Articles tagged with Birth Control
Researchers are developing new male birth control options that could provide a safer and more effective alternative to hormonal methods. Non-hormonal approaches targeting proteins essential for sperm production are showing promise in clinical trials with minimal side effects.
Research in rats suggests that hormonal contraceptives may alter the developing prefrontal cortex, increasing stress hormone production and disrupting signal transmission. The study's findings have implications for understanding the impact of birth control on teenage behavior and mood.
A new study by Staffordshire University reveals that women's football clubs in Europe are lacking in education on menstrual cycles, hormonal contraception, and pregnancy. The research highlights the need for more female coaches and formalized coach education to address these issues and promote player well-being.
Researchers found that using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) during adolescence may actually be associated with developing less severe breast enlargement. COCs did not seem to affect the severity of breast enlargement, and there was no significant difference in the rate of breast regrowth between patients who used or didn't use COC...
A recent study found that only 35% of eighth and ninth graders in the child welfare system have received information on birth control, and even fewer know how to access it. The study highlights a significant gap in sexual and reproductive health education for this vulnerable population.
A review paper published in ESC Heart Failure highlights the link between obesity and combined oral contraceptives with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women. Obesity and combined oral contraceptives have a synergistic effect on VTE risk, making progestin-only products a safer alternative.
A new study estimates that over 160 million women and adolescents worldwide need contraception but lack access to it, with significant disparities in use across regions and age groups. The study found that young women, particularly those aged 15-24, face the highest levels of unmet need, amounting to 43 million globally.
A survey of rural women in the US found that those using illicit drugs have low contraceptive use rates and high unintended pregnancy rates compared to non-drug users. The study highlights the need for expanded access to reproductive health care and substance use treatment in rural areas.
A new study found that 85-90% of the increase in contraception use is due to meeting demand for reproductive control, not avoiding pregnancy. Women are successfully carrying out their preferences and achieving what they want, refuting the idea that decreased desire for children is driving the rise in contraception use.
Two experimental male contraceptive pills, DMAU and 11β-MNTDC, have shown promising results in lowering testosterone levels without unacceptable side effects. The study found that 75% of men who took the active drug were willing to use it in the future, compared to 46.4% of those taking a placebo.
A new study finds that women using hormonal contraceptives have lower rates of attempted suicides compared to those who do not use them. The research, published by the European Psychiatric Association, analyzed data from over 587,000 Finnish women and found a significant reduction in suicide attempts among hormonal contraceptive users.
New research highlights that women undergoing operations are not being routinely informed about the potential risks of contraceptive failure when administered sugammadex. This anaesthetic drug is known to interact with hormone progesterone and reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including the Pill and mini-pill.
A review of 38 randomized controlled trials found that counseling patients about contraceptive use and providing contraceptives increases use without increasing STI risk or reducing condom use. The interventions also decrease unintended pregnancy in trials designed to evaluate this outcome.
Research by Kerim Can Kavakli and Valentina Rotondi finds that restricting US foreign aid for NGOs providing abortion information leads to higher maternal and child mortality, as well as increased HIV incidence. The study estimates that this restriction may be responsible for up to 27,000 deaths per year.
A new combination of ulipristal acetate and meloxicam has emerged as a promising candidate for an on-demand contraceptive pill. The study found that the combination disrupted ovulation in 89% of women, with treatment cycles being around 3 days longer than baseline cycles.
A new study found that hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization procedures have higher-than-expected failure rates of five to six percent at 5 years post-procedure. The study, led by Dr. Aileen Gariepy, used Medicaid claims data to compare the effectiveness of these methods.
Researchers found that states with telehealth reimbursement parity policies had higher rates of face-to-face and virtual contraceptive appointments during the pandemic. The study suggests that increased access to contraception through telehealth may have contributed to improved reproductive health outcomes.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
A large cohort study found that babies born to men who took metformin during sperm development were at increased risk for genital defects in boys. Diabetes control affects sperm quality, so men should discuss alternative treatments with their doctors before conception. The findings suggest a need for further study on treatment of prosp...
Scientists have developed a non-hormonal male contraceptive that effectively prevents pregnancy in mice, targeting the retinoic acid receptor alpha protein. The compound YCT529 was found to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy without observable side effects, paving the way for human clinical trials.
