Researchers have discovered two chemicals found in anti-fertility folk medicines that can block fertilization, potentially providing an effective alternative to hormone-based contraceptives. The chemicals, pristimerin and lupeol, work by stopping sperm's power kick, allowing for a new type of emergency contraceptive.
A biostatistician aims to improve national reproductive health by analyzing family planning indicators at the subnational level. The grant will help provide more detailed information on contraceptive use and demand, shedding light on local disparities.
Research suggests that access to IUDs and implants immediately after childbirth increased sevenfold between 2008 and 2013, but still remains less than 2% of sterilization rates. The service is largely unavailable at non-teaching hospitals, affecting poorer women delivering in urban areas.
A new study reveals that period tracking apps frequently fail to meet users' needs, with inaccuracies in prediction, assumptions about sexual identity or partners, and a focus on pink design. The researchers suggest five key improvements for designing better period tracking apps.
A study suggests that increasing women's access to education, reproductive health services, and contraceptive technologies is crucial for achieving sustainable development. Empowering women can help slow down population growth, reduce consumption of resources, and protect biodiversity.
A major randomized study by Karolinska Institutet found that the most common combined oral contraceptive pill negatively affects women's quality of life without increasing depressive symptoms. The study involved 340 healthy women who reported lower mood/well-being and self-control after taking the pill compared to those given placebos.
A study successfully reversed Vasalgel's contraceptive effect in rabbits after an injection of sodium bicarbonate dissolved the gel. Sperm concentration and motility returned to baseline levels, indicating a quick return of fertility.
Researchers found that treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) early can restore ovulation and normalize symptoms, potentially preventing future subfertility. The study suggests a new approach to treating PCOS, using SPIOMET to reduce visceral fat and insulin levels.
A team of experts concludes that regulatory, behavioral and scientific evidence supports making oral contraceptives available over-the-counter for adults and teens. Studies show that teens can safely use 'the pill' to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and wider access could lead to fewer teen pregnancies.
The Trump administration's policy changes put women's access to effective contraception and abortion care at risk. Professor Daniel Grossman warns that the re-imposition of the Mexico City Policy and proposed legislation could severely limit access to reproductive healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals.
A non-pharmaceutical agent called Vasalgel forms a hydrogel barrier to prevent sperm movement, providing long-term and reliable contraception. The study's findings suggest the method is safe and effective, with no conceptions occurring in test monkeys.
A new non-hormonal male contraceptive, Vasalgel, has been successfully tested in rhesus monkeys, showing no conception after injection and minimal complications. The study's findings suggest that Vasalgel could be a promising alternative to vasectomy for managing reproductive rates in captive populations.
Researchers found a naturally occurring hormone, Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS), can halt the development of ovarian follicles, protecting them from chemotherapy-induced damage. This reversible contraceptive method preserves the ovarian reserve and could be applied to modern fertility treatments.
A study found that over half of Brazilian women aged 18-39 avoided pregnancy due to the Zika epidemic. The authors urge the government to review reproductive health policies and improve access to safe and effective contraceptives.
A new study published in Diabetes Care shows that IUDs and subdermal implants are the safest hormonal contraceptives for women with diabetes, with low rates of thromboembolic events. The findings expand pregnancy planning options for this population, encouraging physicians to offer these effective and safe birth control methods.
A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine finds that relationship length and age are more important than contraceptive type in predicting women's sexual desire. Contraceptives do not decrease desire, contrary to popular belief.
A long-term study found that young women in socioeconomically weak areas have lower contraceptive usage rates, with a rise in unplanned pregnancies. The study suggests that increased awareness about contraception is needed in these areas.
A new study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found a correlation between hormonal contraceptives used by women and their frequency of sex with partners. Women who used contraception with more progesterone were most sexually active when faithful and loyal to their partners.
Women who are overweight or obese are less likely to use hormonal birth control methods, opting for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants instead. This preference is driven by fear of weight gain associated with the pill and shot, despite LARCs not containing estrogen.
