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.

Back pain is generally considered a problem seen in old age, but of late, we are increasingly seeing younger adults suffering from back pain. Prolonged sitting hours, inadequate physical activity, smoking, and an unhealthy lifestyle have made back pain a common complaint even in people under 30 years of age.

What is a slipped disc?

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Pramod Sudarshan, Spine Surgeon (ortho), Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, said, “Most commonly, we attribute this pain to a slipped disc or other disc-related conditions. However, they are just one among many reasons causing back pain. A thorough understanding of the other conditions that can lead to back pain, and knowing the ‘red flags’ to help identify them, will assist in seeking early treatment and preventing further complications.”

Muscle strain is considered to be one of the most common reasons for developing back pain in younger individuals. Daily activities like travelling for long hours, lifting heavy weights without proper technique, and carrying heavy backpacks can lead to muscle strain. Often, the pain due to muscle strain comes down with the help of medications such as muscle relaxants and rest.

Poor posture and back pain

Working professionals and students spend many hours a day studying, gaming, and working on computers without maintaining proper posture, leading to excess strain on the back muscles and, in turn, prolonged back pain. Having a properly ergonomically designed workstation/study table setup can prevent back discomfort and stiffness.

What are the causes of back pain?

Lack of physical activity and associated conditions such as obesity weaken our core muscles, which are considered the main pillars supporting our spine. Weakened core muscles will not be able to perform the functions expected of them, leading to back pain. Regular exercise, weight management, a healthy diet, and guided weight training will help strengthen our core muscles and reduce the risk of back pain.

Other than muscles, the spine also contains small joints known as facet joints, irritation or inflammation of which can lead to back pain. A structure known as the pars interarticularis acts as a clamp in the spine, holding two adjacent vertebral bodies, and any defect, such as a congenital defect or fracture due to repetitive microtrauma, as seen in gymnasts, can lead to the slipping of one bone over the other, causing back pain.

Though mechanical back pain is most common, there are other conditions such as inflammatory arthropathy, tumours, and infections. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hyperuricemia/gout are some examples of inflammatory conditions in which an individual experiences early morning back pain associated with stiffness and may also present with pain in other joints.

Can tuberculosis lead to back pain?

Tuberculosis affecting the spine is considered the most common infection of the spine. Severe back pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and night sweats are some of the common symptoms. Other bacterial and fungal infections are also seen affecting the spine, most commonly in immunocompromised individuals.

Tumours, though rare in young individuals, warrant further investigation when symptoms such as severe weight loss, night pain, and prolonged back pain are present to rule out the possibility of tumours.

Other conditions such as scoliosis (congenital/adolescent idiopathic scoliosis), which is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, can cause back pain. It requires further assessment in the form of radiological investigations to assess the degree of deformity and to plan any surgical intervention, if required, based on the severity of the curve.

What are the symptoms?

Identifying some of the red-flag signs, such as weakness in the legs, numbness around the groin, bladder or bowel dysfunction, fever, unexplained significant weight loss, or severe pain following major trauma, is essential. These symptoms may indicate serious underlying pathology requiring medical care.

Fortunately, back pain in young people is largely preventable. Basic lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, maintaining proper posture, avoiding prolonged sitting, maintaining a healthy body weight, undertaking monitored weight-training programmes, following a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep will help prevent as well as overcome existing back problems. Invest in your spinal health at the earliest opportunity to reap the benefits in the second half of life.

Researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical firm Moderna have developed a vaccine that may prevent bowel and ovarian cancer. The first trial is to be this summer, and it will try to see if the vaccine can train the immune system to recognize and eliminate pre-cancerous cells in people with Lynch syndrome before cancer develops.

In the United Kingdom, one in 300 people has Lynch syndrome, an inherited health condition that massively increases the chance of contracting cancers like bowel and ovarian cancer.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the umbrella term for both colon and rectal cancer. As the name also suggests, colon cancers happen only in the colon, but if it is left untreated, it can spread to different organs in your body. Colorectal cancer begins inside the rectal tissues or the colon walls. It presents itself in the earliest stages as small masses, known as polyps. If a polyp becomes cancerous, it can spread cancer from the inner part of the colon to the lymph nodes or bloodstream. If this happens, cancer can then quickly move throughout the system.

Early Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer

• Persistent changes in bowel habits, especially if they last more than a few days, must be taken seriously. Narrow or ribbon-shaped stools may indicate a tumor partially blocking the colon.
• Blood in the stool is one of the most common and concerning signs. While it might be due to hemorrhoids or fissures, it’s important not to assume. A proper evaluation is critical.
• Unexplained weight loss: Especially when unintentional.
• Abdominal cramps or bloating: Misinterpreted as common digestive issues.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological cancers and is often referred to as the “silent killer” because its early symptoms are vague and easily mistaken for common digestive or urinary issues.

