Articles tagged with Birth Control
A new six-month study investigates continuous combined oral contraception for its potential to prevent periods easily and safely. The study hopes to show whether breakthrough bleeding ceases in women taking this new regimen.
A recent study by French researchers found that nearly two-thirds of unplanned pregnancies occurred among women using effective contraception methods like the Pill and IUD. The study suggests that there is often a mismatch between a woman's contraceptive needs and the methods she uses.
A new study found that current low-dose oral contraceptives significantly increase plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker associated with cardiovascular disease. CRP levels were two times higher among OC users than non-users, regardless of diet assignment or phase of the menstrual cycle.
Researchers found that women who used oral contraceptives for over 5 years were at a significantly higher risk of developing cervical cancer. The study analyzed data from 28 studies and found that the relative risk of cervical cancer increased with increasing duration of use, with risks doubling after 10 years.
A postnatal home-visiting service for teenage mothers aged under 18 years was shown to reduce adverse health outcomes of their children, including infant deaths and foster care placements. Home visits also increased mothers' contraceptive use, but not breastfeeding or vaccination knowledge.
A new study published by Georgetown University Medical Center found a link between worsening epileptic seizures and estrogen intake in women. Approximately 20% of women with epilepsy experienced seizures worsened when using estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.
A randomized trial found that a single dose of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel is as effective as traditional regimens for emergency contraception, with no significant differences in pregnancy rates or side-effects. The new regimen simplifies use and reduces side effects, allowing women to begin regular contraception sooner.
A study found that long-term oral contraceptive use is associated with a 33% increase in breast cancer risk among women with BRCA1 mutations, particularly those who started using contraceptives before age 30. In contrast, no significant increase in breast cancer risk was observed in women with BRCA2 mutations.
The new center will focus on developing hormonal methods for effective and reversible male contraception, with potential health benefits such as preventing prostate disease. The program supports interactive research projects aiming to develop clinically useful products for people of different backgrounds and ages.
A new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that oral contraceptive use during adolescence is not associated with weight gain or increased body fat. Researchers monitored 66 female participants, aged 16-21, for four years, tracking their blood lipid patterns and body composition.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that teens who feel close to their mothers are less likely to start having sex. The study also suggests that parents' awareness of their teens' sex lives is frequently inaccurate.
Researchers found that depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) reduces flow-mediated dilatation, a key indicator of endothelial function. DMPA can still be used safely by healthy women without cardiovascular risk factors, but those with risk factors should review their decision with their physician.
A study found that adolescents whose parents engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking and heavy drinking, are more likely to be sexually active and participate in other problem behaviors. Conversely, high levels of parental supervision are associated with reduced likelihoods of sexual activity.
Recent studies consistently demonstrate the increasing safety of third-generation oral contraceptives, particularly in reducing heart attack risks. The aggregated findings of seven studies involving nearly 6,500 women suggest that all current oral contraceptives are safe when used according to their regulatory labels.
A new study of over 10,000 women nationwide found no increased risk of breast cancer from taking birth control pills. Meanwhile, similar studies suggest oral contraceptives may reduce the risks of uterine and ovarian cancers by as much as 40%.
A large-scale study of over 9,200 women aged 35-64 found no association between oral contraceptive use and increased breast cancer risk. The research provides reassurance for women who have used oral contraceptives during their reproductive years.
A recent study published by the NIH found that approximately 6-7% of women experience regret after tubal sterilization, with a higher risk for those who have experienced conflict with their husbands. The study also discovered that only 2% of women request reversal of either procedure.
A new natural family planning method, the Standard Days Method, is more than 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. This method uses a color-coded bead system called CycleBeads to track ovulation and identify fertile days.
A study found that long-term use of oral contraceptives may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women who test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. Women using oral contraceptives for 10 years or more were four times more likely to develop cervical cancer, highlighting the importance of HPV screening.
A large study of Norwegian and Swedish women found that using oral contraceptives may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly when used later in reproductive life. The risk was highest among women aged 45 or over who were still taking the pill.
A new study finds that the updated birth control pills pose a significant stroke risk for women. The risk is similar to that of first-generation pills and higher than non-users.
Despite modern IUDs' excellent safety record, their use is limited due to misconceptions and restrictive criteria among obstetrician-gynecologists. Education on IUDs' benefits can increase their adoption among women.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are testing BufferGel, a vaginal gel that reinforces natural vaginal acidity to kill sperm and germs. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BufferGel in reducing pregnancy risk when combined with a diaphragm.
A new study analyzing oral contraceptive use among women with epithelial ovarian cancer found a significant association between progestin levels and reduced risk. Women using low-progestin/high-estrogen contraceptives were more likely to develop ovarian cancer compared to those using high-progestin/high-estrogen contraceptives.
A study led by Joellen Schildkraut at Duke University Medical Center found that oral contraceptives with higher levels of progestin may be more protective against ovarian cancer than those with lower progestin potency. Higher progestin levels were associated with a significant reduction in risk, even for short periods of use.
Low levels of estrogen hormones in water may be responsible for the feminization of wild fish, according to a recent study. Researchers found that very low concentrations of estrogenic compounds released from sewage treatment plants were causing intersex and altered sex ratios in aquarium fish.
Researchers found that women taking oral contraceptives showed no change in their ability to detect odors, compared to the natural clime of the luteal phase. The study suggests that iatrogenic steroids may affect changes in smell sensitivity, and further research is needed to investigate this phenomenon.
