An externally validated age-related model of mean follicle density in the cortex of the human ovary

The population of non-growing follicles present in the ovary is defined as the ovarian reserve. This underpins the reproductive lifespan in women, with its depletion determining age at loss of fertility and the menopause. Data amassed from published results of indirect invasive and non-invasive procedures has resulted in the generation of predictive models which estimate the ovarian reserve from conception throughout adult life. The distribution of follicles in the ovary is not uniform, with the great majority of NGFs located in the cortex, which is the region normally biopsied and used for fertility preservation. Previous models have however analysed whole ovary NGF populations and ovarian volumes, but not cortical NGF density. In this study we compared mean non-growing follicle density values obtained from tissue samples from 13 ovarian cortical biopsies (16-37 years) against age- matched model-predicted values generated from population and ovarian volume models, taking into account the proportion of the ovary that is cortex. A mean non-growing follicle density was calculated for each patient by counting all follicles in a given volume of freshly biopsied ovarian cortical tissue. These values were compared to age-matched model generated densities and the correlation between data sets tested. Non-growing follicle density values obtained from fresh biopsied ovarian cortex samples closely matched model generated data with low mean difference, tight agreement limits and no proportional error between the observed and predicted results. These findings validate the use of the population and ovarian volume models to accurately predict mean follicle density in the ovarian cortex of adult women.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Women’s Experiences Receiving Support Online for Intimate Partner Violence: How Does it Compare to Face-to-Face Support from a Health Professional?

There is a growing need for novel approaches in supporting victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly as the demand placed on formal services increases. Online interventions in this space have shown a great deal of theoretical promise. However, currently little is known about how women perceive this form of support, and how their experiences of receiving support online might differ from face-to-face approaches. This study aims to address this gap through qualitative interviews with n = 16 women who had experienced IPV. Eight of the women had received support via an interactive online intervention, and eight had received a counselling intervention delivered by their general practitioner (GP) (family doctor). The findings suggest that many elements of face-to-face support can also be delivered effectively online, leading to greater control over the help-seeking process. On the other hand, a trusting relationship with the GP can also be extremely helpful to women seeking to disclose, and is difficult to replicate online. Which method of delivery is preferred may depend on whether a woman values trust or control in her help-seeking journey. Both online and face-to-face interventions for IPV should focus on providing individualized support that raises awareness, lessens isolation and considers women’s own unique needs and circumstances