It develops when abnormal cells in the ovaries grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. Survival rates are significantly higher when detected early—around 93 per cent of women diagnosed at stage one survive at least five years, compared to just 13 per cent at stage four, according to the American Cancer Society.

Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are limited, and outcomes are poorer.

• Early Symptoms Often Overlooked

“Ovarian cancer is commonly called a ‘silent disease’ because its early signs are vague and often resemble routine gastric issues,” Dr. Tejinder Kataria, Chairperson – Radiation Oncology, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, told HealthandMe.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent bloating
• Feeling full quickly or reduced appetite
• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained constipation or diarrhea
• Ongoing indigestion
• Excessive gas
• Abdominal heaviness

Dr. Parminder Kaur, Consultant Gynaecologic Oncologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe that the key concern is when symptoms become frequent, persistent, and unusual for an individual’s normal health pattern.

Every year, millions of people undergo routine health check-ups that include a lipid profile. Yet for many, the numbers on the report—Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and increasingly ApoB—remain confusing.

Most people know that cholesterol is linked to heart disease and that "good" cholesterol can be beneficial, while high levels of "bad" cholesterol may increase cardiovascular risk. However, understanding what the different lipid profile numbers mean—and which ones matter most—can make a significant difference to long-term heart health.

Taking to the social media platform X, noted neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar said, "This is mainly meant for people who have NOT suffered a heart attack or stroke and are NOT already taking statins."

How Often Should You Get Tested?

Dr. Sudhir, Senior Consultant Neurologist at the Institute of Neurosciences, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, shared that for most healthy adults, a lipid profile every two to three years is generally sufficient.

However, more frequent testing may be necessary for people with:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• A history of smoking
• A family history of premature heart disease
• Previously abnormal cholesterol levels

LDL: Why This Cholesterol Matters

Also read: AHA’s New Dyslipidemia Guidelines Stress Early Screening, Lifestyle Management

LDL cholesterol, commonly known as LDL-C, is often referred to as "bad cholesterol." The expert explained its key role in the development of heart disease.

"Excess LDL can enter artery walls and contribute to plaque formation. Over time, these plaques may narrow blood vessels or rupture, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes," Dr. Sudhir said.

For most healthy adults, LDL levels below 100 mg/dL are considered desirable. Levels above this range gradually increase cardiovascular risk, particularly when elevated over many years.

The lower the LDL, the lower the long-term risk of heart attack and stroke. On the other hand, persistently high LDL can increase the lifetime risk of:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease

Triglycerides: A Marker Of Metabolic Health

Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the bloodstream. High levels of triglycerides are often a marker of poor metabolic health, Dr. Sudhir said.

He added that high triglycerides can indicate:

• Insulin resistance
• Obesity
• Prediabetes
• Diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Diets rich in refined carbohydrates and sugary beverages

What About HDL?

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, has long been known as "good cholesterol." Traditionally, higher HDL levels have been associated with lower cardiovascular risk.

However, recent research has challenged the idea that simply raising HDL improves heart health. Several medications designed to increase HDL levels failed to reduce heart attack risk, prompting a shift in focus toward lowering harmful cholesterol particles rather than boosting HDL alone.

As a result, the expert cautioned against judging cardiovascular health based solely on HDL levels.

ApoB: The Emerging Risk Marker

Read More: Cardiovascular Diseases Lead As India’s Top Killer: US Cardiologist Points Out Risk Factors

One of the most important developments in cardiovascular prevention is the growing recognition of Apolipoprotein B, or ApoB. Dr. Sudhir stated that ApoB is a protein found on potentially harmful cholesterol-carrying particles such as LDL and VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein, a type of "bad" cholesterol).

"Think of ApoB as a count of the particles capable of entering artery walls and causing plaque. One ApoB is equal to one potentially harmful particle," the expert said.

ApoB is important because two people may have the same LDL level, but only one may have many more cholesterol-carrying particles. That person will often have a higher ApoB level and potentially higher cardiovascular risk. ApoB often provides a more accurate assessment of risk than LDL alone, the neurologist explained.

He suggested that ApoB testing should be considered by people with diabetes, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, elevated triglycerides, or a strong family history of heart disease.

How To Improve Lipid Profile Naturally?

• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Avoiding smoking
• Limiting sugary drinks
• Reducing ultra-processed foods
• Eating more vegetables, fruits, and legumes
• Choosing healthier sources of fat
• Prioritizing good sleep.