Women’s Health Research Wales
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Women’s Health Research Wales is a catalytic research centre, funded by the Welsh Government via Health and Care Research Wales.
Publications linked to the Women’s Health Research Wales project
World Health Organisation Guideline Development Group for Infert; Mburu, Gitau; Santesso, Nancy; Brignardello-Petersen, Romina; Kennedy, Richard; Farquhar, Cynthia; Boivin, Jacky; Pennings, Guido; Giudice, Linda C.; Rebar, Robert W.; Gianaroli, Luca; Vuong, Lan N.; Esteves, Sandro C.; De Jonge, Christopher J.; Pacey, Allan; Ombelet, Willem; Kucuk, Tansu; Collura, Barbara L.; Kordic, Klaudija; Amato, Paula; Matsaseng, Thabo; Kiarie, James,
"Recommendations from the WHO guideline for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility"
Human Reproduction
"Recommendations from the WHO guideline for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility"
Human Reproduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) made 40 recommendations and six good practice statements for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility. The field of sexual and reproductive health ca...
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Robertson, Isla F.; Harrison, China R.; Morey, Richard D.; Boivin, Jacky; Cheong, Ying,
"Observational cohort study exploring MediEmo smartphone application use, live birth, and in vitro fertilization treatment return rates"
F&S Reports
"Observational cohort study exploring MediEmo smartphone application use, live birth, and in vitro fertilization treatment return rates"
F&S Reports
Explore the associations between the use of the MediEmo smartphone application and in vitro fertilization (IVF) live birth and treatment return rates. ...
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Moller-Christensen, C.; Moffat, M.; Thompson, C.; Jackowich, R.; Sullivan, C.; Rankin J.,
"Women’s experiences of postnatal contraception care while breastfeeding: a multi-methods cross-sectional study"
The Lancet
"Women’s experiences of postnatal contraception care while breastfeeding: a multi-methods cross-sectional study"
The Lancet
Due to the possible effects of hormonal contraception on milk supply and the often-misunderstood contraceptive effect of breastfeeding itself, breastfeeding and postnatal contraception (PNC) are two c...
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Susan Channon; Elinor Coulman; Rachel Mormanb; Caroline Andrewsb; Fiona Morganb; Jo Watsonc; Juliet Hounsomed; Helena J Teedee; Aled Rees,
"Research priorities for polycystic ovary syndrome."
The Lancet
"Research priorities for polycystic ovary syndrome."
The Lancet
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common, chronic endocrine disorder associated with adverse reproductive, cardiometabolic, and psychosocial outcomes that impair quality of life. The 2023 International P...
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Singal, Kusum; Cruickshank, Moira; Ekong, Aniebiet; Robertson, Clare; McDonagh Hull, Pauline; Williams, Denitza; Airley, Tara; Locock, Louise; Kilonzo, Mary; Ade, Mo; Braithwaite, Lilla; Bick, Debra; Devane, Declan; Rzewuska Diaz, Magdalena; Taylor, Gillian; Bhattacharya, Siladitya; Black, Mairead Brazzelli, Miriam ,
"Experiences of women from ethnic minorities and underserved, marginalised and disadvantaged groups in communicating with health professionals during antenatal care: An overview of qualitative systematic reviews."
NIHR Open Research
"Experiences of women from ethnic minorities and underserved, marginalised and disadvantaged groups in communicating with health professionals during antenatal care: An overview of qualitative systematic reviews."
NIHR Open Research
This study looked at how women from ethnic minority, underserved, and disadvantaged groups experience communication with health professionals during pregnancy care in high-income countries. These grou...
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Robertson, Clare; Cruickshank, Moira; Brazzelli, Miriam; Ekong, Aniebiet; Ade, Mo; McDonagh Hull, Pauline; Manson, Paul; Bick, Debra; Devane, Declan; Williams, Denitza; Taylor, Gillian; Braithwaite, Lilla; Kilonzo, Mary; Fairley, Tara; Bhattacharya, Siladitya; Locock, Louise; Rzewuska Diaz, Magdalena; Black, Mairead ,
"What are the information and decision-support needs of women planning mode of birth in routine antenatal care in high-income countries? A qualitative evidence synthesis."
