Latest news with #reproductivehealth
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Male infertility: 5 lifestyle factors that could be hurting your fertility
Medical experts are drawing attention to an often-overlooked aspect of reproductive health during World Infertility Awareness Month: male infertility. While discussions often center on female infertility, about one-third of infertility cases are related to male factors, according to ABC News medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel. "When we think about fertility, there's a lot of focus placed on females," says Patel. "But male issues can include problems with sperm volume or quality, congenital obstructions, infections, and various underlying medical conditions." Several common lifestyle factors can significantly impact male reproductive health. Recent research suggests marijuana use may be associated with impaired male fertility by decreasing sperm volume, affecting sperm morphology and disrupting hormone balance. Patel advises limiting cannabis use when trying to conceive. MORE: Amber Alert issued for missing Idaho teens linked to FLDS group Along with cannabis, alcohol consumption and smoking can be detrimental to fertility. Toxins from smoking, for instance, can directly damage sperm DNA. Physical health plays a crucial role too -- being overweight and having inadequate physical activity can negatively impact fertility. Even high stress levels can affect reproductive health, making stress management an essential consideration. "If you're trying to improve fertility, focus on eating a regular diet, exercising, managing stress, and reducing both cannabis and alcohol use," Patel recommended. "It's also important to have an open conversation with your doctor, especially if you're using substances for medical reasons." Speaking of health management, recent studies have revealed promising developments in other areas of medical science. Research has shown that medications prescribed for individuals with ADHS were associated with lower risks of self-harm and accidents, demonstrating the importance of proper medical treatment in overall safety and well-being. Additionally, for those looking to boost their cognitive function, a new study suggests that strategic power naps might be the answer. German researchers found that short afternoon naps were associated with enhanced problem-solving abilities and creativity -- though Patel advises keeping these naps to 20 to 30 minutes to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep patterns.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Male infertility: 5 lifestyle factors that could be hurting your fertility
Medical experts are drawing attention to an often-overlooked aspect of reproductive health during World Infertility Awareness Month: male infertility. While discussions often center on female infertility, about one-third of infertility cases are related to male factors, according to ABC News medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel. "When we think about fertility, there's a lot of focus placed on females," says Patel. "But male issues can include problems with sperm volume or quality, congenital obstructions, infections, and various underlying medical conditions." Several common lifestyle factors can significantly impact male reproductive health. Recent research suggests marijuana use may be associated with impaired male fertility by decreasing sperm volume, affecting sperm morphology and disrupting hormone balance. Patel advises limiting cannabis use when trying to conceive. MORE: Amber Alert issued for missing Idaho teens linked to FLDS group Along with cannabis, alcohol consumption and smoking can be detrimental to fertility. Toxins from smoking, for instance, can directly damage sperm DNA. Physical health plays a crucial role too -- being overweight and having inadequate physical activity can negatively impact fertility. Even high stress levels can affect reproductive health, making stress management an essential consideration. "If you're trying to improve fertility, focus on eating a regular diet, exercising, managing stress, and reducing both cannabis and alcohol use," Patel recommended. "It's also important to have an open conversation with your doctor, especially if you're using substances for medical reasons." Speaking of health management, recent studies have revealed promising developments in other areas of medical science. Research has shown that medications prescribed for individuals with ADHS were associated with lower risks of self-harm and accidents, demonstrating the importance of proper medical treatment in overall safety and well-being. Additionally, for those looking to boost their cognitive function, a new study suggests that strategic power naps might be the answer. German researchers found that short afternoon naps were associated with enhanced problem-solving abilities and creativity -- though Patel advises keeping these naps to 20 to 30 minutes to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep patterns.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
‘This is not a matter of opinion:' State AGs instruct hospitals to continue providing emergency abortions despite state law
