In 2013, actor Michael Douglas blamed frequent oral sex with his wife as a cause of his throat cancer. In the 17 years from 1999 through 2015, the mouth and throat replaced the cervix as the most common site of cancer associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the United States. What is a data show about vaginal to oral HPV transmission, and even oral to oral transmission? Does Gardasil have a role in prevention here as well? In this podcast, we were review published data on oral HP...
Feb 05, 2020•14 min
Malignant GTD includes choriocarcinoma, invasive mole, and placental site trophoblastic tumor. When is single agent chemotherapy indicated? What about multiagent care? What is the classification system for malignant GTD? In this episode we will review the diagnosis, work up, and management of this condition.
Jan 31, 2020•12 min
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia is a complex condition with various histological and clinical distinct entities. In this episode, we will review the benign variants of GTN, hydatidiform moles (complete and partial). We will review their clinical presentations, diagnosis, management, and follow up. Data for this podcast comes from the ACOG practice bulletin 53 as well as the SGO.
Jan 30, 2020•14 min
Currently, the CDC does not recommend “routine screening” for extragenital gonorrhea or chlamydia in women, although it does make that recommendation for MSM or bisexual males. However, as most extragenital infections are asymptomatic, this is potentially missing a large reservoir of infection. In this episode, we will review the USPSTF and CDC screening guidelines and compared that to evolving prevalence data of extragenital STIs.
Jan 27, 2020•11 min
Opioid use disorder (OUD) Is a national crisis. Pregnancy is not immune to OUD. Traditionally, methadone and buprenorphine have been used as medical treatments for this condition in pregnancy, with concerns about naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) use. In January 2020, a new prospective cohort study (AJOH) adds reassuring data on the safety and effectiveness of this medication option.
Jan 24, 2020•11 min
Up to 30% of initial BV diagnoses will have a recurrence. Does partner therapy (male or female) help reduce recurrence? Most of the original data which stated “No”, is now outdated. Additionally, what is the data on vaginal Vit C for recurrence prevention? Does that actually work? Let’s examine both of these questions...now.
Jan 18, 2020•18 min
Vaginismus is the involuntary tightening of pelvic floor muscles that surround the vagina; this can make penetration very painful, if not impossible. The DSM5 reclassified female sexual dysfunction into 4 main categories, with vaginismus fitting in the “penetration disorder“ group. What role does medical therapy play with this condition? Does physical therapy have a role? In this session, we will review the July 2019 practice bulletin from the ACOG (213) focusing specifically on vaginismus.
Jan 16, 2020•16 min
In 2018, the Lancet released the AFFIRM trial. They reported a NONsignificant decrease in the stillbirth rate from 4.40/1,000 births in the control group to 4.06/1,000 births in the fetal movement counting intervention group. In February 2020, a new systematic review and meta-analysis reveals additional information on the clinical utility of maternal perception of fetal movement. Let’s review that data now.
Jan 13, 2020•8 min
Currently, the ACOG and SMFM recommend a “risk-based” approach to HCV screening in pregnancy. HOWEVER, a soon to be published original article (February 2020) in Obstet Gynecol confirms that “The reported prevalence of maternal HCV infection has increased 161% from 2009 to 2017”. The IDSA has called for UNIVERSAL screening of HCV. In the session, we will review the Nov 2019 IDSA HCV screening recommendations and provide key points from the Rossi et al Feb 2020 Green Journal publication.
Jan 12, 2020•12 min
Most studies on the risks of post menopausal hormone therapy have focused on the oral route of administration. Does the transdermal route of estrogen delivery reduce the risk of VTE? In this episode, we will review the ACOG committee opinion (556) and ASRM guidelines on the use of transdermal estrogen vs oral estrogen therapy.
Jan 09, 2020•6 min
Is vaginal E2 therapy safe in women with a history of breast cancer? What is the data regarding systemic absorption levels? Are you familiar with the recently FDA approved medication IMVEXXY? In the session, we will review the data behind the use of vaginal estrogen and vaginal, non-estrogen therapy for persistent genital atrophy symptoms in women with a current or past history of breast cancer.
Jan 07, 2020•13 min
In North America, the median age of menopause is 51 years. Among women reporting menopausal symptoms, vasomotor and vaginal symptoms are the most closely associated with these hormonal changes. Can progesterone use alone relieve vasomotor symptoms? What about the use of testosterone? What is Intrarosa vaginal therapy? Does ospemifene increase endometrial a risk? In this session, we will answer these questions and review the medical management of menopause according to the ACOG practice bulletin ...
Jan 05, 2020•15 min
Up to 30% to 50% of infertile women have endometriosis, based on laparoscopic diagnosis. Endometriosis affects fertility through a variety of mechanisms. In this session, we will review the ASRM position statement on endometriosis related infertility: work-up and patient management.
Jan 03, 2020•13 min
Infertility can affect up to 15% of all couples. Male factor infertility can account for up to 40 to 50% of cases, while in 30% of couples there may no identifiable etiology (unexplained infertility). This session, we will review the ASR M guidelines for the infertility evaluation. Is postcoital testing still recommended? What role does laparoscopy play in the infertility evaluation? We will answer these questions and more in this session.(ACOG CO 781).
Jan 01, 2020•18 min
BRCA1 & BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes; mutations in either are transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern. Loss of both copies of either BRCA1 or BRCA2 is just the 1st step in the process of potential carcinogenesis. In this session, we will review the pathophysiology of BRCA mutations and review the NCCN guidelines for breast and ovarian cancer screening. We will also review the surgical & chemoprophylactic management of the BRCA positive patient.
