Millions of Americans rely on the likes of birth control, IVF, and genetic testing to make plans as intimate and farreaching as any over a lifetime. This is no less than the medicine of miracles. It fills empty cradles, frees families from terrible disease, and empowers them to fashion their lives on their own terms. But accidents happen. Pharmacists mix up pills. Lab techs misread tests. Obstetricians tell women their healthy fetuses would be stillborn. Political and economic forces conspire against regulation. And judges throw up their hands when professionals foist parenthood on people who didn't want it, or childlessness on those who did. Failed abortions, switched donors, and lost embryos may be first-world problems. But these aren't innocent lapses or harmless errors. They're wrongs in need of rights. This book lifts the curtain on reproductive negligence, gives voice to the lives it upends, and vindicates the interests that advances in medicine and technology bring to full expression. It charts the legal universe of errors that: (1) deprive pregnancy or parenthood of people who set out to pursue them; (2) impose pregnancy or parenthood on those who tried to avoid these roles; or (3) confound efforts to have a child with or without certain genetic traits. This novel architecture forces citizens and courts to rethink the reproductive controversies of our time, and equips us to meet the new challenges-from womb transplants to gene editing-that lie just over the horizon.

In US security culture, motherhood is a site of intense contestation--both a powerful form of cultural currency and a target of unprecedented assault. Linked by an atmosphere of crisis and perceived vulnerability, motherhood and nation have become intimately entwined, dangerously positioning national security as reliant on the control of women's bodies. Drawing on feminist scholarship and critical studies of security culture, Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz explores homeland maternity by calling our attention to the ways that authorities see both non-reproductive and "overly" reproductive women's bodies as threats to social norms--and thus to security. Homeland maternity culture intensifies motherhood's requirements and works to discipline those who refuse to adhere. Analyzing the opt-out revolution, public debates over emergency contraception, and other controversies, Fixmer-Oraiz compellingly demonstrates how policing maternal bodies serves the political function of securing the nation in a time of supposed danger--with profound and troubling implications for women's lives and agency.

The last step in the IVF treatment cycle, embryo transfer, is also the process with the highest failure rate. No matter how good the laboratory technique is, a successful pregnancy will not be achieved without meticulous preparation of the uterus to accept the embryo. This book reviews the scientific evidence on endometrial receptivity, including histological, hormonal, biochemical, and immunological factors. Practical and concise, it supports gynecologists and embryologists to make evidence-based decisions that can influence the success rates of implantation and live births. Part of a series of books offering treatments and strategies for fertility and conception to optimize IVF outcomes, this volume is for all clinicians and embryologists working in reproductive medicine.

'Reproflexology' - the study and treatment of male and female reproductive and fertility conditions using reflexology - is aspecialist therapy that has been pioneered and carefully developed by Barbara Scott over 20 years. The therapy can be applied either as a stand-alone treatment to support natural conception or alongside fertility treatment. This is the first book to be published on treating fertility issues using reflexology.Reproductive reflexology can be a minefield with much conflicting advice being given about what practitioners can and cannot do. Because of this many practitioners choose not to work with clients who are having fertility issues. In this book Barbara Scott gives clear guidance on how to gain information from clients, how to interpret that information, how to plan treatment and what reproflexology techniques to use. This will give practitioners the knowledge and confidence to work with clients who have a wide range of reproductive conditions and who are trying to conceive.

It is crucially important to increase awareness of gender equality to provide analytical and practical tools for health program managers and others to address gender and reproductive rights. Moreover, it is vital to ensure both men's and women's participation in these efforts. This manual is intended for use in facilitating a 6-day workshop on gender and rights in reproductive and maternal health for health managers, policy-makers and others with responsibilities in reproductive health. Other stakeholders working on advocacy and policy and program change in reproductive health, such as nongovernmental organizations and international partners may also find it useful. Although designed as a stand-alone course, it could be integrated with pre- or in-service programs on health systems, rights and gender.

