Preserving fertility and optimising care for the one in seven women suffering from endometriosis
They have finalised a rigorous consensus process to create a defined and auditable standard for networks of expertise for endometriosis treatment for the one in seven females of reproductive age living with the chronic pelvic pain and fertility risk from the disease.
It sets a gold standard of patient-centred care for sufferers of endometriosis and a similar condition called adenomyosis while considering the diversity of countries, economies, cultures and societies in the APAC region.
The experiences and views of patients living with endometriosis and adenomyosis have been incorporated in developing the consensus structure.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Currently, there is no absolute preventive strategy or cure for the condition, but treatment options can help manage its chronic impacts.
The new approaches to endometriosis treatment will be outlined this week at the 2025 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) in Singapore.
The Congress from today (1 May) to Sunday has brought together over 2,000 scientists, clinicians, nurses and counsellors for a program that will help shape the future of fertility health care in the region and around the world.
New Zealand fertility specialist Professor Neil Johnson, an ASPIRE Board member and Past President of the World Endometriosis Society, has led the endometriosis consensus program with international specialists in the field.
"The topics covered and the way that they have been addressed set new world standards in care, and our hope is that they will influence policy makers and those responsible for health funding decisions," Professor Johnson explained.
"My aspiration for the networks of expertise consensus is that it presents what our APAC experts believe to be the optimal model of how complex multidisciplinary care in endometriosis should be best structured.
"Currently, there is a wide variation in the quality of multidisciplinary care for endometriosis. In many settings, care is provided without the key structures and enmeshment that is crucial for coordinated patient care.
"This consensus has the potential to become an accreditation gold standard. It may then be possible to assess the calibre of endometriosis care services across APAC to determine whether they meet the ASPIRE standard to be defined as a network of expertise.
"The consensus on fertility preservation in endometriosis is an issue that has come into sharp focus. In the past, repeated ovarian surgery for endometriosis sufferers has meant that some patients have ended up with extremely low ovarian reserve, which refers to the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries with egg quality often negatively affected by endometriosis.
"In some cases, ovarian reserve has become so low that it is very difficult for these patients to achieve a pregnancy either through natural conception or medically assisted reproduction. This is a tragic outcome for young women.
"Our consensus emphasises the need for awareness that endometriosis itself can compromise ovarian reserve along with the impact of ovarian surgery.
"It highlights the importance of blood testing for anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and ovarian ultrasound for antral follicle count to accurately measure a patient's ovarian reserve.
"Timing of pregnancy is another important consideration. While it is a personal choice, the ability to conceive may be affected by a decision to delay attempts to become pregnant.
"Of prime importance is the provision of information on fertility preservation to endometriosis sufferers no later than in their twenties. This is vital for patients with severe (stage IV) endometriosis or those facing ovarian surgery.
"Fertility preservation is typically through egg freezing, although embryo freezing might be preferred by some couples in committed relationships.
"Ovarian tissue freezing may be considered in exceptional cases for endometriosis. Typically, this is an option for cancer patients facing potentially sterilising chemotherapy in the oncology setting. However, more research is needed to explore the role of ovarian tissue freezing for those with endometriosis.
"Finally, our consensus teams highlight the importance of integrating psychological support and overall fertility counselling as a critical aspect of care.
