Articles tagged with Birth Control
A new Cochrane review has found that emergency contraception containing mifepristone is more effective than other common methods, such as levonorgestrel, with fewer side effects. Mifepristone also showed a lower risk of nausea and vomiting compared to other methods, but a higher likelihood of delayed menstruation.
A new method involving local anesthesia in the uterus reduces pain during IUD insertion by 15 units, increasing the proportion of women who find the procedure tolerable from 91.4% to 98.3%.
A multicenter randomized clinical trial of 370 nulliparous individuals found that intrauterine mepivacaine instillation significantly reduced pain and improved tolerability during IUD placement compared to placebo saline. The study supports mepivacaine instillation as a simple approach to improve the IUD placement experience.
Weight loss injections can impact reproductive health, and a new study provides evidence-based guidelines for families and health professionals. The guidelines recommend that incretin-based medication therapy should not be deliberately continued throughout pregnancy, but women who used the injections without realizing they were pregnan...
A new study found that women taking hormone-containing birth control pills experienced higher rates of binge-related eating compared to those taking hormone-free pills. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that the hormones in birth control pills may contribute to increased emotional eating.
A new study from Michigan State University found that taking hormone pills in the form of oral contraceptives increases binge eating, but not all women are at risk. The study tracked 422 women and found that emotional eating significantly increased when women were taking active versus inactive pills.
The study found that out-of-pocket spending on prescription contraception dropped by 83% within two years of universal coverage, with the largest financial gains for people in their 20s. The policy also led to increased uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives and reduced unintended pregnancy rates.
Researchers have created a new scale to measure whether lactating mothers' psychological needs are being met, providing a tool to improve breastfeeding outcomes. The study found that when all three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) are satisfied, exclusive breastfeeding is more likely to persist.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a breakthrough in developing a safe and reversible male contraceptive. By targeting meiosis with the small molecule inhibitor JQ1, they successfully stopped sperm production without affecting fertility or offspring health. The study shows promise for a non-hormonal, long-acting, and 100% effe...
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that women with diabetes are less likely to receive recommended preventive care services such as conception counseling and breast/cervical cancer screening. This oversight puts them at risk for preventable medical conditions like pregnancy complications.
A meta-analysis published in Neurology found no link between hormonal contraception and an increased risk of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The study included over 5,000 participants and covered various types of birth control methods.
A data analysis found that maternal deaths increased by 11% in US aid-dependent countries during Republican administrations, eroding a fifth of the global decline in maternal deaths since 1985. The policy, which restricts family planning services, is associated with a 10.5% increase in maternal deaths.
Research analyzes news articles on childlessness, identifying themes that perpetuate stigma and structural imbalances, highlighting the need for media literacy initiatives and equitable health communication
Researchers at Goethe University are developing non-hormonal contraceptives to address declining pill use and side effects. The PREVENT project aims to create safe and effective alternatives, focusing on small molecules that block proteins in sperm or egg cells.
Researchers describe chemical journey of YCT-529, a non-hormonal male birth control pill, and its promising molecular science behind it. The compound effectively suppresses sperm counts, showing promise as a durable and reversible contraceptive option.
A new study found that only a quarter of reproductive health experts prescribe self-administered injectable contraceptives, despite its safety and effectiveness. The study identified barriers such as concerns about patient ability, medication availability, and lack of standardized counseling approaches.
A new study found that a sizable minority of people with migraine with aura still receive estrogen-containing birth control pills and hormone therapy, despite treatment contraindications. The study highlights the need for updated research on stroke risks associated with these medications among people with this type of migraine.
A comparative study of 117 mammal species found that reproductive suppression increases lifespan by an average of ten percent. The study suggests that blocking reproduction allows more energy to be directed towards longevity, with significant effects observed in various mammalian groups.
A new study found that the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision led to a significant increase in tubal ligations, a surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy, with 51% more procedures performed across four medical centers between 2021 and 2023.
A UBC-led study found that most pharmacies in British Columbia can provide the abortion pill mifepristone within days, but uneven access still poses barriers for some women. The study highlights the need for better communication between pharmacies and clearer referral systems to close remaining gaps.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine calls for more extensive nephrology fellowship training on reproductive health. Females with CKD face increased risks of high-risk pregnancies, preeclampsia, and preterm births, yet their contraceptive use remains relatively low.