In order to provide evidence-based information to assist governments international agencies and nongovernmental organizations to develop policies and projects, the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office supported eight countries namely Cambodia, China, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Korea and Viet Nam to conduct a literature and programme review on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). The reviews summarize the experiences and lessons learnt and also point out the challenges for improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

Now in a completely newly revised and expanded second edition, this comprehensive text presents the current state of the art in our understanding and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common hormonal disorder of reproductive aged women. The numerous bothersome symptoms of PCOS include menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, acne, scalp hair thinning, weigh excess and infertility; additionally, as they age, women with PCOS are at a higher risk for metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes and dyslipidemias, as well as for cardiovascular disease and even certain cancers. Despite improvements in our understanding of this condition, the exact cause/s of PCOS remain elusive; genetic, hormonal, metabolic and environmental underpinnings are all suggested as relevant. All chapters have been updated, with eight new chapters added across seven thematic sections. Part one discusses the epidemiology of PCOS in both adults and adolescents. Part two covers the pathophysiology of PCOS, including genetics, the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axes, insulin resistance, inflammation, and obesity. The next three sections present the various management strategies, medical and surgical, for harnessing the symptomatology, including PCOS-related infertility; these chapters include added case material to provide real-world examples of the treatments in action and their efficacy. Part six covers the comorbidities that women with PCOS commonly encounter, such as issues of mental health, sleep disturbances, endometrial hyperplasia, and cancer, as well as examines the economic burden of PCOS. The final section discusses emerging concepts surrounding possible mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches to PCOS, including angiogenic dysfunction, the role of vitamin D, future potential therapies to targeted AMH signaling. The closing chapter, by familiarizing the readers with the intergenerational implications of PCOS and by raising awareness of potential "ripple effects", aims at alerting the community on a need for vigilance as regards the health of PCOS progeny. With contributions from leaders in the field, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Second Edition remains the gold-standard text on this common medical condition and a valuable resource for the wide range of healthcare professionals engaged in caring for the women with PCOS (including but not limited to reproductive endocrinologists, gynecologists, family physicians, dermatologists, mental health professionals), for the aspiring women's health providers of tomorrow, and for the researchers who are striving to unravel the mysteries of the complex entity that PCOS is.

This book aims to address a number of controversies concerning the use of testosterone treatment. It explains topics that clinicians regularly encounter such as whether to use free or total testosterone in the evaluation of the patient with testosterone deficiency; what factors actually impact testosterone levels, polycythemia, gynecomastia, bone density, and hyperprolactinemia in the testosterone deficient patient; critical analysis of the numerous questionnaires that are available to clinicians; and the impact of testosterone therapy on male fertility, cardiovascular disease, and prostate events including prostate cancer. Guiding the reader in both evaluation and management, the book also illuminates novel concepts in the T space such as testosterone use in the transgender population, T therapy as an endothelial modulator, bipolar testosterone therapy in the patient with advanced prostate cancer, and testosterone therapy as a performance enhancer. Controversies in Testosterone Deficiency is intended for any clinician involved in the care of patients with testosterone deficiency, exploring hot topics and correcting existent misinformation in the routine care of patients.

Cloning, genetic screening, embryo freezing, in vitro fertilization, Norplant, RU486--these are the technologies revolutionizing our reproductive landscape. Through the lens of procreative liberty--meaning both the freedom to decide whether or not to have children as well as the freedom to control one's reproductive capacity--John Robertson, a leading legal bioethicist, analyzes the ethical, legal, and social controversies surrounding each major technology and opens up a multitude of fascinating questions: Do frozen embryos have the right to be born? Should parents be allowed to select offspring traits? May a government force welfare recipients to take contraceptives? Robertson's arguments examine the broad range of consequences of each reproductive technology and offers a timely, multifaceted analysis of the competing interests at stake for patients, couples, doctors, policymakers, lawyers, and ethicists.

Period positivity starts with asking questions. This informative, irreverent, and absorbing book covers all your period-related questions - why they're taboo (and needn't be) and how to navigate the whole bleeding thing, from first periods to fertility, euphemisms to uteruses, menstrual products to menopause. Let's get period positive. It's about bloody time. Feel your best at any time of the month! This science-backed menstruation book is full of good advice and friendly tips to give you the tools to re-frame your thinking and learn to love your cycle. This frank, funny, and fascinating menstruation guide from Period Positive movement founder and menstrual researcher, Chella Quint's offers: - A practical, science-backed guide to your period with arresting infographics, and anatomical diagrams - Answers to all your period-related questions, exploring topics like the functions and effects of hormones, when periods "normal" or "abnormal," hormonal birth control, sex, fertility, pregnancy - Explanations of common female health conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis Light or heavy, early or late, painful or painfully bad timing - periods can be a nightmare. With its beautiful visuals and question and answer format, Be Period Positive provides practical advice on managing the common symptoms most women have during their period - from easing cramps to using a menstrual cup, coming off the pill and managing PMS. Find answers to the common period myths like whether your menstrual cycle is linked to the moon or if period syncing is a thing. Explore how periods evolved and what is going on in your body to deepen your understanding of your cycle. This period positive book includes sections that will help you "hack your period". Learn how adapting your diet, exercise, and other strategies can help you manage hormonal fluctuations' physical and emotional effects. Learn how to recognise when you're at your most receptive, creative, and vulnerable so that you can get the best out of every stage of your cycle.

