocyte retrieval techniques for assisted reproduction. Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers surveyed physicians about their own techniques, and although no clear top-performing technique was evident, the team suggests some principles to follow.

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