Positive Health Online

Tea, Berries, Dark Chocolate and Apples Could Lead to a Longer Life Span

New research has found that those who consume a diverse range of foods rich in flavonoids, such as tea, berries, dark chocolate, and apples, could lower their risk of developing serious health conditions and have the potential to live longer.  The study was led by a team of researchers from Queen’s University Belfast, Edith Cowan University Perth (ECU), and the Medical University of Vienna and Universitat Wien. The findings reveal that increasing the diversity of flavonoids within your diet could help prevent the development of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and neurological disease.

Flavonoids are found in plant foods like tea, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, apples, grapes, and even red wine and dark chocolate.

Published today in Nature Food[1], the study tracked over 120,000 participants aging from 40 to 70 years old for over a decade. It is the first study of its kind to suggest that there is a benefit to consuming a wide range of flavonoids beyond that of simply consuming a high quantity.

Study co-lead, Professor Aedín Cassidy from the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s said

“We have known for some time that higher intakes of dietary flavonoids, powerful bioactives naturally present in many foods and drinks, can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s.

“We also know from lab data and clinical studies that different flavonoids work in different ways, some improve blood pressure, others help with cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation. This study is significant as the results indicate that consuming a higher quantity and wider diversity has the potential to lead to a greater reduction in ill health than just a single source.”

ECU Research Fellow, first author and co-lead of the study, Dr Benjamin Parmenter, made the initial discovery that a flavonoid-diverse diet is good for health.

He said: “Flavonoid intakes of around 500 mg a day was associated with a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality, as well as a ~10% lower risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory disease. That's roughly the amount of flavonoids that you would consume in two cups of tea.

“However, those who consumed the widest diversity of flavonoids, had an even lower risk of these diseases, even when consuming the same total amount.” Dr Parmenter explained, “so for example, instead of just drinking tea, it’s better to eat a range of flavonoid-rich foods to make up your intake, because different flavonoids come from different foods.”

Professor Tilman Kuhn from the Medical University of Vienna, Universitat Wien and Queen’s University Belfast was also a co-lead author; commenting on the study he said: “The importance of diversity of flavonoid intake has never been investigated until now, so our study is very significant as the findings align with popular claims that eating colourful foods are invaluable to maintain good health. Eating fruits and vegetables in a variety of colours, including those rich in flavonoids, means you're more likely to get the vitamins and nutrients you need to sustain a healthier lifestyle.”

The first-ever dietary guidelines for flavonoids were released recently, recommending increasing the consumption of flavonoids to maintain health. Dr Parmenter said: “Our study provides inaugural evidence that we may also need to advise increasing diversity of intake of these compounds for optimal benefits.”

Professor Aedín Cassidy said: “The results provide a clear public health message, suggesting that simple and achievable dietary swaps, such as drinking more tea and eating more berries and apples for example, can help increase the variety and intake of flavonoid-rich foods, and potentially improve health in the long-term.”

You can read the paper in full  https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-025-01176-1  

Reference

1. Parmenter, BH., Thompson, A.S., Bondonno, N.P. et al. High diversity of dietary flavonoid intake is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and major chronic diseases. Nat Food 2 June 2025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-025-01176-1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-025-01176-1  

Notes

• Professor Aedín Cassidy from the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s is available for interview upon request. For media enquiries, please contact Grace White at Queen’s Communications Office: white@qub.ac.uk
• Dr Benjamin Parmenter from the Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute at Edith Cowan University is available for interview upon request. Please contact  Esmarie Iannucci at Edith Cowan University’s Corporate Relations on +61 405  774 465 or iannucci@ecu.edu.au
• This research was supported by Research Ireland, Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) via the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF, 22/CC/11147) at the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems

