Top in women’s health: Toxic lead in tampons; pain management options for IUD insertion
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Researchers found “measurable concentrations” of 16 metals, including toxic lead, in 60 tampon samples tested during an analysis, according to study results published in Environment International.
Further research is warranted to determine exactly how much the metals affect health, however.
“We found metals, including the toxic metal lead, in 100% of the tampons we tested,” Jenni A. Shearston, PhD, MPH, a postdoctoral scholar with the Sustainability and Health Equity Lab at University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, told Healio.
“I want to emphasize that we do not yet know if metals can leach out of the tampon and whether they are absorbed by the body,” she added. “We therefore cannot yet assess to what extent — if any — metals in tampons contribute to any health problems. We need more research on this severely understudied area because millions of people could be affected.”
It was the top story in women’s health this year.
In another top story, the CDC released updated guidelines that said lidocaine for IUD insertion may be helpful for reducing patient pain. The new guidance additionally does not recommend misoprostol for routine use for IUD placement.
Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:
Metals, including toxic lead, detected in tested tampons
Researchers confirmed the presence of toxic metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic, in each of 60 tampon samples tested, although they cautioned more studies are needed on whether the detected metals can leach into the body. Read more.
Updated CDC guidance recommends pain management options for IUD insertion
The CDC recently issued updated guidance regarding the provision of medications for IUD placement, stating that lidocaine “might be useful” for reducing patient pain and that misoprostol is no longer recommended for routine use. Read more.
Childhood autism may be linked to prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication
Autism spectrum disorder incidence appeared higher for children with prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications vs. the general population, but some associations weakened after adjusting for treatment indication, researchers reported. Read more.
Q&A: Diet and lifestyle can promote fertility
Susan Weiner, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES, FADCES, talks with Judy Simon, MS, RDN, CD, CHES, FAND, about how women seeking to conceive, whether naturally or with assisted reproduction, can optimize nutrition to boost fertility. Read more.
Online searches reveal Barbie movie may have spurred interest in gynecology
The Barbie movie may have increased women’s interest in seeking a gynecologist, which highlights the influence popular movies have on health literacy and awareness, according to study results published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.
CDC: Birth rates falling, with fewer women receiving prenatal care
In the U.S., birth and general fertility rates dropped while the percentage of women receiving no prenatal care rose from 2022 to 2023, according to a recent CDC birth trends report. Read more.