Few recent technologies have attracted as much attention as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), a technique in which ova are fertilized in a glass dish and transferred to the prospective mother. Despite a large body of literature and much recent publicity on the ethics of new re-productive technologies, however, we are far from understanding what actually goes on in the nation's 138 in vitro fertilization centers, and even farther from possessing a clear public policy regarding this controversial technology. In this book the author examines two different, and often opposing worlds of in vitro fertilization: the public's political, legal and ethical concerns surrounding the technique, and the personal, pragmatic world of the individual patients who come to the centers seeding a cure for infertility. The crux of this analysis revolves around the intersection, and sometimes the antagonism, between these two worlds. While use of the centers is growing extremely fast, there is an absence of any federal-level policy to monitor this technique. To fill this vacuum, individual practitioners of IVF and other new reproductive technologies. The author investigates the current effects of these guidelines in interviews with physicians, scientists, policy makers, and patients at IVF centers, and argues that in this case, the public policy we implement should take its direction from the self-regulation that is already occurring on a local level and which is so well-developed that it has in effect taken the place of a formal federal policy. For all those interested in, or contemplating the rapidly growing field of in vitro fertilization, this is an objective analysis which answers many perplexing questions.

This book presents the latest insights into all the critical aspects of Klinefelter's Syndrome, in order to promote a more homogeneous a medical approach to this condition, leading to better and more "evidence-based" support, and improving patient satisfaction. It offers physicians and all health professionals involved in treating these patients (andrologists, pediatricians, endocrinologists, psychologists) a comprehensive overview and a useful tool for their daily clinical practice.

How the fear of malpractice affects mothers and reproductive choices Giving birth is a monumental event, not only in the personal life of the woman giving birth, but as a medical process and procedure. In The Business of Birth, Louise Marie Roth explores the process of giving birth, and the ways in which medicine and law interact to shape maternity care. Focusing on the United States, Roth explores how the law creates an environment where medical providers, malpractice attorneys, and others limit women’s rights and choices during birth. She shows how a fear of liability risk often drives the decision-making process of medical providers, who prioritize hospital efficiency over patient safety, to the detriment of mothers themselves. Ultimately, Roth advocates for an approach that protects the reproductive rights of mothers. A comprehensive overview, The Business of Birth provides valuable insight into the impact of the law on mothers, medical providers, maternity care practices, and others in the United States.

Written by world-leading fertility experts and edited by mums who have undertaken multiple cycles of IVF and know what it takes to succeed, this guide advises you on the entire IVF process and how to maximise your chances of success . All IVF topics are covered, from how to choose your fertility clinic, to understanding the stages of an IVF cycle, to how to prepare yourself physically and emotionally for the treatment. * Looks at how to optimise your nutrition and how to improve egg and sperm quality * Examines the growing trends of egg freezing and donor-assisted IVF * Shares real-life stories of a variety of IVF journeys and their inspiring outcomes * Includes key contributions from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK's independent regulator for fertility treatment and research IVF: All You Need to Know is an essential handbook for couples and individuals who are considering IVF, who want to find out what's involved, and who want to be as well prepared as they can be. It is also for those who may have already tried IVF, have experienced failed cycles and want to boost their chances of success next time around.

This new handbook provides private-practice and hospital gynecologists with a practical guide for advising and treating patients in the case of maternal disease during pregnancy. More than 100 diagnoses are presented from A to Z and described with respect to disease definition, clinical care and obstetrical management. One easy-to-remember guideline summarizes what is most important for the treatment of each disease.

