How Do Male Anxiety and Depression Affect IVF Outcomes, and Can Antidepressants Help?

A study conducted by six Brigham specialists explored the impact of men’s mental health on fertility treatment and found no difference in IVF outcomes among men with or without anxiety, regardless of antidepressant use. First author Zachary Walker, MD, discusses the paper’s key findings and clinical implications.

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Stem Cells Restore Ovarian Function and Fertility to Mice Treated With Chemotherapy

Differentiation of iPSCs labeled with green fluorescent protein into oocytes.

Researchers at the Brigham have demonstrated that mice with ovarian failure caused by chemotherapy can have their fertility restored using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Not only were the mice able to make functional eggs from the iPSCs, but those eggs developed into pups that were able to reproduce.

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Department Chair Reflects on Brigham OB/GYN Ranking #1 in the Nation for Second Consecutive Year

U.S. News & World Report 2023-24 ranks Brigham and Women’s Hospital #1 in the nation for Obstetrics and Gynecology for the second consecutive year. Department Chair Nawal Nour, MD, MPH, celebrates this major accomplishment by reflecting on the team’s commitment to providing comprehensive, equitable OB/GYN care.

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Peak Total and Free Testosterone in Women of Reproductive Age Are Higher Than Previously Reported

3D rendering of testosterone molecule, ball-and-stick molecular model

Measuring serum testosterone (T) levels in women aids in the diagnosis of disorders of androgen excess. Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers examined changes in T and dihydrotestosterone levels, reporting higher levels of total and free T and emphasizing the need for menstrual phase–specific reference ranges.

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Total Motile Count of 2 Million Proposed As Threshold for Intrauterine Insemination

Patient at consultation with doctor, intrauterine insemination concept

Mass General Brigham researchers have conducted the first study to evaluate pregnancy rates in intrauterine insemination according to both total motile count (TMC) and stimulation regimen. They report encouraging data for many patients with insemination TMC <10 million.

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First-ever In Utero Cerebrovascular Surgery for Vascular Malformation a Success

Ultrasound image of baby's head during hospital visit

Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital have performed the first-ever in-utero cerebrovascular surgery in the U.S. They successfully treated an aggressive vascular malformation in an infant’s brain before birth, preventing potentially fatal symptoms after delivery.

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No Optimal Technique Identified for Oocyte Retrieval But Certain Principles Apply

In vitro fertilization of a human female cell on a blue background. Microscopic view, 3d rendering

There are no published guidelines that address oocyte retrieval techniques for assisted reproduction. Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers surveyed physicians about their own techniques, and although no clear top-performing technique was evident, the team suggests some principles to follow.

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Both Cervical and Systemic Innate Immunity Predictors of HIV Risk Are Associated With HSV-2 Acquisition

3D illustration of herpes simplex virus (HSV) on plain blue background

Building on previous findings, Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers report that the immunity imbalance predisposing to herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) isn’t limited to the cervix but rather extends to the systemic circulation. HSV-2 may alter both mucosal and peripheral innate immunity to contribute to HIV-1 risk.

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Anxiety Among Perinatal Women During COVID-19 More Likely for Those Without Prior GAD

A pregnant woman in deep thought looking out a window, anxiety during COVID-19 concept

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital investigated whether pre-existing anxiety exacerbated COVID-19–related health concerns among women who entered perinatal status early in the pandemic. They found the opposite: levels of COVID-19–related worry were greater among women without a pre-existing anxiety diagnosis.

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Novel Text Messaging Program Encourages Women With Gestational Diabetes to Self-Monitor Their Glucose

Over the shoulder view of woman outside texting on smartphone

Brigham and Women’s Hospital team has developed an automated two-way text messaging program designed to encourage self-monitoring of blood glucose in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

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