Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
1. PCOS gets a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process in The Lancet
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is the new terminology selected to replace polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as the name of this well-known condition. The name change addresses two longstanding problems: the term “PCOS” reduces a complex metabolic and endocrine condition to a fertility problem, contributing to stigma and fragmented care, and it is simply inaccurate as many patients with this condition do not have cystic ovaries. PMOS better reflects the broad constellation of symptoms that may include diabetes, dermatologic conditions, depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease and irregular menses, among many others. This article, published this month in The Lancet, outlines the implementation strategy and rationale behind this change, which was the outcome of years of effort by an international coalition of experts. The new name was selected through consensus among the many stakeholders who were involved in this process, with the aim of improving care and outcomes worldwide. This article is a useful reference for providers to understand the goals and effort behind this change.
2. ACOG updates cervical cancer screening recommendations
- ACOG Committee Statement: Screening for Cervical Cancer in Obstetrics & Gynecology
Regular screening can significantly reduce the chance of developing cervical cancer, and the appropriate tests and intervals of testing have continued to evolve. In this update from ACOG, they endorse the 2026 Women’s Preventative Services Initiative’s (WPSI) updated cervical cancer screening guidelines. For patients 21-29 years old, the recommendation is unchanged: screen every 3 years with cytology alone. For patients ages 30-65 years old, they now endorse clinician-collected primary HPV screening every 5 years as the preferred option; co-testing with cytology and HPV testing remains an acceptable alternative. Patients who have been adequately recently screened may discontinue screening at age 65. The statement acknowledges that patient-collected HPV self-sampling is available and may reduce barriers for some patients, but notes that data on appropriate self-sampling intervals is limited and raises the potential for overscreening. These new guidelines can help guide providers seeking to provide up-to-date cancer screening for their patients in outpatient settings.
3. Doxy-PEP may be losing effectiveness against gonorrhea
- Durability of doxycycline effectiveness against gonorrhoea after implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis in southern California, USA: a retrospective, test-negative, observational study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) is CDC-recommended for individuals at high risk for acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A dose of 200mg of doxycycline PEP should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) to prevent infection with chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis. However, real-world data suggests that gonorrhea rapidly develops strains that are resistant to doxycycline, and tetracyclines in general. In this retrospective study of nearly 50,000 individuals assigned male at birth in southern California, doxy-PEP retained effectiveness against chlamydia and syphilis consistent with prior data. However, its effectiveness against gonorrhea decreased substantially over time, with the emergence of a tetracycline resistance gene. These findings raise serious concerns about the durability of doxy-PEP for gonorrhea prevention and reinforce the need for ongoing surveillance and health policy in this area.
4. Support for OTC birth control & willingness to use it
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