Breast Health

COVID-19

Cervical Health 

Contraception

Curbside Consults

Dermatology

Drug Pipeline News

Endometriosis

Genetic Testing

Gynecologic Oncology

Gynecology

Fetal Imaging

Abnormal Obstetrical Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Women's Imaging

Breast Imaging

Women's Ultrasound

Imaging

Infertility

LARC

Legally Speaking

Life Transitions

Malpractice

Menopause

Mental Health

Noninvasive Prenatal Testing

Obstetrics

Opinion

Osteoporosis

Pediatrics

Practice Management

Pregnancy and Birth

Sexual Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Surgery

Technology

Urology

Uterine Fibroids

Vulvovaginal Disease

Well Woman

About

News

Media

Podcasts

Insights

Investigator Perspectives

Medical World News

Peer Exchange

Peers & Perspectives

Videos

Conferences

Conference Coverage

Conference Listing

Publications

Contemporary OB/GYN® Journal

Digital Supplements

CME/CE

Resources

Physician Fact Sheets

Interactive Tools

Supplements and Featured Publications

Subscribe

Partnerships

She joined the MJH Life Sciences team in December 2019. She graduated from Youngstown State University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in political science. Prior to graduating, Morgan worked as the editor-in-chief of her college newspaper. She went on to work as an assignment editor at a broadcast news station in Youngstown, Ohio, before joining 

 You can reach her at mebert@mjhlifesciences.com.

Articles

Kephera Diagnostics announced the launch of EndomTest, a new non-invasive blood test for endometriosis, promising faster diagnoses and improved patient care.

Non-invasive blood test offers new diagnostic approach for endometriosis

A study finds that a uniform labor induction protocol did not reduce racial disparities in cesarean deliveries or maternal health outcomes.

Labor induction protocol fails to reduce disparities in c-section rates

The FDA has granted Priority Review to expand flibanserin (Addyi; Sprout Pharmaceuticals) use to postmenopausal women, potentially broadening access to treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

FDA grants Priority Review to flibanserin for treating postmenopausal HSDD

A new study reveals that stem cell treatment activates oocytes in 70% of women with ovarian failure.

Stem cell therapy found to boost fertility in women with ovarian failure

Advertise

Contact Us

Job Board

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Contemporary OB/GYN

Facebook

LinkedIn

RSS Feed

Spotlight

A Psychedelic to Treat Postpartum Depression?

CMV: In the Know

RSV Roundtable

STIs

Supplement: Closing the Gap in Cervical Cancer Screening

Vaginismus: Managing a Misunderstood and Underdiagnosed Condition

Why vNOTES Make Sense for My Patients

1rem

Authors

Robin Noble, MD, MHCDS, is the Chief Medical Advisor for Let’s Talk Menopause.

Learn the truth about estrogen therapy, including its safety, benefits, and the critical differences between local and systemic hormone treatments.

Robin Noble, MD, MHCDS, debunks estrogen therapy myths

This week at Contemporary OB/GYN®, we covered topics ranging from preconception care in diabetes patients to medications increasing the risks of infant birth defects. We also held video interviews about gut symptoms caused by endometriosis and limitations of preeclampsia guidelines. Click the links below to read and watch anything you might have missed from Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 18, 2025.

New guidelines stress preconception care for women with diabetes

Proper preconception care and access to emerging diabetes therapeutics should be provided to women with diabetes before, during, and after pregnancy, according to joint guidelines released by the Endocrine Society and the European Society of Endocrinology on July 13, 2025.

According to the societies, health risks are reduced in reproductive-aged women with diabetes through screening at every reproductive, diabetes, and primary care visit. This allows those intending to conceive to undergo proper preconception care, reducing the odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes linked to modifiable factors such as high blood sugar.

“We developed these guidelines as diabetes rates are rising among women of reproductive age and very few women with diabetes receive proper preconception care,” said Jennifer Wyckoff, MD, guideline chair from the University of Michigan. “In addition to preconception planning, the guideline discusses advances in diabetes technology, delivery timing, medications and diet.”

TMP-SMX in pregnancy linked to higher risk of infant birth defects

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) exposure increases malformation risks among infants vs β-lactam antibiotic exposure, according to a recent study published in 

Malformations were identified in 1518 infants, 729 of whom had cardiac malformations. Overall, an unadjusted absolute risk for any malformation of 19.8 per 1000 infants was reported for β-lactams, vs 21.2 per 1000 for nitrofurantoin, 23.5 per 1000 for fluoroquinolones, and 26.9 per 1000 for TMP-SMX.

