Articles tagged with Birth Control
The Lancet study reveals that nearly a third of pregnancies in Europe end in abortion, while the rate in Africa is significantly lower. The study attributes the decline in abortion rates in Eastern Europe to increased use of modern contraception methods.
A study found that two-thirds of women are interested in stopping their periods but lack understanding of the medical implications. Physicians, however, believe continuous oral contraceptive therapy is medically safe and acceptable, sparking a need for better patient-physician dialogue.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in developing new male contraceptives, including a hormone-based regimen that worked in 90% of men, a vasectomy alternative with high success rates, and a vitamin A-blocking drug that showed no health effects. These advancements offer hope for men seeking reliable birth control options.
Researchers at the NIH conference present advances in male contraception, including a non-hormonal pill and a testosterone-like treatment. These developments aim to provide men with more control over their fertility, offering an alternative to existing methods like condoms and vasectomy.
A new study finds that a quarter of teenage girls in abusive relationships say their partners are actively trying to get them pregnant. Healthcare providers should ask about the possibility of abuse and reproductive control in relationships, according to researchers.
A study found that half of women prescribed medications linked to birth defects do not receive contraceptive counseling. Women filling prescriptions for these medications are no more likely to use contraception than other women, highlighting the need for increased awareness among physicians and women who may become pregnant.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered that intrauterine devices (IUDs) are acceptable for women at high risk of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found lower rates of complications and greater acceptability with the Mirena IUS.
Young women in urban China want more information on contraception but need private and anonymous access due to judgmental attitudes. A pilot workplace intervention showed promising results with popular information leaflets, but low uptake of free family planning services.
A new study found that a natural family planning method called symptothermal method (STM) is as effective as the contraceptive pill in preventing unplanned pregnancies when used correctly. The STM method uses two indicators to identify the fertile phase in a woman's menstrual cycle and has an unintended pregnancy rate of 0.4% per year.
The study found that 86% of doctors feel obligated to present all options, but only 63% believe it's ethical to describe their objections. Male physicians and those who personally object to certain practices are less likely to refer patients to alternative providers.
Researchers found that the poorest people in developing countries are least likely to use contraception, with significant regional variations. The authors emphasize the need for governments and international health organizations to focus on providing contraceptive services to those with very low incomes.
A new protein called sperm flagellar energy carrier (SFEC) has been discovered in the sperm tail, which may play a role in disabling sperm swimming. The discovery is significant because SFEC is linked to glycolysis, a process that produces energy in the sperm's tail.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals that nearly half of young pregnant women are unaware of the safety and effectiveness of modern intrauterine devices (IUD). The study suggests that counseling about IUDs could help these women make informed decisions about contraception.
Researchers demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of continuous-use oral contraceptives eliminating menstrual cycles in a study published in Contraception. Healthy women between 18-49 years old showed significant relief from menstrual cycle symptoms without breaks or placebos.
A large NIH-commissioned study found no evidence that hormonal contraception increases a woman's chances of becoming infected with HIV. The study followed thousands of women in Africa and compared their patterns of contraceptive use to their risk of infection with HIV, finding no statistically significant difference.
A recent study reveals that 86% of the decline in US teen pregnancy rates is attributed to improved contraceptive use, with most progress seen among older teens. The study suggests that public policies should promote access to accurate information on contraception and support responsible behaviors.
A study found a significant increase in condom use among young women in sub-Saharan Africa, with 60% using condoms for pregnancy prevention. The authors suggest that promoting condoms as a method for pregnancy prevention may be more effective than focusing on HIV transmission prevention.
A study found that one-third of pregnancies in Edinburgh, Scotland ended in unintended childbirth, with around a quarter of women being ambivalent about their intention to become pregnant. The researchers emphasize the need for improved contraception use and awareness-raising strategies to reduce unintended pregnancies.
Researchers have made a breakthrough with non-hormonal compound Adjudin, which has shown safety and effectiveness in rats when administered as an attachment to a modified hormone targeting the testes. However, its delivery system needs improvement, and it remains to be seen whether it will work as well in humans as in rodents.
A leading expert calls for Europe to take the lead in family planning, citing its potential benefits in achieving MDGs. Despite low funding and support, family planning programmes have shown success in raising contraceptive practice and reducing fertility in developing countries.
