Articles tagged with Birth Control
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.
A comprehensive study of over 250,000 women found oral contraceptives significantly reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, with benefits persisting even years after use ends. The findings contradict previous associations with increased breast cancer risk.
A large long-term study found that hormonal contraceptives may lower the risk of severe asthma bouts in women of reproductive age. However, the protective effect is relatively small and does not include progestogen-only Pill.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati found that only 5.3% of women with kidney failure on dialysis in the US use contraceptives, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies. The study emphasizes the importance of family planning and counseling for this high-risk population.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that women who stop using some forms of contraception, such as injectable methods, may experience a temporary delay in their return to fertility. After eight months, most women are able to conceive normally again.
A new study suggests that eliminating out-of-pocket costs for contraception is linked to more consistent contraceptive use and lower birth rates across all income groups. The most significant decline was observed among people from the lowest income group, experiencing a 22% drop in births.
Researchers found that eliminating cost sharing for contraception resulted in higher birth rates among low-income and middle-income women, but not among high-income women. The study suggests that increased access to affordable contraception may contribute to a decline in unintended pregnancies.
A study reveals that Catholic obstetrician-gynecologists experience moral dilemmas when dealing with family planning and abortion, with some providing natural methods only and others offering full ranges of services. The findings highlight the complex relationship between religion and medicine.
Research suggests that pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and diabetes in pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. Women who experienced early menarche, polycystic ovary syndrome, or low birth weight also showed an increased risk of heart disease.
A new study found that chain pharmacies in West Virginia are more likely to stock emergency contraception than independent pharmacies. The researchers also found that many pharmacies have inadequate knowledge about the effectiveness of Plan B and can be intimidating for customers seeking it.
Researchers found a 13% increase in long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) prescriptions and a 17% decrease in non-LARC prescriptions after financial incentives for GPs. This led to a 38% reduction in abortions, equivalent to 95,170 fewer abortions than expected.
A study by Daphne Liu and Adrian Raftery found that contraceptive prevalence has a significantly greater impact on fertility decline than unmet need. Education also affects fertility, particularly through girls' early educational attainment, which can discourage families from having more children.
Healthcare providers can empower adolescents by addressing concerns and educating them on effective contraception options. The etonogestrel implant is a highly effective and reversible method that can be tailored to individual needs.
A study published in Hormones and Behavior found that oral contraceptive use affects brain structure and function, particularly in women who start taking them during puberty or adolescence. This can lead to altered stress response and changes in working memory processing.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that most providers in Ohio do not offer same-day IUD placements, with 92% requiring multiple appointments. Insurance coverage was the primary barrier to access, with office staff often citing verification needs as a reason for the delay.
A University of Rochester Medical Center partnership increased long-acting reversible contraception adoption among adolescents in Rochester by 20 times compared to the national average. The Hoekelman Center's community outreach initiative empowered adults to educate teens, providing accurate information and resources.
A recent study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that despite federal and state policies to expand access to birth control, only 10.1% of Los Angeles County pharmacies provide this service without age restrictions. The study suggests that regulations alone are not enough to address disparities in contraceptive use, hi...
Research using 113,620 women's data found mobile phone ownership increased household decision-making power and HIV knowledge. Worldwide mobile phone adoption also linked to decreased gender inequality and mortality rates.
A new study of Google search data found that residents in states with limited access to contraceptives and high rates of unplanned pregnancies are more likely to seek out family planning information online. Researchers also discovered that policies restricting abortion access, such as the Title X gag rule, lead people to search for abo...
A recent study by Aarhus University found that birth control pills increase oxytocin levels, potentially affecting romantic love and closeness. The research suggests that women on birth control may experience altered mood and diminished sense of attachment to partners.
A recent study found that genetic variations in estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) may be linked to clinically significant weight gain when using the etonogestrel contraceptive implant. Women with two copies of a specific variant on average gained over 30 pounds more while using the implant compared to others.
A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that one-third of Scandinavian women have used emergency contraceptive pills at least once. The study identified higher education, smoking, and age at first intercourse as factors associated with ECP use.
Healthcare professionals outside general practice often neglect recommending long-acting reversible contraception like IUDs or implants for young women without children. Despite their proven safety and effectiveness, these superior options are underutilized compared to oral contraceptive pills.
A scoping review found that many popular fertility and pregnancy planning apps lack accuracy, particularly in predicting fertile windows and preventing unplanned pregnancies. The studies suggest that these apps should be developed with the involvement of fertility specialists to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus finds that changes to Title X have led to confusion and loss of access to confidential family planning services for teens in Texas. The research suggests that similar issues may worsen nationwide as the new policies are implemented.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that menopausal age is unclear for many women, particularly those using hormonal birth control. Researchers found that after 1992, the number of women still menstruating decreased, leaving uncertainty in determining exact menopausal ages.
The University of Dundee has developed an unrivalled, fully automated robotic screening system that rapidly tests the effect of drugs and chemicals on human sperm. The system allows for large-scale testing of previously approved drugs, including over 13,000 compounds, to find effective agents that halt sperm movement.
A new study from the University of California San Francisco and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health challenges assumptions about contraceptive use among women. Despite having a strong preference against pregnancy, over half of the women studied used a contraceptive method.
A team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has developed a new oral contraceptive that can be taken once a month to prevent pregnancy. The extended-release pill uses a slow-release mechanism to deliver the contraceptive drug levonorgestrel over time, improving adherence and reducing the risk of pregnancy.
A study by Dr. Michael L. Lipton and colleagues discovered a significant correlation between oral contraceptive use and reduced hypothalamic volume in 50 healthy women. The findings suggest potential effects on mood regulation and emotional processing.
