Aurora magazine

Genital mycoplasma is becoming resistant to antibiotics. It is a little known bacterium, responsible for a sexually transmitted infection. They know only a few and rarely cause symptoms, yet only in the United Kingdom affects about 1 person per 100. Moreover, if left untreated, the infection could lead to infertility.

Symptoms of mycoplasma infection are poor and include loss, burning while urinating, pain during sexual intercourse. If left untreated, the infection causes infertility and premature births. The bacterium has been known for some decades, but only recently have they discovered that it is sexually transmissible. Also for this reason, it is usually not included among routine checks for sexually transmitted diseases.

The bacterium is treatable with antibiotics, but it is mutating. As the infection increases, it is becoming increasingly difficult to treat and resistant to antibiotics. To avert the danger, Australian researchers are developing a test that identifies the mutated version of the bacterium. Nevertheless, there remains a certain tension in the environment.

Dr. Burbidge cautions that you should take the test every time you have risky sexual behavior. Symptoms of rare occur and, when it happens, it may be too late.

Source: independent.co.uk

Taking paracetamol in pregnancy could affect the fertility of the offspring. This is what emerges from an article by Dr. David Kristensen, of the University of Copenhagen. The researcher analyzed three studies on rodents, in which pregnant females took paracetamol. All have shown a decline in the fertility of offspring, especially in females.

Paracetamol is a painkiller commonly used in pregnancy. Recent studies have highlighted possible links to some complications, including fertility problems in offspring. In the tests analyzed, the females exposed to paracetamol in prenatal age were born with less oocytes. This has caused greater difficulties in conceiving, especially going forward with the years. Similar effects may also be present in humans, although further testing will be needed.

For the moment there are no such studies on human beings, so it is unclear whether there is a link between paracetamol and decline in fertility. In order to clarify this point too, it will be necessary to analyze data from human studies. Meanwhile, Dr. Kristensen advises not to overdo paracetamol in pregnancy and seek advice from the doctor in case of pain.

Source: endocrinology.org

In the presence of a particular antiviral protein, the Zika virus causes the destruction of fetal cells resulting in miscarriage. This is revealed by a study by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The protein - a receptor involved in the signals of the immune system - is a probable cause of miscarriage and other complications. The discovery could also have repercussions on those who suffer from autoimmune diseases and can not have a child.

The Zika virus is linked to both birth defects and fetal death. The researchers analyzed the role of signaling proteins called interferons. Interferons are among the most potent antiviral factors in the human body. When the body detects a virus, the cells release interferons that stimulate the immune response. It was already known that adult guinea pigs without interferon-alpha and interferon-beta receptors are more susceptible to Zika virus.

Dr. Iwasi's team analyzed how interferons interact with the Zika virus during pregnancy. Pregnant guinea pigs without the receptor and infected have given birth to infected fetuses. In the guinea pigs, however, there was a higher rate of spontaneous abortions. The cause would have been a mix of structural and molecular changes, which would have led to a deficiency of blood vessels in the placenta.

According to Iwasaki, the interferon receptor could push the body to kill the fetus in response to the alarm signal. It follows that interferon, together with the ability of the fetus to respond to certain infections, could be the cause of some complications even in humans. A similar response to that with the Zika virus would also be present in cases of toxoplasmosis, herpes and lupus.

Source: medicalxpress.com

A US study reveals that the type of ovulatory trigger used for IVF does not affect the number of embryo's chromosomes. The goal of the study was to determine whether using a GnRH agonist influences the quality of the embryos.

Until recently, chorionic gonadotropin was the only option available to stimulate ovulation. In recent times, the use of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH) is gaining momentum.

Both substances serve to stimulate the maturation of oocytes to be used for in vitro fertilization. Change the mechanism used for this purpose. The chorionic gonadotropin pushes the ovaries to ovulate. GnRH, on the other hand, works on the pituitary gland to indirectly stimulate ovulation. In this way the natural process that leads a woman to ovulate is imitated.

Chorionic gonadotropin increases the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This risk is almost completely absent in women who use GnRH. However, the researchers wanted to verify that there were no other risks for the woman and the embryo.

In retrospect, the researchers analyzed 3,049 biopsies of embryos, obtained by 707 cycles of IVF for 543 patients. They compared the embryos of patients treated with chorionic gonadotropin with those of patients who had used GnRH. In particular, they compared the rate of aneuploidy in the two groups, ie the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes.

The study did not reveal significant differences between the use of chorionic gonadotropin and that of GnRH as an ovulatory trigger. It is therefore possible to use both substances in safety, choosing the best one based on the individual case.

Source: dailytelescope.com