Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialIncreased Likelihood of Pregnancy Using an App-Connected Ovulation Test System: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Background: Women trying to conceive are increasingly using fertility-tracking software applications to time intercourse. This study evaluated the difference in conception rates between women trying to conceive using an application-connected ovulation test system, which measures urinary luteinizing hormone and an estrogen metabolite, versus those trying without using ovulation testing. Materials and Methods: This home-based study involved 844 volunteers aged 18-40 years seeking to conceive. Volunteers randomized to the test arm were required to use the test system for the duration of the study while those randomized to the control arm were instructed not to use ovulation testing. ⋯ The proportion of women pregnant after one cycle was significantly greater in the test arm (25.4%) compared with the control arm (14.7%; p < 0.001). After two cycles, there continued to be a greater proportion of women pregnant in the test arm compared with the control arm (36.2% vs. 28.6%; p = 0.026). In the test arm, volunteers had intercourse less frequently per cycle compared with those not using ovulation testing (9 [range: 1-60] vs. 10 [range: 1-50]; p = 0.027), but were more likely to target intercourse to a particular part of their cycle compared with those not using ovulation testing (88.5% vs. 57.8%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Using the test system to time intercourse within the fertile window increases the likelihood of conceiving within two menstrual cycles.
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2020
Mammography Screening Practices in Average-Risk Women Aged 40-49 Years in Primary Care: A Comparison of Physician and Nonphysician Providers in Minnesota.
Background: Breast cancer screening practices and the influence of clinical guidelines or recommendations are well documented for physicians, but little is known about the screening practices of nonphysician providers (physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses). The seven breast cancer screening guidelines or recommendations on the use of mammography have the most variation for screening average-risk women 40-49 years of age. Therefore, to better understand the practices of nonphysicians, this study will compare the practices of physicians with nonphysician providers for women 40-49 years of age. ⋯ The American Cancer Society guideline was endorsed as influential by the most respondents. Conclusions: Breast cancer screening practices vary between physicians and nonphysician providers for women 40-49 years of age at average risk. Targeted interventions may help reduce practice variation and ensure high-value care.
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2020
Association of Dietary Magnesium Intake with Fatal Coronary Heart Disease and Sudden Cardiac Death.
Background: Postmenopausal women represent the highest population-based burden of cardiovascular disease, including sudden cardiac death (SCD). Our understanding of the etiology and risk factors contributing to fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) and SCD, particularly among women, is limited. This study examines the association between dietary magnesium intake and fatal CHD and SCD. Materials and Methods: We examined 153,569 postmenopausal women who participated in the Women's Health Initiative recruited between 1993 and 1998. ⋯ In age-adjusted quartile analysis, women with the lowest magnesium intake (189 mg/day) had the greatest risk for fatal CHD (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.40-1.69) and SCD (HR 1.70, 95% CI 0.94-3.07). This association was attenuated in the fully adjusted model, with HRs of 1.19 (95% CI 1.06-1.34) for CHD and 1.24 (95% CI 0.58-2.65) for SCD for the lowest quartile of magnesium intake. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of a potential inverse association between dietary magnesium and fatal CHD and a trend of magnesium with SCD in postmenopausal women. Future studies should confirm this association and consider clinical trials to test whether magnesium supplementation could reduce fatal CHD in high-risk individuals.
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2020
Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Use of Feminine Hygiene Products Among Reproductive-Aged Women in the United States.
Background: Feminine hygiene products (FHPs) are personal care products widely used by women. A few studies have detected some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in FHPs, but no previous epidemiological studies have linked use of these products to human exposure to VOCs using biomarkers. Therefore, we evaluated whether the use of FHPs was associated with VOC exposures among reproductive-aged women in the United States. Materials and Methods: Data on 2432 women aged 20-49 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004 were utilized. ⋯ Compared with never users, women with occasional use (≤1 time/month) of vaginal douching had 18% (95% CI: -12% to 59%) higher concentrations, and those with frequent use (≥2 time/month) had 81% (95% CI: 2% to 221%) higher concentrations of 1,4-DCB (p for trend = 0.04). Use of feminine powder in the past month was significantly associated with 36% (95% CI: 0.4% to 83%) higher concentrations of ethylbenzene. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that differences in whole blood VOC concentrations might be explained by feminine hygiene practices. The presence of environmental chemicals in FHPs warrants further examination.
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Journal of women's health · Jan 2020
Geographic Co-Occurrence of Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Incidence.
Background: Asbestos is an established cause of several cancers, including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Incidence of mesothelioma, the sentinel asbestos-associated cancer, varies by state, likely reflecting different levels of asbestos exposure. We hypothesized that states with high mesothelioma incidence may also have high ovarian cancer incidence. ⋯ Conclusions: Data from state cancer registries show ovarian cancer incidence was positively correlated with mesothelioma incidence, suggesting asbestos may be a common exposure. The potential for asbestos exposure has declined since the 1970s because fewer products contain asbestos; however, some products, materials, and buildings may still release asbestos and thousands of workers may be exposed. Ensuring that people are protected from exposure to asbestos in their workplaces, homes, schools, and communities may reduce the risk of several cancers.