Human reproduction
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Comparative Study
In-utero androgen exposure and 2nd to 4th digit length ratio-comparisons between healthy controls and females with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Soft tissue measurements from the hand reveal lower second to fourth finger digit ratios (2D:4D) in males compared with females. The relatively longer 4th finger observed in males may be related to increased fetal exposure to androgens influencing the expression of Hox genes. ⋯ 2D:4D ratios determined directly from radiographs of the left hand confirm significant differences between males and females. However, female patients with virilizing CAH do not have a male digit ratio pattern suggesting that in the left hand digit ratio development is not influenced by in-utero exposure to androgens.
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Intrauterine contraception is a widely used, highly effective means of birth control. Uterine perforation is a serious, albeit rare, complication of intrauterine device (IUD) use. Although uterine perforation by levonorgestrel-releasing (20 micro g/day) intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) has already been reported, the peritoneal adhesion potential of this IUD is unknown. ⋯ The peritoneal adhesions potential of LNG-IUS is low, similar to that of the copper-bearing IUD.