Infertility is a widespread condition with significant consequences on both individual and societal levels. It has a prevalence of 9-18% of the general population, a rate that is seen in similar levels in different countries and continents. While significant progress has already been made in understanding the etiologies, pathogenesis, and management of a variety of conditions that can affect both male and female infertility at various levels, infertility remains a challenging problem for physicians and society. Even in advanced centers, the success rate of infertility treatments lingers at about 60%, and we believe that with more research we can tackle the most difficult situations. Although our understanding of embryo development and selection has greatly improved, knowledge of uterine and endometrial function and dysfunction is still insufficient. We welcome basic and translational research contributions that focus on the advancement of the field of uterine and endometrial physiology and pathology, aiming to address current challenges and unsolved issues. We welcome basic and translational studies on diagnosis and potential therapeutic management of a variety of issues affecting female reproduction at the level of the uterus, such as but not limited to: • endometriosis and adenomyosis, • immunology of endometrium, • endometritis, • implantation failure, • unexplained infertility, • studies on endometrial function/dysfunction, endometrial receptivity, uterine microbiota; • studies that focus on possible implementation and advancement of personalized medicine in management of uterine disorders of reproduction.

These four papers supplement the book Contraception and Reproduction: Health Consequences for Women and Children in the Developing World by bringing together data and analyses that would otherwise be difficult to obtain in a single source. The topics addressed are an analysis of the relationship between maternal mortality and changing reproductive patterns; the risks and benefits of contraception; the effects of changing reproductive patterns on infant health; and the psychosocial consequences to women of controlled fertility and contraceptive use.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

Written with the busy practice in mind, this book delivers clinically focused, evidence-based gynecology guidance in a quick-reference format. It explores etiology, screening, tests, diagnosis, and treatment for a full range of gynecologic health issues. The coverage includes the full range of gynecologic malignancies, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, infectious diseases, urogynecologic problems, gynecologic concerns in children and adolescents, and surgical interventions including minimally invasive surgical procedures. Information is easy to find and absorb owing to the extensive use of full-color diagrams, algorithms, and illustrations. The new edition has been expanded to include aspects of gynecology important in international and resource-poor settings.

The structural, biochemical and clinical events related to menstruation, implantation, parturition, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial cancer are discussed in this comprehensive volume on the biological functions of the endometrium. New topics, such as the biochemical and molecular mechanisms regulating maternal embryonic interaction, are explored, and gynecologic endoscopy and therapeutic tools are discussed. The proceedings of the first conference is also available from the Academy, as volume 622 of The Annals of The New York Academy of Science.

Written by leading international specialists, this book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview of endocrine-based female reproductive disorders. Particularly focusing on the Hypothalamus – Pituitary – Ovary (HPO) axis as the main driver of reproduction in women, it discusses amenorrhea; chronic anovulation and polycystic ovary syndrome as the most common dysfunctions of the HPO axis; endocrine diseases as possible impacts on the HPO axis; uterine disorders related to estrogen/progesterone; and the impact of endometriosis and uterine fibroids on reproduction. It also addresses infertility and menopause as hormone-related disorders in women and endocrine changes during pregnancy and lactation, and in breast disorders. The book is intended as a major reference for endocrinologists, gynecologists, and obstetricians, as well as basic and clinical scientists. It is published as part of the SpringerReference program, which provides access to live editions constantly updated through a dynamic peer-review publishing process.