A recent study found that mice lacking the GBA2 protein exhibit decreased fertility due to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced motility. The discovery may shed light on the mechanism behind certain treatments for Gaucher's disease, which can also impact fertility.
A meta-analysis found that sustained oral contraceptive use prior to pregnancy increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Premenopausal women who used oral contraceptives before having children are at a significantly increased risk of breast cancer, with a 44% higher risk compared to those who did not use them.
The IVD is a long-term contraceptive designed as an alternative to vasectomy, blocking sperm by plugging the vas deferens. The new device aims to be more appealing than traditional methods, but reversibility studies in men are still unknown.
The rhythm method, a natural form of birth control, may be responsible for higher embryo mortality rates than other contraceptive methods. According to Professor Bovens, two to three embryos may die every time the rhythm method results in a pregnancy.
The Lancet comments on the FDA's delay in approving Plan B, an emergency contraceptive. The agency's failure to make a decision undermines its credibility. The acting FDA commissioner is urged to move swiftly and show independence.
Researchers found that females who obtained the morning-after pill from pharmacies waited significantly less time than those from family planning clinics, with a median wait of 16 hours versus 41 hours. This timely access led to a 10% reduction in unwanted pregnancies.
A large clinical examination found that 185 out of 187 women returned to menstruation within 90 days of stopping a non-cyclic oral contraceptive. The study results suggest that women can expect a quick return to menses after discontinuing daily oral contraception.
Researchers received FDA approval for a nonhormonal contraceptive device that blocks sperm in the vas deferens, aiming to provide a long-term and reversible method. The Intra Vas Device has shown effectiveness in preliminary studies, with men citing benefits such as avoiding hormonal side effects.
A study found that incarcerated women are 14 times more likely to start using birth control when it's offered in prison. This suggests that easy access to contraceptives can empower women and prevent high-risk pregnancies. Despite this, barriers remain, including lack of insurance and housing after release.
Researchers have found that hormonal male contraception can be fully reversible in just a few months, with all men regaining fertility. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,500 men, showed that sperm production can be fully inhibited by hormone treatment combinations, allowing for reliable contraception.
New research at the University of Liverpool has found that men sense a preference shift in their female partners and find masculine men more threatening during their most fertile phase. Men only behave this way if their female partner does not use oral contraception and is therefore more fertile.
A study found that combining finasteride with an oral contraceptive improved female pattern hair loss in 62% of patients. Hair density scores increased in 12 patients, and all participants reported no adverse reactions to the treatment.
Research suggests that oral contraceptives may cause chronic elevation in sex hormone binding globulin levels, leading to reduced unbound testosterone and potential long-standing health problems. This can result in decreased desire, arousal, lubrication, and increased sexual pain in women.
A study of 183 women with inactive or stable lupus found that taking oral contraceptives had no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of flares compared to those taking a placebo. Mild-to-moderate flares and disease complications were also similar between the two groups over a 12-month follow-up.
A critical television documentary about a commonly prescribed birth control pill, Diane-35, led to a significant drop in its use. The study found that over 45% of women who received the medication had no recorded history of acne.
The Contraception Awareness Program at Queen's University has developed an innovative bilingual web site, sexualityandu.ca, which attracts 5,000 hits per day. The site provides information and answers to queries about contraception, safer sex practices, and sexual well-being.
A study of 1,001 women found that oral contraceptive users had a 40% lower incidence of multiple sclerosis compared to non-users. Pregnancy also showed a lower risk, while the postpartum period increased the risk of MS onset. Estrogen levels may play a role in these findings.
A multi-center clinical trial found that an oral contraceptive containing drospirenone was effective in improving productivity, enjoyment of hobbies, and social activities among women with PMDD. The study showed that the low-dose oral contraceptive was roughly as effective as serotonin reuptake inhibitors in reducing symptoms.
A Purdue study found that increasing calcium intake by 200-300mg per day can significantly boost bone mineral density in young women taking oral contraceptives, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The researchers suggest that this simple change can prevent a significant loss of bone mass, particularly during peak bone development years.
A VCU study found that low-dose oral contraceptives double the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, among women. Women with PCOS or metabolic disorders are particularly at increased risk.
The nuclear family model is becoming widespread in St Petersburg, with Russian women giving birth to one child on average. However, many women experience health problems and unintended infertility. Positive developments include improved sexual education and the use of reliable contraceptives among young women.