A groundbreaking study in Uganda finds that self-injection of the Sayana Press contraceptive is both feasible and highly acceptable among women. The research suggests that this method can increase convenience and privacy for women seeking family planning options.
A study of healthy postmenopausal women found that reproductive life events related to sex hormones positively impact cognition and verbal memory. Longer reproductive periods and earlier menarche are inversely linked with cognitive function.
A new study found that injectable contraceptives for men can reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies in their female partners. The hormone-based method, which involves injecting a combination of progestogen and testosterone, was effective in nearly 96% of continuing users.
Researchers found that men are pressuring female partners to get pregnant by breaking condoms and manipulating birth control. A new study provides doctors with a streamlined set of questions to discuss with patients about reproductive coercion, which can lead to unintended pregnancies and other health issues.
The Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate has been linked to increased consistency in oral contraceptive use among women with employer-sponsored insurance. Analysis of insurance claims data found that reducing out-of-pocket costs for generic pills led to higher adherence rates, particularly among those using these methods.
A new study found that women who stopped using estrogen-containing contraceptives had average vitamin D levels, while current users tended to have higher levels. Women trying to conceive should take action to maintain adequate vitamin D levels before and during pregnancy.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that abortion rates have declined significantly in developed countries, but remained unchanged in developing countries. The findings highlight the urgent need for better access to modern contraceptive methods to reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
A US study found that a gender-equity program involving both husbands and wives reduced marital sexual violence while improving contraceptive practices in rural India. The CHARM program demonstrated the effectiveness of including men in family planning counseling.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that estradiol, a female sex hormone, enhances anti-viral responses in mice infected with HSV-2. The researchers discovered that estradiol primes dendritic cells to initiate anti-viral T cell immunity, providing protection against STIs.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that women in sub-Saharan Africa who use modern contraceptives are more likely to undergo HIV testing than those who do not. The research highlights a missed opportunity to provide education and HIV testing concurrently with condom and pill provision.
A new study in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that only 25% of women taking isotretinoin (Accutane) filled birth control prescriptions during treatment, resulting in a high risk of miscarriage or medical termination. The program's poor adherence rates represent a failure to prevent pregnancies instead of terminating them.
A new study reveals that women with epilepsy have a comparable likelihood of achieving pregnancy and similar time taken to get pregnant as healthy women. The study, which followed over 200 women with epilepsy and healthy controls, found no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes or fertility rates.
A new analysis suggests that investing in basic healthcare services, including contraception and nutrition, can save up to 4.7 million lives annually at an average cost of $4.70 per person. The study found that these services could prevent half of all maternal, newborn, and child deaths.
Vasalgel, a non-hormonal, long-acting male contraceptive, has shown rapid and durable efficacy in rabbits, with 11 out of 12 subjects becoming azoospermic within days. The study's findings support planning for a clinical trial in men, aiming to make Vasalgel available worldwide at an affordable cost.
The Oregon law allows pharmacy prescription, reducing barriers and costs. However, limitations on age and types of contraception remain. Experts emphasize the need for further expansion to ensure equal access and safe use of all contraceptive methods.
Researchers found that women who take the birth control pill are less likely to suffer serious knee injuries compared to those who do not use hormonal contraception. Women between 15-19 years old with ACL injuries were 22% less likely to be taking birth control pills.
High school girls using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) were less likely to use condoms compared to those using oral contraceptives. LARC users were also more likely to have multiple sexual partners.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that obese women who use oral contraceptives are at a higher risk for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. The study also suggests that alternative methods of contraception, such as intrauterine devices, may be safer options for obese women.
Researchers have made progress in designing a better male pill by tweaking experimental compounds that show promise. The team is refining the chemical structures to achieve a balance of solubility, specificity, and stability, aiming to design a safer and more effective alternative for men.
The study found that 30% of epilepsy women did not use highly effective contraception due to medication risks. Women who used hormonal contraception were considered a promising alternative.
A recent UT study found a decrease in highly effective contraceptive services and an increase in Medicaid-paid childbirths after Planned Parenthood was removed from a Texas women's health program. The researchers also discovered that the removal led to a significant drop in claims for long-acting, reversible contraceptives like implant...