Premenopausal women who use oral contraceptives may experience lower bone mineral density compared to those who do not use hormonal birth control. The Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study found a significant correlation between oral contraceptive use and decreased bone mineral density in premenopausal women.
A study in Matlab, Bangladesh reveals that improved family planning services decrease abortion rates without increasing population growth. The availability of better-quality services led to lower abortion rates compared to areas with standard government services.
Researchers argue that the cervix is a 'hot spot' for HIV infection and that physical barrier devices like the diaphragm could increase HIV prevention. The diaphragm's ability to block fluid transport may enhance the effectiveness of microbicides in killing HIV on contact.
Researchers suggest that Yasmin, with its unique progestin ethinyl estradiol combination, holds promise for reducing PMDD symptoms and improving women's lives. A three-month study found that 82 women taking Yasmin showed greater improvement than the placebo group.
A new study published in the Journal of Women’s Health and Gender-Based Medicine found that oral contraceptive Yasmin significantly reduces premenstrual pain, acne, and food cravings associated with PMDD. The study enrolled 82 women aged 18-40 who experienced severe PMS symptoms.
A recent study found significant discrepancies between spouses' reports on birth control methods. The research analyzed data from 23 countries and revealed that couples who had discussed family planning or where the wife had higher education levels were more likely to concur on the contraceptive method. However, concurrence was lower a...
A study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that long-term contraceptives, such as Norplant, reduced second pregnancy rates among teens. Among the participants who chose these methods, only 11% became pregnant within a year, compared to 25% of those using oral contraceptives and 38% of those not using birth control.
A long-term study of 62 white female participants aged 12-20 found that oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use did not impact their peak bone mass or hip bone mineral density, contrary to theoretical concerns. The findings are significant as they address the needs of young women who are concerned about body changes during adolescence.
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer who have used early oral contraceptives, particularly those introduced before 1975, may be at heightened risk of developing breast cancer. The study found a 3.3-fold increased risk for first-degree relatives, especially sisters and daughters.
A mathematical model developed by Population Council scientists John Bongaarts and Charles Westoff shows that increased contraceptive use and effectiveness can significantly reduce abortion rates. The study estimates that a woman who uses no contraception would need about 12 abortions to restrict her fertility to two births.
A new UCSF study found that women with advance provision of emergency contraception are three times more likely to use it than those who only received information. The study also found no increase in high-risk sex behavior among women using the morning-after pill.
A University of Florida study found that women who learn hypnosis before delivering babies suffer fewer complications, need less medication, and have healthier babies. Hypnotized patients with hypertension also made lifestyle improvements to lower blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that low-dose oral contraceptives offer a 40% reduced risk of ovarian cancer, similar to high-dose pills. The protection begins soon after use and continues for at least 30 years after stopping.
A broad analysis by UC San Francisco researchers found that oral contraceptives generally double the risk of stroke, especially with high estrogen doses. The added risk is miniscule and remains low even when doubled, but caution is advised for smokers and those with high blood pressure.
A new study found that women taking lower-dose birth control pills experienced fewer side effects, such as bloating and breast tenderness, compared to those taking traditional 35 mcg pills. The study also showed that these lower-dose pills provided equally good contraceptive protection.
Researchers have identified a family of proteins that bind to human sperm, which may help explain why sperm that haven't passed through the epididymis fertilize eggs poorly. The discovery could lead to identifying potential targets for male contraception, including a contraceptive vaccine.
A global survey found that nearly all women would trust their male partners to use a male pill, while over two-thirds of men said they would use the contraception. The study suggests a potential impact on male fertility and relationships.
A new study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that newer oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of heart problems for women who smoke. The study compared the cardiovascular responses to stress among healthy women taking different formulations of the drugs, including those with smoking habits.
A recent study found that women who use oral contraceptives and smoke have significantly greater cardiovascular reactivity to stress, as well as increased lipid and fibrinogen levels. This can lead to a higher risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that progestin activates apoptosis in the ovarian lining, preventing precancerous cells from becoming malignant. The study suggests that periodically administering progestin could be a highly effective preventive treatment for ovarian cancer.
Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy face an increased risk of later developing type-2 diabetes. Using the mini-pill, progestin-only birth control pills, may put these women at a higher risk of developing chronic form of the disease, warns USC researchers.
A University of Florida study suggests that believing in one's ability to improve memory can significantly impact memory performance. The research found that older adults who accepted the idea that their memory could be improved were more likely to use effective strategies, leading to better memory outcomes.
A team of researchers has successfully created a genetically engineered Salmonella bacterium that can serve as an oral contraceptive for feral cats. The vaccine induces antibodies that block sperm fertilization, potentially helping to control the nation's stray cat population and mitigate their impact on songbird populations.
A study of 103 women in Michigan and North Carolina found that 27% missed two or more consecutive pills, leading to a higher risk of pregnancy. Women who had unprotected sex during the initial cycle or with frequent intercourse were also at increased risk.
Diane Morrison, a University of Washington research associate professor, argues that parents need to teach their children about safe sexual behavior. She believes that if Americans want their kids to learn positive sexual values, parents should have open and honest conversations about sex, condoms, and birth control.
A Johns Hopkins study found that over 1 in 5 neurologists and obstetricians had patients with epilepsy who developed unwanted pregnancies due to anti-epilepsy drugs interfering with birth control pills. Increasing birth control medication levels or switching to non-interfering medications can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
A San Francisco State University study found that women taking triphasic Orthonovum 7/7/7 pills experience higher levels of sexual interest and satisfaction compared to those using monophasic pills or no birth control. The study suggests a physiological basis for the difference, contradicting earlier predictions.