Media Contact

Queen's University Belfast, Belfast  BT7 1NN Northern Ireland

Tel  028 9097 3091

www.qub.ac.uk/info  

Queen's University Belfast <noreply@qub.ac.uk>

Birmingham Researchers Work on Revolutionary Approach to Prevent Hay Fever

 Birmingham Biotech LTD has been highly commended in the Department for Business & Trade’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, for a nasal spray formulated by Birmingham scientists during the COVID pandemic to protect against infection by airborne viruses. The NoriZite nasal spray is now sold in over 10 countries, and Professor Liam Grover and Dr Richard Moakes from the University’s Healthcare Technologies Institute are working with Birmingham Biotech to perfect a new formulation, for a drug-free nasal spray to prevent hay fever. The original formulation was created in 2020, when the researchers set themselves the challenge of engineering a ‘non-drip’ nasal spray that could cover the inside of the nose evenly and stay in place for a sufficient length of time to provide an effective barrier.  It contains natural ingredients, ‘plumes’ rather than ‘jets' when applied with a nasal spray applicator, provides more than six times the coverage of standard sprays, and is retained in the nose for up to six hours.  

NoriZite was launched in 2022, initially in Singapore, but with rapid sales, it was rapidly rolled out to other countries in the world. Subsequent research discovered the nasal spray could block pollen, allergens, and dust, and the scientists are now engaged on making slight adjustments to the formulation, to produce a spray that is specific to the needs of people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis). While current therapeutic approaches for hay fever focus on managing the symptoms, the new spray will be drug-free preventative measure for people who are triggered by airborne allergens.

Professor Grover said: “Unlike pharmaceutical interventions that target specific pathogens or alter the body’s response to an allergen, this nasal spray works by forming a physical shield, maintaining the natural integrity of the nasal environment. This makes it an effective safeguard against both emerging viruses and environmental allergens.”

The new product for hay fever is expected to come to market in late 2025. 

Michael Hsu, Managing Director of Birmingham Biotech said: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Professor Grover and Dr Moakes to expand the application of our drug-free preventive technology. By transforming NoriZite into a solution that also protects against allergens, we’re offering a safe, accessible and science-backed alternative for the millions who suffer from hay fever each year.”

Media Contact

For media information contact Ruth Ashton, University of Birmingham Enterprise, email: "Ruth Ashton" r.c.ashton@bham.ac.uk

About the University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, and its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 6,500 international students from nearly 150 countries. University of Birmingham Enterprise helps researchers turn their ideas into new services, products and enterprises that meet real-world needs. We also provide incubation, and support innovators and entrepreneurs with mentoring, advice, and training, manage the University’s Academic Consultancy Service, and University of Birmingham Enterprise Operating Divisions.

About Birmingham Biotech LTD

Birmingham Biotech is a UK-based innovator in protective nasal sprays and biomedical technologies that address critical unmet medical needs. Best known for the NoriZite nasal spray – developed in collaboration with the University of Birmingham – the company focuses on drug-free, barrier-forming formulations designed to shield against airborne viruses and environmental allergens.

3D Printing Breakthrough: Scientists Create Functional Human Islets for Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

A team of international scientists has made a major leap forward in diabetes research by successfully 3D printing functional human islets using a novel bioink. Presented today at the ESOT Congress 2025, the new technology could pave the way for more effective and less invasive treatment options for people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).[1]

The breakthrough involved printing human islets – the insulin-producing clusters of cells in the pancreas – using a customised bioink made from alginate and decellularised human pancreatic tissue. This approach produced durable, high-density islet structures that remained alive and functional for up to three weeks, maintaining strong insulin responses to glucose and showing real potential for future clinical use.[2]

Traditional islet transplants are typically infused into the liver, a process that can result in significant loss of cells and limited long-term success. In contrast, the 3D-printed islets in this study were designed to be implanted just under the skin, a simple procedure requiring only local anaesthesia and a small incision. This minimally invasive approach could offer a safer and more comfortable option for patients.[3]

“Our goal was to recreate the natural environment of the pancreas so that transplanted cells would survive and function better,” explained lead author Dr. Quentin Perrier. “We used a special bioink that mimics the support structure of the pancreas, giving islets the oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive.”

