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Objective: To determine the accuracy of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA samples on filter paper in comparison to specimen transport medium (STM). Methods: This was a cross‐sectional diagnostic study of 42 consecutive women who were prospectively recruited. Each had self‐collected vaginal samples on filter paper, physician‐collected cervical samples on filter paper, and physician‐collected cervical samples in STM. HPV DNA testing was performed with a Hybrid Capture 2 system (Qiagen). Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and agreement of filter paper methods with the standard procedure were calculated. Results: The overall prevalence of HPV in STM was 67.5%. Detection of HPV DNA in the physician‐collected cervical samples on filter paper had a sensitivity of 77.8%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%, and an NPV of 68.4%. The patient's self‐sampling on filter paper had a sensitivity of 66.7%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%, and an NPV of 59.1%. The agreement between STM method and physician‐collected sample on filter paper was substantial, (κ = 0.695, P < 0.001), while the agreement between STM and self‐collected samples on filter paper was moderate (κ = 0.565, P < 0.001). Most patients reported that self‐collection was acceptable (100%), painless (95%), and not embarrassing (95%). Conclusion: Filter paper, with dried self‐collected vaginal samples, can be used to detect high‐risk HPV with acceptable accuracy. Synopsis: Self‐collected vaginal samples on filter paper, to detect high‐risk human papillomavirus, is better for women, easier to transport to central laboratories, and has acceptable accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cyclicity and, depending on individual vulnerability, has several consequences related to gonadal steroid deprivation, especially if it is premature. Menopause may be more burdensome for some women than for others. Individual factors, such as personal history, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and current health conditions, affect symptomatology and, thereby, the menopausal experience. In addition, some menopausal symptoms, such as severe hot flashes, sleep disorders, and depression, are markers of future health risks. Counseling is a fundamental part of health care in the peri‐ and postmenopause periods. It must include an assessment of the patient's symptoms, needs, desires, and risk profile to address the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on an individual basis and promote a healthy lifestyle. Indeed, healthcare practitioners can and must protect the health and lives of mid‐life women by increasing awareness of menopausal symptoms and ensuring healthcare options, especially MHT. The type and duration of MHT should be tailored based on the patient's history, menopausal age, physical characteristics, and current health status so that the benefits always outweigh the risks. This FIGO position paper focuses on the benefits and risks of MHT on health domains, target organs, and systems, and on systemic and vaginal MHT regimens, to provide indications that can be used in the clinical practice for menopausal counseling. Moreover, it offers insights into what FIGO considers the mainstay for the healthcare management of women in peri‐ and postmenopause, worldwide. Synopsis: The increase in life expectancy has made post‐reproductive health a global priority. Counseling on the benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy and lifestyle education is fundamental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cesarean delivery rates are rapidly increasing in Southeastern Europe (to more than 60%), North Africa (with a rate as high as 72% in Egypt), and in urban areas in Southern Africa (a rate of over 50% in Lagos, Nigeria). Data on the background to these increases are scarce, but likely to include poor birthing facilities in general hospitals, convenience for the doctor, private medicine, fear of litigation, socioeconomic status, shortage of midwives and nurses, and disappearance of vaginal instrumental deliveries. Options to reverse cesarean delivery trends are discussed. In this context there is a need to be better informed about how women are being counseled regarding vaginal or cesarean delivery. The long-term consequences in subsequent pregnancies for mothers and children may well be largely ignored, while these risks are highest in LMICs where higher birth numbers are desired. FIGO has begun discussions with obstetric and gynecologic societies, healthcare bodies, and governments in several countries discussed in this article, to find ways to lower the cesarean delivery rate. The requests came from the countries themselves, which may prove beneficial in helping advance progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics has announced the winner of the John J. Sciarra IJGO Prize Paper Award for 2023. The winning paper, titled "Efficacy of combination of transcervical Foley catheter and sublingual misoprostol versus sublingual misoprostol for labor induction in pre‐eclampsia at 28–34 weeks," compares different methods of labor induction for women with pre-eclampsia. The study found that the combination approach achieved higher rates of vaginal birth within 24 hours compared to using misoprostol alone, with similar neonatal outcomes. This research highlights the importance of finding effective labor induction methods to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The article also mentions other papers that received honorable mentions for their contributions to clinical research in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. The IJGO Prize Paper Award aims to encourage investigators from low- and middle-income countries to submit their best clinical research articles for publication. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the need for improvement in the peer review system for evaluating submitted manuscripts. The authors propose a new system to track the outcomes of rejected manuscripts, allowing for a better understanding of their "fates." They suggest that authors should report to the journal that finally accepted their manuscript where it was previously rejected. This system aims to increase transparency in the academic publication world and improve the evaluation skills of reviewers, editors, and journals. [Extracted from the article]