NIHR Open Research
"What are the information and decision-support needs of women planning mode of birth in routine antenatal care in high-income countries? A qualitative evidence synthesis."
NIHR Open Research
NICE guidance recommends that pregnant women should be engaged in evidence-based discussions about planned mode of birth (MOB) options. Decision aids can assist these discussions; however, no such res...
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Griffiths, Sarah Louise; James, Delyth; Williams, Denitza; James, Lynette; Evans, Andrew; Pickrell, William O.; McKnight, Christine; Brown, Sarah; Phillips, Rhiannon,
"Capability, opportunity and motivation for shared decision‐making about valproate as an antiseizure medication treatment for epilepsy in women with pregnancy potential: A qualitative study of patient perspectives"
British Journal of Health Psychology
"Capability, opportunity and motivation for shared decision‐making about valproate as an antiseizure medication treatment for epilepsy in women with pregnancy potential: A qualitative study of patient perspectives"
British Journal of Health Psychology
Valproate is a highly effective antiseizure medication but carries significant teratogenic and neurodevelopmental risks to offspring if used during pregnancy. A shared decision-making (SDM) approach i...
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Eraso, Y.; Stefler, D.; Whitelock, V.; Clarke, E; and Williams, Denitza,
"Women’s initial preferences for self-sampling tests at home for cervical cancer screening in the UK: A mixed-methods analysis of demographic and behavioural factors"
Public Health
"Women’s initial preferences for self-sampling tests at home for cervical cancer screening in the UK: A mixed-methods analysis of demographic and behavioural factors"
Public Health
To identify the demographic and behavioural factors associated with cervical screening preferences if a choice of test, health professional-collected samples or self-sampling at home, is implemented i...
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Sousa Leite, M.; Costa, R.; Figueiredo, B.; Gameiro, S.,
"Mixed-methods pilot feasibility single-arm trial of Beyond Fertility: a brief face-to-face psychosocial intervention to promote patients’ adjustment to the end of unsuccessful fertility treatment"
Pilot Feasibility Studies
"Mixed-methods pilot feasibility single-arm trial of Beyond Fertility: a brief face-to-face psychosocial intervention to promote patients’ adjustment to the end of unsuccessful fertility treatment"
Pilot Feasibility Studies
Infertility is a major public health issue with a 17.5% estimated lifetime prevalence. Despite advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART), almost half of those seeking ART end all treatment cy...
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Gameiro, S.; Dummer, A.; Copeland, L.; McCluskey, G.; Ross, R.; McLaughlin, D.; McGowan, I.; Knight, H,
"Experiences of infertility-related traumatic events and their association with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD: Results from a mixed-methods online survey."
Human Reproduction
"Experiences of infertility-related traumatic events and their association with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD: Results from a mixed-methods online survey."
Human Reproduction
There is worldwide recognition that fertility treatment is highly stressful, but limited understanding of its potential to trigger traumatic responses like PTSD and CPTSD. PTSD is a mental health diso...
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Mantzourani E; Ahmed H; Evans A; Macdonald S; Lintern G; Phyfer R; Davies M; Cannings-John R,
"A national pilot community pharmacy-led urinary tract infection service: clinical and patient-reported outcomes from 9077 consultations"
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
"A national pilot community pharmacy-led urinary tract infection service: clinical and patient-reported outcomes from 9077 consultations"
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
A national community pharmacy urinary tract infection (UTI) service was piloted in Wales between June 2024 and February 2025. The aim of this study was to understand the utility of the service for pat...
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Sanders J; Barlow C; Brocklehurst P; Cannings-John R; Channon S; Gale C; Cutter J; Hughes J; Hunter B; Lugg-Widger F; Milosevic S; Milton R; Morantz L; Nolan M; Plachcinski R; Paranjothy S; Robling M. ,
"Establishing the safety of waterbirth for mothers and their babies: the POOL cohort study with nested qualitative component"
Health Technology Assessment
"Establishing the safety of waterbirth for mothers and their babies: the POOL cohort study with nested qualitative component"
Health Technology Assessment
Intrapartum water immersion analgesia has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence since 2007, but high-quality evidence relating to the safety of waterbirth for mothe...