The ASPIRE 2025 Congress is being held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore. For further information, go to
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
6 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Smart Jelly for Smart Aging: Chula's High-Protein Pudding Takes Global Stage
BANGKOK, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chulalongkorn University 's "High-Protein Jelly Pudding with Modified Texture for the Elderly with Swallowing Difficulties," developed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Varanya Techasukthavorn and a team from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, won a bronze medal in Geneva, along with a special award from Malaysia. Striking with banana and strawberry flavors, the jelly pudding is easy to consume and provides a high protein content of 7-8 grams per cup to strengthen muscles. It's suitable for the elderly, patients, and those who need additional protein. The team is preparing to scale up to commercial production soon. The "High Protein Jelly Pudding with Modified Texture for the Elderly with Swallowing Difficulties" by Asst. Prof. Dr. Varanya Techasukthavorn, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, and her team won the Bronze Medal at "The 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva," held on April 9-13, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Prize of Malaysia delegation from Malaysia Delegation from Malaysia. This marks another remarkable innovation that addresses the needs of an aging society and the elderly people who often face problems with reduced food consumption and difficulty chewing and swallowing. Elderly-Friendly Protein Snack under IDDSI Standards Asst. Prof. Dr. Varanya Techasukthavorn, head of the research team, revealed the origin of this innovation: elderly people often have trouble chewing and swallowing food, which causes them to receive insufficient nutrients, resulting in muscle loss. Continuous research on food for people with swallowing difficulties has led to the development of "46 swallowing training foods based on international IDDSI standards." This sparked requests for ready-to-eat snacks that are high in nutrients and safe to swallow for the elderly. Hence, the "High Protein Jelly Pudding with Modified Texture for the Elderly with Swallowing Difficulties" was created as a between-meal supplement with delicious flavors that appeal to Thai tastes for elderly people. The product is marketed under the name "Elderine," developed in collaboration with Banpong Novitat Co., Ltd. "The research and development of the high-protein jelly pudding formula took more than 1 year, going through various processes in the laboratory. Experiments were done to modify the texture and enhance nutritional value, adjusting the proportions of raw ingredients and flavors as well as examining the texture. The product was then evaluated by 30 elderly volunteers before undergoing the production technology that best meets the requirements," Asst. Prof. Dr. Varanya stated. 2-in-1 jelly pudding: high-protein and chewable, an innovation for every age Asst. Prof. Dr. Varanya explained the unique characteristic of the newly developed high-protein jelly pudding: "it differs from the jelly pudding sold in the market in that it has a 2-in-1 texture. The ready-to-eat jelly texture maintains its stability on a spoon and can become a soft pudding texture when lightly mashed with a spoon, helping elderly people chew and consume food even without teeth. Moreover, this high-protein jelly pudding contains up to 7 grams of a special whey protein isolate per cup without hardening the texture or making it bitter. It incorporates modified cassava starch with glucose polymer molecules to achieve a low glycemic index, and the texture is optimized with a balanced blend of carrageenan and other gelling agents. Using advanced production technology, the product can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months while maintaining the same quality and texture. Currently, two flavors have been developed to suit the Thai palate: banana and strawberry. Each cup of jelly pudding provides 70-80 calories of energy and 7-8 grams of easily digestible protein, equivalent to one chicken egg. It serves as a healthy snack that can be consumed up to 2 cups per day. Besides the elderly, the product is suitable for various groups of consumers, e.g., those who have recently had their teeth or wisdom teeth removed, causing difficulty chewing; teenagers who want to increase their protein intake; cancer patients who need a lot of protein supplements; and those who would like to build muscle, etc. This high-protein jelly pudding innovation received support from Dr. Chaiwut Gamonpilas from the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), who conducted an oral tribology test on the texture and slipperiness of the jelly pudding. Toward Medical Food Innovation for the Elderly Currently, this product is in the process of patent application. For the future, Asst. Prof. Dr. Varanya shared plans to register the product as a special-purpose food in the form of medical food. In collaboration with a research team (Asst. Prof. Dr. Pattra Wattanapan from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University), a human research study will be conducted to test the effectiveness of the high-protein jelly pudding product on increasing muscle mass in elderly people. The team is also expanding collaboration with a research team from Japan for commercial production of the jelly pudding. It is expected to be available in the market around this coming October. Asst. Prof. Dr. Varanya is committed to studying food products for those with swallowing difficulties, with plans to develop products in other forms, such as Thai desserts for the elderly, as well as functional food products with other added nutrients essential for the elderly, like fiber to help with digestion. For the full release and more images, please visit: Chulalongkorn University has made the world's top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.
Korea Herald
21 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Breaking Through Core CT Technology Barriers!