Human Placental Trophoblasts: Impact of Maternal Nutrition explores the vital roles of trophoblasts play in fetal growth and pregnancy, giving you new insight into the modulation of placental trophoblast functions by nutrients. It also reviews the role of fatty acids, folic acids, and specific vitamins in this aspect. The book highlights the critical role of nutrients on human placental development and its' in utero programming effects on the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and obesity in later life. The book begins with discussions of the central process of placentation and its regulation on size and growth of the fetus. It also covers the effects of key macronutrients on placental growth, metabolism, transport, and secretory function. The text details important vitamins and few micronutrients and their roles in the feto-placental growth and development. It includes information on the influence of maternal lifestyle and environmental factors on regulation of the growth, metabolism and gene expression in the feto-placental unit. A review of the genes linked to the process of placentation rounds out the coverage. An examination of a broad range of evidence in the areas of placental growth, function, and its impact on feto-placental outcome, the book presents new knowledge on nutrition and its relevance with early human development. This includes not only the effects of maternal nutrients on possible neonatal growth and development but also their regulation by maternal lifestyle associated factors. A fine blending of epidemiology, clinical nutrition, perinatal and neonatal medicine, and biochemistry and molecular biology areas of research activities, the book helps you to understand the impact of maternal nutrition on placentation and its relevance with pregnancy outcome and fetal programming of adult health and disease.

"Framed around the MRCOG Part 1 syllabus, this revision guide brings together the fundamentals of the basic sciences required to pass the exam. Highly visual in order to best aid revision technique, the book focuses not only on preparing for the exam, but retaining facts beyond it. As well as a revision aid, the book acts as a refresher for facts and figures ensuring that they are readily available.Information is concise and presented through visually memorable tools, such as boxes and flow diagrams. References to Basic Science in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which explains the principles and workings of basic sciences, are made throughout to aid revision"--Provided by publisher.

As our understanding of the human body broadens, so does the need for a comprehensive text that encompasses all aspects of human development. Essential Human Development is a great course companion that focuses on the human life cycle, ideal for the undergraduate student new to these fields, or for qualified practitioners looking for a reference guide. Featuring key information points and self-test assessments in each chapter, the book is organised in an accessible manner, beginning with fertilisation and embryology, then moving on to obstetric medicine, neonatal care and child health, with the final section exploring gynaecological medicine. Ensuring that information is placed in context to aid understanding, Essential Human Development is the perfect support for the modern medical school curriculum, as well as a vital reminder of the core information needed whilst on a women or child health clinical placement.

Helping the Stork The sourcebook for all the information parents-to-be need to know about the choices and challenges of donor insemination Each year donor insemination (DI) offers a pathway to parenthood for the hundreds of thousands who turn to family-building alternatives. Although DI is considered as often as adoption, couples facing male infertility, as well as single women and lesbian couples, have had few places to turn for information about this method, which has been shrouded in secrecy. In Helping the Stork, parents-to-be, as well as friends and family, doctors, and counselors, can explore the choices and challenges raised by this alternative to overcoming childlessness. This comprehensive handbook moves through each step of the process: reaching a solid decision about whether donor insemination is the best choice for a family's future; handling the difficult issue of privacy; selecting a donor and getting started; and learning to thrive as a family meeting DI's added challenges. Full of wisdom from medical and mental health experts, Helping the Stork is also enriched with stories from many families who share their insights and experiences. This book is a reassuring, supportive, and helpful guide that no one considering or going through the process of donor insemination should be without. Visit us online at http: //www.mcp.com/mgr

This is an up-to-date evidence-based textbook for junior obstetricians and gynaecologists. It contains all the material relevant to everyday practice and the new RCOG curriculum. It has been written and edited by inspiring teams that combine juniors, new and established consultants working in a range of settings and many of the UK's top experts in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Step-by-step descriptions and pictures of practical procedures help trainees integrate their clinical and drills-and-skills teaching with the theoritical basis of the vital, life-saving and emergency aspects of this specialty. The text covers the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes required before taking advanced modules or training in the subspecialty areas of obstetrics and gynaecology. Full reference is made to grades and levels of evidence, to specialty, and RCOG, and NICE guidance.
A novel section on professional skills covers a wide range of issues that other textbooks skim over, but will add quality to practice: breaking bad news, clinical errors and negligence, the Confidential Enquiries, law and ethics, and what to do when things go wrong.
The book manages to combine both a freshness and enthusiasm for the specialty along with wisdom rooted in reflective clinical practice. The text is laid out with excellent instructions, diagrams, clinical tips, landmark studies, key references and useful websites, all encouraging understanding and enjoyable learning.