A new Swedish study found that breast cancer risk varies depending on the type of hormone in hormonal contraceptives. Desogestrel was linked to a higher risk, while levonorgestrel products showed a lower risk, indicating that some contraceptives may be safer options for women with a higher baseline risk.
Researchers developed a new copper IUD with laser-engraved microstructure patterns inspired by the golden pothos plant, which reduces corrosion and releases fewer copper ions. The device is more hydrophobic and corrosion-resistant, causing less cell death and increasing cell viability.
A UBC-led study found that migrant youth in Canada are less likely to be sexually active than their Canadian-born peers, with declining contraception use among those who do participate. Systemic barriers, including language barriers and stigmatization, hinder access to accurate information and services.
A large international clinical trial found that elinzanetant significantly reduces hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women by over 73%. The drug also shows secondary benefits such as improved quality of life and reduced sleep disturbances, with no harmful effects on the liver or bone density.
A new study found that Australian women of reproductive age taking GLP-1 receptor agonists are not using effective contraception, despite known risks during pregnancy. The research revealed a higher risk of pregnancy among younger women with diabetes and those without diabetes in their early thirties.
A new Rice University study finds hormonal contraceptives shape how women experience emotions in the moment and remember emotional events later. Women on hormonal contraceptives showed stronger emotional reactions and remembered fewer details of negative events when using emotion regulation strategies.
A nationwide study found a 31.8% increase in people shifting from no birth control to the over-the-counter oral contraceptive pill after its FDA approval. The pill is particularly beneficial for racial and ethnic minority groups, adolescents, and those with limited financial resources.
A cross-sectional study of U.S. individuals obtaining oral contraception found that many accessed the pill over-the-counter, improving access for those with limited options. This shift suggests OTC access can help reduce health disparities related to reproductive healthcare
A new study found that B.C.'s universal, no-cost coverage policy led to a significant increase in the use of long-acting reversible contraception among reproductive-aged women. The study tracked nearly 860,000 women and discovered that cost was a major barrier to accessing effective birth control methods like IUDs and implants.
Pregnancy rates remained stable for IVF and IUI cycles in 2022, while single embryo transfer usage increased. Clinical pregnancy rates were stable, with singleton delivery rates improving to 91.5%. The use of ART rose by 15.6% despite a slight decline in total treatment cycles.
A new international study reveals that male partners over 45 carry significantly increased miscarriage risks and lower live birth rates even when young donor eggs are used. The study found that older paternal age is linked to genetic mutations, sperm DNA fragmentation, and epigenetic changes, impairing embryo development.
A new study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that state bans on abortion led to significant increases in travel time, costs, and delays in receiving care. The study, which surveyed 855 people from states with abortion bans, revealed a 17% increase in second-trimester abortions and a 11.3-hour increase in travel time.
A study found that prolonged use of desogestrel pill is associated with a small increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma, typically non-cancerous brain tumours. The risk is low compared to other progestogens and disappears one year after stopping treatment.
A University of Cambridge report argues that menstrual tracking app data is a valuable resource for advertisers but poses significant privacy and safety risks to users. The report calls for better governance of the industry to protect user data and urges public health bodies to launch alternative apps.
A major study found that taking the progesterone-only pill can increase asthma attacks in some women, especially those under 35 and using fewer asthma treatments. Women with eosinophilic asthma were also at a higher risk. The research aims to better understand why women are more likely to have severe asthma than men.
A study found abortion rates remained steady in Ontario, Canada from 2020-2022, unlike countries across the UK and Europe. The researchers attribute this to Canada's policies supporting primary care and telemedicine abortion care.
Hormonal contraceptives initiated immediately after childbirth may increase the risk of developing depression in new mothers. Researchers found that combined oral contraceptives were associated with a higher risk of depression when started earlier postpartum.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that oral contraceptive use in women is associated with changes in steroid hormone levels, while smoking in men is linked to altered levels of nearly every steroid hormone measured. The study also discovered a link between decreased androgens and various diseases in aging men.
A new study from Uppsala University found that 75% of women aged 24 wanted to have children, significantly lower than the 91% in 2014. The survey also revealed that 40 women stated they didn't want children due to various reasons, including uncertainty about the future and health concerns.
