Both Cervical and Systemic Innate Immunity Predictors of HIV Risk Are Associated With HSV-2 Acquisition

3D illustration of herpes simplex virus (HSV) on plain blue background

Building on previous findings, Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers report that the immunity imbalance predisposing to herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) isn’t limited to the cervix but rather extends to the systemic circulation. HSV-2 may alter both mucosal and peripheral innate immunity to contribute to HIV-1 risk.

Read More...

Anxiety Among Perinatal Women During COVID-19 More Likely for Those Without Prior GAD

A pregnant woman in deep thought looking out a window, anxiety during COVID-19 concept

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital investigated whether pre-existing anxiety exacerbated COVID-19–related health concerns among women who entered perinatal status early in the pandemic. They found the opposite: levels of COVID-19–related worry were greater among women without a pre-existing anxiety diagnosis.

Read More...

Novel Text Messaging Program Encourages Women With Gestational Diabetes to Self-Monitor Their Glucose

Over the shoulder view of woman outside texting on smartphone

Brigham and Women’s Hospital team has developed an automated two-way text messaging program designed to encourage self-monitoring of blood glucose in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Read More...

Counseling About Assisted Reproduction for Oligoanovulation Should Be Tailored to Specific Diagnosis

Close up of hand pulling out liquid nitrogen straws with frozen embryos and egg cells from dewar

Andrea Lanes, MSc, PhD, of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and colleagues recently became the first to compare outcomes of ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer for oligoanovulatory patients with hypothalamic hypogonadism versus polycystic ovary syndrome.

Read More...

Perioperative Use of Pain Medications Similar for Vaginal and Laparoscopic Repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Female patient in hospital bed recovering after surgery, holding mug and looking out bright window

Minimally invasive surgery is often promoted as a way to reduce postoperative pain after benign gynecological surgery. However, Brigham researchers found vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomy for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse appear to be similar with regard to postoperative pain medication requirements.

Read More...

Sleep Discontinuity in Perimenopausal Women Linked to Female Reproductive Hormone Patterns

Woman in bed covering face, unable to sleep. Alarm clock on bed reads 3:41

The Brigham’s Jamie Coborn, PhD, Hadine Joffe, MD, and colleagues have published empirical evidence that changing hormone dynamics underlie awakenings in perimenopausal women, independent of vasomotor symptoms.

Read More...

Elevated Estradiol on Day of Progesterone Initiation Is Detrimental After Frozen Embryo Transfer

Close up of green tray with researcher removing embryo frozen in liquid nitrogen for IVF procedure

Many IVF programs freeze embryos to mitigate risk of elevated estradiol levels that can negatively affect conception and live birth. However, Brigham researchers determined elevated estradiol levels at the time of progesterone initiation have similarly negative effects on outcomes after frozen embryo transfer cycles.

Read More...

Blood Metabolomic Profiles May Predict Outcomes of Endometriosis Surgery in Adolescents and Young Adults

Young Black woman sitting on edge of bed holding abdomen in pain, pelvic pain endometriosis concept

About one-third of patients with endometriosis have persistent pelvic pain after surgical treatment. Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers have conducted the first study of the relationship between presurgical blood metabolites and postsurgical pain in adolescents and young women with endometriosis.

Read More...

Survey of Preeclampsia Survivors Reveals Need for Better Patient Education, Postpartum Counseling

Doctor shows information on clipboard to pregnant patient seated on table

Ellen W. Seely, MD, and colleagues used a structured survey to ascertain the experience of preeclampsia from the patient’s point of view. The responses demonstrate a need for routine, thorough patient education about preeclampsia early in pregnancy, as well as better postpartum care.

Read More...

Women With IBD Are Vulnerable to Postpartum Infections

Close up of woman holding newborn infant in hospital after giving birth

Brigham and Women’s Hospital conducted the first study that examined a wide spectrum of infectious complications and included a non-IBD control group. They report a higher risk of postpartum infections in women with IBD regardless of the mode of delivery.

Read More...