Articles tagged with Birth Control
A Northwestern University study reveals that states with severe post-Dobbs abortion restrictions also lack policies to support families, particularly those of low socioeconomic status and marginalized individuals. The authors argue that advocates should leverage child protection arguments to advocate for improved family welfare policies.
A study found that ketamine clinics have inconsistent policies on pregnancy-related safeguards, including inadequate warning systems and contraception prescription. This is concerning given the potential harm of ketamine to developing fetuses.
A new study by UCSF estimates that 3 to 5% of women who undergo tubal sterilization experience unplanned pregnancies within a year. This contradicts the common perception of tubal surgery as a permanent form of birth control. The researchers suggest using alternative methods like IUDs or arm implants for more effective contraception.
A new multi-site randomized-controlled study evaluates an innovative healthy relationships program for teens. The study found the program may have influenced abstinence but not relationship communication, highlighting the need for tailored program components to address unique environmental contexts.
Researchers found that when given accurate information about the anti-Mullerian hormone test, women had less interest in taking the test compared to those who viewed misleading online claims. The study highlights the importance of providing evidence-based information to women seeking fertility treatment.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a hydrogel implant to treat endometriosis by preventing retrograde menstruation and acting as a barrier to sperm. The implant can be easily destroyed and is compatible with native tissue, offering a promising non-surgical solution for women suffering from the condition.
A Massachusetts statewide standing order policy led to a 32% increase in emergency contraceptive fills at pharmacies. The policy's impact was largely attributed to increased prescription-only ulipristal fill rates, which more than doubled after the policy was implemented.
A new USC study found that states with the most restrictive abortion policies experienced significant declines in the use of birth control pills and emergency contraceptives. The analysis suggests that the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case has had wider ramifications for women's reproductive health than previously thought.
A cohort study found declines in oral contraceptive pill and emergency contraceptive usage following the Dobbs decision, emphasizing the need for improved access. The study's results highlight the importance of maintaining access to these essential reproductive health methods.
A review of research suggests that only around half of individuals feel comfortable disclosing their STI diagnosis to a partner before engaging in sexual activity. Comprehensive sex education is needed to prevent the spread of infections and support individuals with diagnosed STIs.
A novel, non-hormonal sperm-specific approach offers a promising option for reversible human male contraception. Researchers identified a small molecule inhibitor that targets serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33), a protein essential for fertility in both men and mice.
The Endocrine Society will unveil new research on male birth control and anti-obesity medications during ENDO 2024 news conferences. The society's Vitamin D Clinical Practice Guideline is also being shared publicly for the first time, featuring discussions on its recommendations.
Contraceptive services experienced downward trends from an initial increase in the month after Dobbs v. Jackson, indicating growing challenges for access. The study found decreasing workforce numbers providing contraception methods.
Researchers observed a significant increase in permanent contraception procedures for young adults following the Dobbs decision, with females being disproportionately affected. The study highlights the gendered dynamics of permanent contraceptive use and its implications for women and people with reproductive capacity.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, permanent sterilization procedures among young adults increased nationwide, with tubal sterilizations rising twice as high as vasectomies. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on young women, who ar...
A new study by Brigham researchers found that patients frequently turn to Twitter for contraception guidance, with a small fraction coming from health professionals. The study suggests opportunities for healthcare professionals to use social media to share accurate information and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a web-based decision aid to support pregnant individuals in making informed decisions about tubal sterilization. The study found that those who used the decision aid had significantly higher knowledge of the procedure's permanence and reduced uncertainty, compared to those who did not use it.
A new study led by Karolinska Institutet reveals the mechanism of sperm entry into the egg, explaining how mutations in egg coat proteins cause female infertility. The research also suggests potential implications for non-hormonal contraceptives.
A third of trans masculine individuals taking testosterone are found to ovulate, according to a study from Amsterdam UMC's Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria. This discovery emphasizes the importance of birth control measures and comprehensive care for trans men who may experience unplanned pregnancy.
Researchers at Salk Institute find a new method to interrupt sperm production using an HDAC inhibitor, which blocks fertility without affecting libido. The treatment's reversibility is attributed to its ability to modulate gene expression downstream of retinoic acid.