To keep the fragile human islets safe during printing, the team created a gentler way to print by fine-tuning key settings – using low pressure (30 kPa) and a slow print speed (20 mm per minute). This careful approach reduced physical stress on the islets and helped keep their natural shape, solving a major problem that had held back earlier bioprinting attempts.

In laboratory tests, the bioprinted islets stayed alive and healthy, with over 90% cell survival. They also responded better to glucose than standard islet preparations, releasing more insulin when it was needed. By day 21, the bioprinted islets showed a stronger ability to sense and react to blood sugar levels – an important sign that they could work well after being implanted. Importantly, the constructs maintained their structure without clumping or breaking down, overcoming a common hurdle in earlier approaches.

Additionally, the 3D-printed structures featured a porous architecture that enhanced the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the embedded islets. This design not only helped maintain cell health but also promoted vascularisation, both of which are critical for long-term survival and function after transplantation.

“This is one of the first studies to use real human islets instead of animal cells in bioprinting, and the results are incredibly promising,” noted Dr Perrier. “It means we’re getting closer to creating an off-the-shelf treatment for diabetes that could one day eliminate the need for insulin injections.” The team is now testing the bioprinted constructs in animal models and exploring long-term storage options, such as cryopreservation, that could make the therapy widely available. They are also working on adapting the method for alternative sources of insulin-producing cells to overcome donor shortages, including stem-cell-derived islets and xeno-islets (from pigs).

“While there is still work to be done, this new bioprinting method marks a critical step toward personalised, implantable therapies for diabetes. If clinical trials confirm its effectiveness, it could transform treatment and quality of life for millions of people worldwide,” Dr Perrier concluded.

A reference to the ESOT Congress 2025 must be included in all coverage and/or articles associated with this study. For more information or to arrange an expert interview, please contact Luke Paskins on press@esot.org.

About the Study Author:

Dr Quentin Perrier is a rising star in beta cell replacement. His research focuses on the application of cutting-edge, regenerative medicine-inspired biotechnologies to islet transplantation. He is conducting groundbreaking research at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in the United States, under the mentorship of Professors Amish Asthana, Alice Tomei, Sang Jin Lee and Giuseppe Orlando.

Coinvestigators in the research endeavour were Wonwoo Jeong, Arunkumar Rengaraj, Lori N Byers, Grisell Gonzalez, Emma Peveri, Jake Miller, Rita Bottino, Alexei V. Mikhailov, Christopher Fraker, Emmanuel C Opara, Alice Tomei, Sang Jin Lee, Giuseppe Orlando, and Amish Asthana.  The research was funded by Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF (PI: Giuseppe Orlando).

About ESOT:

The European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) was founded 40 years ago and is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in organ transplantation. Facilitating a wealth of international clinical trials and research collaborations over the years, ESOT remains committed to its primary aim of improving patient outcomes in transplantation. With a community of over 8000 members from around the world, ESOT is an influential international organisation and the facilitator of the biennial congress which hosts approximately 3500 experts who come to meet to explore and discuss the latest scientific research.

References:

1. Perrier Q., Jeong, W., Rengaraj, A., et al. Breakthrough in 3D printing: Functional human islets in an alginate-decm bioink. Presented at ESOT Congress 2025; 30 June 2025; London, UK.
2. Asthana, A., Amanda, E., Suárez, G., Lozano, T., N Byers, L., Ho-Heo, J., Jeong, W., Tamburrini, T., Rengaraj, A., Chaimov, D.,  Perrier, Q., Tomei, A., A Fraker, A., Jin Lee, S., Orlando, G. Comprehensive biocompatibility profiling of human pancreas-derived biomaterial. Bioeng. Biotechnol., Sec. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Volume 13 - 2025, doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2025.151866 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1518665/full
3. Rajkumari, N., Shalayel, I., Tubbs, E., Perrier, Q., Chabert C., Lablanche, S., Benhamou, P., Arnol C., Gredy, L., Divoux, T., Stephan, O., Zebda, A., van der Sanden, B. Matrix design for optimal pancreatic β cells transplantation. Biomaterials Advances, Volume 164, November 2024, 213980 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2772950824002231

