Pregnancy is usually a time of happiness and hope, but it also brings in the unexpected. While there is much talk placed on the health of the expectant mother, the quality sperm coming from the father could dramatically change the outcome of pregnancy. The latest study suggests the risks of sperm DNA damage, even increasing the risks of complications preeclampsia and birth prematurity.

In a groundbreaking research study conducted by scientists from Lund University in Sweden, scientists discovered that DNA damage in sperm increases the risk almost up to double that of preeclampsia, this is a dangerous condition that may arise during pregnancies characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, DNA anomalies also increase the risk of premature births, and this further entails increased related adverse health outcomes for infants born through such conditions.

The next step would be to find out which group of men respond best to methods to prevent and treat sperm DNA damage, and to test these methods to prevent pregnancy complications," said Dr. Amelie Stenqvist, a lecturer at Lund University. According to this study, a significant message is put forward that paternal health assumes an important role in a successful pregnancy.

It focused its research on men, specifically whose sperm contained high levels of DNA fragmentation. For instance, some 20% to 30% of babies born via in vitro fertilization have fathers whose sperm contains damaged DNA. The DNA fragmentation index, an indicator to assess the percentage of DNA damage in sperm, indicated that when the percentage of sperm with a DFI above 30% was observed, they had almost no chance of resulting in natural conception. Even a DFI greater than 20% showed that the chances of getting pregnant are highly risky as the risk factor for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia is much high.

Uncommon Complications during Pregnancy

The most alarming complication during pregnancy is preeclampsia. It affects approximately 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, which can cause fatal conditions for both the mother and the baby. The new findings now point out that sperm DNA damage may contribute to this condition, especially if it is due to assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF pregnancies. The research found that a DFI above 20% doubled the risk of preeclampsia from a mere 5% to almost 11% per.

Apart from causing preeclampsia, DNA fragmentation in sperm is also known to increase the risk for prematurity. Most premature babies experience respiratory, neurological, and developmental complications. Therefore, some degree of early intervention might be important for prospective parents.

Some of the rarer, though serious complications include placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and intrauterine growth restriction, a condition by which the baby does not grow normally in the womb. These conditions though rare are potentially catastrophic both to the mother and the child. Results from this study may help in establishing the contribution of the father in such pregnancies.

Further study into sperm DNA damage is of urgent interest with regard to its consequences for pregnancy outcomes. According to Professor Aleksander Giwercman of Lund University in the field of Reproductive Medicine, "the analysis of DFI should be introduced as routine test in all fertility clinics.". "It could give answers to couples who are having difficulties with infertility, but our latest result also shows that DFI analysis can be a method to identify high-risk pregnancies, explained Giwercman.

For many, DNA fragmentation in sperm is often treatable. Common causes are oxidative stress, age, smoking, being obese, and infections. Addressing these elements will likely reduce DNA damage in sperm for men, raising the chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Overall, the study importance should take into consideration paternal as well as maternal health towards reaching for a healthy pregnancy. Though DNA fragmentation in the sperm is supposed to increase the risk factors for complications in pregnancies, the advances into novel treatment approaches and tests are likely to alleviate complications in many families. Thus the findings of this study offer optimism and pave a pathway to more holistic fertility treatments in the future.

In the past, heart problems were often seen as frightening and potentially fatal. While cardiac conditions remain serious, advances in heart medicine over recent years have dramatically improved treatment success and reduced risks. Among these modern options, lasers are proving to be highly effective. Laser angioplasty is one such procedure that allows cardiologists and vascular surgeons to remove plaque, a major cause of coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease.

What Is Laser Angioplasty?

Laser angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure where a laser is used to break down plaque inside arteries. Unlike traditional angioplasty, which uses a balloon to widen arteries, this method targets difficult or stubborn blockages that are hard to treat otherwise. A thin catheter carrying the laser is guided to the blocked area, where the laser vaporizes the plaque and restores blood flow. This technique can help patients avoid open-heart surgery and often leads to shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery, according to Stanford Health Care.

