For counselor Nancy Wainer Cohen, this book is the sibling to "Silent Knife: Cesarean Prevention and Vaginal Birth after Cesarean "(Bergin & Garvey, 1983) her critically-acclaimed expose on America's growing reliance on cesarean sections. "Open Season "provides fresh insights and new information on the subject, offering guidance to childbearing couples, educators, health professionals, and scholars who value the natural path of childbirth.

Readers will find this book timely, informative, shocking, irreverent, and extremely readable. Cohen's intimate writing style presents a compendium of knowledge on childbirth in the fashion of a personal letter. Her aim is to lower America's alarming reliance on cesarean section, which is currently at 25 percent of all births, and to return the responsibility for childbirth to women by encouraging them to choose the kind of birthing experience they wish to have. In addition to cesarean section, Cohen discusses many other generally unnecessary interventions performed on women during pregnancy and childbirth--such as fetal monitoring and routinized hospital procedures.

This book has been launched to commemorate the 24th Annual Conference of Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction. It is a unique effort to gather experiences from experts from all over the world - all of whom are authorities in their respective field, to provide concise and updated information and integrated management approach to deal with different situations.

This book is a simple guide to the diagnosis, investigation, and treatment of all gynaecological cancers. It discusses the management of patients with gynaecological malignancies; considers the principles of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery; explains when and why each modality is used in treatment; covers the pathology of gynaecological cancer; discusses treatment of the advanced disease; and includes a chapter on the role of palliative care. The multidisciplinary approach reflects the cooperative practice in combined clinics.

In recent years, the advancing science and increasing availability of assisted reproduction have given new hope to infertile couples. However, the use of IVF and ART has also led to marked increases in the number of multiple-infant live births. This poses a public health concern, as these neonates have a higher rate of pre-term delivery, compromising their survival chances and increasing their risk of lifelong disability. By optimizing the selection of gametes and embryos with high probabilities of implantation, it is possible to reduce the number of embryos transferred and, by extension, the number of high-risk multiple gestations, while maintaining or increasing pregnancy rates. Human Gametes and Preimplantation Embryos: Assessment and Diagnosis provides a broad yet concise overview of established and developing methodologies for assessment of gamete and embryo viability in assisted reproduction. This book elucidates the best practices for precisely selecting viable specimens based on morphology and cleavage rate and covers the spectrum of emerging adjunctive technologies for predicting reproductive potential. The authors present their extensive knowledge of "omics" approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), with unbiased delineation of the associated advantages and potential pitfalls. This valuable clinical resource is well suited to infertility specialists, Ob/Gyn physicians, IVF laboratory technicians, and researchers in the fields of embryology and reproductive medicine.

Aegean Conferences is an independent, nonprofit, educational organization directed and managed by the scientific community. The board is made up of nine researchers/scientists in various disciplines from Harvard, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, UCSD, Princeton, Biovista and the Foundation for Biomedical Research Academy of Athens. The board both invites and approves unsolicited proposals for Conferences in all fields of Science, Engineering, Arts, and Humanities. The purpose of the Conferences is to bring together individuals with common interests to examine the emerging and most advanced aspects of their particular field.

The Symposium on Ovarian Cancer: State of the Art and Future Directions intends to bring together international experts interested in the development of novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools for ovarian cancer. The meeting will function as a think tank where clinicians, translational and basic scientists, and parties from the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry will get together to review recent advances in clinical research and translational science in ovarian cancer and define areas of future research opportunities and priorities.

This book, part of the series Rare Diseases of the Immune System, offers comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the pathophysiology and management of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Immunologic and genetic aspects are discussed and the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for such phenomena as APS-mediated thrombosis and pregnancy loss/complications are explained. The main clinical manifestations, classification criteria and diagnostic tools are identified, and close attention is paid to the nature of the involvement of various organs or organ systems in APS. Specific chapters describe the treatment of the different symptoms, therapies of value in avoiding recurrences, and innovative treatment approaches. The authors are senior experts in the field who are aided by younger fellows, ensuring that the book is also educationally oriented. This handy volume will be a valuable tool for postgraduates in training and professionals wishing to extend their knowledge of this specific syndrome.