Further Information and Media Contact

Luke Paskins, Senior Account Director
luke.paskins@beyondpr.com
Tel:  +44 02045917285
https://www.beyondpr.com/ 

Breakthrough Biomarker Predicts MS Relapse Up To A Year Before Onset

sNfL confirmed as a breakthrough early warning biomarker for MS relapse.  A new longitudinal study has identified serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), an accessible blood-derived biomarker, as a powerful predictor of relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS), with elevated levels detected up to a year before clinical symptoms emerge.[1]

The study, which analysed retrospective data from 162 MS patients over a median follow-up of 10 years. It was conducted at the Neurology Biomarker Research Unit, led by Prof. Michael Khalil, at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, and presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025.   The study was presented for the first time on Monday, 23 June at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025

MS is a chronic neurological condition caused by the immune system attacking the protective covering of nerve fibres, known as myelin, disrupting brain-body communication. This can lead to irreversible damage, impairing cognitive, motor, sensory, or visual function. With more than 1.8 million people worldwide living with MS, early detection of disease activity is crucial to initiating timely treatment and slowing progression.[2,3]

Although sNfL has previously been recognised as an accessible marker of nerve cell damage and MS disease activity, its predictive role in the timing of relapses and its potential in routine care has remained unclear. “Our aim was to explore how sNfL levels evolve over time and how they might serve as an early clinical warning sign of relapses in real-world settings,” said lead author, Maria Martínez-Serrat.

Within the study, sNfL levels were measured using the Simoa HD-X platform and adjusted for age and BMI using Z-scores to accurately reflect disease activity. Radiological disease activity was tracked using 3T MRI scans, while ‘evidence of disease activity’ (EDA) was defined as either a clinical relapse, confirmed disability progression (via EDSS), or radiological changes within six months of sampling.

Crucially, sNfL levels were significantly elevated in patients who experienced EDA within one year, but only in samples taken during remission (p<0.001). “When someone is already in relapse, sNfL levels are high due to ongoing nerve injury, which limits its predictive power. But during remission, unexpected spikes in sNfL can flag hidden, emerging pathology – making it an effective early warning signal,” Martínez-Serrat explained.

The biomarker’s predictive value, however, was limited to a one-year window. “sNfL reflects current or recent axonal damage, which makes it excellent for short-term risk assessment. But long-term prediction is confounded by treatment changes, lifestyle factors, or new inflammatory events,” noted Martínez-Serrat.

The team also found that sNfL levels remained elevated for up to nine months post-relapse, underlining the lingering cellular impact and the time required for biological clearance of the protein. “Our updated findings extend this to nearly a year in some cases, highlighting the lasting neuroaxonal stress following relapses,” added Martínez-Serrat.

While the study confirms sNfL as a reliable short-term predictor, Martínez-Serrat cautioned again using it in isolation. She explained, “MS is a multifaceted disease, and sNfL is one piece of the puzzle. Future research may focus on combining it with other biomarkers – like GFAP, which tracks progression – to build a more complete picture of disease trajectory.” Looking ahead, the team hopes to explore how sNfL could be combined with other biomarkers (such as GFAP which is related to disease progression) to better identify distinct profiles in patients with more aggressive or progressive MS.

“Our findings significantly support the idea that sNfL has real potential for integration into routine monitoring of MS. Interpreted correctly, it could help clinicians anticipate disease activity, evaluate treatment response, and personalise care for patients at greater risk and ultimately enable earlier, more targeted interventions,” concluded Martínez-Serrat.

About the Expert:

Maria Martínez Serrat is a PhD candidate trained within the framework of the PhD Program in Molecular Medicine and the Neurology Biomarker Research Unit at the Medical University of Graz, Austria.

About the EAN

European Academy of Neurology EAN is a non-profit, independent organisation representing more than 45,000 members, as well as 48 European national societies. As a medical society we promote excellence in the practice of general neurology throughout Europe, leading to improved patient care. We also aim to keep Europe at the forefront of neurological research and maintain its position as one of the world’s leading scientific hotspots in neurology.

