To identify trends in embryo catheter loading and embryo culture techniques performed worldwide. A retrospective evaluation using the results of a web-based survey, (IVFWorldwide (www.IVF-worldwide.com), was performed. Responses from 265 centers in 71 countries were obtained. Most centers (97 %) prefered a catheter with its orifice on top, with only 3 % preferring a catheter with the orifice on its side; 41 % preferred a catheter marked for clear ultrasound view. The most commonly-reported methods of embryo loading were medium-air-embryo-airmedium (42 %), medium in catheter with embryo at end (20 %) and medium-air-embryo (15 %). In 68 % of centers the final volume of the catheter was up to 0.3 ml, with only 19 % using 0.3-0.5 ml and 1 % using 0.5-0.7 ml. Using reduced oxygen concentrations for embryo culture was divided between those who used it in combination with the twogas system (34 %) and those who did not use it at all (39 %); 24 % reported using a three-gas system. Most clinics using reduced oxygen concentrations used it throughout the entire culture period. Half of centers (51 %) reported using reduced oxygen concentrations for the entire IVF population while 6 % reserved it only for blastocyst transfer. The use of sequential media was highly dominant with 40 % reporting its use.

The purpose of this review is to evaluate current evidence regarding the use of dietary and exercise interventions to prevent fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The key lifestyle modifications that can decrease risk of fracture in postmenopausal women include regular weight-bearing exercise and a balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Other modifiable lifestyle factors critical to bone health and to decrease fracture risk include the avoidance of smoking, an excessively low body weight, excessive alcohol intake, and fall risks at home. Emerging modifiable factors may include B-vitamin, omega-3 fatty acid, soy isoflavone, and dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation.

Fertility preservation in the young cancer survivor is recognized as a key survivorship issue by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Thus, health care providers should inform women about the effects of cancer therapy on fertility and should discuss the different fertility preservation options available. It is also recommended to refer women expeditiously to a fertility specialist in order to improve counseling. Women’s age, diagnosis, presence of male partner, time available and preferences regarding use of donor sperm influence the selection of the appropriate fertility preservation option. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation are the standard techniques used while ovarian tissue cryopreservation is new, yet promising. Despite the importance of fertility preservation for cancer survivors’ quality of life, there are still communication and financial barriers faced by women who wish to pursue fertility preservation.

Objective This study aims to understand the current teaching of menopause medicine in American obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. Methods A Web-based survey was e-mailed to all American obstetrics and gynecology residency directors, with a request that they forward it to their residents. Results Of 258 residency program directors contacted, 79 (30.6%) confirmed forwarding the survey. In all, 1,799 people received the survey, with 510 completions, for a response rate of 28.3%. Most residents reported that they had limited knowledge and needed to learn more about these aspects of menopause medicine: pathophysiology of menopause symptoms (67.1%), hormone therapy (68.1%), nonhormone therapy (79.0%), bone health (66.1%), cardiovascular disease (71.7%), and metabolic syndrome (69.5%). Among fourth-year residents who will be entering clinical practice soon, a large proportion also reported a need to learn more in these areas: pathophysiology of menopause symptoms (45.9%), hormone therapy (54.2%), nonhormone therapy (69.4%), bone health (54.2%), cardiovascular disease (64.3%), and metabolic syndrome (63.8%). When asked to rate the most preferred modalities for learning about menopause, the top choice was supervised clinics (53.2%), followed by case presentations (22.2%), formal lectures (21.3%), small groups (14.7%), Web-based learning (7.8%), and independent reading (5.2%). Only 20.8% of residents reported that their program had a formal menopause medicine learning curriculum, and 16.3% had a defined menopause clinic as part of their residency. Conclusions It seems that some American residency programs do not fulfill the educational goals of their residents in menopause medicine. A curriculum would be beneficial for increasing knowledge and clinical experience on menopause issues.