A new study has found that tubal ligation is no more effective than an intrauterine device (IUD) in preventing pregnancies. The six-year analysis of Medi-Cal claims data showed that hormonal IUDs were more effective, while copper IUDs were as effective as tubal ligation in preventing pregnancies.
Researchers found a significant increase in the quantity of contraceptive supply dispensed after a 2016 Oregon policy change requiring insurers to cover a 12-month supply. This study suggests that such policies can positively impact access to contraception, potentially reducing unintended pregnancies and healthcare costs.
Scientists discovered two new targets, EPPIN domains, to block sperm motility, a complex process that allows sperm to reach the egg. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using mice as models for in vivo trials, simplifying preclinical studies and paving the way for novel male contraceptives.
A new study found that women who deliver babies at Catholic hospitals are about half as likely to have undergone a sterilization procedure to prevent unwanted pregnancies after the birth. This difference is attributed to factors such as age, marital status, education level, and insurance status.
A new study finds that federally funded comprehensive sex education programs led to a significant decline in teenage pregnancy rates, with an average reduction of over 3 percent. The research analyzed data from 55 counties that received funding and compared them to over 2,800 unfunded counties.
A meta-analysis of 33 interventions targeting STI/HIV risk reduction found that including pleasure can improve knowledge and attitudes around sex, as well as condom use. The review suggests revisiting sexual education approaches that acknowledge the pleasurable aspects of human experience.
A new study found that only 57% of Georgia pharmacies carry Plan B, while less than 1% carry the more effective ulipristal acetate. Rural pharmacies were less likely to have Plan B, highlighting existing disparities in reproductive health care access.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a new form of non-hormonal, over-the-counter contraception by blocking prostate-specific-antigen in human ejaculate samples. This prevents semen from liquefying, trapping most sperm and allowing for effective fertilization prevention.
A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.
Contraceptive use is low among women with kidney transplants in the US, with an overall rate of 9.5%. Younger age and certain racial/ethnic groups are associated with higher likelihoods of contraceptive use, while socioeconomic status and donor type do not impact rates.
A study found that arterial stiffness increases with age, but hormonal fluctuations also play a role. Women's hormone levels, particularly estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, were associated with stiffer arteries, while older women had stiffer vessels regardless of hormone status.
Researchers have discovered molecules that could be candidates for contraceptives or fertility enhancers using human blastoid models. These models also show promise in improving the self-organization of stem cells during IVF procedures.
A Rutgers researcher found that only half of US adolescents receive comprehensive sex education, with gaps in information about birth control and STI prevention. Gender and racial disparities were also identified, with queer youth and people of color receiving less instruction.
The Lundquist Institute has received an additional $3 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand its Male Contraceptive Efficacy Trial. The trial will recruit over 400 couples globally, including those in the US, Europe, and Africa, to test a new reversible male contraception gel.
A large population-based cohort study found that combined oral contraceptives reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in women with PCOS by 26%. Women with PCOS have twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, highlighting the need for treatments to reduce this risk.
Researchers found that economic stability, relationship status, and educational status can lead to shifts in pregnancy intentions, with 22% of participants changing their mind within a year. The study aims to provide insight for healthcare providers to check in frequently about patients' desires.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill engineered ultra-potent antibodies that effectively trapped and blocked over 99.9% of human sperm during animal testing. The promising results suggest an alternative non-hormonal option to prevent pregnancy may be available.
Researchers developed magnetic, biodegradable nanomaterials that reduced the likelihood of mice fathering pups for at least 30 days. The nanoparticles were non-toxic to cells and gradually eliminated from the body.
A new testing technique using fruit flies could identify potential non-hormonal birth control drugs with fewer side effects for women. The method uses compounds that stop ovulation in fruit flies to test potential human birth control drugs.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that women were 20-30% less likely to receive preventive care services like mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, and birth control in 2020 compared to 2019. Disparities in care worsened for women from lower-income areas and those with limited English proficiency.
A multi-year trial found that co-locating contraceptive services in opioid treatment programs with financial incentives significantly increased the use of effective contraception among women with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), leading to a reduction in unintended pregnancies. The intervention also showed cost-beneficial results, with each ...
