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Dr Odile Bagot (Gynecologist-obstetrician)
Doctissimo was interested in innovations from different medical specialties. Dr. Odile Bagot, gynecologist and member of our expert committee, looks at what has changed women’s health in recent years and in the future.
What advances have been made in gynecology in recent years?
Dr Odile Bagot, gynecologist: There are many in the gynecological field. But above all I am thinking of the major therapeutic advances in ovarian cancer, anti-PARPwhich completely change the prognosis of affected women and prevent them from relapses.
In breast cancer too, with targeted chemotherapies, or immunotherapy in triple negative breast cancer. And being able to be vaccinated against HPV in pharmacies allows us to move forward against cervical cancer.
Contraception has also evolved. The new Mirena progesterone IUD now has a duration of action of 8 years and is officially indicated against bleeding periods. The arrival of the new Drovelis pill based on estetrol, a natural estrogen which reduces cardiovascular risks, is also a small revolution for women.
Finally, hormonal treatment for menopause is also an important subject. We now know, thanks to studies, that it does not increase the risk of breast cancer or cardiovascular risks and that it helps prevent osteoporosis. Enough to be reassured about this treatment which can change the lives of women.
Which ones do you think will mark 2024?
There are great advances underway, which give rise to a lot of hope, but which for the moment remain to be developed further, we hope. I am thinking in particular of the Endotest, this saliva test which makes it possible to diagnose endometriosis and which seems very effective. As a gynecologist I have been waiting for a lot for a long time. But we will still have to wait. The High Authority of Health has just given exceptional authorization, but only as a 3rd intention. This is not enough when the vast majority of gynecologists are not trained in pelvic ultrasounds for endometriosis. Hopefully this aspect progresses this year.
We can also note the fact that surgical abortions can now be performed by midwives in a hospital environment. But here too, we must activate the movement since for the moment, we need a doctor, a surgeon and an anesthetist on site. Not sure if this will ease or speed up care.
Finally, on the practical side, urinary infections can be tested this year in pharmacies to obtain the appropriate antibiotic (on prescription) immediately. This is a novelty that will simplify the lives of many women.
What can this change in women’s daily lives?
Whether in advances in oncology, contraception or hormonal treatment, what we observe is that gynecology and studies are today moving in the direction of a benefit for women’s health, but also a benefit for their daily quality of life.
In your opinion, is there an innovation that could revolutionize women’s health?
I come back to the Endotest which would be a real revolution in the field of endometriosis, a disease which still takes too long to be detected due to a lack of seasoned professionals. And research into the hormonal treatment of menopause which, for me, really makes taking this necessary treatment less dramatic. Two areas that could really play a role in better women’s health.