Articles tagged with Birth Control
A meta-analysis of 18 studies found that injectable progestin DMPA is associated with a 50% higher risk of HIV infection among African women. In contrast, other hormonal contraceptives showed no significant increased risk.
Research found a statistically significant association between long-term hormonal contraceptive use and glioma risk in women aged 15-49. The study suggests that taking hormonal contraceptives for at least five years may increase the risk of developing a rare brain tumor, glioma.
A meta-analysis of 12 studies involving over 39,500 women found a moderate increase in HIV risk associated with DMPA use, with no increased risk for oral contraceptive pills or other hormonal methods. The study highlights the need for further research on high-risk groups
A meta-analysis of 12 studies found that women using Depo-Provera had a moderate 40% increased risk of acquiring HIV compared to non-hormonal methods. The study's findings have significant implications for women worldwide who use hormonal contraception.
A new model for measuring acceptability of a long-acting contraceptive vaginal ring was tested among 1,036 women in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The study found that 89% of women were satisfied with the ring and had easy insertion and removal. Continued research is recommended to broaden the evidence supporting its use.
A study from Georgetown University Medical Center found that involving men in family planning programs resulted in women making more financial decisions and having greater control over their lives. The Standard Days Method, a couple-centered approach, was shown to be effective in empowering women.
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.
The article emphasizes the need for improved access to female-controlled contraceptive methods to counteract reproductive health risks caused by intimate partner violence. Clinicians can help women and girls regain control over their reproductive health through availability of effective contraceptives.
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.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that male shoppers had a 20% chance of being unable to purchase emergency contraception, with nearly three-quarters of pharmacies creating barriers for them. The pharmacies required the presence of a female or her identification card in 73% of cases.
A new study from Georgetown University's Institute for Reproductive Health reports on the successful large-scale implementation of the Standard Days Method in Rwanda, a highly effective fertility awareness-based family planning method. The study highlights the importance of systematic monitoring and evaluation in scaling up health inno...
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...
Researchers at Oregon State University found two alternative strategies to counteract the negative impact of obesity on birth control pills. These include a slight increase in pill dose or continuous use without a 'period week', potentially improving pregnancy prevention for obese women.
A special issue of Studies in Family Planning examines the reasons behind unmet need for contraception, highlighting factors such as social pressure, insufficient information, and side effects. The articles provide practical strategies to increase contraceptive knowledge and uptake, ultimately improving family planning programs.
A study found that healthcare providers and women have different priorities when it comes to contraception. For women, safety and side effects are top concerns, while providers focus on method usage and effectiveness. The mismatch between these priorities underscores the need for shared decision-making processes.
Research in mice reveals that a previously developed testosterone-based male contraceptive method cannot stop sperm production. Increasing doses of testosterone allowed sexual function to return, but also initiated sperm production, making it impossible to achieve sustained cessation.
The Population Council presented new research on male contraception, including a hormonal implant that inhibits sperm production and a study on a combined transdermal gel. The council also discussed 'green contraception,' which refers to methods that minimize environmental impact.
A study found that comprehensive sex education increases women's use of contraceptives, while moral objections reduce it. The research highlights the importance of access to accurate contraceptive information in promoting better health outcomes for mothers and children.
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.
A study published in Psychological Science found that women's sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships is linked to their changing use of hormonal contraception. Women who were on the pill or had never used it reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction compared to those who changed their use during the relationship.
A national survey found that 69% of U.S. adults support requiring coverage of birth control medications in health plans, with women, blacks, and Hispanics more likely to agree. The majority also support other medical services like mammograms and vaccinations.
A new study by Yale University and UC Davis researchers found that hysteroscopic sterilization is more than 10 times more likely to result in pregnancy over a 10-year period compared to laparoscopic sterilization. The study highlights the need for informed decision-making among women considering sterilization.
A survey of emergency contraceptive pills in Peru found that 28% were either substandard or falsified, posing serious health risks. Researchers developed a sophisticated approach using mass spectrometry to detect counterfeit drugs, highlighting a growing concern for women's health in developing nations.
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.
Unplanned pregnancies remain high despite high contraceptive use and emergency contraception availability. Inadequate knowledge about the emergency contraceptive pill usage and access contributes to this issue.
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.
Researchers analyzed data from the VOICE trial and found that women using injectable contraceptive DMPA were more likely to acquire HIV than those using NET-EN. The study also showed a significant difference in HIV risk between DMPA and NET-EN users, particularly among HSV-2 positive women.
Researchers found that women who are obese at age 20 are twice as likely to develop MS later in life. Additionally, those who used hormonal contraceptives for at least three months were 35% more likely to develop MS compared to non-users, highlighting a potential contributing factor to the rise in MS cases among women.
The Catalina Island Conservancy's contraception program has successfully managed the island's bison population, drastically reducing the calving rate from over two-thirds to 10.4%. The program uses porcine zona pellucida (PZP) and has no apparent effect on pregnant females or their offspring.
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.
The project supports the introduction of two innovative contraceptive vaginal rings in USAID-priority countries, including a one-year ring and a three-month Progesterone Vaginal Ring for breastfeeding women. The rings offer effective, user-controlled methods with no need for healthcare provider insertion or refrigeration.