Peritoneoscopy and culdoscopy were first introduced in the second edition of TeLinde's Operative Gynecology in 1953. TeLinde noted, "In many instances we find peritoneoscopy to be a useful procedure. Nevertheless it often left something to be desired." During the subsequent four decades, enormous progress has allowed the expansion of the application of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy throughout gynecol- ogy. Thus, it is appropriate and quite useful to have a text devoted solely to this rapidly advancing specialty. In its second edition, the text Practical Manual of Operative Laparoscopy and Hys- teroscopy is a complete and honest overview of the field providing the reader with a critical appraisal of the current literature on technique, development, and long- term follow-up. Refreshingly, the authors include not only the American experi- ence but also advances from Europe and Asia. Ricardo Azziz and Ana Alvarez Murphy have carefully organized the text into general concepts and laparoscopic and hysteroscopic operative techniques. The editors have selected authors of national and international stature to prepare chap- ters in their areas of expertise. The edited text carefully analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each operative technique so as to allow readers insight as to the proper place for a particular endoscopic technique in their surgical practices.

In this second volume, the Biennial Review of Infertility brings together the most up-to-date research and clinical information on male and female infertility, emerging assisted reproductive techniques, and controversial issues in reproductive medicine. This volume includes discussion of cutting-edge topics such as epigenetics, proteomics, and the role of the environment in fertility, as well as insightful evidence-based discussion of common clinical procedures. It is the cumulative effort of a preeminent panel of experts presenting each chapter in a clear and well-balanced manner. Created to provide an ongoing appraisal of current knowledge, the Biennial Review of Infertility stimulates communication amongst all those working to help couples resolve their infertility.

Gynecologic and obstetric surgery is a craft that requires sound knowledge and skills. The specifics of each individual case must be understood to enable the best surgical management approach and to minimize complications. This resource book offers insightful management options to many of the challenges a gynecologic or obstetric surgeon may face before, during and after an operation. Divided into two sections, the book first covers general preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative challenges and, second, specific surgical procedures. It provides advice on both general gynecologic and obstetric operations, as well as subspecialist areas such as reproductive surgery, urogynecology and gynecologic oncology. The chapters are concise, beginning with illustrative case histories followed by background, management options, and any preventative approaches. Designed to guide the surgeon to safe practice throughout all stages, they offer practical and step-by-step help.

This is a book about the psychological journey women make when they become pregnant, give birth and adjust to life after childbirth. The focus of the book is on three main issues: The experience for women, their families and caregivers, the psychologicalneeds of women and their families at this time and the best way for caregivers to meet these psychological needs. The contributions in this book should provoke thought, discussion and debate about the psychological side of maternity care, and ultimately enhance the psychological care that is given to women and their families before, during and after childbirth.Multidisciplinary approach to subject Includes key points for caregivers in each chapter Includes new researdch findings fron qualitative and quantitative studies Includes comprehensive reviews of current literature

This compendium is an attempt to provide a precise and detailed outline of the many options available to young gynecologists (MD). It provides the latest information to today's trainees, including fellowship courses, short diplomas, international traveling courses, and superspecialty training and among others.

