Scientists from University College London Medical School reported that they have completed an analysis of all the chromosomes in almost every cell of a test-tube embryo to find that the number of embryos that are completely chromosomally normal is very low. This finding adds to the evidence that most embryos contain a proportion of abnormal cells. This testing could lead to improved in vitro fertilization by helping to select only those embryos with the chromosomal capacity to result in a successful pregnancy. Canadian investigators announced that radiation therapy of the left breast given to women who received lumpectomies was not associated with an increased risk of heart attack. The data was presented at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology meeting.
Lesbians are just as likely as heterosexual women to contract sexually transmitted diseases.
In a study from Australia, bacterial vaginosis and hepatitis C were more common among lesbians. Additionally, women with female sex partners were 6 times more likely to inject drugs and 3 times more likely to have had sexual contact with a gay or bisexual man, increasing their risk for HIV infection. Japanese researchers reported that magnetic stimulation of the sacral roots might be an alternative treatment for women with stress incontinence. Their study demonstrated increased urethral closure pressure and bladder capacity and was associated with improvements in symptoms and quality of life. While the primary cause of breast cancer is unknown, a study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggests that dietary factors, especially a high fat diet, play a major role.