A smartphone app containing motivational videos transformed the interaction between married rural women and community health workers in India, leading to a significant increase in modern family planning method use. The study found that women who watched videos were 4.5 times more likely to use modern contraceptives than those who did not.
Children born into smaller families in developing countries have a life expectancy that is three years longer than those born into larger families. This finding shows that family planning programs have real health impacts on individuals and can provide a positive healthy developmental environment.
Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that women using contraception have three times more regular sexual intercourse than those not using it. The study analyzed data from over 210,000 women in 47 countries, highlighting the importance of separating sex and pregnancy in family planning.
A recent study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark found that oral contraceptive use is not associated with an increased risk of birth defects, with a prevalence of major birth defects consistent across all pregnant women regardless of contraceptive use.
A large prospective observational study found no association between oral contraceptive use and major birth defects. The study included over 880,000 live-born infants and found no increased risk among women who became pregnant while using or after stopping the drug.
A new study finds that counseling before discharge from maternity units can impact subsequent contraceptive use, while integrating family planning into immunization services is justified. Relaxing strict LAM conditions may also be an effective postpartum contraceptive method, highlighting the need for a continuum of reproductive health...
A UK study found that women using contraceptive implants or injectables after an initial abortion were more likely to have a repeat abortion. Factors such as socioeconomic deprivation, age, and previous obstetric history increased the risk of repeat terminations.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that women with a history of oral contraceptive use have improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to those who did not use the pill. The study suggests that oral contraceptives may reduce DNA mutations, leading to less aggressive ovarian cancer at a later date.
Research suggests that parent-adolescent communication is positively linked to safer sex behavior. The study found a small but significant association between parent communication and contraceptive use, which was stronger for girls than boys. Open communication about sex can help delay sexual debut and reduce the risk of sexually trans...
A growing number of state Medicaid agencies cover contraceptive devices immediately after delivery, improving maternal and child health outcomes. IUDs inserted postpartum have a slightly higher risk of falling out than delayed placement, but the risk of complications is low.
A team of Caltech biologists has created a non-surgical approach to deliver long-term contraception using a single shot, rendering animals infertile for up to two months. The technique targets the 'master regulator of reproduction,' gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), neutralizing its effects and preventing conception.
A clinical trial found that weight loss and exercise improve ovulation in women with PCOS, increasing pregnancy rates. The study also showed benefits for insulin sensitivity and triglyceride levels.
Researchers found that DMPA use is associated with an increased risk of HIV infection, especially in women with vaginal infections or disturbed microbiota. The study suggests that hormonal contraceptives can exacerbate the suppression of immune systems, making women more vulnerable to HIV.
Research shows that past use of oral contraceptives can reduce problems related to functioning, mood and disease activity in women with early inflammatory arthritis. Currently using them also reports benefits.
A study of nearly 1,000 women in Pennsylvania found that partnership status and frequency of sexual intercourse were key predictors of prescription contraceptive use. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are used by only 7.2% of women ages 15-44, despite being highly effective.
The Affordable Care Act has led to a dramatic drop in out-of-pocket prices for prescription contraceptives, with average costs declining by up to 38% for oral contraceptive pills and 68% for IUD insertions. Annual savings are estimated at approximately $1.4 billion per year.
A study of nearly 1,000 teens found that sexually active obese adolescents were significantly less likely to use contraception than normal weight peers. Obese adolescents who did use contraception were also less likely to use it consistently, according to the University of Michigan Health System study.
A study found that training health care workers to educate young women about IUDs and implants reduced unintended pregnancies by 43%. The intervention increased the number of women choosing these methods, which are more effective than condoms or the pill.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that immediate birth control implant insertion after childbirth is more cost-effective than delaying it to a 6-8 week postpartum visit. The study estimates that immediate contraception can avert 191 unintended pregnancies and save over $1 million in the first year.
A recent study has found that women using newer types of combined oral contraceptives containing drospirenone, desogestrel, gestodene, and cyproterone have a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to those using older progestogens like levonorgestrel and norethisterone.