Reproductive Health News and Research

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Zebrafish study reveals hidden dangers in recycled plastic

A single pellet of recycled plastic can contain over 80 different chemicals. A new study with researchers from University of Gothenburg and Leipzig shows that recycled polyethylene plastic can leach chemicals into water causing impacts in the hormone systems and lipid metabolism of zebrafish larvae.

23 Jun 2025

Global guideline released by WHO on managing sickle cell disease in pregnancy

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released its first-ever global guideline on the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, addressing a critical and growing health challenge that can have life-threatening consequences for both women and babies.

19 Jun 2025

Wayne State researchers investigate PFAS impact on male fertility

A new grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will help Wayne State University researchers explore potential connections between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and adverse effects on male reproductive health.

17 Jun 2025

Arts-based body-maps reveal the complex lives of nail salon workers

There is a growing body of evidence on the occupational health experiences of nail technicians, which can include musculoskeletal aches and pains (linked to poor ergonomic design), adverse respiratory, dermal, and ocular health impacts (linked to chemical exposures), worries about cancer and reproductive health (linked to long-term chemical exposures), and various digestive and neurological symptoms (linked to workplace stressors).

14 Jun 2025

Lynch syndrome testing often missed in womb cancer patients

Patients with womb cancer are not being tested for a genetic condition that increases their chance of developing further cancers, a study has found.

9 Jun 2025

Glycan mapping reveals what keeps the vaginal microbiome healthy

Glycan-bacteria binding profiles in the vaginal microbiome provide insights into reproductive health, highlighting targets for infection prevention strategies.

9 Jun 2025

Promoting more respectful and inclusive care in reproductive health cinics

Millions of young women around the world face stigma and bias when seeking reproductive health services, often limiting their access to contraception and quality care.

3 Jun 2025

Public actions can help reduce discrimination, stigma faced by menopausal women

Hot flushes, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, urinary incontinence and joint pain: these are just some of the more than 100 symptoms associated with the menopause, a natural process that all women go through when they stop ovulating and menstruating, typically between the ages of 45 and 55.

26 May 2025

Climate change threatens sexual and reproductive health of young adolescents in Kenya

Climate change and extreme weather events are threatening the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of young adolescents in Kenya, according to a new study published earlier this month in BMJ Global Health.

26 May 2025

KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': Bill with billions in health program cuts passes House

With only a single vote to spare, the House passed a controversial budget bill that includes billions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthy, along with billions of dollars of cuts to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the food stamp program — most of which will affect those at the lower end of the income scale.

23 May 2025

Cutting back on sugary drinks may protect men’s fertility, review finds

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with lower sperm count, motility, and increased DNA damage, potentially impairing male reproductive health. This narrative review highlights dose-response effects, mechanisms, and research gaps, calling for further studies on diverse populations.

22 May 2025

Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods linked to earlier menopause

A new study led by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute highlights the significant impact of living in disadvantaged neighborhoods on the onset of menopause.

22 May 2025

Global report highlights key health challenges facing adolescents

Poor mental health, rising obesity rates, exposure to violence and climate change are among the key challenges facing our adolescents today, according to a global report.

20 May 2025

Sucralose disrupts male fertility by damaging sperm and altering hormones in animal study

Researchers found that chronic sucralose exposure in male rats disrupted reproductive hormones, damaged sperm, and impaired testicular function through oxidative stress and autophagy dysregulation. These findings raise concerns about the reproductive risks of high sucralose intake and its persistent presence in the environment.

19 May 2025

Rural patients face tough choices when their hospitals stop delivering babies

Sophie Hofeldt planned to receive prenatal care and give birth at her local hospital, 10 minutes from her house. Instead, she's driving more than three hours round trip for her appointments.

19 May 2025

Even where abortion is still legal, many brick-and-mortar clinics are closing

On the last day of patient care at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Marquette, Michigan, a port town on the shore of Lake Superior, dozens of people crowded into the parking lot and alley, holding pink homemade signs that read "Thank You!" and "Forever Grateful."

16 May 2025

KFF Health News' 'What the Health?': GOP poised to cut billions in health benefits

After all-night markups, two key House committees approved GOP budget legislation that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars from federal health programs over the next decade, mostly from the Medicaid program for people with low incomes or disabilities.

15 May 2025

Air travel disrupts DNA repair in flight crew, raising cancer concerns

Researchers found that flight attendants show reduced DNA repair capacity and immune changes after air travel, which may help explain their higher cancer risk.

14 May 2025

Study reveals phthalate exposure harms early sexual development in children

Maternal exposure to phthalates during pregnancy is linked to shorter anogenital distance in 3-year-old boys, a marker of impaired sexual development. Girls showed similar outcomes from their own postnatal exposure, highlighting the lasting hormonal risks of environmental pollutants.

10 May 2025

Low phosphate levels may help explain male infertility, study finds

Men with fertility problems were significantly more likely to have low blood phosphate levels, a mineral essential for energy and reproductive function. Researchers found lower phosphate was linked to poorer sperm motility, suggesting a possible pathway for new fertility treatments.

10 May 2025