Health Highlights: Aug.3, 2016

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Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Women Who’ve Had Appendix or Tonsils Removed Have Higher Pregnancy Rates: Study

Women who’ve had their tonsils or appendix removed are more likely to get pregnant, according to a U.K. study.

The reasons for the findings from the 15-year study are unclear, CNN reported.

University of Dundee researchers analyzed data from more than 530,000 women in the U.K. and found that pregnancy rates were 54 percent among those who’d had their appendix removed, 53 percent among those who’d had their tonsils removed, and 59 percent among those who’d had both removed.

The pregnancy rate among other women was just under 44 percent, CNN reported.

The study refutes the common medical belief that these surgeries, particularly removal of the appendix, reduces women’s fertility.

“The study has challenged the myth that was previously accepted on the deleterious effects of appendectomies,” said study leader Dr. Sami Shimi, a consultant surgeon and clinical lecturer in surgery at the University of Dundee, CNN reported.

“Young women should not have any fear or anxiety about an appendectomy (or tonsillectomy) reducing their fertility,” Shimi added.

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