Xenoestrogens--danger for the future generations?

In this work I would like to speak about a group of substances which invisible are present in our environment. We come across with them every day. We eat them, drink them, breathe them and use them at work, at home and in the garden. They are present in soil, water, air and food, household products, packing materials, probably in the breast milk and during development in our mother's womb. These substances are "xenoestrogens". "Xeno" literally means foreign. So xenoestrogens means foreign estrogens. They are also known as: endocrine or hormone disrupters, environmental estrogens, hormonally active agents (EPA), estrogenic substances, estrogenic xenobiotics, and bioactive chemicals. The human health risks, that may be associated with these low-level but constant exposures are still largely unknown and highly controversial. May be, more knowledge in this area could give us an answer to the questions which every one of us asks many times: what is the reason of appearance of this or that disease or condition, why suddenly, without visible reason childs' breasts start to grow, the menstrual cycle break off, why prescribed by me therapy does not work? Etc....     

Is addressing the needs of its membership an easy task for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine?

The survey conducted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) aimed to increase our understanding of the practices and opinions of ASRM members and to assist in decision making for the benefit of the society. Despite some limitations, this is the first step for ASRM to understand better its members, on whom its existence depends and whom it should serve.     

Are women ready for the HPV vaccine?

OBJECTIVE: An HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine will be available soon. Because vaccination for both boys and girls will be critical to reduce the incidence of this disease, we evaluated the willingness of women to accept the HPV vaccine and to consent to having their children vaccinated. METHODS: A 20-item questionnaire was distributed to women who had children between the ages of 8 and 14 years, the likely age range of the children who will be targeted to receive the vaccine. RESULTS: 200 women completed surveys. The median age for the respondents was 34.4 years (range, 23-53 years). 77% of the women surveyed would be willing to accept an HPV vaccine for themselves. 67% who had a daughter (n = 156) and 66% who had a son (n = 137) would consent to have their child vaccinated. Those not accepting the vaccine cited the risk of unknown adverse effects or their current lack of sexual activity. Women who would not consent to have their children vaccinated cited the risk of unknown adverse effects and their belief that their children are not sexually active. Male children not directly benefiting from the vaccine were also a reason for not considering the vaccine for sons. A history of an abnormal Papanicolaou smear was not associated with willingness to accept the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated a willingness of women to accept the HPV vaccine for themselves and their children. Gynecologists and gynecologic oncologists must focus not only on the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer but also on its prevention.