'Hill's advice is straightforward and no-nonsense' - The Guardian 'A life-transforming book... fascinating - Daily Mail 'Maisie Hill has written a bloody brilliant book (pun intended). Everything you need to know about periods and how they affect you and your life is here. It's revolutionary' - Miranda Sawyer 'Thank GOODNESS for Maisie Hill! Flipping open the lid on a vital conversation. It's about time we claimed the power of our periods!' - Gemma Cairney, broadcaster & co-founder of Boom Shakalaka Productions 'This is such an important book. Maisie's insights and cycle strategy have changed my life and my cycle. Period Power is written with such intelligence, humour and a deep understanding of women's health. If you have a period you need to read this book.' - Anna Jones, author of The Modern Cook's Year A profound and practical blueprint for aligning daily life with your menstrual cycle. Period Power is the handbook to periods and hormones that will leave you wondering why the hell nobody told you this sooner. The hormones of the menstrual cycle profoundly influence our energy, mood and behaviour, but all too often we're taught that our hormones make us unreliable, moody bitches, or that it's our lot in life to put up with 'women's problems'. Maisie Hill, a women's health practitioner, knows the power of working with the menstrual cycle and refuses to accept this theory. Instead, Maisie believes that our hormones are there to serve us and, if utilized correctly, can be used to help you get what you want out of life. Yes, we are hormonal, and that's a very good thing. This revolutionary book reveals everything you need to know about taking control of your menstrual cycle and outlines The Cycle Strategy to help us perform at our best, throughout our cycle. In Period Power you will discover how to: - maximise your natural superpowers each month while making adjustments for the darker days, and use Maisie's favourite tips to improve them - identify your personal patterns, powers and pitfalls for each phase of the menstrual cycle - plan your month to perform at your best in all aspects of your life - figure out if you have a hormonal imbalance and what to do about it. Period Power is a no-nonsense guide with all the tools you need to improve your menstrual health.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal malignancy of the female reproductive system and is also the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. Sharing common characteristics of cancer, ovarian malignancy possess several clinical and biological particularities In "Ovarian Cancer: Methods and Protocols," expert researchers in the field provide methods that have been created or adapted to study various aspects of ovarian cancer. These methods and techniques are applicable to study genetic alterations present in ovarian cancer, structural and metabolic features of ovarian cancer cells, include in vitro and in vivo models that recapitulate ovarian cancer development and progression, and describe ovarian cancer-oriented drug delivery approaches. Methodological chapters are grouped into seven thematic parts, any of them is introduced by short subject review. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology" series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and practical, " Ovarian Cancer: Methods and Protocols" seeks to aid scientist to optimize study designs, to correctly select the most applicable methods, and to produce interesting and novel results."

If there is one aspect of current cancer research that represents a major ch- lenge in both novice and experienced researchers, it is the rapid advance in our understanding of the disease. Researchers can be required to switch from analysis of gene expression to kinetics of protein activation, from genetic studies to the analysis of protein funtion. Cancers are highly complex disease systems and researchers aiming to understand the functioning of cancer systems require access to a wide range of laboratory techiques from a broad range of research disciplines. Increasingly, however, published methods are incomplete or refer back to a series of previous publications each containing only a small part of the complete pro- col. The aim of Ovarian Cancer: Methods and Protocols is to provide for ovarian cancer researchers in the first instance, a laboratory handbook that will facilitate research into cancer systems by providing a series of expert protocols, with proven efficacy, across a broad range of technical expertise. Thus, there are sections on tumor genetics and cellular signal transduction, as well as sections on apoptosis and RNA analysis. The value of Ovarian Cancer: Methods and Protocols to the ovarian cancer researcher will, I trust, be considerably enhanced by (1) the provision of a series of overviews relating to the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of this important neoplasm, and (2) the provision of a series of technical overviews introducing each part that provides an expert review of the applications and pitfalls of the various techniques included.

The prevalence of hypertension is almost three times as high as that of diabetes mellitus type 2, with both conditions being major risk factors for stroke, ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure. The exact prevalence of hypertension related to hormonal derangements (endocrine hypertension) is not known but estimated to affect less than 15% of hypertensive patients. Recent scientific discoveries have increased the understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of hypertension. In Endocrine Hypertension, a renowned panel of experts provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview of this disorder, discussing when to assign an endocrine cause in one of many conditions that may present with hypertension. The first part of Endocrine Hypertension is dedicated to adrenal causes. The second part of the volume concerns potential nonadrenal causes of hypertension, such as growth hormone excess or deficiency, primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, testosterone deficiency, insulin resistance, obesity-associated hypertension, and the role of central mineralocorticoid receptors and cardiovascular disease. An important contribution to the literature, Endocrine Hypertension is an indispensable reference not only for endocrinologists, diabetologists, and adrenal investigators, but also for translational scientists and clinicians from cardiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, geriatrics, urology, and reproductive medicine / gynecology.