Researchers analyze how companies use feminist narratives to promote unscientific tests and treatments for women, often with uncertain effectiveness. This marketing behavior risks harming women, contributing to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
A large-scale analysis of 21 million births in Japan from 1979-2018 found significantly fewer births on weekends and holidays compared to weekdays. High-risk births became more frequent over time, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, highlighting the need for hospitals to plan and minimize risks during these periods.
Research at Duke University reveals that sex hormones allow Neisseria gonorrhoeae to produce more pumps to fight off antibiotics, increasing the risk of infection. The bacteria can sense its hormonal environment and colonize during specific phases of the menstrual cycle.
A recent study by Ellen Algera and colleagues highlights the need for healthcare providers to be more informed about hormone-free and digital contraceptive methods. The researchers found that providers often prioritize risk minimization, leading to a lack of personalized guidance and person-centered care. To address this, Algera calls ...
A new study found a significant decline in emergency department visits related to emergency contraception, dropping by 96% between 2006 and 2020. The decrease was attributed to the FDA's approval of over-the-counter emergency contraception, which also reduced medical costs by $7.6 million.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh highlights how lack of contraceptive coverage by Medicare prevents disabled enrollees from accessing contraception. Contraceptive use is low among reproductive-aged people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare, with only 14.3% having an insurance claim for contraception in 2019.
A study found a significant spike in emergency contraception sales in the US after New Year's Eve, with nearly 41,000 extra pills sold. The researchers highlight the need for improved access to contraception and prevention strategies during holidays associated with high-risk behaviors.
A new UCLA Health study found that hormonal contraceptive pill users processed stress differently at the molecular and psychological level. They also reported a more negative emotional response to stress compared to non-users.
Researchers at Aarhus University investigated the impact of second-generation oral contraceptives on muscle recovery in trained females. The study found minimal difference in muscle recovery compared to non-users, counteracting earlier studies that suggested a potential negative impact.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that partnering with local religious leaders increased the adoption of family planning methods in Tanzania. The approach, which involves workshops and training for faith leaders, led to a 19% rise in contraceptive uptake in communities where religious leaders participated.
A new study suggests that hormonal birth control used by adolescents may influence the development of their brain, leading to altered risk assessment. The researchers found increased myelination and decreased immune cells in the brains of treated rats, while also exhibiting signs of impulsivity in behavior tests.
A study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
A new study suggests that hormonal contraceptives significantly increase the risk of blood clots, but stopping their use can normalize this risk within two to four weeks. After stopping birth control, clotting markers return to normal levels within one to two weeks and nearly completely by week 12.
A study found that women using oral contraceptives had a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex than men, which is thought to sustain emotion regulation. The effects of COCs on brain development and emotional regulation are still not well understood, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study found that oral contraceptive pill users have a lower prevalence of major depression (4.6%) compared to former users (11.4%). The researchers suggest two possible explanations for the findings: removing concerns about unwanted pregnancy and survivor bias.
A study published in The Lancet found that adding an anti-inflammatory painkiller called piroxicam to the morning-after pill increased pregnancy prevention by 94.7% compared to the pill alone. The combination regimen showed no significant difference in adverse effects.
Researchers found that women experience a significant increase in anxiety and negative feelings during the 7-day pill-free period, similar to those experienced during menstruation. Long-term pill users may benefit from mood-stabilizing effects while taking their pill.
Long-term combined oral contraceptive users experience adverse mental health symptoms similar to those during menses, questioning the pill pause from a mental health perspective. The study's findings challenge the use of pill pauses and highlight the importance of considering hormonal effects on mental well-being.
A new study from Uppsala University has found that women with a high genetic predisposition for blood clots are six times more likely to develop a blood clot during the first two years of using contraceptive pills. This knowledge could be used to identify women at risk and counsel them on alternative methods of contraception.
A comprehensive review of over 70 years of menopause science emphasizes the need for more research into symptom timeline and treatment effectiveness. The authors advocate for holistic, individualized approaches addressing physical and mental health impacts of menopause.