Learn more: ean.org  

References

1. Martínez-Serrat. Temporal Dynamics of Serum Neurofilament Light Chain in MS: A Retrospective Study in a Clinical Routine Setting. Presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025; 23 June 2025; Helsinki, Finland.
2. World Health Organization (WHO) (2023). Multiple Sclerosis. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/multiple-sclerosis
3. Mayo Clinic (2024). Multiple sclerosis. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269#:~:text=The%20cause%20of%20multiple%20sclerosis,fatty%20substance%20is%20called%20myelin

Media Contact and Enquiries

A reference to the EAN Congress 2025 must be included when communicating the information within this press release. For further information or to speak to an expert, please contact the press team at press@ean.org. To access all EAN Congress press releases, please click here.

Simple Blood Test Detects Preeclampsia Risk Months Before Symptoms Appear

A simple blood test taken in the first trimester of pregnancy could accurately identify women at risk of developing preeclampsia five months before clinical diagnosis, according to new research presented today at the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).[1]

Using a cell-free RNA (cfRNA) “liquid biopsy” of maternal plasma, researchers at the Carlos Simon Foundation and iPremom enrolled 9,586 pregnant women from 14 hospitals across Spain between September 2021 and June 2024. In a nested case-control analysis of 216 participants, they successfully predicted both early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia well before the onset of symptoms.

Preeclampsia, a complication marked by high blood pressure and organ damage in pregnancy, is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness worldwide.[2] Current first-trimester screening methods rely on maternal risk factors or placental biomarkers but miss over half of impending cases and often detect risk only after the disorder is already developing. By contrast, the cfRNA approach can capture subtle molecular signals from multiple maternal tissues, including the uterus and placenta, months before symptoms appear.

Blood samples were collected at multiple time points during pregnancy (9–14 weeks, 18–28 weeks, and >28 weeks or at diagnosis). cfRNA was extracted from 548 plasma samples across the 216 selected participants and sequenced using Illumina technology. Using machine learning, researchers identified cfRNA “signatures” that signalled future development of preeclampsia.

In the first trimester, a cfRNA model predicted early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) with 83% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and an AUC of 0.88, on average 18 weeks prior to diagnosis.

“For the first time, we’ve shown that a routine blood sample in the first trimester can give an early warning for preeclampsia with high accuracy, well before symptoms appear”, said biomedical researcher Dr. Nerea Castillo Marco, first author of the study. “Identifying high-risk pregnancies this early opens a crucial window for preventive treatment and closer monitoring to protect mothers and babies.”

Notably, 47.2% of the predictive transcripts were linked to genes associated with the maternal endometrium, specifically decidualisation resistance, a failure of the uterine lining to properly adapt in early pregnancy. This supports the theory that uterine dysfunction plays a key role in EOPE.[3] Late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE) was also predicted, on average 14.9 weeks before onset, using a distinct cfRNA signature with minimal overlap to that of EOPE. In contrast to EOPE, LOPE signatures included few decidualisation-related transcripts and instead reflected broader systemic biological signals. These findings confirm that EOPE and LOPE are biologically and temporally distinct conditions.

“Our transcriptomic analyses showed that EOPE involves widespread molecular changes across organs, including liver, kidney, placenta, brain, and lungs”, explained Dr. Castillo Marco. “In contrast, LOPE displayed later-onset and more localised patterns, particularly in immune and hepatic pathways.”

Looking ahead, the project leader Dr. Tamara Garrido said, “We are currently conducting a prospective clinical study designed to validate the utility and feasibility of cfRNA screening in standard prenatal care. With validation and regulatory efforts already underway, we anticipate that cfRNA-based screening could become available in clinical practice within the next year, offering an unprecedented opportunity for early, non-invasive identification of high-risk pregnancies and timely intervention.”