World-Class Innovations to Debut at 2025 Medtec in September SHANGHAI, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A quiet revolution is underway in the field of high-end medical equipment, led by China's growing innovation power. Core CT technologies, once dominated by international giants, are now being steadily unlocked by Chinese companies, breaking through long-standing technical barriers. As a key showcase of this industrial transformation, the 2025 Medtec International Medical Device Design & Manufacturing Technology Exhibition will take place from September 24 to 26 at Halls 1 & 2, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center. The exhibition will reach a record-breaking scale of 45,000 square meters, bringing together over 1,000 top-tier companies from nearly 27 countries and regions around the world. Among the standout participants, Shanghai Xixin Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Wiserscope Photoelectric Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuxi Innosonics Medical Technology Co., Ltd., SmartVein (Jiaxing) Medical Technology Co., Ltd., and Shanghai AIMIC Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. will make major appearances, showcasing their latest technological breakthroughs and product applications to a highly targeted audience of professional buyers. Click to Register for FREE > 01. CT X-Ray Tubes: From Industry Bottleneck to the Rise of "Domestic Cores" In the realm of high-end medical devices, CT scanners are often referred to as the "eyes of modern medicine"—their performance directly impacts image quality and equipment lifespan. At the heart of these systems, the X-ray tube and detector act as the "retina" and "lens." For years, these critical components have been dominated by global giants like GE, Siemens, and Philips. As a result, Chinese medical institutions have faced costly challenges—millions spent on consumables and equipment outages lasting over a month while waiting for repairs. Now, change is underway. In the first half of 2025, the number of registered domestic CT devices surged by 47% year-over-year. Even more significant, the localization rate of core components has crossed the 60% threshold—a historic milestone. Behind this achievement lies the power of collaborative innovation, driven by coordinated efforts among upstream and downstream enterprises across the industry chain: 02. Localization Accelerates for the "Core" of CT Systems Driven by the rapid growth of China's healthcare industry and an aging population, domestic demand for CT systems and X-ray tubes continues to surge. Today, China has become the world's largest consumer market for medical CT tubes. According to recent medical procurement data, domestic CT system sales in 2024 have caught up with those of imported brands, with Chinese manufacturers now leading the market in share. Often referred to as the "core" of the CT system, the X-ray tube is a vital component in the medical imaging supply chain—accounting for roughly 20% of a CT system's bill of materials (BOM). As a high-value consumable, CT tubes typically need replacement every two and a half years. In high-volume hospitals, that replacement cycle can shorten to just one year. From 2022 to 2024, domestic demand for medical CT tubes was 12,275, 12,317, and 12,713 units, respectively—marking a 3.57% increase in 2024 compared to 2022. As a critical high-value consumable in medical CT equipment, a single CT tube can cost up to several million yuan. Data shows that the average lifespan of a CT tube in China is just 13 months—effectively requiring replacement nearly every year. The real challenge in CT tube manufacturing lies in achieving exceptional precision and stability. Given their high cost and short service life, CT tubes have become a competitive focal point between CT system manufacturers and tube suppliers. Domestic companies such as Kunshan Medical Source, CETC, Beijing SmartBeam, and Zhuhai Rcan have secured registrations for multiple CT tube models. For local CT system manufacturers, adopting domestically produced tubes offers a key technological advantage in reducing costs and boosting overall market competitiveness. Since the 12th Five-Year Plan, China has consistently identified CT tubes as a strategic focus for innovation and development. They have remained a priority across three consecutive national Five-Year Plans, underscoring strong government support for advancing homegrown CT tube manufacturing. At the same time, centralized procurement of medical devices is expanding across the country, with the trend gaining momentum. While global giants like GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, and Philips still dominate the mid- to high-end market, they are increasingly facing pressure from rising domestic competitors. Backed by supportive policies and the growing strength of local technologies, the market share of domestically produced CT core components is expected to see steady and sustained growth. 03. 2025 Medtec: Discover Trends, Connect Resources, Unlock Opportunities Breakthroughs in independent innovation are not only transforming the domestic landscape but also offering fresh perspectives and solutions to the global medical technology community. The rapid advancement of localized CT core components marks a major milestone in the evolution of China's medical device industry. 2025 Medtec – the International Exhibition for Medical Device Design & Manufacturing Technology – will serve as a dynamic platform for technical exchange and business collaboration, further accelerating the localization and commercialization of CT core technologies. From domestically developed medical chips to automated precision components, and from non-invasive brain-computer interfaces to nanoscale surgical robots, 2025 Medtec will showcase a full spectrum of cutting-edge medical technologies from around the world. The event offers professionals a unique opportunity to engage in in-depth technical exchanges and gain insights that span from theoretical innovation to real-world industrial applications. Additionally, 2025 Medtec will host an enhanced Medtec International Medical Device Supply Chain Ecosystem Summit, centered on eight key themes: high-end active medical devices, manufacturing processes, innovative material applications, R&D consulting, medical regulations, consumer healthcare, market and procurement, and support services. This summit will foster collaboration and innovation throughout the supply chain. Attendees will have the chance to hear the latest industry insights, engage in direct discussions with experts, and explore new opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the medical device industry. We invite industry professionals from around the world to register and attend this exhibition—come witness the rapid rise of China's CT core component industry and see firsthand how the "heart" of China's high-end medical equipment is beating stronger than ever, showcasing Chinese innovation and strength on the global medical device stage!