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.
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.
Research found that women who used oral contraceptives for three or more years are 2.05 times more likely to have glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. The study suggests long-term use of birth control may be a risk factor for glaucoma, particularly in combination with other factors such as ethnicity and family history.
The Population Council showcased new research on developing and increasing access to new contraceptive technologies, expanding access to family planning through innovative financing mechanisms, and promoting gender equity. The council's strengths highlighted opportunities for developing and introducing new contraceptives and expanding ...
Researchers found that women injured during the premenstrual phase had slower recovery and poorer health one month after injury compared to those injured during other phases. The study suggests that sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone may play a role in concussion outcomes.
CONRAD has developed a new intravaginal ring that combines contraception with HIV-1 and HSV-2 prevention, using levonorgestrel and tenofovir. The ring can remain in the vagina for up to 90 days and shows promising results in preventing infections.
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.
The Population Council will showcase research on new contraceptive technologies, expanding access to family planning, and promoting gender equity. The conference highlights innovative solutions to improve the health and well-being of women and families in poor and underserved communities.
The Population Council has been awarded a flagship project by USAID to generate evidence for strengthening family planning and reproductive health services. The EVIDENCE project will address critical challenges in scaling up quality programs, including financing, contraceptive access, and social norms.
The study found that the CVR is as effective as other combined hormonal contraceptives in preventing pregnancy and has a consistent safety profile. Women were highly satisfied with the ring and found it easy to use, making it an attractive option for women in developing countries.
The SILCS Diaphragm has been granted regulatory approval and will be launched in six European countries. It is a single-size device that fits most women and does not require a pelvic exam to determine size, making it easier to access and use.
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.
A University of Oregon study found that 17% of female students alter their menstrual cycle for convenience or personal preference. Women who prefer a monthly cycle are less likely to modify their bleeding schedule, suggesting healthcare providers can educate them on suitable options.
The study suggests 12 principles for effective contraceptive counseling, including establishing expertise and trustworthiness with adolescents and using active learning strategies to engage patients. These principles aim to address the unique developmental needs of adolescents in healthcare settings.
A large study shows IUDs have complication rates similar to adults, and hormonal IUDs are safer than copper ones in all age groups. The research opens doors for more teens to benefit from long-lasting contraception.
Despite declining fertility, women over 40 require effective contraception to avoid pregnancy. The research highlights the benefits of birth control in reducing symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and hot flashes, while also decreasing the risk of endometrial cancer by 50%.
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.
A study projects that over 230 million women worldwide will have an unmet need for modern contraceptive methods by 2015. Global contraceptive prevalence has increased from 55% in 1990 to 63% in 2010, while unmet need for family planning decreased from 15% to 12% during the same period.
The report finds that most health centers provide some form of family planning services, but only a quarter offer comprehensive access to contraceptive methods. Recommendations include investing in clinical quality improvement and partnerships with Title X programs to reach underserved populations.
A new study found that rural Latino men require specialized sexual health services due to language barriers, cultural assumptions, and limited access. The research team suggests improving services by providing male providers, bilingual staff, and convenient clinic hours, as well as addressing terminology and cultural nuances.
Women over 40 face declining fertility and require effective contraception to prevent pregnancy. Various methods are considered safe and effective, including copper IUDs, progestin implants, and sterilization, with benefits outweighing risks for most women.
A randomized controlled trial found that a youth development intervention significantly increased consistent condom use and reduced sexual risk behaviors among high-risk adolescent girls. The study also reported improvements in family connectedness and self-confidence to refuse unwanted sex.
A recent study from UCSF found that parents are more accepting of oral birth control pills (59%) than other forms of contraception. The most effective methods, such as implants and IUDs, were less acceptable to a minority of parents. Parental recognition of their teen's autonomy was the only predictor of acceptability across all methods.
A USC study finds that progestin-releasing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) devices may pose a slight negative impact on metabolic markers, raising the risk for type 2 diabetes in healthy, obese reproductive-age women. The research concludes that LARC appears safe but merits further investigation.
Pharmacists warn that morning after pill conscience clauses can lead to unwanted pregnancies and undermine the principle of universal healthcare in the NHS. The current 'fudge' approach, allowing pharmacists to opt out on moral or religious grounds, is not morally defensible or legally feasible.
Two studies found that migraine with aura is a strong contributor to cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Women with this condition are more likely to experience blood clot complications, especially those on newer contraceptives.
A study published in CMAJ found that women with PCOS taking combined oral contraceptives have a 2-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to matched controls. The risk is similar when expanding the definition of PCOS by including its symptoms and treatment.
Research suggests that military women are more likely to experience unintended pregnancy due to limited access to contraception and reproductive health services. The study emphasizes the need for improved healthcare education and emergency contraception to address this issue.
The US will need 52,000 additional primary care physicians by 2025 due to population growth and aging, with a projected 25% increase in the workforce. Researchers also examine the benefits of starting prostate cancer screening at age 40 versus 50 and argue that guidelines should be evidence-based to prioritize proven services.