Improved living standards and factors like reduced physical labor and increased food intake may have decreased breastfeeding's contraceptive effect. This is evident in low-income and middle-income countries where access to electricity and water has become more prevalent.
Researchers have developed an anti-sperm monoclonal antibody that shows potent sperm agglutination and immobilization activity, making it a safe and effective method of birth control. The Human Contraception Antibody (HCA) is being tested in a Phase I Clinical Trial and could address current gaps in the contraception field.
A family planning program in Bangladesh from 1977 to 2012 showed significant differences in lifetime contraceptive behavior and fertility among women. Women who participated in the program experienced increased body mass index compared to non-participants, particularly those born between 1950 and 1961.
Women using hormonal contraceptives face a 2-fold higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to non-users. Women with more than four prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives in the past two years had an even higher risk.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women who drink alcohol are less likely to conceive, with heavy drinking associated with a 61% reduced odds of becoming pregnant. Moderate drinking during the luteal phase also linked to lower conception rates, highlighting the importance of avoiding alcohol for those trying to conceive.
Researchers at EPFL found that certain progestins in hormonal contraceptives can stimulate cell proliferation in the breast, while others do not. This suggests that informed choices about contraceptive composition may help prevent breast cancer risk.
A study found that increased access to birth control in Colorado led to a 1.66 percentage-point increase in high school graduation among young women one year after the initiative was introduced. The research provides evidence for the U.S. Title X program's goal of ensuring low-income and uninsured residents can complete their education.
A new study published in Science Advances found that increased access to birth control in Colorado led to a 14% decrease in the percentage of young women who left high school before graduating. The program, which expanded access to more forms of contraception, also showed improvements in graduation rates among Hispanic women.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism of follicle development by MIS, a key reproductive hormone that suppresses follicle growth and prevents ovulation. This understanding may lead to novel approaches to contraception, preserving eggs lost to aging or chemotherapy, and improving fertility treatment success.
Women with high-deductible health plans opted for long-acting reversible contraception devices more than those with other plans, increasing LARC use by 35% between 2013 and 2017. The study found that higher out-of-pocket costs before the ACA mandate severely inhibited women from using LARCs.
Women with cardiovascular disease require reproductive planning to ensure optimal health and minimize risks during pregnancy. The American College of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of sharing decision-making with healthcare providers to create an action plan for contraception and medical decision-making.
Lockdowns in the US and Europe led to changes in Google Trends data for family-related searches, including weddings and contraception. Researchers analyzed these trends to better understand the impact of social distancing measures on individual behaviors.
A study found that women with diabetes are less likely to use effective contraception after their diagnosis, contradicting the American Diabetes Association's recommendation. The researchers hope to improve comprehensive care for pregnant women with diabetes by providing full range of safe and effective contraceptive options.
A recent study suggests that non-O blood type increases the risk of stroke in women who smoke and take oral contraceptives, with nearly five times the likelihood of a stroke compared to those without these factors. Blood type was found to be an independent risk factor after adjusting for other variables.
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have discovered a new compound called triptonide, which exhibits ideal male contraceptive effects in pre-clinical studies. Triptonide can be purified from a Chinese herb or produced through chemical synthesis and induces altered sperm with minimal motility, leading to male infertility in 3-4 weeks.
A study found that reimbursing hospitals for postpartum contraception increased the use of long-acting reversible methods among adolescents and young adults. The policy change in South Carolina led to a significant increase in the use of immediate postpartum LARCs, with rates nearly quadrupling in two and a half years.
Researchers at University of Utah Health found hormonal IUDs comparable to copper IUDs for emergency contraception, offering a safe alternative to current options. The study also suggests that hormonal IUDs can provide highly effective contraception for up to seven years, reducing the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a trifunctional contraceptive gel that enhances male libido and prevents pregnancy in 100% of cases. The gel combines spermicidal, anti-viral, and libido-enhancing agents, demonstrating improved safety and quality of sexual intercourse.
A new 90-day dual-purpose vaginal ring containing dapivirine and levonorgestrel has shown promising results in preventing both HIV and unintended pregnancy. The study found that the ring delivered sustained levels of each drug, likely sufficient for protection against both, with minimal bleeding concerns.