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Goldsmith E; Brown N; Harrison SE; & Jones, ES,
"Beyond the phase: The CASES expert statement on a smarter management approach to hormone related symptoms in active females"
The Sport and Exercise Scientist
"Beyond the phase: The CASES expert statement on a smarter management approach to hormone related symptoms in active females"
The Sport and Exercise Scientist
Female hormone-related symptoms arising from the menstrual cycle and contraceptives can impose a burden, affecting health, wellbeing, and performance. Despite individual variability in the symptoms ex...
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Burnie L. Burt, P; Lindsay K; Heron N; Ansdell P; Pastorio E; Hicks KM; & Brown, N.,
"Female cyclists’ experiences of saddle sores and their effect on cycling"
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
"Female cyclists’ experiences of saddle sores and their effect on cycling"
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
The aims of this study are to: (1) understand the type, severity, and experiences of saddle sores in female cyclists, (2) explore the impact on enjoyment, training, and performance, and (3) what preve...
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Deysi Ortega; Rosario M. Bartolini; Rossina Pareja; Katarzyna Stawarz; Hilary M. Creed-Kanashiro; Michelle Holdsworth; Paula Griffiths; Emily Rousham; and Nervo Verdezoto,
"Co-Ideating with Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals: Socio-Technical Strategies to Support Early Childhood Nutrition"
ACM Transactions on Computing for Healthcare
"Co-Ideating with Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals: Socio-Technical Strategies to Support Early Childhood Nutrition"
ACM Transactions on Computing for Healthcare
Malnutrition is a major public health concern that threatens the lives of millions of children around the world. Caregivers and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in shaping healthy eating h...
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Moira D. Cruickshank; Clare Robertson; Miriam G. Brazzelli; Aniebiet I. Ekong; Mo Ade; Pauline Mcdonagh Hull; Paul D. Manson; Debra E. Bick; Denitza O. Williams; Gillian Taylor; Lilla A. Ward; Mary M. Kilonzo; Tara E. Fairley; Siladitya Bhattacharya; Louise Locock; Magdalena Rzewuska Diaz; Mairead E. Black. ,
"What are the influences on women’s preferences and decision-making when planning mode of birth in high-income countries? A qualitative systematic review. "
AJOG Global Reports
"What are the influences on women’s preferences and decision-making when planning mode of birth in high-income countries? A qualitative systematic review. "
AJOG Global Reports
In antenatal care in the UK NHS, the concept of choice of mode of birth (MOB) has been recommended for some years but is still poorly operationalised. Proactive, routine provision of balanced and rele...
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McGawley, Kerry; Taylor, Madison Y.; Brown, Natalie; Harrison, Sophie E.; Bruinvels, Georgie; & Badenhorst. Claire E,
"Research With Female Athletes: Choosing the Best Tools for the Job"
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
"Research With Female Athletes: Choosing the Best Tools for the Job"
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
An increasing number of sport and exercise–science studies include female athletes, which strengthens our evidence base for translating knowledge into applied practice. Between 2019 and 2022 the propo...
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Mantzourani, E.; Evans, A.; Deslandes, R.; Ahmed, H.; Reeve, N.; Macdonald, S.; & Cannings-John, R. ,
"I Felt Empowered”: Patient-Reported Experience with a Pilot National Community Pharmacy-Based Urinary Tract Infection Service"
Antibiotics
"I Felt Empowered”: Patient-Reported Experience with a Pilot National Community Pharmacy-Based Urinary Tract Infection Service"
Antibiotics
Mantzourani, E., Evans, A., Deslandes, R., Ahmed, H., Reeve, N., Macdonald, S., & Cannings-John, R. ...
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Sarah Dsane-Nsor; Aakash Gautam; Carolina Fuentes; Gideon Kwesi Toffah; Nervo Verdezoto; Yaseen Joolay; Melissa Densmore,
"Navigating Sociocultural Tensions in Prenatal Care: Opportunities for Digital Health from Diverse Stakeholders in Techiman, Ghana"
Comput Supported Coop Work
"Navigating Sociocultural Tensions in Prenatal Care: Opportunities for Digital Health from Diverse Stakeholders in Techiman, Ghana"
Comput Supported Coop Work
Pregnant women in the Global South face significant challenges due to lack of resources and informational gaps. In this paper, we take an assets-based lens to examine the experiences of pregnant women...
