NEJM Journal Watch Women's Health Top Stories of 2018

Dear Readers,

I'm happy to present the NEJM Journal Watch Women's Health Top Stories of 2018.

Key obstetric studies addressed labor induction at 39 weeks' gestation, treatment of vaginal dysbiosis during low-risk pregnancy, and intravenous versus intramuscular oxytocin in lowering risk for severe postpartum hemorrhage. A U.S. trial confirmed that oral contraceptives reduce risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer but do not raise risk for breast cancer. Multiple studies focused on abortion safety and availability. Regarding gynecologic cancer, vaginal ultrasound screening in high-risk women was shown to reduce mortality from ovarian cancer — and minimally invasive radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer was associated with higher mortality than open surgery. Two trials showed that ulipristal acetate and elagolix facilitated nonsurgical management of uterine fibroids. A study of breast pain suggested that routinely ordering breast imaging may not be necessary. Lastly, a Canadian study confirmed that human papillomavirus testing is more effective than cytology screening for preventing high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, a finding that may change our approach to cervical cancer screening.

With best wishes for a healthy and productive 2019, I hope you'll find this list informative. Our top stories for 2018 are:

• Elective Induction of Labor at Term: Has Its Time Arrived?

• Should Pregnant Women with Asymptomatic Vaginal Dysbiosis Receive Treatment?

• Administering a Uterotonic at Delivery Lowers Risk for Postpartum Hemorrhage — But Route Matters

• Reassurance About Oral Contraception and Cancer Risk

• Aspects of Abortion Provision

• Ovarian Cancer Screening Improves Survival (for Some)

• Rethinking Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cervical Cancer

• Two Promising Drugs for Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas

• Should I Order Imaging to Evaluate Breast Pain?

• HPV Testing: Coming of Age as a Primary Screen for Cervical Cancer