Similar patterns were found for cardiac malformations. Overall, the weighted risk ratio for any malformation among infants exposed to TMP-SMX vs β-lactams was 1.35. One additional malformation was indicated for every 145 pregnancies exposed to TMP-SMX.

DM199 shows promise in phase 2 trial for treating preeclampsia

DM199 (rinvecalinase alfa; DiaMedica Therapeutics) has shown positive results for treating preeclampsia in part 1a of a phase 2 clinical trial, according to DiaMedica Therapeutics, Inc.

The therapeutic potential of DM199 was highlighted through meeting the safety and efficacy end points of the study. These included significant dose-dependent reductions in both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, alongside no placental transfer and no serious adverse events linked to the drug.

“With hypertension being the leading cause of delivery, often prematurely, in early onset preeclampsia, DM199’s ability to safely reduce blood pressure represents an exciting development in the search for an effective treatment for preeclampsia,” said Cathy Cluver, PhD, principal investigator of the trial and leader of the Preeclampsia Research Unit at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

Jane Varney, MD, discusses how a low FODMAP diet mediates gut symptoms caused by endometriosis

 Jane Varney, MD, senior research dietitian at Monash University, discussed the relationship between endometriosis and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and how a low FODMAP diet can alleviate these symptoms, ultimately improving quality of life for affected women.

According to Varney, the study results were promising. After just 2 weeks on the low FODMAP diet, women experienced clinically and statistically significant reductions in GI symptoms. These improvements included reduced abdominal pain, less bloating, improved stool consistency, and enhanced quality of life. By the end of the 4-week intervention, 60% of participants had shown a positive response to the low FODMAP diet.

Mediating gut symptoms caused by endometriosis

Low FODMAP diet

Thomas McElrath, MD, PhD, highlights limitations of current preeclampsia guidelines

A recent study from Thomas McElrath, MD, PhD, vice president of clinical development at Mirvie, discussed the limitations of current US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for assessing preeclampsia risk and the broader challenges in improving outcomes for pregnant individuals.

The study found that about 89% of pregnant individuals meet at least 1 moderate- or high-risk criterion for preeclampsia. This broad categorization may dilute the specificity of care and create ambiguity—if nearly everyone is considered at risk, it becomes harder to determine who truly needs intervention. This can undermine the goal of targeted aspirin prophylaxis and suggests that current criteria are too generalized.

Preeclampsia

Review some of the top stories from the Contemporary OB/GYN website over the past week and catch up on anything you may have missed.

Clinical

Contemporary OB/GYN week in review: Preconception care, infant birth defects, and more

Combination tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy increases weight loss in overweight or obese menopausal women, according to a recent study presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, California.

The data indicated a 17% reduction in body weight among patients using tirzepatide plus menopause hormone therapy vs 14% in those using tirzepatide alone. A total body weight loss of over 20% was also seen more often in patients taking menopause hormone therapy, at 45% vs 18% among nonusers.

“These data are the first to show the combined use of tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy significantly increases treatment effectiveness in postmenopausal women,” said Regina Castaneda, MD, research fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

First evidence supporting combined use of tirzepatide and hormone therapy

The real-world study included 120 postmenopausal women. Researchers assessed electronic medical records from a median duration of 18 months in this population. Of participants, 40 reported concurrent tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy use, while 80 reported using tirzepatide alone.

This data supports effective treatment for weight gain in postmenopausal women. This population often experiences increased abdominal fat, decreased muscle mass, and weight gain that increases the risks of heart disease and other severe health issues.

According to Maria Daniela Hurtado Andrade, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic, the study allows for further understanding about how to develop more effective and personalized weight management interventions. These may be used to decrease the risk of associated complications among postmenopausal women.

“This study underscores the urgent need for further research to better understand how obesity medications and menopause hormone therapy work together,” said Hurtado Andrade. “Gaining this knowledge could greatly improve the health and well-being of millions of postmenopausal women.”

The importance of reducing weight in postmenopausal women has been highlighted by a study published in 

 The researchers found reduced odds of all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality among postmenopausal women engaging in intentional weight loss efforts.

These outcomes were determined through evaluations of death certificates, the National Death Index, medical records, and other records. Body mass index (BMI) changes were determined through measurements of weight and height at baseline and after 3 years.

At baseline, patients were aged a mean 63.3 years and had a mean BMI and waist circumference (WC) of 27 and 84.1, respectively. During the follow-up, all-cause mortality was reported in 49.5%, cardiovascular disease mortality in 15.5%, cancer mortality in 10.1%, and mortality from other causes in 24%.

A hazard ratio (HR) of 0.88 was reported for all-cause mortality among women with 5 or more pounds of intentional weight loss, highlighting a significant reduction in risk. Additionally, cardiovascular disease mortality, cancer mortality, and other mortality risks all had HRs of 0.87 in this population.

Reductions in WC alongside BMI further reduced these mortality risks. Overall, the data highlighted the importance of weight management in postmenopausal women.

“Lifestyle changes resulting in reductions in visceral adiposity should be the focus, such as encouraging physical activity that includes strength training to preserve or build muscle mass and dietary changes that promote heart-healthy diets, which may include calorie restriction but also provides adequate protein,” wrote the authors.

Combination of obesity medication tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy fuels weight loss. Endocrine Society. July 8, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://www.newswise.com/articles/combination-of-obesity-medication-tirzepatide-and-menopause-hormone-therapy-fuels-weight-loss/?sc=mwhr&xy=10023887

Krewson C. Intentional weight loss linked to lower mortality in postmenopausal women. 

March 11, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/intentional-weight-loss-linked-to-lower-mortality-in-postmenopausal-women

Tirzepatide and menopause hormone therapy may significantly enhance weight loss and health outcomes in postmenopausal women.

Tirzepatide plus hormone therapy boosts weight loss in menopausal women

DM199 (rinvecalinase alfa; DiaMedica Therapeutics) has shown positive results for treating preeclampsia in part 1a of a phase 2 clinical trial, according to DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc.

The therapeutic potential of DM199 was highlighted through meeting the safety and efficacy end points of the study. These included significant dose-dependent reductions in both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), alongside no placental transfer and no serious adverse events linked to the drug.

If approved, DM199 will fill a gap for pharmacological treatments to manage preeclampsia in the United States. The trial is an open-label, single center, proof-of-concept study determining the safety and efficacy of the drug, planning to enroll up to 90 individuals with preeclampsia and up to 30 with fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Participants were aged a mean 32.5 years and enrolled at a mean 37-weeks’ gestation. At baseline, mean SBP and DBP were 165 mm Hg and 102 mmHg, respectively. DM199 was administered through an infusion, with additional SBP and DBP measurements performed after 5 and 30 minutes. Finally, measurements were taken at 24 hours after infusion.

The most significant reductions in SBP and DBP were observed among patients receiving the highest dose of DM199, at -35 mmHg and -15 mmHg, respectively. In pooled cohorts, significant reductions in mean blood pressure were found from the potentially therapeutic dose range at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and 24 hours post-infusion.

For SBP, mean reductions were -25 mmHg, -15 mmHg, and -20 mmHg, respectively. For DBP, mean reductions were -13 mmHg, -13 mmHg, and -10 mmHg, respectively. This highlighted a durable response over time.

Positive safety findings were also confirmed. All treatment-emergent adverse events were mild, and included nausea in 14% of patients, headache in 11%, and flushing in 4%. No participants discontinued treatment or experienced induction of early labor.

A statistically significant reduction in pulsatility index (PI) measures was also observed in patients taking DM199, including a 13.2% mean reduction in blood flow resistance after 2 hours. This indicated improved uterine artery blood flow and placental perfusion, which may support fetal growth and potential disease modification.

The study population included 9 vaginal deliveries and 16 cesarean deliveries, with approximately 80% of deliveries occurring within 24 hours after enrollment. Following the positive results, a dose expansion cohort will be enrolled for additional phase 2 investigation. Researchers also plan to enroll an FGR cohort based on the observed PI reduction.

“We believe that the statistically significant reductions in blood pressure and pulsatility index represent on-target responses consistent with DM199’s mechanism of action signaling the potential of DM199 to greatly benefit this underserved patient population,” said Rick Pauls, president and CEO of DiaMedica Therapeutics.