Dec 30, 2019•14 min
Once considered pathognomonic for gonorrhea or chlamydia, Bartholin’s gland abscesses are now recognized to be polymicrobial. Is I&D alone 1st line therapy for a Bartholin’s abscess? What about Word Catheter use? Are there any alternatives to Marsupialization for recurrent cases? In this session, we will review the data behind diagnosis and management of this common gynecological condition.
Dec 28, 2019•13 min
There are 4 types of single umbilical artery (SUA), based on pathogenesis. The incidence of SUA is up to 1% of all singleton fetuses, and up to 4.6% of twins. SUA can occur either as an isolated finding or as part of a congenital anomaly syndrome. In this session we will review the pathogenesis, identification of, fetal work-up, and patient management of SUA. Data from the SMFM, and ACOG.
Dec 25, 2019•13 min
Methamphetamine and amphetamine use has greatly increased all throughout the United States. While similar to cocaine, it’s mechanism of action is quite unique and dangerous. In this session we will cover the pharmacology of amphetamines/meth and its affects on pregnancy. We will also cover some common every day medications which can actually test false positive for meth/amphetamines on toxicology screening. Data for this podcast come from the ACOG, SMFM, and the CDC.
Dec 22, 2019•15 min
Interest in, and performance of, female cosmetic genital surgery increased 50% from 2014 to 2018. As close to 80% of US females have some degree of pubic hair removal, self awareness of vulvar variation is increasing. Although labial hypertrophy can be a true functional/medical concern requiring labial reduction, what about elective cosmetic genital procedures? In January 2020, the ACOG will release its updated committee opinion on this topic. These are important points to review as patients oft...
Dec 20, 2019•13 min
Pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism is the most common cause of maternal death and a significant cause of maternal morbidity. The factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is the most common known genetic factor that predisposes to thrombosis. How does obstetric management differ regarding a heterozygous or homozygous carrier? When should anticoagulation be used, and at what dose? In this session we will review data from the SMFM, RCOG, and the ACOG practice bulletin 197.
Dec 17, 2019•14 min
The initial gynecological visit for an early teen/adolescent is crucial in establishing patient trust, education of gynecological health, and establishment of healthy personal and sexual behaviors. At what years should the first visit occur? What about patient confidentiality when dealing with minors? Is a clinical breast exam part of the adolescent screening exam? In this session, we will review the ACOG committee opinion (598) on the first gynecological visit.
Dec 12, 2019•19 min
Commercial laboratories offering cell free DNA for fetal prenatal screening are offering microdeletion testing. Is this valid? Microdeletions are varied and include 22q and 15q syndromes. In this session, we will review the pathophysiology of microdeletions and review 22q and 15q conditions. What does the SMFM have to say about cell free DNA screening for these conditions? How is Angelman syndrome related to Prader –Willi condition? Let’s cover this now.
Dec 10, 2019•17 min
The “ideal“ interpregnancy interval depends on the outcome of the immediate, prior pregnancy. For example, the recommended interpregnancy interval following a 1st trimester miscarriage is different compared to a live, term birth. But what about the interpregnancy interval after a stillbirth? Are the recommendations the same? In this podcast will review updated data from 2019 regarding interpregnancy interval following stillbirth. The reference for this podcast summary is Regan AK, et al; Lancet,...
Dec 07, 2019•14 min
You find that there is a medical indication for a cesarean birth- yet the patient refuses! What are your next steps? Should you seek a court order to intervene? “Informed refusal” encompasses a complex, multifaceted, ethical dilemma. In this session, we will review some clear guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the ACOG, and the AMA regarding the management of this difficult situation.
Dec 03, 2019•14 min
No! Julius Caesar was not born by cesarean birth. What does a pig-gelder in 1500 have to do with CS History? From Jacob Nufer to Munroe Kerr, we will walk down the path of the cesarean’s incredible history.
Dec 01, 2019•19 min
Medicine: it’s an incredibly rewarding profession. The opportunity and ability to comfort and heal the sick is an absolute privilege. BUT...if you are not careful, that wonderful of all professions can consume you, and may devour you. Two theories have been proposed to explain this: Burnout, and Moral Injury. But are these 2 separate conditions? How does the issue of mindset (fixed or growth) apply? In the session, we will review the latest (as of December 2019) on this ever evolving issue.
Nov 29, 2019•19 min
In December 2019, the ACOG will release committee opinion 794 covering quantitative blood loss in obstetrics. Does QBL use ALONE improve clinical outcomes? The answer may surprise you! Nonetheless, there is great value in utilizing obstetric hemorrhage toolkits/bundles such as the California Maternal Quality Care collaborative strategy. In the session, we will review the use of QBL in practice in why having it as part of a larger toolkit helps reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Nov 25, 2019•10 min
Breast-feeding mastitis is a common occurrence and a source of disruption of breast-feeding and negatively affects quality-of-life. In this session, we will review the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s treatment protocol for the condition. When is abscess identification required? What about drainage? We will answer these questions and more in this episode!
Nov 22, 2019•12 min
Obesity is a known modifiable risk factor for complications of pregnancy- both antepartum and intrapartum. Data has confirmed a direct link/risk of stillbirth with obesity. In this session, we will review the data on this link as well as the effect of gestational age on the risk of stillbirth. We will also briefly review the ACOG practice bulletin on gestational diabetes and how this may relate to obesity’s risk of stillbirth. This podcast will also summarize the (conflicting) data on elective i...
Nov 20, 2019•21 min
Periviable birth is defined as delivery occurring from 20 0/7 weeks to 25 6/7 weeks of gestation. When is the earliest time to consider antenatal steroids for fetal lung maturation, and what about magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection? When should tocolytics be utilized? And when is the earliest just stational age to consider a C-section for fetal benefit? In this session, we will cover these questions according to the ACOG consensus statement #6.
Nov 17, 2019•18 min