Laser Angioplasty Procedure

Before the procedure, a specialist—either an interventional cardiologist or vascular surgeon—evaluates the patient’s overall health and determines whether laser angioplasty is appropriate. As per NIH, Once approved, the process generally follows these steps:

• The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
• A small incision is made in the groin.
• Using X-ray imaging, a guide wire is inserted through the femoral artery to reach the blockage.
• A catheter is threaded over the wire to the site of the plaque.
• The laser is passed through the catheter to the blockage, where it vaporizes the fatty deposits. X-ray imaging and contrast dye are used to monitor the process.
• Once the plaque is cleared, the laser, catheter, and wire are removed, and the incision is closed.
• Patients are monitored afterward and, depending on their condition, may be able to go home the next day.

Advantages of Laser Angioplasty Over Traditional Methods

Laser angioplasty offers several benefits compared with conventional balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery. The laser can precisely vaporize plaque and thrombus, allowing treatment of chronic or heavily calcified blockages. This precision often results in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, helping patients get back to normal life sooner.

For patients with in-stent restenosis or total occlusions, laser angioplasty can achieve results that might otherwise require multiple procedures or open-heart surgery. Its ability to target tough blockages makes it an invaluable tool in modern cardiac care.

Risks and Considerations

While laser angioplasty is generally safe when performed by experienced specialists, it does carry some risks. Similar to standard angioplasty, complications like hematoma at the catheter site, arterial perforation, or acute thrombosis can occur. Specific to the laser procedure, there may also be vessel injury, spasm, embolism, or bleeding

Patient selection is very important. The procedure may not be suitable for arteries that are extremely curved, tortuous, or involve the left main coronary artery. There is also a chance the artery may narrow again, requiring repeat procedures or bypass surgery. Despite these considerations, the benefits of laser angioplasty—including precise targeting and faster recovery—make it a promising option for many patients.

FDA menopause hormone therapy: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Monday that it will remove the strictest “black box” warnings from hormone therapies used to manage menopause symptoms. The move could make these treatments more accessible to women and healthcare providers, who have long avoided them due to safety concerns.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the decision comes after a thorough review of scientific research, feedback from an expert panel in July, and a public comment period.

"After 23 years of outdated caution, the FDA is now stepping back from the fear-based messaging that has kept women from this life-changing—and sometimes,life-saving—treatment," Makary said at a press briefing.

"We are responding to women who have been challenging the paternalistic approach in medicine, and to female medical students calling for better menopause education in medical training," he added.

The agency is also greenlighting two new treatments for menopausal symptoms. This includes a generic version of Pfizer’s Premarin and a non-hormonal option for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment for people experiencing menopause symptoms. Doctors may also call it hormone therapy (HT), especially when prescribed after age 50. Generally, “HRT” is used for people starting treatment at a younger age, often before 40.

During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• Insomnia
• Urinary incontinence

HRT works by replacing the hormones your body is no longer making enough of, helping to relieve these symptoms. It can also help prevent bone loss, such as osteoporosis and osteopenia, which can occur when estrogen levels drop.

Hormone Replacement Therapy: When Should You Start Hormone Therapy?

Dr. Joann Pinkerton, a menopause specialist at the University of Virginia Health, recommends starting estrogen therapy before age 60 or within ten years of the onset of menopause, which begins one year after your last period. Many women continue taking birth control through perimenopause, which can help manage hot flashes and night sweats as hormone levels fluctuate.

Once menopause is complete and pregnancy prevention is no longer a concern, continuing birth control may not make sense. “Birth control usually contains more estrogen than is used in menopause hormone therapy,” Pinkerton says, “so that’s a good time to discuss hormone therapy options with your provider.”

Menopause Hormone Therapy FDA: How Long Should You Be on Hormone Therapy?