The researchers have created a way to deliver certain drugs in higher doses with less pain by injecting them as a suspension of tiny crystals. This approach can enable long-term delivery of contraceptives or treatments for diseases such as HIV, reducing the need for frequent injections.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that babies born to teen mothers weigh less and are smaller for their gestational age. The study highlights the role of social, geographical, and educational factors in teen pregnancy prevention.
A large study from Denmark found that certain hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of ischaemic stroke and heart attack, with oestrogen-containing products carrying the highest risks. The absolute risk remains low, but clinicians should consider these potential risks when prescribing hormonal contraceptives.
This study found that combined hormonal contraceptives carry the highest risk of venous thromboembolism, especially those containing third-generation progestins. Intrauterine devices and non-use had no significant difference in risk compared to these products.
Researchers analyzed data from 13,205 adults aged 65 and over, finding that those who had experienced parental divorce before age 18 had 1.61 times higher odds of having a stroke. This association remained even after controlling for known risk factors such as diabetes and depression.
UCSF researchers identify a molecular timer controlling mouse birth timing, which could lead to new tests for human preterm labor risk and interventions. DNA packaging during pregnancy plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with KDM6B working as a 'timer' that winds down over time.
A shift towards less reliable 'natural' contraception methods, such as period tracking apps, has occurred among women requesting abortion in England and Wales over the past five years. The trend corresponds to a rise in abortion rates, with implications for healthcare services.
A survey found that nearly a third of patients considered sociopolitical factors when making their decision to undergo a vasectomy after the Dobbs decision. This trend is consistent with recent research indicating an increase in vasectomy procedures following the ruling.
A new study from George Washington University found a significant increase in US young adults seeking permanent contraception following the Dobbs decision. Tubal sterilization and vasectomy utilization have increased among this demographic.
Despite significant declines in teen pregnancies in the UK, regional disparities persist, and some outcomes worsen. Experts warn that the 'rates are down, so the job is done' mentality may be detrimental to progress.
A large international study found that very early medication abortion is equally effective and safe as waiting for intrauterine pregnancy confirmation. The study included over 1,500 women who received two drugs – mifepristone and misoprostol – in either a delayed or early abortion group.
A new study has found that grey squirrels are more likely to visit bait feeders in the spring, making it a suitable time to deliver oral contraceptives. The research developed a bait and monitoring system that demonstrated high species-specificity, with only grey squirrels accessing the feeder bait.
A Danish nationwide study found an association between levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) use and increased breast cancer risk in females ages 15 to 49. The absolute breast cancer risk is low, but the study revealed an excess risk of 14 per 10,000 females, which did not increase with duration of use.
Researchers argue that stigma can play a huge role in health outcomes, leading to disengagement from care, coerced sterilization, and lack of informed choices. Addressing stigma through evidence-based approaches, such as staff training and relationship building, can improve healthcare services.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to have claims for free preventive care denied by insurance plans, leading to unexpected bills or lack of access. Healthcare providers also charge disadvantaged groups a higher amount for preventive services.
Despite free access to contraceptives in Nepal, Nepalese migrant women in Japan face challenges due to language barriers, restrictive healthcare laws, and high costs. The study found that condoms were the most used contraceptive method, while traditional methods like the rhythm method were prevalent in Japan.
A study with 4.8 million Medicaid enrollees found that policies requiring 12-month supply of contraception have not been fully implemented, resulting in no substantial increases in year-long prescription orders. This leaves many patients at an increased risk for unintended pregnancy.
A study reveals discrepancies between preferred and actual sources of contraceptive information among adolescents and young adults. Clinicians are the most commonly preferred source, yet they also pose the largest discrepancy between preference and use. This highlights the importance of clinicians in supporting informed contraceptive d...
Surgical sterilization rates increased significantly among women in the US following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Supreme Court decision, with a notable rise in states where abortion access was limited or banned. Researchers found that tubal sterilization remained an irreversible method of contraception despite changing state laws.
After the Dobbs decision, tubal sterilization rates rose in all US states, with further monthly increases observed in banned states. Limited states showed a similar trend, while protected states did not exhibit significant changes.