Laser therapy gains credibility as effective option for treating vaginal problems

Nearly 50% of menopausal women complain of vaginal dryness, itching, and burning, among other commonly reported menopause symptoms. Laser therapy is one of the newer techniques for addressing these problems. A new study suggests that it is as effective and safe as vaginal estrogen in improving sexual and urinary functionality.

Read more

Tenfold increase in number of adolescents on HIV treatment in South Africa since 2010, but many still untreated

A new study of more than 700,000 one to 19-year olds being treated for HIV infection suggests a ten-fold increase in the number of adolescents aged 15 to 19 receiving HIV treatment in South Africa.

Read more

Teen study reveals how schools influence e-cigarette use, outlines prevention strategies

When e-cigarettes hit the US market in 2007, they were promoted as a safer, healthier alternative to traditional, combustible cigarettes. The unintended consequence of vaping devices and e-cigarettes, however, is a new generation of vapers — teenagers — becoming addicted to nicotine. This study examines how schools influence e-cigarette use in adolescence, outlining various prevention strategies as well to hopefully decrease the trend of teenage vapers.

Read more

Outcomes of birth options after a previous Cesarean section

A large cohort study of women who have had one or more previous Cesarean sections suggests that attempting a vaginal birth in a subsequent pregnancy is associated with higher health risks to both the mother and the infant than electing for another Cesarean. The research, published in PLOS Medicine on Sept. 24, 2019, addresses a lack of information on the outcomes of birth options after previous cesarean section and can be used to counsel women about their choices.

Read more

Starting HIV treatment in ERs may be key to ending HIV spread worldwide

Researchers say they have evidence that hospital emergency departments (EDs) worldwide may be key strategic settings for curbing the spread of HIV infections in hard-to-reach populations if the EDs jump-start treatment and case management as well as diagnosis of the disease.

Read more