Researchers found a remarkable surge in US vasectomy rates from 2014 to 2021, with a 26% relative increase among privately insured men aged 18-64. The study highlights the importance of healthcare providers offering vasectomy counseling and services to meet growing patient needs.
Websites selling direct-to-consumer AMH tests frequently include misleading information, potentially causing anxiety or reassurance among consumers. The study found that these claims can lead to misplaced decisions on conception or contraceptive plans, highlighting the need for accurate and transparent fertility testing.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that taking levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills with an anti-inflammatory medication called piroxicam significantly prevents more pregnancies compared to taking levonorgestrel alone. The co-treatment increased the pill's efficacy by up to 32%.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that continued breast cancer screening after age 70 is associated with a greater incidence of cancer that likely would not have caused symptoms. Researchers estimate up to 47% of breast cancers found among women aged 74-84 were overdiagnosed.
A cross-sectional study found that caregivers of Brazilian girls with Down syndrome commonly expressed concerns about menstrual bleeding and sexual development, with most permitting their child to engage in romantic relationships. The study highlights the need for guidance on addressing difficulties related to menstruation, contracepti...
A new study published in Aarhus University found that women using birth-control pills do not exhibit the same reduced stress hormone levels as those who are not on the pill. The researchers measured ACTH levels before and after social activities to observe rapid changes in the body's stress response.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that at least one in five women conceived naturally after having a baby conceived with IVF. This figure remained unchanged even when considering different types and outcomes of fertility treatment. The study analyzed data from 11 studies involving over 5,000 women worldwide.
A large-scale study found that women who used combined contraceptive pills were at a greater risk of developing depression than those who did not. The risk was particularly high for teenage users, who had a 130% higher incidence of symptoms of depression.
A new study published in Hypertension found that oral estrogen hormone therapy may increase the risk of high blood pressure in women, while transdermal and vaginal formulations appeared to have a lower impact. The research involved over 112,000 women aged 45 years and older who took estrogen-only hormone therapy.
A Marshall University study found that a virtual sex education tool improved reproductive health knowledge scores and measures of self-efficacy among adolescent girls. The online curriculum, www.marshallteentalk.org, was designed to provide accurate and accessible reproductive health information.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a potential link between hormonal birth control and an increased risk of postpartum depression. The study suggests that women who experienced depression related to hormonal changes before pregnancy may be more susceptible to postpartum depression.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals a small secreted protein NICOL regulates lumicrine-mediated sperm maturation and male fertility. The research team discovered that mice lacking NICOL were sterile, indicating its importance for the sperm-maturation pathway.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified the Arrdc5 gene as a potential target for male contraception. The study found that when this gene is inactivated, it causes significant infertility in males, characterized by decreased sperm count, slowed mobility, and distorted shape.
A new computational model suggests that reducing hormone doses in contraceptives could effectively suppress ovulation. The model found that hormone doses could be lowered by up to 92% in estrogen-only contraceptives and 43% in progesterone-only contraceptives, while still preventing ovulation.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found a similar association of progestogen-only and combined hormonal contraceptives with breast cancer risk. The analysis of almost 10,000 women under 50 years old showed a 20-30% relative increase in breast cancer risk associated with both types of contraceptives.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum finds that nearly half of primary care physicians treating Medicaid patients provide prescription contraception, while only 10% offer longer-acting methods like IUDs and implants. The research highlights the need for policy approaches tailored to different physician specialties to ensure acces...
A large study of women with rheumatoid arthritis found that those taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy had a greater chance of achieving remission. The study suggests female sex hormones could play a major role in improving outcomes for these patients.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found that revised prescription labels with explicit instructions can dramatically improve medication adherence to antihypertension medications, contraceptives, and asthma controllers. This improvement was seen in patients taking these medications, including those with asthma, hypertension, ...
A UK study reviewing over 90,000 vasectomies found that chronic scrotal pain occurs in just 0.2% of patients, while post-operative infection rates are around 1.6%. The study updates outdated figures and aims to encourage more men to undergo the procedure.