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Text messages can help boost teen birth control compliance

Sending periodic text messages to teens can improve birth control adherence. The study found that 87% of patients with personalized daily texts showed up for their first injection, compared to 56% without texts. Text messaging also helped increase adherence to a tight treatment schedule and regularly taking prescription medications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 19, 2015

Stopping HIV in its tracks

Researchers from Oak Crest Institute of Science have developed a matchstick-sized subdermal implant that delivers potent antiretroviral drugs for up to 40 days, showing promise in stopping the spread of HIV. The implant eliminates adherence issues, a critical factor in HIV prevention.

SourceOak Crest Institute of Science·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateApr 27, 2015

Domestic violence deters contraception

A global study published in PLOS One found that women who experience domestic violence are less likely to use contraception, exposing them to sexually transmitted diseases. The research suggests that partner violence has a causal effect on women's use of contraception.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 31, 2015

IUD, implant contraception effective beyond FDA-approved use

Researchers found hormonal IUDs and contraceptive implants to be highly effective one year beyond their approved duration of use, with no pregnancies reported in the implant group. The study aims to enroll a total of 800 women to determine if these methods are effective for up to three years beyond FDA-approved duration.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 5, 2015

Information sheet can help women avoid pregnancy and acne medication-related birth defects

A study found that an information sheet for women treated for severe acne improves understanding of contraceptive effectiveness and ways to avoid pregnancy and medication-induced birth defects. The study highlights the need to update programs like iPledge to ensure women receive effectiveness information about their contraceptive options.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 4, 2015

Teen pregnancies, abortions plunge with free birth control

A new study found that providing free contraception and education on various methods significantly reduced teen pregnancies, births, and abortions. Among participants, 72% opted for long-acting forms like IUDs or implants, leading to a 34-per-1,000 pregnancy rate among teens compared to 158.5 in 2008.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

UChicago study finds young women involve parent in abortion when anticipating support

A recent UChicago study found that pregnant teens will turn to supportive parents and adults in their lives for help making the abortion decision. The majority of young women involved a parent or guardian, driven by factors like close relationships, need for logistics assistance, and concerns about parental interference.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 15, 2014

Recent use of some birth control pills may increase breast cancer risk

A recent study published in Cancer Research found that women who recently used birth control pills containing high-dose estrogen had an increased risk for breast cancer. The study suggests that this risk may vary by oral contraceptive formulation, and it is essential to consider the established health benefits of oral contraceptive use...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 1, 2014

Does birth control impact women's choice of sexual partners?

A new study found a link between birth control and women's preferences for certain characteristics of an ideal sexual partner. Research participants from Central Italy reported considering indicators of masculinity more attractive during the fertile phase of their menstrual cycle, regardless of whether they took the pill.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMay 19, 2014

Knowledge, use of IUDs increases when women are offered counseling and 'same-day' service

Researchers found that providing patient education along with same-day placement service increases both knowledge and use of IUDs three months and a year after women seek emergency contraception. This change in clinic policy dropped the number of women using no form of contraception from 17 percent to 3 percent.

Long-lasting device protects against HIV and pregnancy

A Northwestern University-designed intravaginal ring provides both antiretroviral drug and contraceptive protection for months, addressing a significant need in women's reproductive health. The device, known as the tenofovir levonorgestrel IVR, has been engineered to deliver controlled doses of these medications over an extended period.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 5, 2014

US researchers ponder modern day virgin births

A study published in The BMJ analyzed data from 7,870 women and found that around 0.5% reported virgin births without using assisted reproductive technology. Virgins were more likely to have signed chastity pledges and had lower levels of communication about sex and birth control with their parents.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 17, 2013

International study finds lower-dose IUDs are safe and effective

A recent international study found two lower-dose intrauterine contraceptive systems to be highly effective and well-tolerated over a three-year period. The devices were easier to use in women who had not delivered a child or had delivered by cesarean section, making them a suitable alternative for women seeking reduced hormone exposure.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 5, 2013

Dual protein knockout could lead to new male contraceptive

Researchers have found that blocking two proteins on smooth muscle cells can cause complete male infertility without affecting long-term sexual behavior. A potential oral male contraceptive drug could be developed within ten years, offering a safe and reversible alternative to current methods.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2013

Hormone levels in women using contraception affect nerve activity involved in vessel constriction

Research finds that hormone contraception affects the regulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity differently, depending on sex hormone levels and chemoreflex stress. Hormone levels influence the frequency and amplitude of nerve firings, with higher hormone levels protecting against cardiovascular damage in younger women.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 6, 2013

The Lancet: Women Deliver special issue

A new meta-analysis of seven trials in Bangladesh, India, Malawi, and Nepal found that grassroots women's groups can dramatically reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Additionally, an analysis of official development assistance for reproductive health reveals that less than a tenth of funding is directed towards family planning.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 17, 2013

No sons linked to lower contraception use in Nepal

A study from the University of California, San Diego found that Nepalese women who do not have sons are less likely to use birth control, with young wives being among those least likely to use contraceptives. The preference for sons over daughters is rooted in cultural bias and historical practices, affecting reproductive decision-making.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateMar 14, 2013