Researchers developed a drug delivery system that expands in the stomach and releases levonorgestrel over one month, providing an alternative to daily pill schedules. The platform has the potential to improve adherence rates, especially in low-income countries where cultural and economic barriers hinder long-acting contraceptive use.
Researchers at MIT have developed a monthly oral contraceptive that can remain in the stomach for three weeks, releasing contraceptive drugs over several weeks. The pill has shown promise in tests in pigs, achieving similar drug concentrations as daily doses.
A study by University of Utah Health found nearly 33% of reproductive-age women with chronic conditions are using ineffective forms of birth control. Women with preexisting health problems are often missing out on crucial counseling about safe and effective birth control options.
Young, low-income women in Canada are more likely to use no contraception or condoms only, compared to those with higher incomes. The study found that lower household income is associated with decreased use of effective birth control methods and increased risk of unintended pregnancy.
Researchers found that women using hormonal contraception experienced reduced benefits from exposure therapy compared to those not taking oral contraceptives. Symptom severity decreased after therapy, but improved more for those without hormonal contraception.
Experts argue that improving access to effective contraception is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the environmental crisis. The authors suggest that by slowing population growth through increased use of contraception, we can reduce emissions globally by an estimated 40% or more.
A Rutgers-led national survey of likely voters reveals a strong majority supports sex education within schools, including topics like puberty, STDs, healthy relationships, and consent. The study also finds support for continued government funding for teenage pregnancy prevention programs, despite recent attempts to shift focus to absti...
A study of over 1,000 Dutch adolescents and young women found that concurrent oral contraceptive use was associated with increased depressive symptoms, especially among 16-year-old girls. The authors suggest that this association may be due to the impact of oral contraceptives on hormone levels and mood regulation.
A new study found no overall association between oral contraceptive use and depressive symptom severity in young women, but reported higher symptoms in 16-year-old girls. The researchers suggest that the bidirectional relationship between oral contraceptive use and depressive symptoms may be at play, with both contributing to each other.
A secret-shopper-style study by Harvard Medical School found that web-based and digital-app services offering oral contraception appear to be safe and efficient. However, gaps remain, such as inadequate counseling on alternative forms of birth control and lack of screening for rare health conditions.
Researchers at Michigan State University are using $2.8M in NIH grants to study the piRNA pathway and its role in controlling male fertility. They hope to identify new targets for male contraception, addressing a significant reproductive health issue affecting one in ten couples.
Research found that women who experienced later puberty and menopause had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In contrast, using the contraceptive pill and having longer menstrual cycles increased the risk.
A new study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers found that providing adolescents with same-day access to long-acting reversible contraception can lead to significant cost savings for insurance providers. The study also found a decrease in unintended pregnancies and abortions associated with same-day placement.
Women who used oral contraceptives during adolescence are more likely to develop depression as adults, according to a new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The research found that teenage birth control pill users were up to three times more likely to be clinically depressed in adulthood.
A new study led by University College London analyzed over 600,000 menstrual cycles and found that only 13% of women have a traditional 28-day cycle. The research suggests an individualized approach to identify fertile windows could benefit many women in planning pregnancies.
The article highlights the need for a new contraception revolution to provide options for populations not currently served by modern birth control. New concepts like male contraception and multipurpose prevention technology are being developed to fill the gap.
A new study found that many women who use condoms believe they are the most effective pregnancy prevention method, despite condoms being only 85% effective. IUDs were more accurately identified by users as the most effective method, and misconceptions about IUD and oral contraception use persist.
African women often want more children than they have, challenging common misconceptions about the reasons for population change on the continent. The study highlights the importance of addressing cultural factors impacting family planning decisions.
Researchers found that providing a year's supply of birth control pills upfront can reduce unintended pregnancies and lower healthcare costs. The study estimates that this policy change would prevent 583 unintended pregnancies and save the VA approximately $2 million annually.
The Mexico City Policy is associated with a 40% increase in abortions and a decrease in modern contraceptive use among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The policy's restriction on funding to abortion-giving organizations likely contributed to the rise in abortions, as it reduced access to modern contraception.
A randomised trial of over 7,800 African women found that a type of contraceptive injection (DMPA-IM), copper IUD, and levonorgestrel implant posed no substantially increased risk of HIV acquisition. The study suggests continued access to these highly effective contraceptives alongside high-quality HIV prevention services.
A new study shows women in eight sub-Saharan African countries gaining access to and using modern contraception at a faster rate than projected, with married women the biggest users. The average annual growth rate of change in modern contraceptive prevalence exceeded the 1.4% benchmark set by the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning.
A multidisciplinary team at UC San Diego unraveled the mechanisms controlling cell size through a fundamental process known as 'the adder.' The process relies on balanced synthesis of biological ingredients and a critical threshold to initiate cell division. This discovery sheds light on the origins of precise cellular reproduction.
A large observational study found that oral contraceptives were most protective in young women aged 15-19 years, reducing the risk of reconstructive surgery by 63%. The study suggests that taking oral contraceptives may suppress hormonal surges during the menstrual cycle, leading to a lower rate of injury.
A new study found that the current 'repeal and replace' debate is already affecting women's health by increasing interest in IUDs as a cost-efficient form of reversible birth control. The study used Google Trends data to track searches for IUDs, showing a significant increase following the 2016 presidential election.
The Annovera vaginal ring, approved by the FDA last August, is a self-inserted system that provides contraceptive efficacy for up to 13 cycles (1 year) of use. It has a Pearl index of 2.98, indicating only about three unintended pregnancies per 100 women in a year.