Managing preeclampsia is vital to reduce not only maternal risks but also risks in preterm infants such as adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

 A study published on April 29, 2025, found a negative correlation between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID) scores.

In women with HDPs, BSID cognitive and language scores had β estimates of -3.69 and -4.07, respectively. This highlighted increased risks of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants born to women with HDPs.

DiaMedica Therapeutics reports positive interim phase 2 preeclampsia results: statistically significant reductions in blood pressure and no placental transfer. DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc. July 17, 2025. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250717976890/en/DiaMedica-Therapeutics-Reports-Positive-Interim-Phase-2-Preeclampsia-Results-Statistically-Significant-Reductions-in-Blood-Pressure-and-No-Placental-Transfer

Krewson C. Maternal hypertension linked to neurodevelopment risks in preterm infants. Contemporary OB/GYN. May 6, 2025. Accessed July 17, 2025. https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/maternal-hypertension-linked-to-neurodevelopment-risks-in-preterm-infants

DiaMedica Therapeutics' investigational therapy DM199 significantly reduced blood pressure and improved uterine blood flow in patients with preeclampsia, with a favorable safety profile.

, Thomas McElrath, MD, PhD, vice president of clinical development at Mirvie, discussed the limitations of current US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for assessing preeclampsia risk and the broader challenges in improving outcomes for pregnant individuals, especially Black individuals. 

His study evaluated how well these guidelines work in real-world settings and suggested ways to improve preeclampsia prevention and treatment. McElrath emphasized that while the USPSTF guidelines were created with good intent using the best available data, their effectiveness in personalized care is limited. His study found that about 89% of pregnant individuals meet at least one moderate- or high-risk criterion for preeclampsia. 

This broad categorization may dilute the specificity of care and create ambiguity—if nearly everyone is considered at risk, it becomes harder to determine who truly needs intervention. This can undermine the goal of targeted aspirin prophylaxis and suggests that current criteria are too generalized.

To improve risk assessment, McElrath advocated for a shift toward biologically specific markers, rather than relying solely on clinical characteristics or demographic factors. He compared this to how cholesterol and HDL levels are used in cardiovascular risk assessment. For pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia, he pointed to the promise of cell-free RNA analysis, such as Mirvie’s platform, which can help stratify risk more accurately. 

His team's research suggests that preeclampsia is not a single condition but a spectrum of disorders with different biological causes—early-onset forms are linked to placental dysfunction, while later-onset forms involve immune activation and resemble gestational hypertension. Tailoring treatments to these subtypes could vastly improve outcomes.

On the issue of racial disparities, McElrath cautioned against interpreting race itself as an inherent risk factor. His data shows that when clinical risk factors are accounted for, race is not a predictive factor for preeclampsia. Instead, the higher prevalence of risk factors among Black individuals likely reflects systemic racism and social inequities. He emphasized the need to treat individuals based on their actual risk profile, not racial or social labels.

Finally, McElrath stressed that current approaches have not curbed rising preeclampsia rates, even as access to obstetrical care worsens in parts of the United States. He called for a proactive, biologically informed, and equity-focused strategy to address the growing burden of this serious pregnancy complication.

McElrath TF, Jeyabalan A, Khodursky A, et al. Utility of the US Preventive Services Task Force for preeclampsia risk assessment and aspirin prophylaxis. 

 2025;8(7):e2521792. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.21792

New research reveals that existing USPSTF guidelines may overgeneralize preeclampsia risk, highlighting the need for biologically based, personalized screening methods to improve maternal outcomes.

Saying "obstetrician-gynecologist" is a mouthful for most people, and it's probably the most abbreviated specialty in medicine, both spoken and written. However, there doesn't seem to be a consensus on how to pronounce OB-GYN. First, is it the two-syllable "O-B" or the monosyllabic "Ob"? Second, is it "gin" or "gyne" (like "Lyme")? I wonder if you have a preference. I know I do.

Almost nobody says "obstetrician-gynecologist" when speaking about these specialist physicians. But what's the "correct" way to pronounce OB/GYN?

Is It Ob-Gin or Ob-Gyne?

What's your diagnosis in this third trimester fetus?

Challenge your diagnostic skills: What's the diagnosis and prognosis based on these images of the fetal brain in a third trimester pregnancy?

Robin Noble, MD, MHCDS

Articles

Latest Updated Articles