The International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (IJGO) has announced a prize award for the best clinical research paper from a low- or middle-income country published in the journal during 2024. All clinical research articles from low- and middle-income countries published in 2024 will be considered for the prize, which includes an £800 stipend, a certificate of recognition, and complimentary access to the online version of IJGO for one year. The award aims to encourage investigators, especially young scientists, from low- and middle-income countries to submit their best clinical research articles for publication in IJGO. The journal is the official publication of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), which is dedicated to enhancing women's healthcare worldwide and emphasizes important obstetric and gynecologic problems, issues, and perspectives, such as maternal mortality and family planning. [Extracted from the article]

The International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (IJGO) has announced the John J. Sciarra Prize Paper Award for 2024. This award is given to the best clinical research paper from a low- or middle-income country published in the IJGO during 2024. The winning corresponding author will receive an £800 stipend, a certificate of recognition, and complimentary access to the online version of IJGO for one year. The purpose of this award is to encourage investigators, especially young scientists, from low- and middle-income countries to submit their best clinical research articles for publication in IJGO. The IJGO is the official publication of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), which aims to enhance women's healthcare worldwide by publishing original scientific articles and communications from low-income countries, focusing on important obstetric and gynecologic problems, issues, and perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Objective: To detect the presence of male DNA in vaginal samples collected from survivors of sexual violence and stored on filter paper. Methods: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate 10 vaginal samples spotted on sterile filter paper: 6 collected at random in April 2009 and 4 in October 2010. Time between sexual assault and sample collection was 4–48hours. After drying at room temperature, the samples were placed in a sterile envelope and stored for 2–3years until processing. DNA extraction was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction for human β-globin, and the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was quantified. The presence of the Y chromosome was detected using primers for sequences in the TSPY (Y7/Y8 and DYS14) and SRY genes. Results: β-Globin was detected in all 10 samples, while 2 samples were positive for PSA. Half of the samples amplified the Y7/Y8 and DYS14 sequences of the TSPY gene and 30% amplified the SRY gene sequence of the Y chromosome. Four male samples and 1 female sample served as controls. Conclusion: Filter-paper spots stored for periods of up to 3years proved adequate for preserving genetic material from vaginal samples collected following sexual violence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (IJGO) has announced the John J. Sciarra Prize Paper Award for 2024. This award is given to the best clinical research paper from a low- or middle-income country published in the IJGO during 2024. The winning corresponding author will receive an £800 stipend, a certificate of recognition, and complimentary access to the online version of IJGO for one year. The purpose of this award is to encourage investigators, especially young scientists, from low- and middle-income countries to submit their best clinical research articles for publication in IJGO. The IJGO is the official publication of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), which aims to enhance women's healthcare worldwide by publishing original scientific articles and communications from low-income countries, focusing on important obstetric and gynecologic problems, issues, and perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

Publication of the Intergrowth‐21st and WHO growth charts raises the question of which growth data prenatal providers should use in clinical practice. Is it better to use a universal chart applied globally, or metrics based on local or regional growth patterns? And what about customized charts versus local charts? FIGO has reviewed the different growth charts and studies assessing their reproducibility and predictive values for small‐ and large‐for‐gestational age newborns and, where available, adverse fetal outcomes. It concludes that local or regional charts are likely to be best for identifying the 10th percentile of newborns at highest risk. However, international standards for growth may also be used when coupled with locally appropriate thresholds for risk interpretation. Local fetal growth charts better identify fetuses at highest risk. Global charts may be used, but with a locally appropriate threshold for risk interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a process of shortlisting and voting, FIGO's Scientific Programme Committee selected these as outstanding abstracts from the full range of abstracts presented at the FIGO World Congress. Although early abstract submissions for the World Congress have closed, authors will have another opportunity to submit to the Congress when late-breaking abstract submissions open in April 2023. FIGO's 24th World Congress is fast approaching - this will be held at the Paris Convention Centre in Paris, France, on 9-13 October 2023, for what will be the first-ever hybrid FIGO World Congress. [Extracted from the article]

This award has been established for the purpose of encouraging investigators, especially young scientists, from low- and middle-income countries to submit their very best clinical research articles for publication in IJGO. IJGO is the official publication of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), the primary international organization for the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. The editors of the I International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics i (IJGO) are pleased to announce a prize award for the best clinical research paper from a low- or middle-income country published in the IJGO during 2022. [Extracted from the article]