Commenting on the study, Prof. Dr. Karen Sermon, Chair of ESHRE, said, “Besides offering a major breakthrough in preventive prenatal care for a common and often dangerous condition during pregnancy, this research increases our understanding at a molecular level of a complex pathology that remains poorly understood.”

The study abstract will be published today in Human Reproduction, one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals.

About the Study Author:

Dr. Tamara Garrido Gómez PhD, is a senior principal investigator at the Carlos Simón Foundation and Scientific Director at iPremom in Valencia, Spain, where she coordinates the multicentre PREMOM consortium, which has recruited more than 9,500 pregnant women from 14 Spanish hospitals for prospective cfRNA studies. Dr. Nerea Castillo Marco PhD is the first author of the study and led the experimental work and data generation that underpin the main findings. Both researchers have co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Human Reproduction, Nature Communications, and Nature Medicine, and are committed to translating omics-based discoveries into routine prenatal care to improve maternal and foetal health.

About Carlos Simon Foundation

The Carlos Simón Foundation (CSF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to translational research in women’s health.

About the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

The main aim of ESHRE is to promote interest in infertility care and to aim for a holistic understanding of reproductive biology and medicine. ESHRE collaborates world-wide and advocates universal improvements in scientific research, encourages and evaluates new developments in the field, and fosters harmonisation in clinical practice. It also provides guidance to enhance effectiveness, safety and quality assurance in clinical and laboratory procedures, psychosocial care, and promotes ethical practice. ESHRE also fosters prevention of infertility and related educational programmes and promotes reproductive rights regardless of the individual’s background. ESHRE’s activities include teaching, training, professional accreditations, mentoring and career planning for junior professionals, as well as developing and maintaining data registries. It also facilitates and disseminates research in human reproduction and embryology to the general public, scientists, clinicians, allied personnel, and patient associations.  https://www.eshre.eu/

Notes

A reference to the ESHRE Annual Meeting must be included in all coverage and/or articles associated with this study. For more information or to arrange an expert interview, please contact the ESHRE Press Office at: press@eshre.eu

References

1. Castillo Marco, N., et al. (2025) Maternal plasma cell-free RNA as a liquid biopsy for first-trimester screening of early and late-onset preeclampsia. Nature Communications (Under review) [preprint: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5684050/latest ] & Human Reproduction.
2. World Health Organization. (2025). Pre-eclampsia - Fact sheet.
3. Muñoz-Blat, R., Pérez-Moraga, R., Castillo Marco, N., et al. (2025). Multi-omics-based mapping of decidualisation resistance in patients with a history of severe preeclampsia. Nature Medicine.

Media Contact: "Hannah Murray" <hannah.murray@beyondpr.com >

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Endometriosis Linked to Four Times Higher Pregnancy Rates than other Causes of Infertility

A landmark 30-year study, presented for the first time on Wednesday, 2 July at the 41^st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) of over four million women in England has revealed that women with endometriosis-associated infertility are significantly more likely to become pregnant compared to those with infertility from other causes.[1]  The findings offer renewed optimism for millions of women living with endometriosis who are hoping to conceive. Endometriosis is a long-term condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb, often causing severe pelvic pain and infertility.[2] Globally, it is estimated to affect 190 million women and is recognised as a leading cause of infertility.[3]

This study was conducted as part of the EU FEMaLe (Finding Endometriosis through Machine Learning) consortium. Led by Dr Lucky Saraswat from the Aberdeen Centre of Women’s Health Research, University of Aberdeen, together with researchers from the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh, the research team carried out the largest and longest population-based study of its kind, analysing linked primary care, secondary care and maternity records for more than four million women in England who presented with infertility or symptoms related to endometriosis between 1991 and 2020.

Of the 4,041,770 women aged 13-50 years who attended primary care with infertility (n=245,994) or other symptoms of endometriosis, 111,197 had a surgically confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis via laparoscopy or laparotomy over the 30-year period. The overall population prevalence of female infertility across the population during the study period was 48.9 per 1,000 women, with highest rates observed among women aged 30 to 39.