A follow-up study of 474 patients found that men have a higher risk of recurring blood clots than women, and that women who use oral contraceptives are more likely to experience recurrence. The study also suggests that adequate prophylactic anticoagulation is the most important measure to reduce the risk of recurrent events.
A new study found no association between hormonal contraceptive use and changes in CD4+ cell count or viral load suppression after initiating HAART. Continuous HAART use significantly improved HIV disease progression outcomes, with increased CD4+ counts and undetectable viral loads.
After discontinuing DMPA, adolescent girls experienced significant gains in bone mineral density, with their levels comparable to those of other women in their age group. The study's findings suggest that DMPA use may not have a lasting impact on bone health in young women.
A survey of 1,068 parents aged 13-17 found that more than half supported parental notification laws (PNLs), which allow minors to obtain birth control without parental consent. Parents' support for PNLs may stem from fears about unknown others making decisions on their children's health.
A new study has found that teenaged women who stop using Depo-Provera experience significant gains in bone density compared to those still taking the contraceptive. The research suggests that continuous use of Depo-Provera leads to a loss of bone mass, which appears to be reversible once the drug is discontinued.
Researchers found that women who experience vision loss during a migraine are 70% more likely to have a stroke. Migraines without visual symptoms do not significantly increase stroke risk. The study's findings suggest that women with migraines and aura should address other stroke risk factors, such as smoking.
A study found that 60% of minors reported a parent or guardian was aware of their clinic visits, while 59% would still use the clinic for prescription contraception even with parental notification. The researchers also discovered that 18% of teenagers would engage in risky sexual behavior if parental involvement were mandated.
Researchers found that women who received emergency contraception (EC) through pharmacies or advance provision were more likely to use EC than those with clinic access. Despite concerns about increased risk-taking and STIs, the study revealed no significant differences in pregnancy rates or STI acquisition between groups.
A recent UCSF study found that rates of pregnancy and STIs remained unchanged among young women with increased access to the morning after pill. Despite efforts to make emergency contraception more accessible, only a fraction of women who had unprotected sex used it.
A study by Victoria Holt found that overweight and obese women on oral contraceptives have a significantly higher risk of getting pregnant due to body-mass index. The study suggests that an additional two to four women will get pregnant per year among those who are overweight or obese.
The NIH has awarded $68 million to 1,407 new student loan repayment contracts in Fiscal Year 2004. These programs provide up to $35,000 of qualified educational debt repayment for health professionals pursuing careers in clinical, pediatric, contraception and infertility, or health disparities research.
A study of error reports from primary care offices found that two-thirds of treatment and diagnosis mistakes were caused by communication errors. Researchers suggest focusing on management systems to enhance information quality rather than improving clinical judgment.
Researchers found that estrogen combined with MPA caused increased aggression and anxiety, reduced sexual activity, and altered brain chemistry. The study provides insight into the behavioral effects of HRT and its potential links to depression, anxiety disorders, and premenstrual mood changes.
A study of over 3,000 Austrian women found that those born between June and August had lower average numbers of live-born children compared to other months. This suggests a potential link between birth month and reproductive performance, with possible explanations including environmental factors and early developmental influences.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that providing young women with emergency contraceptive pills at home did not lead to an increase in unprotected sex or inconsistent contraceptive use. Instead, the study showed a corresponding increase in condom use among those who received the pills.
A new study found that the birth control patch had a higher percentage of perfect dosing cycles (88.7%) compared to oral contraceptives (79.2%). This led to better contraceptive efficacy and reduced risk of unplanned pregnancy. The results suggest that the patch may be a more convenient and simple option for women using birth control.
A study of 92 patient cases found that laparoscopy can diagnose abnormalities earlier, reducing the need for hormone therapy and in vitro fertilization. Women with painful menstrual periods, previous natural contraception use, or a history of pelvic disorders are at higher risk.
Researchers identified a gene that plays a critical role in sperm cell hyperactivation, which is essential for fertilization. Disrupting this protein could render sperm cells ineffective or infertile, leading to a new type of fast-acting and low-side-effect contraceptive.
A pilot study reveals that menstrual cycle monitors differ significantly in price and effectiveness, with some systems registering false negatives of up to 73.4%. The symptothermal method, relying on a woman's own observations, proved to be the most effective natural family planning method.