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Korea Herald
Informa Markets to Host Vitafoods Asia 2025 Fueling the Growth of Asia's Nutraceutical Industry
BANGKOK, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Informa Markets will host Vitafoods Asia 2025 from 17–19 September 2025 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok. The event will play a key role in advancing Thailand's food and nutraceutical industries, aligning with the region's growing shift toward preventive healthcare and wellness. According to Market Minds Advisory, the Asia-Pacific nutraceutical market is projected to reach USD 176.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8%. "The rapid growth of the food supplements and nutraceutical sector is fueled by rising consumer health awareness, especially around non-communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions," said Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN at Informa Markets. Asia's consumers are increasingly seeking solutions for immunity, weight control, and holistic health. Functional beverages, such as protein and probiotic drinks, are gaining traction—especially among younger demographics. Industry players are focusing on R&D for new technologies and natural ingredients like turmeric, green tea, and herbs. Meanwhile, digital platforms and e-commerce are broadening market reach and offering personalized experiences. "This shift toward preventive healthcare is driving strong demand for functional foods and supplements, paving the way for growth across health food, supplement, and nutritional technology sectors," added Rungphech. What to expect at Vitafoods Asia 2025 Vitafoods Asia 2025 will be a strategic platform for innovation, networking, and global market access. Featuring over 650 leading brands and welcoming more than 13,000 visitors from 38 countries, the event will connect the entire supply chain—from raw ingredients to OEM/ODM services and finished products. Key highlights include: Voices of Supporters and Exhibitors Prof. (Research) Dr. Chutima Eamchotchawalit, President of the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), emphasized the importance of adding value to food supplements through research on Thai ingredients. The agency is compiling a positive list of approved functional ingredients, supporting product development aligned with international standards. "This list will enhance product credibility, ensure consumer safety, and position Thai supplements for global competitiveness," said Dr. Chutima. Mr. Nakah Thawichawatt, Chairman of the Food Supplement Industry Group, Federation of Thai Industries, reaffirmed the sector's potential and the FTI's commitment to elevating industry standards and consumer confidence. Dr. Pat Ekpanyaskun, CEO of Nutrition SC Public Company Limited, praised Vitafoods Asia as a key opportunity to raise brand visibility, build networks, and scale across domestic and global markets. Ms. Jeannie Kwa, Senior HCP Marketing Manager, APAC, from Kaneka Corporation, added that health ageing and longevity are among the fastest-growing categories. Ingredients like NAD+, senolytics, Omega-3, Vitamin D, and collagen are leading product innovation. Pre-registration is now open Vitafoods Asia 2025 will take place from 17–19 September 2025, Level LG, QSNCC, Bangkok. You can secure the privileges by pre-registering to attend at About Informa Markets Vitafoods is organised by Informa Markets, a division of Informa plc. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Its portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. Informa Markets provides customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, the company brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive, 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit
