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

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

July 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 decisions to new study 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 July 2025.

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

1. Early blood test accurately predicts preeclampsia months before symptoms

A blood test in the first trimester may predict preeclampsia up to 5 months before symptoms develop, according to new research presented at ESHRE 2025.

Researchers developed a cell-free RNA (cfRNA) model that identified early-onset preeclampsia with 83% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Using machine learning, the model analyzed cfRNA from maternal plasma to detect distinct molecular signatures for early- and late-onset disease. The findings suggest cfRNA screening could enable earlier intervention, such as aspirin therapy, and may be integrated into clinical practice within a year.

2. Non-invasive blood test offers new diagnostic approach for endometriosis

Kephera Diagnostics has launched EndomTest, the first commercially available non-invasive blood test for endometriosis in the United States.

The laboratory-developed test uses serum biomarkers and clinical history to deliver a binary diagnostic result. Validated with high specificity (100%) and moderate sensitivity, EndomTest is intended as a rule-in tool to reduce the diagnostic delays often associated with the disease, which currently relies on invasive laparoscopic confirmation. The test marks a major advance in expanding access to earlier and less invasive diagnostic options for patients with suspected endometriosis.

3. ACOG updates clinical guidance on delayed umbilical cord clamping in preterm neonates

In July 2025, ACOG issued updated clinical guidance recommending delayed umbilical cord clamping for at least 60 seconds in preterm neonates born before 37 weeks, based on recent meta-analyses.

The new guidance, which revises 2020 recommendations, is supported by data showing a significant reduction in neonatal mortality with deferred clamping versus immediate clamping. While cord milking may be used when deferral is not possible, especially between 28 and 36 weeks, ACOG emphasized individualized care and called for more evidence before routinely adopting clamping delays of 120 seconds or longer.

4. FDA extends review period for Bayer's elinzanetant for vasomotor symptoms

On July 25, 2025, Bayer announced that the FDA extended its review of elinzanetant, a first-in-class dual neurokinin 1 and 3 receptor antagonist for vasomotor symptoms in menopause, by up to 90 days.

The delay allows time to evaluate the full NDA, supported by 3 phase 3 trials (OASIS 1, 2, and 3). No safety or efficacy concerns were raised. Already approved in the UK and Canada as Lynkuet, elinzanetant may offer a novel nonhormonal treatment option for moderate to severe menopause-related vasomotor symptoms.

5. FDA grants Priority Review to flibanserin for treating postmenopausal HSDD

On July 24, 2025, the FDA granted Priority Review to Sprout Pharmaceuticals’ application to expand flibanserin (Addyi) use to postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Flibanserin is currently the only FDA-approved oral treatment for low sexual desire in women. If approved for postmenopausal use, it would extend access to a broader population. The nonhormonal therapy influences key neurotransmitters related to sexual response. Already approved in Canada for menopausal women, flibanserin’s expanded indication would address a significant unmet need in women’s sexual health.