Top 5 women's health headlines you missed in April 2025

Top 5 women's health headlines you missed in April 2025 | Image Credit: © sebra - stock.adobe.com.

April 2025 brought a wave of important updates that continue to shape the care of women across all stages of life.

In the ever-evolving field of obstetrics and gynecology, noteworthy advancements emerged in maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, gynecologic oncology, and more. From FDA approvals to new clinical trial data, these developments reflect the ongoing innovation driving patient care forward.

In this monthly recap, Contemporary OB/GYN highlights the most impactful regulatory news, clinical research findings, and expert perspectives from April 2025.

Click on each title below for in-depth coverage of these key updates.

1. International group publishes first clinical guidance on polygenic risk scores for breast cancer

New international clinical guidance published in Cancers offers the first evidence-based recommendations for using polygenic risk scores (PRSs) in breast cancer prevention and screening. PRSs assess risk based on common genetic variants and can help stratify women beyond those with BRCA mutations or strong family histories. The guidance outlines when and how to use PRSs in clinical and population settings, how to interpret results alongside models like CanRisk, and emphasizes regulatory and equity considerations. Experts say this marks a major step toward integrating genomics into routine preventive care.

2. Rising firearm suicide risk among women highlights gaps in prevention

A new study from Ohio State University reveals that nearly 40% of women who die by firearm suicide have no known history of mental or physical health issues, highlighting major gaps in prevention strategies. Firearm suicide rates have surged, alongside a sharp rise in female gun ownership, which reached 50% in 2020. Researchers analyzed over 8,000 cases and identified 4 risk profiles, with notable differences in mental health history, substance use, and life circumstances. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and broader public education on firearm safety and suicide prevention for women.

3. Urinary incontinence linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk

A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that women with urinary incontinence face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), even though their levels of physical activity were not significantly lower than those without incontinence. The study, which analyzed data from over 20,000 women in Connecticut, linked urinary incontinence to increased odds of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, stroke, and coronary artery bypass grafts. Researchers urge regular screening for incontinence in women with CVD risk factors and call for further studies to explore underlying mechanisms behind this association.

4. New guideline outlines best practices for managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause

A new joint guideline from the AUA, SUFU, and AUGS offers evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Diagnosis should focus on patient-reported symptoms like vaginal dryness and urinary complaints, rather than hormone levels. Shared decision-making is emphasized, with local low-dose vaginal estrogen as the first-line therapy. Other hormonal options like vaginal DHEA and oral ospemifene may be used, and non-hormonal treatments like moisturizers are also recommended. Energy-based therapies are discouraged due to insufficient evidence. The guideline advises no routine endometrial surveillance and stresses the need for ongoing symptom reassessment.

5. Gepotidacin demonstrates efficacy, safety as treatment for gonorrhea

A phase 3 clinical trial showed that gepotidacin (Blujepa; GSK), a novel oral antibiotic, is as effective as the current standard treatment—ceftriaxone plus azithromycin—for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea. In the EAGLE-1 study involving 628 participants, gepotidacin achieved a 92.6% bacterial eradication rate, comparable to the 91.2% seen with standard therapy. Though gepotidacin had milder gastrointestinal side effects, no serious adverse events occurred. As an oral medication, it offers a more convenient alternative and introduces a new class of antibiotics. GSK plans to seek FDA approval for its use in treating gonorrhea later this year.