This good clinical practice paper provides an overview of the current evidence around second stage care, highlighting the challenges and the importance of maintaining high-quality, safe, and respectful care in all settings. It includes a series of recommendations based on best available evidence regarding length of second stage, judicious use of episiotomy, and the importance of competent attendants and adequate resource to facilitate all aspects of second stage management, from physiological birth to assisted vaginal delivery and cesarean at full dilatation. The second stage of labor is potentially the most dangerous time for the baby and can have significant consequences for the mother, including death or severe perineal trauma or fistula, especially where there are failures to recognize and repair. This paper sets out principles of care, including the vital role of skilled birth attendants and birth companions, and the importance of obstetricians and midwives working together effectively and speaking with one voice, whether to women or to policy makers. The optimization of high-quality, safe, and personalized care in the second stage of labor for all women globally can only be achieved by appropriate attention to the training of birth attendants, midwives, and obstetricians. FIGO is committed to this aim alongside the WHO, ICM, and all FIGO's 132 member societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in obesity prevalence among women of reproductive age globally, the risks of type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and other conditions are rising, with detrimental effects on maternal and newborn health. The period before pregnancy is increasingly recognized as crucial for addressing weight management and reducing malnutrition (both under- and overnutrition) in both parents to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the mother as well as the passage of risk to her offspring. Healthcare practitioners, including obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, and general practitioners, have an important role to play in supporting women in planning a pregnancy and achieving healthy nutrition and weight before pregnancy. In this position paper, the FIGO Pregnancy Obesity and Nutrition Initiative provides an overview of the evidence for preconception clinical guidelines to reduce the risk of NCDs in mothers and their offspring. It encourages healthcare practitioners to initiate a dialogue on women's health, nutrition, and weight management before conception. While acknowledging the fundamental importance of the wider social and environmental determinants of health, this paper focuses on a simple set of recommendations for clinical practice that can be used even in short consultations. The recommendations can be contextualized based on local cultural and dietary practices as part of a system-wide public health approach to influence the wider determinants as well as individual factors influencing preconception health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This award has been established for the purpose of encouraging investigators, especially young scientists, from low- and middle-income countries to submit their very best clinical research articles for publication in IJGO. The editors of the I International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics i (IJGO) are pleased to announce a prize award for the best clinical research paper from a low- or middle-income country published in the IJGO during 2021. IJGO is the official publication of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), the primary international organization for the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. [Extracted from the article]

The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes in response to hormones and there is a certain degree of heterogeneity among individuals. In vivo identification of the physiologic changes of the endometrium and the pathologic process of related diseases is challenging. There have been recent advances in the use of organoids that mimic the characteristics of the corresponding organs and the morphologic, functional, and personalized characteristics involved in different stages of diseases. In this paper, we discuss the process of creating endometrial organoids, cell sources, types of extracellular matrices, and their application in the study of physiologic endometrial states and various diseases. Synopsis: The paper explores endometrial organoids, their use in studying physiologic states and diseases, and recent advancements in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Global Doctors for Choice—a transnational network of physician advocates for reproductive health and rights—began exploring the phenomenon of conscience-based refusal of reproductive healthcare as a result of increasing reports of harms worldwide. The present White Paper examines the prevalence and impact of such refusal and reviews policy efforts to balance individual conscience, autonomy in reproductive decision making, safeguards for health, and professional medical integrity. Objectives and search strategy The White Paper draws on medical, public health, legal, ethical, and social science literature published between 1998 and 2013 in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Estimates of prevalence are difficult to obtain, as there is no consensus about criteria for refuser status and no standardized definition of the practice, and the studies have sampling and other methodologic limitations. The White Paper reviews these data and offers logical frameworks to represent the possible health and health system consequences of conscience-based refusal to provide abortion; assisted reproductive technologies; contraception; treatment in cases of maternal health risk and inevitable pregnancy loss; and prenatal diagnosis. It concludes by categorizing legal, regulatory, and other policy responses to the practice. Conclusions Empirical evidence is essential for varied political actors as they respond with policies or regulations to the competing concerns at stake. Further research and training in diverse geopolitical settings are required. With dual commitments toward their own conscience and their obligations to patients’ health and rights, providers and professional medical/public health societies must lead attempts to respond to conscience-based refusal and to safeguard reproductive health, medical integrity, and women's lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obstetric fistula develops from obstructed labor and is a devastating condition with significant consequences across several domains of a woman's life. This study presents a narrative review of the evidence on the economic consequences of obstetric fistula. Methods: Three databases were searched, and search results were limited to English language papers published after 2003. Search results were reviewed for relevance based on title and abstract followed by full text review using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliographies of papers were also scanned to identify relevant papers for inclusion. Data were extracted under three categories (defined a priori): the economic consequences of having the condition, the economic consequences of seeking care, and the macroeconomic impacts. Results: The search returned 517 unique papers, 49 of which were included after screening. Main findings identified from the studies include women losing their jobs, becoming dependent on others, and losing financial support when relationships are lost. Seeking care was economically costly for families or unaffordable entirely. There were no studies describing the impact of fistula on national economies. Conclusion: Economic consequences of obstetric fistula are multifaceted, pervasive, and are intertwined with the physical and psychosocial consequences of the condition. Understanding these consequences can help tailor existing fistula programs to better address the impacts of the condition. Further research to address the dearth of literature describing the macroeconomic impact of obstetric fistula will be critical to enhance the visibility of this condition on the health agendas of countries. Synopsis: Women experiencing obstetric fistula lose income, become financially dependent on others, and face economic barriers and hardships when seeking care for the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]