Typically, women use hormone therapy for three to five years, though this is not a strict rule. “For those with ongoing symptoms or bone loss—which can be addressed with hormone therapy—we continue treatment,” Pinkerton explains. She emphasizes the importance of reviewing treatment annually. “It’s about working with each patient to find the safest and most effective approach.”

Lauren Streicher from Northwestern University, as per NPR, adds, “We don’t stop hormone therapy simply because three to five years have passed.” She notes that menopause symptoms can last longer for some women, with Black and Hispanic women often experiencing extended periods of discomfort.

HRT Therapy: Who Should Avoid Hormone Therapy?

Certain medical conditions can make hormone therapy risky. Women with estrogen-sensitive breast or uterine cancers, or those who have had, or are at high risk for heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or pulmonary embolism, should avoid HRT.

“Women need to have a detailed discussion with a knowledgeable healthcare provider,” Pinkerton says. “It’s crucial to understand what benefits and risks apply to you personally.”

Whether HRT is right for you is a conversation to have with your healthcare provider. While hormone therapy can ease menopausal symptoms, it carries potential risks. Discussing these benefits and risks with your doctor will help determine if HRT is suitable for your needs.

It’s almost second nature to reach for a painkiller the moment we feel a headache, backache, or joint pain. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen are often our first line of relief.

While these drugs can be highly effective when taken correctly, using them too often or in large amounts may quietly harm your kidneys. To understand this better, we spoke with Dr. Ranjeet Singh, Professor and Head of General Medicine at NIIMS Medical College and Hospital, who explained the possible risks in detail.

What Are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a group of medicines that help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Unlike steroids, they target the chemicals in your body that trigger pain and swelling. They are often used to ease conditions like arthritis, muscle strain, and headaches.

Common examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, available both with and without a prescription, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Painkillers And Kidney Failure: Is It Possible?

The kidneys serve as the body’s natural filtration system, removing excess fluids and waste. Dr. Ranjeet Singh explained, “NSAIDs block certain chemicals called prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. However, these same chemicals also help maintain healthy blood flow to the kidneys. When prostaglandin levels stay blocked for too long, the kidneys may receive less blood, which affects how well they filter.” Over time, this reduced blood flow can lead to analgesic nephropathy, a chronic form of kidney damage linked to long-term painkiller use.

Which Pain Medications Can Damage Your Kidneys?

Taking any pain medication irresponsibly, whether it’s aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or prescription opioids, can raise the risk of kidney damage. The biggest concern arises from consuming doses that are too high or using these medicines for longer than advised.

Among OTC options, NSAIDs carry the highest potential for long-term harm. Regular or excessive use may cause progressive kidney damage or even sudden kidney failure.

In fact, a 2019 study involving more than 764,000 U.S. Army personnel found that those who took over seven doses of NSAIDs per month had a noticeably higher chance of developing acute or chronic kidney disease.

Painkillers and Kidney Health: Who Is at Higher Risk?

According to Dr. Ranjeet Singh, certain groups are more vulnerable to kidney damage from painkillers:

• People with existing kidney disease or diabetes
• Older adults
• Individuals who are dehydrated or taking diuretics (commonly called “water pills”)
• Those who frequently use more than one type of painkiller

Warning Signs to Watch For

Pay attention to these symptoms, which could point to kidney problems:

• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Swelling around the eyes or in the legs
• Reduced urine output
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

Painkillers: Safe Use Tips

Always use the lowest dose that works, and for the shortest time possible.

Never combine different painkillers unless your doctor advises it.

Keep yourself well hydrated.

Consult your doctor before taking painkillers regularly, especially if you have an ongoing health condition.

Painkillers can be helpful when used correctly, but long-term or high-dose use can quietly harm your kidneys. If you often find yourself depending on these medicines, it is best to talk to a healthcare professional, your kidneys will thank you later.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is meant for general awareness and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking or changing any medication, especially if you have an existing health condition.