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Lorena Carlo; Eduardo Cruz; Francisca Antonella Carpio-Arias; Martin Baca; María Paula Jaramillo Carlo; Valeria Carpio-Arias; Nicola Mackintosh; William Waters; Nervo Verdezoto.,
"Socio-Technical challenges in accessing antenatal services during pregnancy complications in Ecuador and the opportunities for digital health"
Sage Journals
"Socio-Technical challenges in accessing antenatal services during pregnancy complications in Ecuador and the opportunities for digital health"
Sage Journals
In Latin America, there is an increasing prevalence of pregnancy complications, leading to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although essential antenatal health services are available to diagnose a...
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O’Neill-King, F.; Jackowich, R. A.; & Pukall, C. F,
"Depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and sexual wellbeing in assigned females: exploring the moderating role of sexual flexibility"
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
"Depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and sexual wellbeing in assigned females: exploring the moderating role of sexual flexibility"
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Depression often causes sexual dysfunction, including reduced desire and pleasure, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly used to treat depression, can worsen these issues, lead...
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Kelly S.; Moffat, M.; Thompson, C.; Jackowich, R.; Möller-Christensen, C.; Sullivan, C.; & Rankin J.,
"Experiences of postnatal contraceptive care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-methods cross-sectional study."
BMJ Open
"Experiences of postnatal contraceptive care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-methods cross-sectional study."
BMJ Open
This study aimed to examine the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown period on access to postnatal contraception (PNC) and wider postnatal care and to explore the experiences of PNC care within the N...
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Thompson, H.; Csontos, J.; Boivin, J.; Jackowich, R.,
"Exploring The Role of Symptom Monitoring in Self-Management of Chronic Physical Health Conditions Experienced by Women: A Scoping Review Protocol"
BMJ Open
"Exploring The Role of Symptom Monitoring in Self-Management of Chronic Physical Health Conditions Experienced by Women: A Scoping Review Protocol"
BMJ Open
Self-management is essential for girls, women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) living with chronic physical health conditions. Evidence suggests that symptom monitoring can support self...
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Tassot, J.; Ahlstrom, A.; Capalbo, A.; Cheong, Y.; Coticchio, G.; Delbaere, I.; Fadler, C.; Gameiro, S.; Goddijn, M.; Kirkman-Brown, J.; Laganà, A.S.,
"ESHRE’s key research priorities in infertility: maximizing impact on science, people and society"
Human Reproduction
"ESHRE’s key research priorities in infertility: maximizing impact on science, people and society"
Human Reproduction
Many research gaps related to infertility and its management remain understudied and underfunded, making it important to set priorities to ensure appropriate allocation of research resources. ...
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McKnight, C.; Griffiths, S. L.; Williams, D.; Phillips, R.; Brown, S. and James, D,
"Incorporating contraceptive shared decision-making into consultations for individuals with epilepsy: facilitating a holistic and dynamic approach"
BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health
"Incorporating contraceptive shared decision-making into consultations for individuals with epilepsy: facilitating a holistic and dynamic approach"
BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health
A recent qualitative study5 found a lack of a person-centred approach to reproductive decision-making ...
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Julia Sanders; Christy Barlow; Peter Brocklehurst; Rebecca Cannings-John; Susan Channon; Judith Cutter; Billie Hunter; Mervi Jokinen; Fiona Lugg-Widger; Sarah Milosevic; Chris Gale; Rebecca Milton; Leah Morantz; Shantini Paranjothy; Rachel Plachcinski; Michael Robling,
"Characteristics of Women, Intrapartum Interventions, and Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Among Users of Intrapartum Water Immersion: The UK POOL Cohort Study"
Birth
"Characteristics of Women, Intrapartum Interventions, and Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Among Users of Intrapartum Water Immersion: The UK POOL Cohort Study"
Birth
The POOL study explored intrapartum water immersion and associated maternal and neonatal outcomes at 26 UK sites 2015–2022. ...
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