Democratic state attorneys general issued an urgent warning to hospitals across the U.S. that they must continue to provide emergency abortions despite state laws. The 21 attorneys general issued the letter on the anniversary of the reversal of Roe v Wade and after the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rescinded guidance to hospitals about how to follow federal law on emergency reproductive care. Last month the agency backpedaled on guidance issued in 2022 on the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, which it said '[does] not reflect the policy of this Administration.' North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson urged hospitals in the state to keep providing life-saving emergency abortion care to patients. Abortion is banned in North Carolina after 12 weeks, with certain exceptions for medical emergencies, and pregnancies a result of rape or incest. 'This is not a matter of opinion,' Jackson said. 'North Carolina hospitals must obey the law and work to save their patients.' 'Under the law, all hospitals participating in the Medicare program must provide abortion care when that care is necessary to treat a medical emergency, regardless of state laws that limit abortion access,' Jackson's office said in the news release. On June 3, the agency said it would 'continue to enforce EMTALA' despite rescinding the 2022 guidance, but the attorneys general were compelled to write to the American Hospital Association on June 24. 'The law is clear: Hospitals subject to EMTALA have an obligation to provide timely abortion care when necessary to stabilize a patient experiencing an emergency medical condition,' they wrote. The letter pointed to the 'real-world consequences' of hospitals denying or delaying abortion care for patients in a medical emergency. 'In Texas, a young mother experiencing a miscarriage died of an infection after being forced to delay abortion care for 40 hours until doctors, fearful of prosecution under Texas's abortion ban, could no longer detect a heartbeat in her unborn child,' they said. 'And HHS found as recently as May 2025 that a hospital violated EMTALA when a pregnant woman nearly died after being denied abortion care for her ectopic pregnancy, resulting in permanent damage to her reproductive organs,' the letter continued. Attorneys general Rob Bonta of California, Letitia James of New York and Matthew J. Plantkin of New Jersey were among the signatories. In addition to North Carolina, the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia also signed.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Supreme Court allows states to cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood
States may cut federal funding to Planned Parenthood, even for non-abortion services, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday. In a 6-3 decision, split down ideological lines, the conservative majority of the court sided with South Carolina in a case about whether the state was allowed to remove Planned Parenthood from its Medicare roster. Now, Medicaid patients in South Carolina who sought affordable reproductive healthcare from one of two Planned Parenthood clinics in the state will no longer be reimbursed through the federal healthcare program. Although federal Medicare funding is not used to cover abortions, with few exceptions, it does allow for Medicaid patients to seek reimbursements for 'any qualified and willing provider' – thus giving patients control over choosing their doctors. But South Carolina's Republican governor disputed that, saying taxpayers who disagreed with abortion should not be forced to pay for providers who perform abortions. While often characterized as a controversial organization due to its abortion services, Planned Parenthood clinics provide necessary reproductive healthcare services as well as sexual health services and education. South Carolina does not permit abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
First Fertility PGS Center Limited Launches Indian Lounge
The Indian Lounge will welcome international patients from India seeking fertility treatment in Thailand. First Fertility PGS Center Limited ('FFC Clinic'), has launched a strategic expansion initiative targeting the Indian medical tourism market for fertility treatments. This initiative positions to capitalize on Thailand's rapidly growing fertility tourism sector, which has emerged as a preferred destination for international patients seeking advanced reproductive care because its combination of world-class medical infrastructure, cost-effective treatments, and regulatory framework that permits comprehensive fertility services including the one-year Medical Visa allows for multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days per visit for medical tourists. First Fertility PGS Center Limited, NASDAQ-listed healthcare group and one of Thailand's most established and trusted fertility clinics, has officially launched its new Indian Lounge. This dedicated space has been designed to offer comfort, cultural familiarity, and personalized service for Indian patients seeking high-quality fertility care. With over a decade of experience in reproductive medicine, First Fertility PGS Center has helped thousands of couples from around the world achieve their dream of parenthood. This year marks a significant milestone as the clinic expands its services to better serve the Indian market, one of its fastest-growing patient groups. The newly introduced Indian Lounge provides a calm, private space where Indian patients can feel at ease. It also acts as a hub for multilingual assistance, with a dedicated Hindi-speaking team now available to guide patients throughout every step of their fertility journey, from consultation to treatment and follow-up care. To celebrate the 10 years anniversary, First Fertility PGS Center Limited ('FFC Clinic') is launching exclusive fertility packages tailored specifically for Indian patients for a limited time only. These special offers include customized pricing, priority booking, and full-service support – including travel coordination, accommodation recommendations, and cultural considerations and reduced price, all to make the experience as smooth, convenient and stress-free as possible. Located in central Bangkok, First Fertility PGS Center is internationally recognized for its high success rates, advanced technology, and holistic, patient-first approach. The clinic specializes in IVF, ICSI, PGS/PGT-A, PESA/TESE, and a wide range of infertility treatments backed by world-class expertise. For more information, please visit WhatsApp & Mobile Phone: +66 63 269 2833 IG & Tiktok: firstfertilityconsultant Email: center@ Media Contact Company Name: First Fertility PGS Center Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Phone: +66 63 269 2833 City: Bangkok Country: Thailand Website:
