Current Women's Health Reviews - Volume 22, Issue 2, 2026

Considerable advances in the field of medical technology have provided the chance for infertile couples to have children. Using donated oocytes is one of the methods of assisted reproductive technologies. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting the intention to receive donated oocytes in infertile people based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 infertile people referred to the Infertility Department of Fatemiyeh Hospital in Hamadan, west of Iran, in 2022. Participants were recruited using the convenience sampling method. The relationships between variables were determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression using SPSS software version 24. The significance level was considered at p < 0.05.

Participants’ mean age was 34.0 (standard deviation = 6.3). Most participants were female (n = 225, 75%). The intention had a significant positive correlation with attitude (r = 0.193, p < 0.01), subjective norms (r = 0.524, p < 0.01), and behavioral perceived control (r = 0.589, p < 0.01). The strongest predictor of behavioral intention to receive donated oocytes was behavioral perceived control (β = 0.422, p < 0.05), followed by subjective norms (β = 0.289, p < 0.05).

The results revealed that the intention to receive donated oocytes had a significant positive correlation with all TPB constructs. Considering the predictive power of perceived behavioral control and subjective norms in the intention to receive donated oocytes, it is necessary to pay more attention to the important role of these two constructs, compared to the attitude construct, in designing and implementing interventions related to the acceptance of this infertility treatment.

Pilomatrixoma, a benign skin tumour originating from hair follicle matrix cells, is characterized by basophilic and shadow cells with calcification and commonly presents as a firm, painless subcutaneous nodule. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting 6-12% of women globally, marked by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. It presents with symptoms, such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, hirsutism, insulin resistance, and increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and infertility.

A 13-year-old female with upper back swelling was diagnosed with pilomatrixoma. Histopathology revealed basophilic and shadow cells, and lab results indicated elevated lymphocyte counts, reduced monocyte counts, high RBC levels, and microcytic anemia. Ultrasound showed mild polycystic ovarian changes. While pilomatrixoma and PCOS are distinct, shared factors, such as hormonal influences and immune dysregulation, may suggest potential links. Hormonal changes in PCOS, particularly hyperandrogenism, may promote erythropoiesis, contributing to systemic effects observed in pilomatrixoma. Genetic mutations, like CTNNB1, and inflammatory states associated with pilomatrixoma may influence iron metabolism, exacerbating anemia.

No direct correlation exists between pilomatrixoma and PCOS. Shared hormonal and genetic factors warrant further research, but these remain distinct entities with separate clinical management.

Numerous lifestyle factors contribute to the incidence of infertility, which is a major concern for couples throughout the globe. The effectiveness of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is highly dependent on the characteristics of the culture media used.

The present research study aimed to determine the effects of L-aspartic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the success rate of IVF in NMRI mice.

The solutions of L-aspartic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and synthesized AgNPs were prepared. The 6-8 weeks-old NMRI male mice were used as sperm donors, and 6-8 weeks-old NMRI mice were used for oocyte donation. In addition, the IVF procedure was performed using 50 µL drops of KSOM+5%BSA in mineral oil. Seven different experimental groups were investigated in addition to the control group. Oocytes were exposed to sperm for 4-6 h in the KSOM medium as a control group.

According to the results, the groups containing supplements “AgNPs”, “L-aspartic acid”, and “AgNPs + L-ascorbic acid”, were not suitable for the 2PN stage. In contrast, the group containing “L-aspartic acid + L-ascorbic acid” was the best group for the 2PN stage. In addition, supplementation of the mixture of L-aspartic acid and AgNPs solution in KSOM+BSA culture medium was the most suitable group for the 2Cell stage.

In conclusion, the study highlighted the varying impacts of L-aspartic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and AgNPs on IVF outcomes in NMRI mice. Group E, combining L-aspartic acid and AgNPs, emerged as effective for 2Cell development. Future research should explore the underlying biochemical mechanisms of these findings. Furthermore, another study is in progress that utilizes these supplements to generate 2PN first, and then the supplement-free medium as the cleavage media.

This commentary aimed to evaluate the impact of societal barriers, technological advancements, and integrated healthcare approaches on women’s reproductive health.

This commentary was written by analyzing recent peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and credible data sources related to women’s reproductive health.

Social stigma persists around issues like infertility, contraception, and abortion. However, advancements like telemedicine, AI diagnostics, and targeted supplementations with nutraceuticals, including omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics, have significantly improved the overall health and well-being of women.

Combining culturally sensitive engagements, legal reforms, and innovative healthcare technologies offers a holistic framework for advancing equitable and effective reproductive healthcare.

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common menstrual disorder characterized by lower abdominal pain. Conservative strategies have been indicated to reduce symptoms of PD. This study aims to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers of physiotherapists regarding the assessment and treatment of PD.

This is a cross-sectional study using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire to assess the sociodemographic, academic, and professional characteristics of physiotherapists, as well as their attitudes, perceptions, and barriers related to evidence-based practice (EBP) in the assessment and treatment of PD.

Thirty Brazilian physiotherapists participated in the study, 50% of whom specialized in women's health. Approximately 96.6% of women worked in healthcare. The majority (86.7%) “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that they adopt evidence-based practice (EBP) attitudes when managing patients with PD. Exercise (96.6%), manual therapy (90.0%), and thermal therapy (56.6%) were the most reported options for treating PD. Of the physiotherapists who used transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), approximately 23.3% reported that the most common parameter for treating PD was high frequency (HF-TENS).

Brazilian physiotherapists demonstrate knowledge and positive attitudes towards evidence-based treatment of PD. However, some physiotherapeutic techniques cited for treating PD have limited supporting evidence, which may be related to barriers to implementing EBP in clinical settings.

Thalassemia, an inherited blood disease characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production, is a global health issue. Although the effects of thalassemia on human health are well-documented, less is known regarding its implications on pregnancy, particularly maternal outcomes. Analyzing thalassemia during pregnancy is crucial to understanding the risks, complications, and results. This research is essential for clinical practice and maternity care.

The objective of this study was to determine the pregnancy outcomes in females with β-thalassemia minor visiting Jinnah Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore.

This was a case-control study. A validated questionnaire was used to assess key socio-demographic variables relevant to the study, certain practices, and maternal outcomes. Information was entered, and results were obtained using SPSS version 24.0.

Using purposive sampling, the study enrolled 92 pregnant females (46 cases, 46 controls). It was observed that beta-thalassemia increases the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) by 3.23 times (p = 0.025, OR = 3.226 (95% CI: 1.12-9.27)). Moreover, the risk of preeclampsia also increased by 5.08-fold in pregnant women (p = 0.005, OR = 5.081, (95% CI: 1.53-16.81)). Women with β-thalassemia minor had a statistically significant greater prevalence of blood transfusions before pregnancy (p < 0.001) and during pregnancy (p = 0.019) compared to women without the disease. Low birth weight infants were more likely to be born to mothers with beta-thalassemia. In healthy pregnant women, a birth weight above 2500 g is more common, whereas in β-thalassemia cases, the opposite is true (p = 0.002, OR = 4.355 (95% CI: 1.67-11.33)).

While β-thalassemia minor is usually asymptomatic prior to pregnancy, women who have it are more likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcomes than women who do not. These include a higher incidence of low birth weight babies, oligohydramnios, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, preterm membrane rupture, anemia, and hypertension. Both before (p < 0.001) and during pregnancy (p = 0.019), they also show a markedly elevated need for blood transfusions. These results highlight the significance of focused prenatal treatment and monitoring in this population to reduce adverse consequences.

Ovarian cystectomy is a common treatment for endometriomas; however, its long-term impact on ovarian reserve remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the long-term pattern of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels following cystectomy and to determine whether ovarian reserve recovers or continues to decline over time.

This retrospective study analysed fifty patients who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy for suspected endometriomas, with a final mean follow-up of 23.3 months (95% CI, 20.90–25.80). Serum AMH levels were measured preoperatively, at 6 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Changes in AMH levels were compared between patients with unilateral and bilateral endometriomas.

A significant decline in AMH levels was observed postoperatively. Mean AMH decreased from 2.60 ± 0.87 ng/mL at baseline to 1.37 ± 0.39 ng/mL at 6 months (decline of -1.23 ng/mL, P < 0.05) and further to 1.13 ± 0.43 ng/mL at final follow-up (cumulative decline of -1.47 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Patients with bilateral endometriomas experienced a significantly greater reduction in AMH (-2.79 ± 1.98 ng/mL, 72%) compared to those with unilateral endometriomas (-0.77 ± 0.49 ng/mL, 39%) (P < 0.05).

Cystectomy for ovarian endometriomas reduces symptoms but significantly impairs ovarian reserve, particularly in bilateral cases, as indicated by a sustained drop in AMH levels. Fertility-preserving alternatives, such as hydro-dissection and partial excision with ablation, may limit ovarian damage. Complete excision is reserved for select high-risk cases. Limitations include a small sample size and the absence of a control group.

The decline in AMH following ovarian cystectomy is progressive and does not show evidence of recovery in most patients. Bilateral cystectomy has a more profound impact on ovarian reserve than unilateral surgery. Patients should be counselled about the potential long-term effects on fertility, and fertility-preserving strategies should be considered when managing endometriomas in women desiring future conception.

Reproductive span is defined as the duration between menarche and menopause. This study aims to estimate natural menopause age and reproductive span, and investigate their relationship with menarche age, which provides important information about women's health status in an Iranian society.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 4415 women who participated in the enrollment phase of the Shahedieh cohort study. Of 1715 subjects who experienced menopause, 1276 women had natural menopause. Age at menopause and reproductive life span were estimated in 4,415 women, aged 35 to 70 years, who were a part of the Persian cohort study by Kaplan-Meier. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of menopause by breastfeeding duration were determined using Cox regression.

In all menarche groups, the median age of menopause was estimated to be 52 years for 1276 women who had natural menopause and 3139 women who did not. The estimated median of the reproductive period was 38, which decreased with increasing age at menarche (P< 0.001), which did not change even after adjusting for breastfeeding. Women with menarche at age≤11 years had 2 years longer and women with menarche at age>14 years had 2 years shorter median reproductive period than women with menarche at age 12-13 years (median: 41 versus 37 years). According to the adjusted Cox regression model for breastfeeding duration, women with early menarche had the lowest hazard rates of menopause (HR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.56–0.87). HR for the late menarche age group had the highest hazard rates of menopause (HR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.25-1.59).

Menarche age was not a significant determinant for menopause age, while it is a strong indicator for the duration of women’s reproductive period.

Preeclampsia is a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity, highlighting the importance of early detection. While serum cystatin C is a promising biomarker for detecting renal impairment, its role in Vietnamese preeclamptic women remains underexplored.

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of serum cystatin C and other renal biomarkers in assessing preeclampsia and investigate factors influencing serum cystatin C levels, with a focus on improving early detection and management in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 50 healthy, normotensive, non-proteinuric pregnant women. Data collected included age, height, weight, body mass index, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), gestational age, platelet count, and various biochemical parameters, such as serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, cystatin C, urine creatinine, urine volume, 24-hour creatinine clearance (CrCl), 24-hour urine protein, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). These parameters were analyzed using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation and regression analyses. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to describe the relationship between sensitivity and specificity at different cut-off points.

Serum cystatin C and 24-hour urine protein levels were higher in the severe preeclampsia group, while the median 24-hour urine volume was lower compared to the healthy group. Weak negative correlations were observed between serum cystatin C levels and DBP in the healthy group and 24-hour CrCl in the non-severe preeclampsia group (p<0.05). Moderate positive correlations were found between serum cystatin C levels and serum creatinine in the non-severe preeclampsia group and between pregnant women’s age and serum creatinine in the severe preeclampsia group (p<0.05). Notably, serum cystatin C levels strongly correlated with gestational age in the severe preeclampsia group (p<0.05). SGOT, SGPT, 24-hour urine protein, SBP, and maternal weight were identified as significant independent predictors of serum cystatin C levels.

While serum cystatin C levels demonstrated strong predictive value for preeclampsia (AUC=0.980, p<0.001), they showed limited utility in distinguishing between severe and non-severe forms of the condition. Future studies should explore additional biomarkers to complement its predictive value. Nonetheless, its correlation with key renal function markers highlights its potential role in preeclampsia management.