Among those with infertility, 6.1% (14,904) had surgically confirmed endometriosis. Of these, 57.4% (8,556) experienced infertility before their diagnosis, underlining the ongoing delays in recognition and diagnosis of endometriosis.

The study reaffirmed a strong association between the condition and fertility challenges, showing that women with infertility were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis compared to women without infertility.

However, when examining pregnancy outcomes, women with endometriosis-associated infertility had a four times higher chance of conception compared to women with infertility from other causes, including ovulatory dysfunction, tubal factors, and unexplained infertility. In total, 40.5% of women with an endometriosis diagnosis (regardless of their infertility status) had at least one pregnancy during the study period. 

Reflecting on the potential explanations for this result, Dr Saraswat said, “Endometriosis can vary in how it affects fertility. Women with milder forms may retain good reproductive potential, especially if the condition is diagnosed and managed early. There’s also moderate-quality evidence suggesting that laparoscopic surgery can improve pregnancy rates in some with endometriosis.”

She added that women with the condition may also be more likely to seek help earlier because of heightened awareness about the link between endometriosis and infertility. 

“While fertility remains multifactorial, with factors such as age playing a significant role, our findings offer robust, evidence-based data that can significantly enhance fertility counselling for women newly diagnosed with endometriosis – including information on the likelihood of infertility, overall pregnancy rates and outcomes, and how those outcomes compare to other causes of infertility.”

“These insights can empower women to make informed reproductive decisions”, she said. “They also provide a strong foundation for future research into how factors such as disease stage, site, surgical treatment and use of assisted reproduction influence pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis.” 

Professor Dr. Anis Feki, Chair-Elect of ESHRE, commented, “This study shows that women with endometriosis-related infertility are significantly more likely to conceive than those with other infertility causes. These findings provide valuable reassurance for patients and underscore the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.”

The study abstract will be published today in Human Reproduction, one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals.

About the Study Author:

Dr Lucky Saraswat is an endometriosis specialist and honorary senior lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. Her research interests include endometriosis and women’s health conditions with a focus on epidemiological studies using big data, clinical trials, and health services research. She is leading several research studies aimed at optimising treatment of endometriosis, reducing diagnostic delay and exploring experiences and needs of women with endometriosis. She works closely with the Scottish Government Women’s Health Plan team and charities to improve care of those with endometriosis and other women’s health conditions across Scotland.

About the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)

The main aim of ESHRE is to promote interest in infertility care and to aim for a holistic understanding of reproductive biology and medicine. ESHRE collaborates world-wide and advocates universal improvements in scientific research, encourages and evaluates new developments in the field, and fosters harmonization in clinical practice. It also provides guidance to enhance effectiveness, safety and quality assurance in clinical and laboratory procedures, psychosocial care, and promotes ethical practice. ESHRE also fosters prevention of infertility and related educational programmes and promotes reproductive rights regardless of the individual’s background. ESHRE’s activities include teaching, training, professional accreditations, mentoring and career planning for junior professionals, as well as developing and maintaining data registries. It also facilitates and disseminates research in human reproduction and embryology to the general public, scientists, clinicians, allied personnel, and patient associations. Website: https://www.eshre.eu/

About Human Reproduction

Human Reproduction is a monthly journal of ESHRE and is one of the top three journals in the world in the field of reproductive biology, obstetrics and gynaecology. It is published by Oxford Journals, a division of Oxford University Press.

References

1. Saraswat, L., et al. (2025). Infertility and endometriosis: a 30-yearlong national population-based study of prevalence, association and pregnancy outcomes. Human Reproduction.
2. Rogers, P. A.W., et al. (2009). Priorities for endometriosis research: recommendations from an international consensus workshop. Reproductive sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 16(4), 335–346. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719108330568
3. World Health Organization. (2023). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis#:~:text=Overview,period%20and%20last%20until%20menopause

Media Contact and Further Information

For more information or to arrange an expert interview, please contact the ESHRE Press Office at: press@eshre.eu

Charley‑Mae Owen, Account Executive

charley-mae.owen@beyondpr.com

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