Part of the recognised Infertility Management Series, this handbook is a complete guide to ovarian stimulation. Beginning with an overview of the physiology of gonadotropins, the following chapters discuss ways in which clinicians may better predict ovarian response to stimulation and how to select and tailor appropriate protocols. The book covers both oral and injectable agents for stimulation, and protocols for IVF and IUI, egg donors, oncofertility patients, and for low ovarian response. The final chapter details complications in ovarian stimulation, and their prevention and management. Other titles in the series include: Investigating Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination, Practical Management of Male Infertility, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Key points Part of Infertility Management Series providing complete guide to ovarian stimulation Helps clinicians better predict ovarian response and select appropriate treatment protocols Covers oral and injectable agents for different patient groups Edited by recognised team of experts in reproductive medicine

Progestogens are a class of steroid hormones that bind to and activate the progesterone receptor. This book is a guide to the use of progestogens for clinicians. Beginning with an overview of structure, biochemistry and classification, the following chapters discuss methods of administration, pharmacokinetics, metabolism and the physiological actions of progesterone. The remaining sections of the book cover clinical usage guidelines for progestogens, their role in contraception, side effects and contraindications. The book concludes with a chapter offering guidance on prescription writing and detailed references. Key points Guide to progestogens for obstetricians and gynaecologists Provides step by step detail on structure, classification, and pharmacokinetics Includes clinical usage guidelines, side effects and contraindications Features chapter on prescription writing

Since the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, nearly thirty million legal abortions have been performed in the United States. Every year hundreds of thousands of women choose to have abortions. Yet a veil of secrecy is drawn across abortion sites, disturbed only by protest demonstrations and violence outside clinics. For years the antichoice movement has loudly condemned the abortion procedure. Opponents use such words as "baby-killing", "murder", and "blood-dripping abortionists" to describe what goes on in an abortion clinic - highly charged words that are intended to frighten women who are facing one of the most important decisions of their lives. What does - and does not - go on inside an abortion clinic? Why do women seek this procedure? Why would a physician specialize in this service? Why I Am An Abortion Doctor provides a unique, firsthand look at the life and work of a leading abortion provider. With compassion and courage Dr. Suzanne T. Poppema shares the intimate details of her private and professional struggle - including a view from the abortion clinic operating room as well as a recollection of her own fifth-month abortion - to promote better understanding of the reality of abortion and the violent forces that threaten a woman's right to choose. Dr. Poppema's journey has led her from a Catholic upbringing in rural New Hampshire to professional training at Harvard Medical School, where she made a critical career decision to forgo the fame and fortune awaiting those who enter lucrative medical specialties in favor of becoming a family physician. She has traveled to some of the poorest places on earth, where she observed the expendability of human life and thesubjugation of women. Dr. Poppema's work has brought her a world-wide reputation as an authority on abortion. She served as a member of an international panel in Paris to discuss the French abortion pill, RU 486. Her own clinic was chosen as one of the few U.S. test sites for this controversial drug. Why I Am An Abortion Doctor is a compelling, informative book for readers on both sides of the controversy. It is a groud-breaking work that puts a human face on abortion and tells precisely what the procedure involves, who it helps, and why women seek to terminate their pregnancies.

Practicing specialists in pathology, laboratory medicine, and obstetrics comprehensively summarize the latest scientific findings and their experiences in the use and interpretation of laboratory testing in patients who are pregnant or experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. Topics of interest include the effects of normal physiological changes on test results, test selection for diagnosis, changes in reference ranges, monitoring the pregnant patient, new technologies, and the limitations of laboratory testing. The authors not only clearly explain currently used test methods and technologies for the nontechnical reader, but also provide comprehensive details for laboratory professionals. The comprehensive appendix that compiles published normal reference ranges by first, second, and third trimester consttitutes an excellent resource for professionals caring for pregnant women.